"Sometimes, a first date is about enjoying a drink or two while emphatically laughing at jokes that didn’t quite land. Other times, you’re looking to share a really special meal with someone you’re excited about. For the latter, head to Kamonegi for sake and small plates like battered shiso leaves topped with ikura and fresh uni and salmon tartare marinated in coffee with a swipe of chive-speckled sour cream. The dining room feels like a big deal even though it’s quiet and calm, so it’s the perfect venue for quality conversations and/or doing spicy habanero plum umeshu shooters together." - aimee rizzo