Honestly the whole fancy dinner first date thing sounds like a trap. Tbh I went on one of those years ago and we had nothing to talk about, just sat there staring at our plates. A walk or coffee is way better because you can just leave if it's bad. Ngl I'm all for keeping the pressure low right from the start.
Ever think you had to do a big dinner to show you're serious? I used to, but a bad one just like yours changed my mind. Now I'm all for the easy exit plan too.