Where to take a date

By Karen Tina Harrison | Special to amNew York

4:19 PM EST, March 7, 2007

Le Cercle Rouge in Tribeca.

You just met, and you're nervous about where to go. Forget the flower-stuffed, super-expensive places; your restaurant has to be high-spirited and comfortable. Here are some fun first-date haunts with good food.

Villa Pazzo This likeable Tuscan restaurant and wine bar in the Village is sophisticated, but not overly stuffy. Tabs are very moderate for savory snacks like, carpaccio, or heartier dishes like truffle-dotted pasta and polenta with gorgozola. (296 Bleecker Street; 212-488-2700, www.villapazzo.com. Entrees $12-$30)

The Orchard Be cool and book a table for two on the Lower East Side. This stylish yet cozy Orchard St. canteen flaunts a low-key 'hood mood and chef-owner John LaFemina's global menu. Share one of his signature flatbreads topped with steak tartare or robiola cheese. (162 Orchard Street; 212-353-3570, www.theorchardny.com; Entrees $23-$37)

Cercle Rouge Tribeca's French brasserie may be named for a film-noir heist movie, but it won't break the bank. Additional seductions include its vintage Parisian feel and not-too-heavy Gallic menu--mussels, bouillabaisse, and (mais oui) steak frites. (241 West Broadway; 212-226-6252, www.cerclerougeresto.com. Entrees $17-$39)

InTent A Nolita place with a tent ceiling is definitely different, but you won't look like you're trying too hard. InTent's alluring dining room offers chef Craig Freeman's Moroccan-inspired dishes. The front lounge's grazing menu and wine pairings work well for a more casual first date. (231 Mott Street; 212-966-6310, www.intentny.com. Entrees $18-$26)

Dani "Dani" is the nickname of chef-owner Don Pintabona, who used to helm the Tribeca Grill. His downtown dining room gets everything right, mixing Soho industrial chic with Sicilian flavor and flair. Dani's pasta, gnocchi, and seafood are especially fine. (333 Hudson Street; 212-633-9333, www.danirestaurant.com. Entrees $17-$27)

The Café at Country Geoffrey Zakarian has mentored numerous young chefs and fathered many superb restaurants. His latest is Country in the Carlton Hotel. The buzzy downstairs Café boasts a citified tavern atmosphere and a tempting menu ranging from Caesar salad to steak. (90 Madison Avenue; 212-889-7100, www.countryinnewyork.com. Entrees $18-$36)

Lucy Latin Kitchen Colorful, convivial Lucy Latin Kitchen lets you customize a Union Square-area date. You can compare margaritas and mojitos at the bar, dine on chef Maximo Tejada's lamb barbacoa or paella at a quiet table, or share ceviche and snacks in the tapas lounge. Conversation is guaranteed. (35 W. 18th Street; 212-475-5829, www.lucylatinkitchen.com. Entrees $19-$34)

Mood This cozily modern boite is a go-to for central Queens daters. The crowd and the vibe--OK, we'll say "mood"--are stylish and grown-up. Chef Martin Forde's mushroom strudel and pan-roasted sea scallops get couples talking, and two forks are sure to dig into his chocolate cake. (120-29 83rd Ave., Kew Gardens, Queens; 718-849-6663, www.moodnyc.com. Entrees $10-$25)

Futura Bistro Modern Park Slope's restaurant renaissance draws daters from all over Kings County. This brick-walled, votive-lit Italian-Argentinean nook is a good choice for the just-met. It looks like a Beatnik art gallery, plays jazz tunes, and serves value-priced pasta, gaucho steak, and house-made gelato. (287 9th St., Park Slope, Brooklyn; 718-832-0085, www.futurabm.com. Entrees $9-$21)