Top 5 Date Night Restaurants in Oakville
Published May 28, 2017 at 6:54 pm
A great date night in Oakville starts with the perfect outfit … and of course, it helps to have the ultimate accessory: a sexy human on your arm. Whether it’s a three-month anniversary (because yes, it’s a legit milestone), your sixth consecutive year of Saturday nights out on the town, or you’re making an effort to put in more face time (and less iPhone/FaceTime), date night is all about delicious food — what else is there to bond over when you’re tete-a-tete with your boo? We’ve taken on the laborious task of getting dolled up to find the top 5 date night places in town.
If the wide, wooden door and velvet curtains at the entrance don’t get you excited, you will be as soon as you’re seated. Bahn Thai’s modern, sexy vibe is punctuated by hot pink lighting, please-sit-super-close-to-me-so-our-knees-touch seating, and a dimly lit interior featuring circular booths, and benches with triangular pillows for lumbar support. It feels like a mini-vacation of sorts right in Towne Square. But you’re here for the food … the Fried Tofu and Taro were 50 per cent amazing — the taro was incredible but the tofu was a tad underwhelming. So I ate twice as much taro, dipping it in a honey-based sauce topped with peanuts. So, so good. If the name rings a bell, it’s because this long-running Burlington favourite on Fairview has been pleasing diners for 17 years (it’s been a decade in downtown Oakville). Popular appetizers include Thai Spring Rolls, Mango Salad, and Golden Squid (calamari). But if you really want to make the chef happy, order one of the Red Snapper dishes (such as Spicy Fish), which are doused in an outstanding red curry. For dessert, the sticky rice with mango is a no-brainer — it’s downright sinful.
What you need to try: Red Snapper
Price for mains: $13.95-$23.95.
Serving up fine dining without stuffiness, Noble offers a chef-inspired menu-boasting farm to fork cuisine. There were some surprises. For gluten-free folks, the chickpea fries ($7), served with a sriracha mayo, were unconventional, crispy, and perfectly salted. The tuna tartare was tasty, while the salmon, scallops (in Polenta Agnolloti) and roasted chicken were perfectly cooked. The quiche was flavourful, with a kick of goat cheese and a tough crust. The man behind the menu, JohnRoss Woodland (winner of Chopped Canada), ranks among the top chefs in the country. Naturally, there’s also an excellent selection of wines to enjoy alongside your meal.
What you need to try: Short Ribs and scallops .
Price for mains: $14-$39.
3. Trattoria Timone Ristorante
Location, location, location. This long-time east-end favourite has a (posh, not kitschy) nautical theme, and it’s elegant and fun all wrapped in one. (It’s the photo featured at the very top). Plus, it’s located in the Oakville Entertainment Centrum – which we know isn’t an easy location for restos, or patrons trying to park. But this one is still going strong, making it the optimal place to start your night (dinner and a movie, everyone? … try driving into the Centrum around 8 p.m. on a weekend!) Head chef/owner Michel Fronteddu’s team uses the freshest, finest ingredients to hand-craft artisanal cuisine (from rolling gnocchi, churning gelato, to using homegrown organic herbs). There’s also a dedicated bar/lounge area, making it the perfect spot for martinis and appetizers, with plush seating throughout the resto. A massive renovation has only made this place better. Service is stellar, and so is essentially everything on the menu.
What you need to try: Short Ribs.
Price for mains: $26-$46.
There’s glamorous, and then there’s Cucci. It’s a high-end modern Italian restaurant that will be sure to impress the hardest-to-score dates. This Bronte gem is absolute perfection. Voted one of the best restaurants in Canada (no pressure!), you won’t be disappointed with the offerings from Chef Erik Mauke. The food is on point, and so is the libation I chose. The location on Jones St. makes it perfect for dinner, followed by a stroll along the harbour and a kiss (or seven) by the water. Perhaps the live piano will set the mood … staff are very attentive and willing to go the extra mile. The restaurant offers private dining for special occasions. You’ve got to get dressed and head to Bronte.
What you need to try: Gnocchi.
Price for mains: $26-$46.
Easily one of the best restaurants in Ontario.- and even Canada, Oliver’s offers a phenomenal fine dining experience and is going strong after four decades. The menu features the best of the best: USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list. This is some next-level fine dining, minus the white tablecloths … even the ice cream is made in-house! You’ll find amazing service without the pretentious aura. The menu features high-quality ingredients, while the staff’s attention to detail and presentation is simply on point. The resto seats 120, complete with a private area that can be separated into two rooms for parties. With dim lighting, the beautifully designed restaurant is accented with gorgeous chandeliers, art, a mix of wood and rich tones, plus the wine cellar (if you didn’t know, Oliver’s wine list earned the prestigious New York’s Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for five years running). The experience is downright unforgettable.
What you need to try: Steak.
Price for mains: $29-$58.
What’s your favourite date night destination in Oakville?
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