Richmond is a city that foodies and oenophiles alike can certainly be proud of. From downtown to Short Pump, South Side to North Side, Richmond boasts a plethora of restaurants and eateries that rival those of known foodie havens such as New York, Las Vegas and San Francisco. Combining Richmond’s fabulous dining scene with romance old and new is the perfect recipe for a delicious date night.

With so many choices, however, making a decision on your destination can transform date night from an exciting adventure to an exhausting headache. However, with careful planning and a little detective work, there will always be a perfect venue for each romantic scenario. Whether it’s your first date or your fiftieth, we’ve compiled a guide to make date night doable.

The Breakdown:
You’ve engaged in a mild flirtation for weeks. Finally, one of you has made the first move, and the day has arrived at last: your first date. Venue selection for the first date is extremely important – it may be part of the love story you tell your grandkids one day. The restaurant should be casual but not a dive bar, nice but not stuffy and with just the right atmosphere. Every little detail right down to the lighting is important, so choose wisely.

The Venue:
Avalon, 2619 West Main Street, 804.353.9709
With its mahogany booths, buttery lighting and lively (but not too!) atmosphere, Avalon offers a warm and romantic environment that’s perfect for a first date. With its ever-changing menu of delightful entrées and creative small plates, as well as an extensive beer and wine list, you’ll be sharing tapas and scintillating conversation.

The Breakdown:
Most likely, you’ve been set up by your mom, co-worker or a matchmaking friend. While their hearts may have been in the right place, your expectations are low. You’ll need to meet at a busy restaurant or bar for drinks only – and have a clear escape route.

The Venue:
deLux Diner & Lounge, 2229 West Main Street, 804.353.2424
Always lively, deLux offers a stylish yet comfortable atmosphere for that first awkward encounter. The extensive drink menu is sure to calm any blind date jitters, with choices like the “East of the Boulevard” martini (Three Olives Mango, champagne, orange and white cranberry juice) or the Dragonberry Mojito (Bacardi Dragonberry rum, lime, mint and simple syrup). If you like what you see after a cocktail or two, head upstairs and snag one of the cushy leather couches by the fireplace to heat things up in more ways than one!

The Breakdown:
You both knew it was coming. You’ve been fighting a lot, neither of you are happy and the proverbial fat lady has sung. Though parting is indeed such sweet sorrow, it’s time to hit the trails. You need to make a clean break without making a scene.

The Venue:
Daily Grind, 11655 West Broad Street, 804.360.1565
If you’ve got the guts to face your paramour in person rather than dumping them via text or email, choose a public spot with a quick and easy exit strategy. Short Pump’s Daily Grind is the perfect place to cut ties. It’s relatively quiet, so causing a scene is entirely out of the question. You also pay for your order up front, so there’s no awkward waiting around for the bill. Just be careful – hot drinks and angry exes sometimes don’t mix. Be vigilant and on the lookout for airborne espressos aimed towards your face.

The Breakdown:
Times are tough, and whipped cream frills like extravagant gifts, exotic getaways and expensive restaurants just aren’t on the menu anymore. Though you may be pinching pennies, there’s no excuse to skimp on romance.

The Venue:
Pescados, 13124 Midlothian Turnpike, 804.379.7121
Who says fine dining has to break the bank? Midlothian’s culinary gem, Pescados, offers “Cheap Date Night” every Thursday evening. With the purchase of two entrées, you and your sweetie can indulge in a bottle of house wine for only $4, as well as a delectable (and free) dessert. Bargain dining never tasted so good.

The Breakdown:
You and your honey have dinner plans with your favorite couple. You want something fun, exciting and, of course, delicious.

The Venue:
Sushi-O, 1228 Alverser Plaza, 804.897.9878
Going out for sushi is a great option for double daters. Because sushi rolls often come as six pieces, it’s fun to order several rolls for the table to share. Sushi-O is a great choice for sushi lovers and for those who are a little less brave, offering cooked choices like Peppercorn calamari, N.Y. strip Panini and Thai seafood stew. Added bonus: sake bombs!

The Breakdown:
Finally…a quiet evening together without nagging or screaming or Hannah Montana blaring in the background. It’s time for some grown-up romance: inky red wines, full-bodied cheeses, a dimly-lit restaurant and most importantly, just the two of you.

The Venue:
SECCO wine bar, 2933 West Cary Street, 804.353.0670
With its intimate seating, candlelit tables, and mesmerizing menu, Carytown’s SECCO wine bar is the perfect spot to rekindle the romance on a night away from the little ones. Brought to you by the River City Cellars folks, SECCO boasts an impressive wine list, as well as a mouthwatering selection of gourmet cheeses, antipasti and small plates. This romantic evening will be less Barney and more bon appétit.

The Breakdown:
Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, a big promotion or a birthday, tonight you’re pulling out all the stops with no expense spared. A special occasion deserves a special meal.

The Venue:
Lemaire, 101 West Franklin Street, 804.788.8000
Lemaire, located in the historic and luxurious Jefferson Hotel, is the perfect restaurant for a special occasion meal. Creamy marble, soft lighting and an outstanding, creative menu are sure to guarantee an evening that neither of you are soon to forget.

So, whether you’re breaking up, making up or doubling up, planning the perfect date night in Richmond is easier than you may have originally thought. Take advantage of the many culinary treats our capital city has to offer, and always pair it with the perfect wine. A toast: to love, food, wine and Richmond!