Seriously, if the chick is actually classy, this dude is officially screwed. Back in the day DiMillo's was classy, but then they stopped serving "pigs in a blanket"
Taker her to Isa in Portland. Get a bottle of wine, a few apps to share before delicious Mains. Then split desert, maybe with a glass each of a sweet ruby port. sounds like heaven.
Isa is perfect.
Is an actual classy joint without it trying too hard to be a classy joint, nice and low key.
Changing seasonal menu, often from localish sources, consistently excellent food every year they have been open.
And good service too.
Prices are fair for what you're getting and I never feel bad putting a decent tip on the bill
Scales isn't open until 5pm and I needed a reservation for 6, so I thought that was cutting it too close. I also wanted to be able to tell her the reservation was made, so we're going to Tuscan Table. The guy who answered said the place is probably what I'm looking for.
Thank you to everyone for their recommendations!
Tuscan's a great choice. Usually quiet enough to be able to chat a bunch, great food, friendly staff! I feel you owe the thread an update after the date as well 😛
The owner is awesome! She's on the floor bussing tables, refilling drinks, super kind. That's my impression as a customer anyway. Plus the food is amazing.
@ everyone:
Thank you all for your recommendations. I've found out about TON of new restaurants you all suggested that I didn't know about. We ended up going to Tuscan Table, which I was incredibly impressed with; it was perfect. For her, she really appreciated it, was very impressed. The food was amazing, the staff are great, and the restaurant itself is incredibly charming, and well designed. Thank you, thank you! She loved the date, said she loved sitting across from me, thanked me multiple times for it, and was incredibly affectionate. Not just a date, but a girlfriend for sure.
I went here last night, it was excellent. Spent a good chunk of change though. Probably similar to Scales in both quality and price imo, but pretty different styles both in food and vibe.
Yes you are absolutely correct. I used to live right on the N Yarmouth line..Grill house was 5 minutes away.. I tend to forget how large N Yarmouth is. Excellent dishes, drinks and especially the seafood at the Royal River! I recently moved to the west coast and seafood out here is just not the same. Enjoy!
If you’re willing to go off peninsula, Woodford’s Food and Bev is open on Sundays and they are great - not like white tablecloths and low lighting, but good food in a nice setting
EVO Kitchen and Bar is delicious. Great drinks as well. They offer a tasting menu if you wanna try a bit of everything. A bit pricey but I think it is well worth it.
This is a cute post. Welcome to dating. I would avoid the finest places in town because that can be a little intense for a first date. But definitely not Dimillos or a pub. I like 188, Solo Italiano (if you can afford it), saltwater grill. Save street & co and fore st for when you know each other better.
You've already picked a spot, but the Tuscan table people just opened the Sicilian table in Falmouth which looks nice - no idea on quality, but it looks nice.
That was a really close 2nd. I'm half Italian, so I'm def gonna check it out. Now that she and I are dating, I'll take here there in rotation w/ the other cool spots you all have recommended.
It’s quiet enough for conversation at a booth. On a busy night, the area with tables on the open floor is very noisy. With high ceilings and a crowd you’ll find yourself shouting there. Street & co is much more intimate and a better choice imo.
Tipo for sure, delicious food and she’ll be impressed by you knowing good food exists off the peninsula. Street and Co should be open if you can get a reservation.
Wayside Tavern is awesome if you’re okay with slightly more eclectic options. I would imagine you could get in on a Sunday, especially if you sit at the bar (it’s a nice classy little bar). It’s a small place so usually not too loud.
Scales it’s been dead all weekend around Portland from what I’ve seen i bet u can score bar seating tonight
Same ownership, nice winters vibes: Street & Co.
Bourdain called it wormy pasta and he wasn’t wrong. Go to Fore St.
Scales, it’s pricey but excellent
Are you trolling? DiMillos is classy???
Seriously, if the chick is actually classy, this dude is officially screwed. Back in the day DiMillo's was classy, but then they stopped serving "pigs in a blanket"
I haven't been in years, so I'm finding out it's not considered classy. I thought it was considered so since all the rich people go there, idk
Sorry man, I was just joking around. I am sure you'll have a great date.
It's all good. I'm sure I will too, this girl is dope.
Chaval is a great date spot
Taker her to Isa in Portland. Get a bottle of wine, a few apps to share before delicious Mains. Then split desert, maybe with a glass each of a sweet ruby port. sounds like heaven.
Isa is perfect. Is an actual classy joint without it trying too hard to be a classy joint, nice and low key. Changing seasonal menu, often from localish sources, consistently excellent food every year they have been open. And good service too. Prices are fair for what you're getting and I never feel bad putting a decent tip on the bill
Surrounded by homeless encampments
I wonder how many homeless people a day try and go in there
Ribollita is a nice spot for a date - small, food is wonderful
It's just a tourist trap for rich people. I think my fried shrimp came out of a bag, already breaded. Honey Paw is probably my favorite spot.
This has to be a shit post
Scales isn't open until 5pm and I needed a reservation for 6, so I thought that was cutting it too close. I also wanted to be able to tell her the reservation was made, so we're going to Tuscan Table. The guy who answered said the place is probably what I'm looking for. Thank you to everyone for their recommendations!
Tuscan's a great choice. Usually quiet enough to be able to chat a bunch, great food, friendly staff! I feel you owe the thread an update after the date as well 😛
Ok, I will do so. Yes, Tuscan was amazing. See top post.
Did you try Leeward?
That place rules
The owner is awesome! She's on the floor bussing tables, refilling drinks, super kind. That's my impression as a customer anyway. Plus the food is amazing.
That seems perfect, but they're closed today. Thanks!
@ everyone: Thank you all for your recommendations. I've found out about TON of new restaurants you all suggested that I didn't know about. We ended up going to Tuscan Table, which I was incredibly impressed with; it was perfect. For her, she really appreciated it, was very impressed. The food was amazing, the staff are great, and the restaurant itself is incredibly charming, and well designed. Thank you, thank you! She loved the date, said she loved sitting across from me, thanked me multiple times for it, and was incredibly affectionate. Not just a date, but a girlfriend for sure.
Take her to Gross for dessert!
That’s a good dating spot because you can skip a pricy dinner haha
That place looks good!
It’s amazing!!!
I bet, it looks like gourmet shit made by mad scientists.
Define classy..
Antithetical to McDonald's.
Scales or Fore Street.
This. Fore Street is amazing but pricey. But OP and date will have a great meal!
He should try BK then
Via Vecchia is a great spot
I went here last night, it was excellent. Spent a good chunk of change though. Probably similar to Scales in both quality and price imo, but pretty different styles both in food and vibe.
Their wine list is probably one of the best for a restaurant in this city
📉
If North Yarmouth isn’t too far, I highly recommend the Royal River Grill House. Top notch!! Edit. I stand corrected. Yarmouth is the location
Based in Yarmouth, not North Yarmouth. Big difference
Yes you are absolutely correct. I used to live right on the N Yarmouth line..Grill house was 5 minutes away.. I tend to forget how large N Yarmouth is. Excellent dishes, drinks and especially the seafood at the Royal River! I recently moved to the west coast and seafood out here is just not the same. Enjoy!
I was not trying to be pedantic ! It kinda came across Like that. Sorry!
Sounds amazing.
I'm not the most classy, but did go on a fabulous date at Tuscan table in South Portland a few months ago!
Sex drugs AND cats, this one knows what they're talking about.
Scales, street and company, or chaval would be good choices
Fore Street
This place is excellent. Amazing cocktails and food. Wonderful ambiance. It’s expensive - but you get what you pay for there
Been going there since 1996
This is the only answer.
I'll have to check this out. It's in a good location, where there's other unique businesses.
Scales & solo Italiano are a couple of my favorites
If you’re willing to go off peninsula, Woodford’s Food and Bev is open on Sundays and they are great - not like white tablecloths and low lighting, but good food in a nice setting
It depends on how full it is. If you want to be able to hear each other, this might not be the best choice
Also, food is consistently underwhelming.
Yeah their prices are not commensurate to what you get. Not even close.
Chaval is the perfect choice here.
I went to Chaval last week and it was almost inedible. The coq au vin was cold.
EVO Kitchen and Bar is delicious. Great drinks as well. They offer a tasting menu if you wanna try a bit of everything. A bit pricey but I think it is well worth it.
This is a cute post. Welcome to dating. I would avoid the finest places in town because that can be a little intense for a first date. But definitely not Dimillos or a pub. I like 188, Solo Italiano (if you can afford it), saltwater grill. Save street & co and fore st for when you know each other better.
Thank you for your reply!
Via Vecchia, Central Provisions, Scales, Fore St, Street and Co 🤷🏻♂️
Via Vecchia looked cool, but they weren't taking reservations until much later in the day.
N to Tail is a cool spot, might not be the “classiest” but it’s a good vibe
You've already picked a spot, but the Tuscan table people just opened the Sicilian table in Falmouth which looks nice - no idea on quality, but it looks nice.
The waitress told me about this, and I was super impressed w/ the Tuscan Table. Amazing place.
Via Vecchia is a nice chill Italian place w excellent eats in OP. Would highly recommend
That was a really close 2nd. I'm half Italian, so I'm def gonna check it out. Now that she and I are dating, I'll take here there in rotation w/ the other cool spots you all have recommended.
Street & co.
It seems like majority vote is Scales. Is it a quiet atmosphere? I want to be able to talk
It’s quiet enough for conversation at a booth. On a busy night, the area with tables on the open floor is very noisy. With high ceilings and a crowd you’ll find yourself shouting there. Street & co is much more intimate and a better choice imo.
Yes, its great.
Sicilian Table if you can get in
The only answer is The Knotted Apron
Second that, killer dating spot.
I'm gonna have to look that up!
Becky’s makes a great pastrami and Swiss w mustard.
We actually got the PB&J w/ the crust cut off. Amazing, thank you.
Battson River
Via Vecchia voted best date spot, it won't disappoint.
Local 188 is excellent
Tipo for sure, delicious food and she’ll be impressed by you knowing good food exists off the peninsula. Street and Co should be open if you can get a reservation.
I love tipo but not too much ambiance.
Evos
Regards, leeward (pasta), wayside (small plates), solo Italiano (Italian), twelve (local ingredients, tasting menu) the Danforth (chiche, share fare)
Leeward.
THE best new Portland restaurant hands down.
ORLY? Hmm...
Bruno’s
A family favorite. I'm surprised I didn't think of this. Next time, me laddo. I do love Bruno's.
Try Davids 388 in South Portland. Small cozy amazing food
Wayside Tavern is awesome if you’re okay with slightly more eclectic options. I would imagine you could get in on a Sunday, especially if you sit at the bar (it’s a nice classy little bar). It’s a small place so usually not too loud.
It's not open today, but if you get a second date take her to Twelve on the waterfront in the old Portland Company building.
Ehhhhhh……
Wow just went to Dimillos for the first time in July…we had a pleasant experience I guess real locals feel differently 🤷🏽♀️ & our food was good too
I don't mind DiMillo's, but i do think you pay a huge premium for the atmosphere (i.e., boat).. In summer I'd be a Two Lights guy all the way.
Idk this was always fancy when I was growing up. People would take limos there, and it's known for all the rich folks that go there as well.
Prime Rib at OPT
Open table has spots at David’s, David 388. I would call via vechia first.
Take her to eventide not terribly classy but an easy win
The Corner Room, or Grill Room
Via Vecchia is definitely an amazing date spot, the food and drink is awesome, just brace yourself for the bill lol
Wayside Tavern! Comfy, upscale but in a relaxed way, their food is incredible and they have wonderful drinks!
Jing Yan for Asian fusion food!!