Every first date is different, and Seattle has a host of perfect spots for every kind of first date. From gourmet, romantic dining to casual coffee sipping, take advantage of Seattle’s most famous restaurants. For a more vivacious first date, consider visiting one of Seattle’s street markets. Or if you prefer a secluded romantic stroll, check out Seattle’s most romantic park. Finally, bond with your first date over music, by visiting Seattle’s most renowned rock and roll experience.
Dine in the Finest Romantic Setting
Seattle is famous for its rich array of gourmet restaurants, ranging the spectrum of culinary delights. The French restaurant, Chez Shea, is a favorite among Seattleites and an ideal first date spot. Even mentioned on the television series, Frasier, Chez Shea faces the ocean and offers breathtaking sunset views with your romantic dinner. The restaurant is located at 94 Pike St. Seattle, WA 98101. Reservations required: (206) 467-9990.
For a romantic, exotic setting, take your first date on a magic carpet to Kasbah, a stunning Moroccan restaurant. You’ll sit informally on silk cushions and eat with your hands, while belly dancers entertain you with their supple movements. Kasbah is located at 1471 NW 85th St. Seattle, WA 98117. Reservations recommended: (206) 788-0777.
Chat over Coffee
Seattle is the home of Starbucks; it’s where we finally caught up to the long-standing European tradition long, leisurely cups of coffee. Nothing beats the casual yet sophisticated setting of a coffee shop for a first date.
Avoid chains and take your date to renowned Seattle coffee spots, like Victrola Coffee, which embraces the vibrant spirit of the roaring twenties, or Caffe Vita, where you’ll find one of the best Seattle lattes, with stunning coffee art drawn on the foam. Both coffee spots are located in beautiful Capitol Hill, where you can stroll after your date.
Visit a Street Market
Seattle is famous for its street markets, which capture the charm of European markets, filled with arts and crafts, fresh produce and locally made delicacies. Avoid one of the famous markets, such as Pike Street or Fremont, and instead take your first date to a smaller neighborhood market.
In summer, Wallingford Farmer’s Market is open on Wednesday afternoons, and Georgetown Farmer’s Market is open on Saturdays, while Ballard Farmer’s Market is open year-round on Sundays. There you can buy your date silver jewelry or fresh berries and flowers, and together you can sample local delicacies. The vibrant, crowded setting of the market will give you much to talk about and make your first date easy-going and memorable.
Stroll a Garden
Beside Seattle’s beautiful urban sprawl, you’ll find stunning parks. And none are as beautiful as Seattle’s arboretum. There, tucked between the trees, you’ll find the perfect spot for a first date. Unlike the arboretum, which is free to the public, the sculptured Japanese Garden costs money to enter, and so it is often empty of visitors, making it a perfect spot for strolling on a first date.
This three and half acre formal Japanese garden was constructed by the famous designer, Juki Lida. Open from mid-February through mid-November, the stunning garden also hosts music festivals and tea ceremonies.
Discover Each Other through Music
Seattle Laser Dome at Pacific Science Center offers a perfect spot for a first date. Not the boring movie theater setting, the dome offers a laser lights show to the backdrop of Pink Floyd music. The atmosphere is romantic and mesmerizing, a perfect mood setter for a first date. Located at 200 2nd Ave. N., the Dome is open every evening.
Next continue your musical journey at the famous EMP Museum (Experience Music Project). There you’ll see memorabilia from your favorite music bands and movies, which will take you on a musical adventure you’re both sure to love. You’ll have plenty to talk about as you discover each others’ musical and movie favorites. The museum is located close to the Needle, on 325 5th Avenue N.
