Pastagina
First-date no-no: This unfortunately named Italian joint in the Beverly Center food court sounds like a hybrid between pasta and...let’s just say this is the only "gina" you’ll be seeing for a long, long time.
But when you’re in love: Any restaurant with unintentionally lewd-seeming names should be avoided until date number two, aka "The Awkward Groping Session."
Eat it here: Pastagina

Medieval Times
First-date no-no: While Medieval Times rated very high on my list for best date places when I was 9—Jousting knights? Eating ye olde chicken thighs sans utensils? Count me in!—I’ve come to learn that ladies will do dinner and a movie, or dinner and dancing, but not Medieval Times' dinner and tournament.
But when you’re in love: After dinner, you can reenact a steamy scene from “First Knight”—and no, you can't always be Richard Gere!
Eat it here: Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament

Special Spicy #2 Challenge
First-date no-no: Nothing says first-date killer like slurping super-spicy noodles in a tiny ramen house—eyes watering, beads of sweat falling into your bowl. At Orochon Ramen in Little Tokyo, if you finish a large bowl of their Special Spicy #2 within 30 minutes, they'll add your Polaroid to the wall of fame. Ever wonder why all those Polaroids are of guys eating alone?
But when you’re in love: She’ll see that you can accomplish anything. It's common knowledge that all ladies love champs (see "Karate Kid," "Teen Wolf," "Teen Wolf Too").
Eat it here: Orochon Ramen

Calf's Brain Omelette
First-date no-no: On a first date, you should be picking her brain—or at least pretending to, while devising an exit strategy—not a baby cow's. While the ladyfolk are keen on guys with brains, it’s preferably not in omelette form. Zingaroony!
But when you’re in love: You’ll both be sharing the same brain anyway.
Eat it here: Kate Mantilini

Olive Garden
First-date no-no: It’s the Olive Garden.
But when you’re in love: The OG’s bottomless bread sticks will remind her of your endless love, your infinite devotion and your passion for authentic Italian cuisine at a reasonable price. It’s not being cheap, it’s being money-smart.
Eat it here: Olive Garden