There is something special about dressing up and going out for dinner. Dinner dates are very much in fashion, coveted by couples of all ages. Romantic restaurants in India are now in high demand, but how do you choose one that is sure to make your date happy?

Here are 9 must haves when it comes to choosing the perfect place for a perfect evening.

1. Soft Lighting

Candle light dinners will never go out of fashion. There is something about soft lighting that dampens the mood and lowers the heart beat. Whether it is a tea light set in a hurricane lamp, or recess lighting controlled by a switch, make sure the restaurant you choose has the option for dimming the lights – definitely a must to set the mood for a romantic dinner.

2. Private Seating Areas

Everyone wants some privacy, especially when it comes to date night. We just want to be away from prying eyes, so we can lose ourselves in our own special world. Romantic restaurants must have private booths or slightly secluded seating areas in some special part of the restaurant, a place where we won’t be disturbed.

3. Calm, Quiet, No Noise

We want to whisper sweet nothings into each other’s ears – not possible if there is a loud group next to us, kids running around or a baby crying. So a quiet restaurant that encourages some decorum is called for. Any ambient noise like music should strike the right note. It should soothe in the background, and not overtake our conversation. At the other extreme, a white noise generator may help tune out the voices from other tables, and also ensure our privacy by keeping our talk from others.

4. Comfort

The best romantic restaurant will lose its charm if your date is not comfortable. So choosing an open air restaurant in peak summer may not be a good idea. And no need to say how your date will turn out if your sea side candle lit dinner is interrupted by sudden rain showers, or of you are besieged by mosquitoes. Choose the restaurant based on the weather, and personal preferences.

5. Fine dining

Want to impress your date? Stay away from McDonald’s or KFC. Or a busy food court in a mall. To set the right romantic note, date night has to feel special. That means it has to be at a fine dining restaurant. What is that? Well, at the very least, we want a place that has some nice table settings, cloth napkins, actual silver ware (no plastic), and a meal that ends with a finger bowl.

6. Full service

Buffets, even those at 5 star hotels, cannot be romantic. Unless you want to play musical chairs with your partner where one or the other is getting up to load their plates. A romantic restaurant has to offer full service, where we are served the entire meal at the table without having to get up.

7. Reserved tables

Table reservation is a must, considering that time is precious and we don’t want to spend date night standing in a line, waiting 30-40 minutes for the person to call out our name. Make sure to call ahead and book a table, and then be punctual so you don’t lose your reservation. Let them know if you are celebrating a special occasion like an anniversary, or if you have any other instructions. Most restaurants are happy to accommodate your request.

8. Type of Cuisine, food

For a romantic evening to go according to plan, it is very necessary to avoid arguments. Know what I mean? Choose a restaurant that offers a wide variety of food, or the kind of food that both of you like and enjoy. If your date has any special needs, make sure the restaurant will cater to them. In short, do your homework and pick a place based on common interests.

9. Good Reviews

Are you planning your date at a restaurant you have never been to? Check out some reviews, see what others are saying about the place. Some places may have the best ambience but the food may not be great. Some places may be just perfect but they may be out of your budget. Some places may have bad service. Take these reviews as a guideline and choose the place that best fits your idea of a romantic place.

Follow these 9 basic pointers, but don’t forget the most important thing – be flexible and keep smiling. You are out to have a good time, after all. You might like to watch this video where Chef Vikas Khanna talks about some great first date venues.