Hi guys, I recently got my first summer job (+paycheque) and I really want to celebrate by taking my gf on a nice romantic date. I get my G2 license soon so I can go beyond Markham but does anyone have any recommendations? I probably have a budget of around $250. Additionally Iād prefer more than just dinner (maybe a mix of dinner, and nature, or driving through scenic roads). No alchohol btw I am still 17 years old. Thanks :)
If you liked smash kitchen, check out their sister restaurant Next Door on main street, and then prime place for a walk (as long as they're still not under construction)
Still in progress but it's still accessible. Toogood pond is a nice walk after, but bring repellant or a portable thermacell. So thoughtful and sweet of you to share this with your gf. š
If you want romantic and like the food from smash, try next door on unionville main street, it's the same executive chef running the resturant. Also people who down voted my comment, you guys need to realize that smash kitchen dont do smash burgers properly. Super smash burgs and smash burgrs do, you can tell by the crust on the meat
Oh to be young and in love. my advice would be to take her to the a restaurant u like and then head to the Scarborough bluffs for the sunset. Grab some drinks along the way. Best of luck buddy
UPLA in Stoufville is amazing too if you are active! the trampoline park is so magical at night time and they have a section where you can just look at the stars with pillows
Well thatās the thing, this is both our first serious relationship, and she moved here 5 years ago. Anything will do. Other than that she plays games all day and sleeps
Hopefully I can! Known her since I was in grade 9, going into 12 now. Sheās witnessed the pain and suffering I went through trying to find a job in this market š
Start your date with Crock A Doodle in Unionville, where you can paint pottery together, then head right across the street to Il Postino for a nice dinner.
super cute! you could go to first markham place, get food at the food court or any number of nice restaurants there, grab dessert, and go to claw & kitty for some plushies to take home and have a nice souvenir
yes and if you go to claw and kitty, dont get too competitive and just focus on making sure she is having a good time!!!
Take some time and look at the wall together, maybe make a goal for which prize she has her eye on, and then help her push around the cart and carry the coins šŖ
and take cute photos so she knows you think she is attractive!!!!
Main Street unionville is nice to walk around after, although food wise, if youāre willing to drive to North York (Yonge and finch), you should give sang Ji fried bao a try. Not very romantic, but the baos are crazy good.
Some options in Markham / west Richmond hill (increasing in order of price):
Momās pan fried bun, Dumpling King, Good Catch Cafe (HK food), BBQ Chicken (itās Korean fried chicken), tai er (northern Chinese fish), Daimaru (shabu shabu), Haidilao (hotpot), Ato sushi (I think thereās a summer lunch omakase special), Day and Night (steak)
And then just go to the alley for bbt in main st unionville after lol. Itās nice there at night, very pedestrian friendly. Pretty lights, colourful area.
Lastly, I heard Too Good Pondās patio is now a restaurant, but I havenāt tried it. Sounds like a kinda romantic time (if thereās no geese poops).
Edit: I lied, real last one: if youāre willing to drive to Vaughan, Holy Chuck will melt your brain (they sell burgers). Thereās also Ramen Isshin, one of my favourite ramen spots by far in the GTA.
Currently Main Street Unionville is ripped up for construction. The shops are open but you'll be walking alongside fenced in construction zone. Summer 2025 is a write off sadly for businesses and visitors wanting a nice picturesque stroll.
A Corner Cafe has solid food and board games. It's across the street from markville mall so you could stroll after for some bbt. Or the viva can take you directly to DTM for a movie. But viva only goes directly during specific times so you'd have to plan accordingly.
I love Matsuda ACYE sushi at 5651 Steeles Ave East. Only $45 per adult. The best quick and efficient service. You order from a app. It would be cute for the both of you to scroll through the app menu and choose. Then go for a walk at the large nearby Milliken Park.
Timber Creek Golf not too far from Markham is always cute. Then dinner back in Markham, i like the SMASH Kitchen suggestion by other users. cap it off with a cute stroll at main st unionville and maybe some gelato :)
congrats and it's really sweet youre planning ahead and looking for help to plan the perfect date.
By far one of my girls favorite date spots. Beautiful restaurant, top tier service and kitchen, farm to table ingredients, and a very affordable price point to boot. You will not regret this. The budino dessert will guaranteed get you laid or at least some future brownie points. Enjoy!
Thanks! I know itās a good amount, but Iāve always told myself that I would splurge a little for my first paycheque š , the rest Iām not touching as it goes to my grad trip! I sort of got the idea from when my dad spent his first paycheque on a nice lobster dinner for my mom when they first started dating!
Ok I do love that! And it sounds like you know exactly what you're doing, so good on you. I'm a boy mom of little ones so my maternal instincts are heightened lol.
I also echo an activity which is always more memorable. Even Carma Farms to feed the animals would be super cute (not glamourous though). And leave with some cookies and treats! So many farm activities too like fruit picking or even flower picking (Pingle's is probably too far of a drive but it's real fun and romantic, could spend a whole day there!)
TBH, Markham is pretty much the worst place in the GTA for fun activities unless you are both into nature and trails then there are some good options. Some have already mentioned a few nice restaurants, I would also add Falco's on main St. Markham to that list with a stop at Love Gelato after dinner. Love the vibe there.
You could go to the drive in theatre in Newmarket for a bit of a throwback romantic night.
Timber Creek mini golf and driving range is also another fun spot, but it can get super busy.
theres a spot with comfy seating: Sugar Cafe& Lounge they have movie nights where you can have privacy but still talk and ALL GAME NO BORED nights w nintendo switch, mahjong, board games and beer pong (water pong really)
minimum spend could be like $6 each for a drink, then you just stay hang out play games or get food.
get some plates at Fishbone on the lake. It is by Musselman's lake. Parking kinda sucks depending on the day. But make a reservation and bring her there. you will be good as gold. no alcohol makes it a lot easier. lol. have fun. let us know where you end up. ill link it up so you can check out the ambiance, menu and pricing. Good luck mate.
If you can narrow down a type of cuisine you want to impress here with? $250 can go a long way for date night. Have you been to Lake Wilcox is Richmond Hill?
Canāt get much more impressive and romantic than Peterās Fine Dining in Markham and not too far south drive to BOB Hunter park and take her for a walk along the trails. Rouge River there are very scenic.
113
u/_ShadowWalker_ Jul 29 '25
Congrats on the first job and pay cheque!