Ethnic First Date Restaurants in the San Gabriel Valley
Here are some recent finds, all in the $6 - $15 range, and all with great atmosphere that could be the conversation starters on a first date.
For a fun first date on Gilligan’s Island:
Bali Island
715 W. Las Tunas Dr.
San Gabriel, CA 91776
(626) 282-8785
www.baliislandrestaurant.com
Be surrounded by thatch walls and dine under a cloud painted ceiling while sipping on a coconut drink in its shell - all in the ubiquitous Socal strip mall. The food is very tasty and some dishes come wrapped in a banana leaf. The place feels like an escape, especially when the Travel Channel plays in the corner.
This restaurant has been replaced by a dumplihg place.
For a first date that could turn romantic if you wish:
Empanadas Gourmet & Pizza
113 East Lemon Avenue
Old Town-Monrovia, CA 91016
(626) 359-0946
An eclectic combination of empanadas and Italian food are on the menu here and they have outdoor seating. Eat here during the day and it’s casual, eat at night and it’s romantic. If all’s going well, stroll through Old Town Monrovia after dinner for a cool quaint night out. For those allergic to the hustle of Old Town Pasadena, this is the place for you. Plus free, easy parking all around.
For a romantically bold first date:
Caravan Serai Restaurant and Bar
39 South El Molino St.
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 440-0444
Fine Persian, Turkish, and Mediteranian Cuisine, Live Music, Full Bar, Belly Dancing, Hookah, all within a beautiful Middle Eastern-decorated restaurant. What more can you ask for? Spacious secluded booths make this a place you could put the moves on someone. Or not, if you sit on opposite sides of the big tables.
So there you have it, three of my recent finds. Enjoy! And let me know how it goes.
Hey, a Monrovia plug! We’re so far out on the edge of LA county (and yeah, ok, unhip) that people don’t know about our good restaurants and stores. But keep it on the unhip radar–we don’t want to become as crowded as Old Town Pas. : )
Comment by anonymous Monrovian — May 23, 2007 @ 4:19 pm
I recently went to Empanadas with my girlfriend for our six month anniversary- it’s a great find. I’ve been telling my friends about it!
I’ll have to try the other restaurants you mention…
Comment by Joe Klein — May 23, 2007 @ 6:38 pm
Update - Bali Island is now no longer there, replaced by a dumpling place.
Comment by UnHip LA — October 17, 2007 @ 8:33 am