How to Plan a Thoughtful Date (Without Spending Hours Researching)
We’ve all been there. You want to plan a date that shows you’ve put thought into it. So you open Google, search “best restaurants near me,” scroll through endless reviews, and an hour later you’re more confused than when you started.
Here’s the thing: the secret to a great date isn’t finding the “best” restaurant. It’s finding the right one for them.
Why Generic “Best Of” Lists Don’t Work
Those “Top 10 Date Night Spots” articles? They’re written for everyone, which means they’re perfect for no one.
Your date who loves trying new things won’t be impressed by the safe Italian place that appeals to mass audiences. And your partner who values quiet conversation won’t enjoy the trendy spot with a two-hour wait and music so loud you have to shout.
The Thoughtfulness Framework
Instead of searching for the “best” venue, ask yourself these questions:
1. What do they actually enjoy?
Not what’s trendy. Not what gets good reviews. What do they like?
- Do they get excited about trying new cuisines, or do they have a favourite dish they order everywhere?
- Do they love buzzy atmospheres or quiet corners?
- Are they adventurous or do they prefer the familiar?
2. What do they avoid?
Sometimes knowing what they don’t want is more useful:
- Loud venues when they’ve had a long week
- Tourist traps when they value authenticity
- Anywhere too formal if they’re more relaxed
3. What would surprise them?
The most memorable dates often include an element of “I can’t believe you remembered that” — a callback to something they mentioned weeks ago, or a venue that perfectly captures their personality.
A Better Approach
Instead of starting with venues, start with the person:
- Think about who they are — not just their preferences, but their personality
- Consider the occasion — a first date needs a different vibe than a five-year anniversary
- Match the venue to them — not the other way around
When you get this right, they notice. Not because you found a venue with 4.8 stars, but because you found somewhere that feels like them.
Skip the Research Rabbit Hole
This is exactly why we built Perfect Place. Instead of scrolling through generic lists, you describe their personality — what they love, what they can’t stand — and get venue recommendations that actually match who they are.
It’s the difference between a date that’s “nice” and a date that makes them think “they really get me.”
Planning a date soon? Try Perfect Place free for 7 days and get venue ideas matched to their personality.