It depends on your mood and what you have a taste for...

I live in a city where there is no shortage of fine dining restaurants as well as casual and dinner dates is one of my favorites.
One of the best settings for a dinner date is a restaurant that has great service and ambiance.
Even better if seating is a little far away from other patrons.

Another option is room service I have done this quite a few times for dinner dates when we did not feel like getting dressed up again to go down for dinner.It can be quite intimate

See what she likes to eat, first of all.

I find that many gals are meat and potatoes gals, so I take them to a place like Mortons, or other reputable steak house.  I tend to order fish when I'm out for several reasons not the least of which is that it is lighter on the stomach, a stomach that will be bouncing around in a short while.  (Of course, the waiter always sets the steak in front of me, and the fish in front of my date.8o)

But some gals love the unusual or ethnic, so I look for a good restaurant with those attributes.  

Then there is one long time favorite that just loves Outbacks.  She's always a bit nervous going to someplace fancy.

One gal I know works in a restaurant.  So I always cook for her at my home.

There's never a one size fits all rule for these things.

Well for me..I like a more private setting. .

I started offering dinner on me at my place because for one the guys love coming in and dinner is already there waiting n I'm already dressed for all the fun after it saves the guy a few bucks too. It's really hard for me to venture out without getting recognized and it's a great way to include teasing beyond what one could do in a public place. Talk about steak and bj!! Lol!!
Hugs and kisses
TL

Across from each other is conversation and googly eyes, some footsie.
Beside each other (same side of table) is hands on action, but difficult to talk.
Next to each other (adjacent sides of table), is easier to talk but harder to touch downstairs.
And let's not forget the rounded table with a rounded couch which puts you beside each other but also looking somewhat toward one another.  Sure, it may be a table for 8 but put on your ego and tell the waiter you want THAT table.

High back chairs will limit how much of your conversation can be overheard by others.

Candlelight is HIGHLY recommended.

Restaurant in/adjacent to your hotel is recommended so there's minimal transition time after dinner.  Cab rides suck, but can also be great if you're both daring!

If you're near a beach, river, mountain, or scenic view, then go for a place that leverages it.  Some folks may chastise your spending but bear in mind, it's YOUR fantasy and the only one who has to justify the expense is YOU.

I've enjoyed meals before sex, after sex, and during breaks in a weekend date.  My favorite is the après sex meal - some call it a gay date since you're sated for the moment and can kick back without junior begging for attention.  Can also eat with abandon since no worries about gastric distress during playtime.

First of all I am from Europe and dinner dates are not very common here. Usually the dates are held in clubs, hotelroom, brothels and so on. But I love dinner dates and for that reason I always have dinner dates in the USA when travelling, mostly business. Another reason is that I am sure nobody sees me in public.  

And I love big fake boobs which we don’t have that many here overseas. So when in the states, most big cities like Miami, New York, San Diego where you have a big choice for nice restaurants and woman.  

Mostly  when I organize the date I prefer to have dinner in the hotel where I am staying at, not to go out by taxi and bother about the place, so I spend some time to choose the right hotel. That said I choose a hotel with nice restaurants or places to be with. Last time when in Miami we stayed at a beach bar at the hotel, we both were not so hungry and had some nice snacks with nice ocean view.  

It was unforgettable and I really loved it. I also look for a restaurant with some intimity, which means for me a restaurant which is a little dark or has a boost.  I mean if you walk in a restauarant with a gorgeous woman with really big fake boobs showing them off is quiet an issue.

So choosing the right restauarant costs me some time which is worth doing it.  

About dinner dates: there was a discussion with some colleagues about dinner dates and they found it absolutely ridiculous why somebody spends  so much money for a dinner date, they all said that they want sex not eating out. I didn’t say a word about that and thought for myself. Well why do I like the company as much as sex. First I get to know the woman better and learn from her what she likes. Then it is like christmas, there you have the present and know you have to wait to open it.  

And when you open it, it is even better you imagined. Second I am somebody who comes fast, this probably because I am so nervous. But with a dinner before I get much more relaxed, I feel better and I have the feeling, that the woman likes my company and feels also better and non rushed.  

Third: being in public. When I had my first dinner date with a really busty gal in Vegas I felt terrible. Imagine with this busty woman entering the restaurant. Everybody was looking in our directions and in a sudden there was a silence in the room. I really didn’t feel very comfortable, but the woman was so cool about that and calmed me down in a way that at the end I liked the attention we got. I really felt like a star.  

And about then I knew I want to repeat this. So nowadays I like the attention we (or should I say hers attention) get
with some light touching, kissing  which goes deeper later on, just to feel the presence of a well educated woman. What comes after in the hotel room is then just the top of our meeting

eing a provider with my "Dinner Evening Special" as my most sought after offering, I prefer to be where you are most comfortable. The offering is a wonderful way to build the anticipation, or (in the event that you would like playtime first) extend the date beyond niceties and physical satisfaction. Not all dinner dates must include five star dining (although, I do enjoy that aspect quite a bit). Having a gentleman prepare a meal, or a thoughtfully laid out professionally prepared carry in, can be more so enjoyable dependent upon the chemistry or desire.  

Ask yourself (as this is your time and desire), What would you like to experience during this evening? Make your anticipations clear to your company. Pizza may be on the menu if the chemistry is just right!

Bòn appètite!
Cadie