Being broke and being in love isn’t a match made in heaven. We know because we’ve been there. We’ve had times when we’ve left home with a light pocket and the struggle of finding a cafe that won’t look like a slice of living hell with rusty fans and three-legged chairs. With a little bit of research (and hounding our stingiest friends), we found cafes and bars that should set you two back by close to INR 1,200 for two, but still guarantee a lot of pretty pictures (and good times).
Broke Couple's Guide To Budget Date Night Spots
Cafeteria & Co.
Dates are nothing if you and your SO aren’t holding hands, teary-eyed, waiting for the damn waiter to bring you your food. We kid, of course. Cafeteria & Co. finds their USP in serving up their delish food in a jiffy. The master chefs in their kitchen whip up amazing dishes, each one better than the other. So, if the wallet’s looking thin, this place’s hexizzas and pastas shall cater to your inner foodie’s every whim.
Price: INR 1,200 for two people
Jugmug Thela
Jugmug Thela is a perfect place for all the food bloggers or influencers for some good Instagram worthy pictures! They have pretty street decor and lighting giving it all time festive vibe! If you are looking for a place for a peaceful conversation with your bae this is the right place.
Price: INR 600 for two people
Triveni Terrace Cafe
This is our favourite all-weather spot and its location helps as much as its ambience. The poha and cold coffee are a delight and the meat-eating partner almost always orders shaami kebab. We’d say, drop by on a cold evening for pakoras and stay back to enjoy their new dinner menu. We hear good things about the Parwal Kebab and Mutton Keema Chops too.
Price: INR 400 for two people
Rose Cafe
All day breakfast, delicious food, and stunning interiors – Rose Cafe is impossible to ignore when it comes to picking a date night spot and this can definitely be counted as one of the best restaurants for a date night. You won’t find booze here, but you’ll find the next best thing – affordable food with decor you can fill up that Insta feed with. They’ve also got a vegan menu you can go to town on.
Price: INR 1,200 for two people
Cafe Di Milano
Cafe Di Milano in Dwarka's Sector 13 is everything that makes us very happy. Pretty outdoors, good food, and hospitable staff, this cafe has it all. Bonus: A hearty meal here is pretty affordable too! Their music is not super loud either, so you and bae can enjoy meaningful conversations. Also, this cafe is an Instagram dream come true, so plenty of photo-ops! Find more info here.
Price: INR 400 for two people
By The Bay
By The Bay is a Goan shack type cafe in Hudson Lane. It's spunky, romantic and super fun with swing chairs, glow signs, sand, and cool wall art. They've also managed to get a glowing paddling pool bang in the middle of the restaurant (women/couples only) and a huge projector that changes its visuals of the beach as the day progresses. Since it's a beach-themed cafe, expect to find coastal dishes like Prawn Chettinad and Andhra Fish on their menu. They also have cocktails and Margaritas menu (yay!). Find more info here.
Price: INR 1,200 for two people
Ricos
Ricos on the Bungalow Road in Kamla Nagar is a bright, airy space that serves all-day breakfast, meal bowls, and a bunch of Italian and Mexican dishes as well. Their service is quick, their playlist is killer, and a meal here won't cost the earth either. We recommend that you try the pizza, the Red Velvet Pancakes, and the RicoTea while you're here. Heads up though, you might have to wait for a bit before you find a table here (it's almost always packed!).
Price: INR 800 for two people
Cafe Wink
Located in Anand Vihar, Cafe Wink is a beautiful place that East Delhi people are lucky to have easy access to. If you are in the mood for Italian food, this place could be a great choice. You can try their pastas, pizzas, nachos, shakes, and trust us, you'll leave the place with a happy mind and a happy tummy.
Price: INR 800 for two people
Cantino
Cantino is another date-worthy place that is located in GTB Nagar and is quite well-known for its North Indian and Chinese food. We suggest that when you are here, try their lasagne, Mushroom Tai Chi, Peri Peri Chicken, and cocktails for a perfect evening.
Bonus: We love this place for its live music too
Price: INR 800 for two people
Cafe Parmesan
If a long drive and good food is what you seek (but also, aren't craving for paranthas), then why not head to Cafe Parmesan located in Faridabad? Offering Italian cuisine, you should definitely try their risotto, white sauce pasta, peanut butter shake, chocolate mousse, and trust us, you won't regret your decision.
Price: INR 1,200 for two people
7 Old Town Road
7 Old Town (7OT), a Pub & Cafe dating back to the Wild West Era has made its way to the city. Spread over 2 floors with the pub on the 1st floor and the cafe on the 2nd floor, 7OT has aesthetics that are rugged and rustic, with a multi-cuisine menu.
Price: INR 1000 for two people
Nukkad Cafe
Located amidst the busy SDA market which is full of cafes and bakeries Nukkad has managed to highlight itself amongst all the fancy cafes even after being located inside a dingy little corner or Nukkad. The quality and taste of the food they serve compliments the ambience perfectly. Beautiful lighting and live Sufi music is bound to set the mood.
Price: INR 1,200 for two people.
Big Yellow Door
Big Yellow Door stocks up on the good stuff (read juicy burgers, milkshakes and their winning fries). Always packed, and never compromising on quality, BYD offers a range of food and drinks, and wait for it, divine desserts. They have four outlets across NCR!
Price: INR 800 for two people
Pro-Tip
V-day means gifts! Here's our guide for best budget gifts, gifts for him and some recommendations for gifts for her!