Parent's Choice

Restaurants For The Perfect J.U.N.K. (JUST US NO KIDS!) Date

by Pamela Musni
January 2, 2023

Take time out and reserve a table for two in these romantic date night places Modern Parenting editors love.

This story first came out in Modern Parenting’s 2022 print edition.

There’s a time in every parent’s life when all outings become family outings. Especially when your kids are much, much younger. While it carries its own joys, there’s nothing like having that special time with your spouse when you can finally sneak away for a night out for two. If you’re a couple looking to start their JUNK (Just Us, No Kids) date nights but don’t know where to go, here’s a list of restaurants that might help make the endeavor much easier.

Dr. Wine BGC

With a varied selection of wines, cocktails, liquors, and beers paired with meats and treats to wash it all down with, Dr. Wine is the type of date night spot where you luxuriate and throw your worries away. Now and then a guest DJ comes to pump up the atmosphere, but overall, “chill” is the name of the game in this BGC hangout.

If you prefer a quieter ambiance as compared to Dr. Wine’s usual energy, check their events in advance or head there outside peak hours.

Ember

With modern interiors, a cozy atmosphere, and delicious meals cooked over gentle heat, Ember is the type of restaurant you’d want to take your spouse on a date after a long, stressful week.

Helmed by Chef Josh Boutwood of Savage and The Test Kitchen, you’re sure to subject your tastebuds to the same exquisite nuance with every menu offering. From the bread (a Boutwood special) to the decadent meats, there’s something for you and your partner to enjoy and discover. And bond over, even—Ember has been specially designed to trigger memories, particularly the warm Sunday feasts with the family.

So if you’re looking for a place to relax with your spouse while enjoying a leisurely meal, Ember is the place to go.

Project Vino

There’s nothing a good bottle of wine can’t fix—or so the saying goes. And it’s a saying that Project Vino takes much to heart.

The chic cellar aims to provide its customers with a multi-layered wine-tasting experience, with the belief that the more wine you drink, the more layers of experience you unravel.

Aside from enjoying Project Vino’s carefully-curated range of wines, couples can also bask themselves in the stories of those behind the bar—particularly their unique wine journeys.

Sunae Asian Cantina

At a certain point in life, you’d probably find yourself enmeshed in responsibility. Every now and then, it can be nice to remember the more carefree days when you’d go out for a drink and some pulutan with friends.

And in a way, Sunae Asian Cantina provides all that and more. The brainchild of Chef Christina Sunae, the restaurant hosts fun twists to your usual inuman staples—like their carioca and kinilaw—while incorporating other Asian cuisines. With a laid-back vibe, a host of local beers, and some reimagined bites to boot, the cantina is a relaxing getaway restaurant for couples who enjoy spending their time with good conversation during dates.

Toyo Eatery

The critically-acclaimed restaurant is known for its inventive takes on Filipino cuisine, marrying the familiar profiles of bagoong, patis, suka, and toyo with innovative, unique constructions. It’s for this reason that many continue to fall under its charms.

Couples who decide to spend those special nights out at Toyo Eatery won’t be disappointed. With many of the restaurant’s offerings hosting local favorites, every bite of its menu feels at once fresh and nostalgic. In short, it’s the perfect date night place for those who love rediscovering new flavors together.

Ninyo Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge

It’s hard not to fall in love with Ninyo Fusion Cuisine & Wine Lounge. With a lush garden ambiance and a delectably curated fusion menu, it’s the perfect getaway for couples wishing to relive those first-date jitters and the thrill of falling in love.

Stationed at Chef Niño Laus’ ancestral home, Ninyo Fusion Cuisine & Wine Lounge aims to be a multi-sensory experience. It offers Asian-European cuisine, playing on Chef Niño’s predisposition to Japanese and French cooking. But despite its fine dining offerings, it doesn’t feel like a fine dining restaurant—much of its DNA lies in being a homey, cozy experience for its guests. For those who aim to be extra-romantic for the date, you can also request from the restaurant to have a flower bouquet at the ready.