Ditch The Mess, Grab The Best

Dates are all about connection and chemistry. Add food into the mix, and things can get delightfully unpredictable. But not all foods play nice when romance is on the menu. One wrong bite, and suddenly, you’re starring in your own slapstick comedy. So, if you want to go fully prepared or are just curious about the dos and don’ts, then you've come to the right place! Let’s kick things off with the foods you’ll want to dodge on your next date.

1. Spaghetti And Slippery Sauces

Trying to twirl those noodles gracefully often leads to awkward slurping, and the ever-present risk of tomato sauce splattering across your clothes or teeth is real. In fact, spaghetti is one of the top Google results for “foods not to eat on a date.”

2. BBQ Ribs

Ribs leave your hands sticky, your face saucy, and your dignity somewhere under a pile of napkins. Etiquette even labels ribs as a “solo meal,” best enjoyed out of the public eye, let alone in front of someone you’re trying to impress.

3. Corn On The Cob

With kernels that wedge themselves in your teeth and butter that drips down your chin, it’s nearly impossible to eat cleanly. The average cob has around 800 kernels, each one a potential embarrassment.

4. Onion Rings

Onion rings can cause bad breath and strong body odors. Their effects linger in the bloodstream for hours, and thanks to genetics, some people are more sensitive to their taste and smell, which makes them a risky gamble for date night.

5. Beans (Baked, Refried, etc.)

Beans are tough to digest. So, you understand why they are notorious for causing gas and bloating. The digestive process can lead to awkward sounds and discomfort, which makes beans a top culprit in date-night drama.

6. Messy Burgers

Stacked high with toppings, Messy burgers are a disaster—juices drip, toppings spill, and anything over four inches often collapses. The awkward “burger hunch” to hold it together looks ungraceful, while grease stains never make a good impression.

7. Buffalo Wings

Eating them requires getting your hands dirty, and the risk of spicy burns or a runny nose is high. Buffalo wings often demand finger-licking mid-conversation, and the heat can leave you with a red face—not exactly the look you want when trying to impress.

8. Sushi With Excess Wasabi

The overwhelming heat of Sushi can trigger tears and even food falling apart mid-bite. Wasabi activates the same sensors as hot peppers, so watching someone cry through their Sushi is hardly romantic.

9. Crab Legs

If you want to avoid a seafood spectacle, save the crab legs for another time. They are the “noisiest luxury” you can order, requiring cracking tools and serious finger strength. The shell fragments can fly across the table, and the crunch is loud enough to turn heads.

10. Tacos With Loose Fillings

Loose fillings spill, shells break, and salsa splashes are inevitable. Taco mishaps are so common that they spike on Tuesdays! For the sake of your lap and dignity, choose something less precarious on a date.

Now that you know the messy culprits, it’s time to look at the tasty lineup that keeps things smooth, stylish, and totally date-worthy.

1. Grilled Salmon

Grilled salmon brings style to the plate without trying too hard. It’s rich, satisfying, and signals that you’ve got taste—literally and figuratively. You don’t have to worry about smells or a post-meal slump. Grilled salmon is a sleek main dish for date nights.

2. Caprese Salad

Caprese is clean and visually flawless—like the food version of a great profile photo. The combo of fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomato keeps it light and elegant, while giving your fork something to do that won’t sabotage your outfit.

3. Grilled Chicken Breast

Not exciting? Maybe. But it’s the food equivalent of showing up on time, smelling great, and actually listening. Grilled chicken won’t betray you with splashes or smells. It’s protein-rich and plays well with whatever comes next.

4. Steamed Asparagus With Lemon

Asparagus brings the classy vibe without acting like it’s better than you. No garlic bombs, no napkin juggling—only a clean forkful with a pop of citrus. It says, “I care about what I eat, but I also read the room.”

5. Shrimp Cocktail

Well, a shrimp cocktail doesn’t bring alcohol, but it definitely brings much-needed charm. Neatly plated, chilled just right, and easy to eat, it's an elegant opener that sets the tone without wrecking your breath.

6. Herb-Roasted Turkey Slices

Turkey slices bring calm to the table. Perfectly seasoned and easy to enjoy, they have you back with a warm hint of tradition. There’s no wrestling involved—just smooth bites and good energy that keeps things flowing.

7. Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)

Zoodles are the answer for anyone who loves pasta but hates the mess. With no red sauce to splatter and no awkward slurping, these low-calorie and gluten-free noodles are gentle and trendy among the health-conscious.

8. Mango Sorbet

Mango sorbet is sunshine in a spoon. Refreshing and just sweet enough to wrap things up with a smile. You’ve got no dairy drama or sticky fingers. A clean, flirty finish that leaves you feeling light and kiss-ready.

9. Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

Light, crisp, and trimmed of drama, cucumber sandwiches have been social pros since Victorian times. They’re basically finger food with manners. You get to snack without stress, hydrate while you chew, and look like you’ve got your life together—all in one bite.

10. Flatbread With Light Toppings

Flatbread is the cool-headed guest at your table—composed and ready to share. It holds together, slices beautifully, and sets the mood for relaxed, easy conversation. With light toppings, it’s all charm without the chaos.