Young Daters Prefer Dinner Dates Over Drinks for First Meetings

The traditional dinner date is experiencing a revival, as younger individuals are increasingly favoring intimate meals over casual drinks when seeking romantic connections.

According to research conducted by business insurance specialists Premierline, more than two-thirds of young daters express a preference for dining in restaurants on first dates, with about a third specifically favoring food markets.

While the concept of “going for a drink” may have dominated dating scenes in the past, a trend towards sober experiences is emerging among younger generations. Tinder’s survey reveals that motivations for this shift include the desire for authentic connections (42%) and engaging conversations (39%).

Natalie, a 24-year-old executive search consultant from Bristol, emphasized that meaningful conversations over dinner enhance someone’s attractiveness.

“Having a few drinks can be enjoyable on a first date, but if it’s just drinks, you might end up intoxicated and uncertain about whether you genuinely connected with the person or just had fun,” she shared.

“Dinner dates are more intense, and I’ve had great experiences starting with a sober meal before transitioning to drinks, which really helps in getting to know someone better.”

Dr. Limor Gottlieb, a psychologist specializing in relationships, notes that sober dining may serve as a form of emotional “foreplay” for a generation that values connection highly.

“While millennials sought chemistry, Gen Z is focused on compatibility, which requires real conversation,” she explained.

“They’ve witnessed the exhaustion of swipe culture, the loneliness from casual relationships, and the instability of ‘situationships.’ What they truly want are meaningful connections, and dinner provides a setting conducive to conversation, understanding, and the important nuances that help assess long-term compatibility. Dinner acts as a screening method.”

24-year-old PhD student Adam, also from Bristol, remarked that depending on alcohol for conversation can sometimes make dates seem “transactional.”

“Sober dating has its benefits,” he said. “It allows for a more truthful assessment of your feelings towards someone. I’ve been on dates where drinking clouded my judgment, and the next day I was left questioning if the connection was real or just the influence of alcohol.”

“Relying on alcohol is the easier option, but having a proper conversation is crucial to avoid feelings of emptiness in the connection.”

Felicity Walsh, 24, who works in events in London, discussed the uniqueness of dinner dates. “I might agree to drinks for a first meeting, but eating in front of someone can be anxiety-inducing, with concerns about spills or awkward situations. However, a lack of originality in wanting just drinks on subsequent dates is a red flag for me.”

Nonetheless, dinner dates come with their own set of challenges, particularly for those less skilled at table etiquette. A survey by the restaurant chain Giggling Squid found that 46% of respondents are deterred by someone talking with their mouth full, while 45% are put off by loud chewing.

A third of dating experiences saw interruptions due to bad breath, 33% cited discomfort from someone gargling, and 28% found food spills off-putting.