Restaurants for a first date in Toronto are the perfect place to test out the waters between you and a potential boo. Depending on your style, you might prefer a chill late night vibe, or a classier, intimate affair. Either way, these spots guarantee a little something special to make your date fun enough to warrant a second one.

Here are my picks for the top restaurants for a first date in Toronto.

Annex

Split some piping hot pita between the two of you at Fet Zun, the homey restaurant from Anthony Rose that'll make you feel like you're a restaurant in the Middle East. It's the perfect spot to share some food and make some memories.

Baldwin Village

Eat Southern Thai food at the colourful Koh Lipe, where you and your date will definitely bond over lychee martinis and your love (or hate) of stink beans, the pungent legume that takes over the signature curry.

Beaches

With a menu of Latin American botanas and cocktails, Inmigrante on Queen East is a cozy spot for you and your date to get to know each other over Margaritas and Empinadas.

Bloorcourt

The Fall Bright Tavern, the self-described "nice place for dinner" is exactly that. Here, you and your boo can order from their growing wine list and menu of elevated tavern comfort foods, like Chicken Stew and Herb Dumplings.

Bloordale Village

The sister location to Bloordale's Seoul Shakers, Shakers Club is a casual spot for shareable plates like Yukkae (Korean beef tartare) and clam frites that will impress your date (and your taste buds).

Brockton Village

Sakai Bar is a chill Japanese bar for a pair of sake lovers to fan over daiginjo. Pick your sake cups and pair your rice wine with some homestyle eats for a low-key evening of sipping and flirting.

Le Swan is a classy diner with booths that are perfect for two. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Danforth East

You and your date can cozy up over a glass of wine from Taverne Tamblyn's wine list at this casual spot, best enjoyed when paired with their selection of French dishes.

Dundas West

If the bright and airy ambience at Milou doesn't transport you straight to France, their menu of French classics like fondue and Tarte a l'Oignon definitely will. So romantic, non?

Entertainment District

They say oysters are an aphrodesiac, and you can get your fill at Saint John's Tavern Oyster House on John. If you'd rather take it slow, though, they also offer seafood favourites like crab cakes and lobster rolls alongside an extensive wine and spirits menu.

Etobicoke

Thai Barn Na serves up Thai dishes, including halal, gluten-free and vegan options. If you really want to wow your date, they also have a secret menu with some more unique dishes.

Financial District

The Joneses is a colourful, kitschy spot that serves up American comfort foods that will definitely help calm you down from the first date jitters. With an interior inspired by mid-century design, you'll feel transported at this contemporarized retro spot.

Get cozy over Spanish cuisine at Casa Paco in Little Italy. Photo by Fareen Karim.

Harbord Village

The funky design at Piccolo Piano Pizzeria is the perfect compliment to their unique menu. Think mozzarella sticks topped with caviar and octopus served in a hotdog bun while you sit on leopard skin bar chairs.

Kensington Market

Sip a house cocktail -- made with or without mezcal -- at El Rey Mezcal Bar while you eat Mexican favourites like tacos, quesadillas and queso fundido at this fun spot. 

King East

Share a pizza or two at Ardo, where pies come with luxurious toppings. Southern Italian vibes are aplenty here, and you can choose to sit at the bar or at a table for two while sipping on refined cocktails.

King West

If there's one thing everyone in this city loves, it's Caribbean food, so take your date to Miss Likklemore's to sample foods from the islands while you sip scaled-up versions of classic cocktails like Rum Punch.

Leslieville

Named after a Thin Lizzy song and, hopefully not what your friends will be saying to you after the date, Poor Romeo is a perfect choice for American classics served in a casual local bar atmosphere.

Little India

Head over to Lake Inez for creative, sharable eats and rotating taps of local brewers in a relaxed and eclectic atmosphere.

Little Italy

It won’t be hard to impress your date with a meal at Casa Paco which offers Spanish- and Italian-inspired dishes and zero-proof cocktails. A family restaurant, you'll be instantly comforted by the welcoming vibes.

Ossington

For a relaxed and slower-paced date, go to Manita for great conversation over casual cured meats or pasta and a glass of wine.

Parkdale

Don't let the name fool you: Simpl Things serves up a wide range of cuisines from Italian comfort food to Taiwanese-inspired street food in a nostalgic, minimalistic setting.

Try Lao cuisine over drinks at Lao Lao. Photo by Fareen Karim.

Queen West

Udon lovers can unite at Raku's sleek and simple Toronto location. The vibe is almost serene in here, with its minimalist Japanese concept of wood and screens. Plus, their udon is absolutely on-point: you'll both leave happy and full.

Riverside

A favourite in the neighbourhood, The Comrade boasts a robust menu with everything from Pan Con Tamate to a Prime Rib Burger, washed down with one of the cocktails they're known for.

West Queen West

Serving diner vibes minus the hole-ridden couches and greasy counters, Le Swan does not disappoint with its menu of perfectly done French eats. Stay until after 11 p.m. and you can get to know each other over a pot of bubbling fondu.

Yonge and Bloor

Bar Jokbal is a casual, fun spot accentuated with year-round Christmas lights and projected music videos where you can share Korean snacks and appetizers over delicious cocktails.

Yonge and Wellesley

The smell of delectable Lao cuisine will wash over you the second you walk through the unassuming front door of Lao Lao. Dimly-lit (but not so dim you can't see your date) and comfortable, this is a great option for anyone wanting to explore new South Asian cuisines.