Even die-hard foodies who love their grub will agree that sharing your food is a romantic gesture.

Whatever kind of meal you are going out for, there are plenty of options for sharing.

Tapas are great for a fun and flirty feast. Originating in Spain, tapa' is Spanish for lid and the term came about when field workers would go to taverns after work for some wine.

Bar tenders placed bread on top of the wine to stop the flies from going in it, over the years meat and cheese were added to the bread and now tapas can be hot or cold meats, olives, cheese or vegetable dishes.

A Middle Eastern version of tapas is mezze. These small hot or cold dishes can be hundreds of different mini-meals ranging from olives to hoummus or ground lamb.

Mezze is especially good for vegetarian couples as there are a large variety of vegetable-based dishes available.

At Italian restaurants couples can share garlic bread, a pizza or anti-pasti such as cold meats or olives.

Mexican food is also ideal for sharing: have a plate of tacos, nachos or share fajitas for a messy, but fun treat.

Puddings are also made for sharing, especially long ice-cream sundaes that are too sickly for one, but perfect for two.

However much you love your partner, sometimes it's just not the right time to suggest sharing. Beware of the following pitfalls:

  • Drinks: sharing a bottle of wine or champagne is fine. Asking for two straws to go with your bottle of beer is just cheap and won't impress anyone.
  • Dips: seemingly made for sharing, try to avoid double-dipping back into the bowl. This might be ok if it's just you and your partner, but anyone else will be put off their food.
  • Chocolate pudding: gentlemen, she does not want to part with any piece of her cake. But you must share your slice with her.
  • Spaghetti: eating the same piece of pasta is not a romantic thing to do, despite trying to make it appear so in the Disney film Lady and the Tramp. You'll end up with bolognaise on your chin and spaghetti on your lap.
  • The bill: go on, make it a treat. One of you can give your wallet an airing to make the other feel special.