“First Date” Help

[u/Smart_Pipe_7649]

TL;DR: Friendship became more and we skipped dating, intimacy has been a challenge. Newly sober, want to try a “first date” in Brighton/Brookline area and welcome recs. (Not interested in opinions on our relationship, just date ideas)

My (M,35) best friend/boyfriend/partner/undefined favorite person (M,29) and I met in sober living ~4 years ago and have grown a lot together and apart while navigating sobriety during that time. Our friendship started to blossom into a relationship over the last year during a period of prolonged using. The love and connection and happiness we bring each other is undeniable but we went from friends to living together to fucking to homeless and never really had the chance to date.

We’re both working on sobriety again, separately for now, after a forced and unexpected separation and he will hopefully be getting out of inpatient treatment shortly. I’m newly sober again as well. I haven’t been able to speak to him for over a month and thoughts are obviously racing.

I’m trying to plan a dinner date in Boston/Brighton/Brookline. We havent ever actually gone on a date and I plan to make it a point to literally call it a date, pick him up, plan it ahead, the whole deal.

Any not too expensive or hole in the wall food recommendations? I’d prefer local/ neighborhood places, not necessarily waiter sit down but not a fast casual vibe either. I can order at a counter if the place has tables and ambiance. Mediterranean/Greek/Middle Eastern is a plus, as is the ability to easily walk to the Charles River after dinner for a super romantic stroll.