Where should we go to eat on our date tonight? It’s an age old question, much like the chicken or the egg debate, yet much more relevant. Sure you could do a TGI Friday’s meal deal, but really, where’s the fun in that? Who wants to get served by someone with pieces of flair? Yeah, neither do we. With so many fab and fun places to go these days, why would anyone go to one of those joints? Yeah, even if you’re strapped for cash, you can still hook it up. So, just say no to chains, FYI, we don’t mean the big, gold kind. Check out some of the coolest spots OTP that will be sure to impress your date, no matter where they live.
Trendy date spots north of I-285
Restaurants north of the perimeter that can’t be missed
By Jessica Thomas
Special to MetromixSeptember 4, 2008
0 comments
| Add Your Own
Bistro VG
70 West Crossville Road - Roswell770-993-1156
Complete with an upscale, modern vibe, Bistro VG is the perfect place in Roswell to take a date. From the décor reminiscent of a hot Miami eatery to the friendly staff, Bistro VG is right on the money. Order from the extensive wine list and choose several small plates like the signature parmesan truffle fries and the spinach, fontina, prosciutto, and caramelized onion pizza to share, or stick to the prix fixe menu (three courses for $29, $40 with wine pairings), you won’t be disappointed. Make sure to claim a cozy spot in the room off the bar rather than the formal dining room for extra points with your honey. Round out your night with a plate of molten chocolate fritters with rum raisin ice cream. Who knows what will happen next?
Eclipse di Luna Restaurant and Tapas Bar
4505 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Suite 11 - Atlanta678-205-5862
A great date is like a hitting a hole in one, so to speak. After a date at Eclipse di Luna, you’ll feel as if you hit it out of the park. So, when running down the list of must-have’s for a first date or any date even, Eclipse di Luna makes the cut every time. Vibrant, fun atmosphere, check. Absolutely delicious food, for sure. Tasty libations, got that. Approval rating by your date, a perfect ten, of course. This trendy spot that serves up tapas is the place to take a date in Dunwoody. Don’t miss the queso frito con miel (fried goat cheese with caramelized onions and honey), the tomate fresco (homemade mozzarella, tomato, and basil) or the peixinhos da horta (sherry batter fried green beans with sea salt). And grab a pitcher of the sangria or mojitos to earn extra approval points, but who’s counting anyway?
Pure Taqueria
103 Roswell St - Alpharetta678-240-0023
List of best things ever: getting what you want, fish tacos, winning the lottery, getting to order the entire J. Crew catalog in one sitting, Pure Taqueria, and oh did I mention fish tacos? So, it’s unanimous, Pure Taqueria in Alpharetta is absolutely awesome for a date and any other time too. Their fish tacos are to die for. Really. Make sure to also order their queso fundido (melted chihuahua cheese and poblano peppers) and gorditas de puerco (Two crispy corn masa cakes stuffed with red chile shredded pork, queso frenco, and salsa verde). Tucked away on a small, unobtrusive side street in Alpharetta, Pure is made to look like a renovated 1920’s style garage and gas station, and is always packed every night of the week. Buzzing with energy and action, this spot is great for a first date or any date really. Be careful to make sure your honey goes home with you because there is always lots of picking up at the bar. So, whether you’re flying solo or partnered up, check out Pure Taqueria, it's pure fun all day and all night.
Village Tavern
11555 Rainwater Dr - Alpharetta770-777-6490
After two failed date attempts at the local diner and a Ruby Tuesday’s, your date is giving you one more chance for a good time and a good meal, but only one. What do you do? Finally make the right choice. Village Tavern in Alpharetta is that pick. With live music every Tuesday and Thursday, a serene patio and an impressive menu full of amazing plates, delicious drinks and a great wine list, Village Tavern finally saved you from being that date who just doesn’t get it. Order up some bacon wrapped scallops, the hot crab dip, or spinach salad to get you started. Then try the black cod with acacia honey or the maple cured pork chop. Finish out the meal with a dessert made in-house, hint, hint, try the banana crepes. Also, don’t miss the ice cream toasted almond dessert drink made with French vanilla ice cream with dark crème cacao, amaretto and vodka. Oh and make sure not to rush through the meal like it’s your last because the high backed booths and low lighting exists for a reason. To make you look good. As if picking the Village Tavern wasn’t enough of a reason already.
Trattoria 141
9810 Medlock Bridge Rd - Johns Creek770-497-0021
Your favorite restaurant in John’s Creek is so close you can almost taste it when you close your eyes. Actually, you just might be able to. You dream about the frico (crispy aged provolone, vine ripe tomato, oregano, cracked pepper, and evoo) and the carciofi (grilled long stem artichokes, crisp pancetta, garlic, and lemon) that Trattoria One 41 serves on a daily basis. Make it a reality. Take your date for a fab meal and let the night choose its own path from then on. This sleek and ultra-modern eatery really hits the spot, so get to know the delicious fare and take in the nude art on the walls. Nearly every night at this place is a night you’ll be sure to remember, but why would you want to forget? Taste the cannelloni (braised beef short rib cannelloni, gorgonzola, bechamel, and braising jus) and the tortelloni (spinach and ricotta tortelloni, brown butter, sage, and walnuts) for the perfect meal. So next time your date has a hankering for Italian, hop, skip, and jump to Trattoria One 41. You could go to the Olive Garden, but hey, why would you want to?
