First date spot north of Irvine CA?

September 21, 2005 6:47 PM

First date. She lives in Irvine, CA, I work in Santa Monica. I said I'd pick a place somewhere in the middle. Since I know little about the world south of me, can someone suggest a place for dinner?

She requested no Mexican food (she just moved here and she's sort of overdosed.) And if I had to err distancewide, I'd err closer to Irvine than Santa Monica. Thanks!

posted by lbergstr to food & drink (5 comments total)

How about Long Beach?

A few suggestions...
Claire's
at the Long Beach Museum of Art
on Ocean Blvd.
Pasta and salad outside overlooking the ocean. Quiet and romantic.

Belmont Brewing Company
at Belmont Pier
Belmont Ave near Ocean Blvd.
Pasta and salad outside overlooking the ocean boardwalk and the rollerbladers, and beer. Lively. Casual upscale.

Alegria
Pine Ave. at Broadway
Tapas and live flamenco. Noisy but cozy.
posted by Methylviolet at 7:08 PM on September 21, 2005

I live in the south bay, which is a bit closer to santa monica than irvine, but in the middle nonetheless.

There's a really good health food-ish restaurant in hermosa beach called the spot that's a block from the beach (you can see the sand from the sidewalk).

Being a vegetarian, I don't recall if there were any meat dishes on the menu, but I wouldn't be surprised if there were a couple on there. It'd be best to call about that.

It's small and the decor is really cute. If you're both inclined to eat at there, it's definately good first date material.
posted by punch_the_mayor at 7:09 PM on September 21, 2005

If you're going to end up much closer to irvine you might try the Royal Khyber. Quite possibly the best upscale indian food to be had in orange county. It's small and very quiet.

On preview - I second Claires. The scenery is awesome.
posted by ordu at 7:30 PM on September 21, 2005

I suggest the Yardhouse in Long Beach. It's located on the water with lots of small shops to peruse after dining.

Many things to discuss such as the Queen Mary, harbor, etc.
posted by Argyle at 9:47 PM on September 21, 2005

La Creperie Caffe at Belmont Shore in Long Beach for savory crepes and wine.
posted by shoos at 11:23 PM on September 21, 2005