If you’re going on a date to a restaurant, it’s always worth putting a bit of thought into where might be best to go – particularly if you’re keen to make a positive first impression! And with such a great variety of restaurants available throughout the UK, why not take some time to weigh up the pros and cons of the different options before booking?

Seafood 
Going to a seafood restaurant for a date is a great choice for many people – dishes tend to have a fresh, exotic feel and choices such as lobster or a seafood platter also give you a chance to splash out on something special that the two of you can share. Seafood, however, is not to absolutely everyone’s liking (and allergies can be problematic), so it’s advisable that you check this out with your date before you book anything.

Sushi
Although sushi is still technically seafood, it’s also about the unique preparation techniques and the varied feel to your meal. The dishes are light, fun and quick, making for a playful atmosphere. Some restaurants even offer customers the opportunity to craft their own dishes, which could make the date all the more special – do your research online to see if this option is viable.

Eastern cuisine 
Indian, Chinese and Thai cuisines have long been popular with couples and families alike. Restaurants typically have a large amount of choice to suit most palates, with menus covering different meats, fish, rice, soup and noodle dishes. The only thing to watch out for is that many venues double up as a pick-up takeaway, which might not be the ideal ambiance for your meal.

Italian 
Italian restaurants are a safe bet: the romantic associations with Mediterranean cuisine still ring true and it’s hard to find someone who doesn’t like at least one dish on most menus. But for that reason, some of the excitement and novelty might be lost: trying something new can often achieve the desired spark on a date, and pizza or pasta could look a little boring. Wherever you end up taking your date, though, charge cards can help to make at least one part of the evening run smoothly: payment. With an American Express Gold Card, for example, you can earn reward points on virtually every purchase you make, with no pre-set spending limit or interest charges.