It might be the most nerve-wracking part of a first date: finding the place to have it.  Stand-bys like Balthazar or Nobu can make you come off as predictable; food meccas like WD-50, Jean Georges can scream "pretentious," while spots du jour like The Breslin and The Standard can make both reservations and conversation trying. But don't make that rezzie at the Midtown Red Lobster just yet...thanks to these spots, you can finally quit worrying about dinner, and start worrying instead about what to wear.

Felice Wine Bar Loosen nerves with small bites, lots (and lots) of vino and wispy lighting sexy enough to make Philip Seymour Hoffman look put-together. The classic Italian eats at this quaint wine bar are inspired by the menu of Felice’s sister restaurant—famed UES-staple Sant Ambroeus—and include a delectable selection of crostone, cured meats, cheeses, and antipastos.  Equally delectable: you and your date basking beneath the winejug chandeliers. (1166 1st Ave., @ 64th St., Upper East Side, 212.593.2223)

Monkey Bar A friendly staff, an always-bustling bar, and generously-portioned traditional American eats...when it comes to date spots, we're in an LTR with Graydon Carter's place. Get to know each other amongst a dressed-to-the-nines crowd—ranging from young Conde Nasties to martini-guzzling Park Avenue types—amidst a sound level low enough for you to enjoy your course without going hoarse.  (60 E. 54th St., @ Park Ave., Midtown, 212.838.2600)

Polar Lounge If you're exploring the Polar regions, you're going to need to stay warm, right?  One way to heat things up: lay back on the half dozen or so cushiony pillows as you stretch your limbs on the wide cream couch and order-up the underground spot’s signature cocktail (made with Veuve Clicquot, rhubarb bitters, and a sugarcube). Small plates from neighboring ‘inoteca are also available if you're not ready to give up your seat in the sexy, silver brick-walled nook.  (201 E. 24th St. 2nd + 3rd Aves. Gramercy, 212.696.3800)

Crosby Street Hotel Bar First off, skip the dinner. Portions here are so small, you don't have to be David Crosby to leave here hungry.  Instead, come thirsty for expertly prepared cocktails: short, long, stirred, standard, classic, green market-inspired drinks and champagne concoctions, based on recipes from noted bartenders the world over. Take a seat in the lounge or bar area where the quirky, modern furniture and intricate libations provide endless fodder for avoiding awkward lags in conversation. (79 Crosby St., @ Spring St. SoHo 212.226.6400)

ChikaLicious Besides, you'll be glad you saved room for desserts.  Yes, desserts plural, as ChikaLicous offers up an intricately prepared 3-course dessert menu, with an optional wine pairing, in a pantry-sized setting.  It's so, er, intimate, in fact, that brushing against your date’s shoulder between bites of warm chocolate tart and clementine sorbet is almost unavoidable.  Guaranteed sparks. (203 E. 10th St., @ 2nd Ave., East Village, 212.995.9511)

Rouge Tomate Thinking about going Rouge?  In a city as claustrophobically tight as Manhattan, this sprawling, bright, swanky bi-level space is a welcome relief. Plus—attention, men—your thoughtful side will shine when your date makes note of the female-friendly, health-conscious eats, all of which are prepared under the supervision of a nutritionist. With healthy food this good, it’s not for nothing that Manhattan has been tagged the skinniest city in the nation. (Which is how you fit into all those other places). (10 E. 60th St., @ 5th Ave., Midtown, 646.237.8977)

Commerce Cross Keith McNally bustle with Jean Georges foodie-cred and you get Commerce (and lots of it). Carefully crafted libations and elaborately prepared eats from chef/owner Harold Moore (Mercer Kitchen, Daniel), are served in an unfussy, convivial atmosphere. Interior design including an original antique Brunswick bar circa 1941, hand-crafted sconces, subway tiling and marble mosaic columns keep the place looking fine without trying too hard...just like you! (50 Commerce St., @ Barrow St., West Village, 212.524.2301)

 
~ Sharon Feiereisen