See New York City's Most Romantic Restaurants
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Paris might claim the title of the world's most romantic city, but New York is no slouch when it comes to showing the love, and its dining scene is filled with date night options to satisfy any palate. Whether it's for a Valentine's Day to remember, a blind date spot to meetup over drinks and bites, a splurge dinner to impress that special someone, or a cozy staycation for two, we've rounded up some of the most heart-eyes-worthy dining options from around NYC that are sure to wow for any occasion.
L'Artusi
Although reservations should be planned far in advance, L’Artusi is well worth the wait. From the outside the cozy Italian eatery may seem nondescript, but upon entering you realize this bi-level restaurant couldn't be further from that. The West Village hotspot is the master of dichotomy—creating an atmosphere that is both energetic and intimate while delivering quality Italian food that is as creative as it is traditional. You would be remiss to not pair at least one pasta, such as the gnocchi with rabbit or the bavette with clams with a bottle of the restaurant’s impeccable selection of Italian wines.
228 West 10th St., New York City, NY 10014; (212)-255-5757
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Le Bernardin
For more than 20 years, Eric Ripert has won over critics and discriminating diners alike with his sophisticated, artful approach to seafood. While the main dining room focuses on a more formal experience, the adjacent lounge is a smart (and equally delicious) spot for casually lingering over oysters, caviar, and wine from the impressive 15,000-bottle collection.
155 W. 51st St., New York, NY 10019; (212) 554-1515
Shuko
Behind an unmarked door in Greenwich Village lies this jewel box of a sushi restaurant (with seating only at the blonde wood counter and one or two select tables, reservations are a must.) The kaiseki-only menu puts you in the hands of the chefs, who craft exceptionally craveable, mouthwatering bites right in front of you from the very finest fish and seasonal ingredients.
47 E 12th St., New York, NY 10003; (212) 228-6088
One If By Land, Two If By Sea
Set in a historic 1767 carriage house once owned by Aaron Burr, this West Village institution exudes romance with candlelit tables, a crackling fireplace, live piano music, and decadent prix fixe menus. Not surprisingly, it remains one of the city's most popular places to pop the question since opening in 1973.
17 Barrow St., New York, NY 10014; (212) 255-8649
Manhatta
There's something magically romantic about a skyline view, and it's hard to find a better one than this FiDi stunner. Perched on the 60th floor, its wall-to-wall windows offer breath-stealing panoramas of the city day or night, while the creative cocktail offerings, huge wine selection, and elevated French-influenced menu make it a feast for the mouth as well as the eyes.
28 Liberty Street, New York, NY; 212-230-5788
Rezdôra
Pasta is a love language, and if it happens to be the one you speak, there's no better place to indulge than this hot table in the Flatiron. The Michelin-starred spot from Chef Stefano Secchi, who trained at Massimo Bottura’s former World's Best Restaurant winner Osteria Francescana, focuses on the cuisine of Emilia Romagna, especially handmade pastas. For the ultimate experience, opt for the all-pasta tasting menu; it's guaranteed not to disappoint.
27 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003; (646) 692-9090
Dhamaka
"Unapologetic Indian" is the tagline of this LES favorite. From chef Chintan Pandya and Roni Mazumdar, the minds behind the critical darling Adda Indian Canteen and hot-spot Semma, Dhamaka's focus is on the kind of provincial cuisine not often seen in mainstream Indian joints. The menu is filled with tableside grills and plates made for sharing, but if you really want to impress a foodie date, pre-order the hot-ticket item, the whole rabbit—considered one of the city's best dishes, and, (with only one made per day) also one of the hardest to get your hands on.
119 Delancey Street, New York, NY 10002; reservations exclusively through Resy.
Buvette
Let this pint-sized, all-day eatery transport you from the West Village to Paris with its charming decor (think: marble bar, tiny candlelit tables, vintage flatware) and classic bistro menu ( including croissants, steak tartare, and coq a vin) by Jody Williams. Given its snug size and popularity, Buvette crowds up quickly (a pandemic-era outdoor dining set-up has only made it more popular) giving you all the more reason to get closer to your companion.
42 Grove St., New York City, NY 10014; (212)-255-3590
The Polo Bar
First off, reservations are a must (you can't enter the restaurant without one), so simply being here feels exclusive. Then there's the handsome space, kitted out with tan leather banquettes, emerald green walls, and, in true Ralph Lauren fashion, equestrian-inspired art. The menu favors American comforts, as evidenced by the best-selling, bacon and cheese-topped Polo Burger and famous corned beef sandwich: both generously sized, for a bit of romantic sharing.
1 E. 55th St., New York, NY 10022; (212) 207-8562
Lilia
Don't be fooled by the unassuming exterior and relatively quiet pocket of Williamsburg, because this highly acclaimed Italian restaurant by Missy Robbins is a sure bet. In true Brooklyn fashion, the design is understated but chic, with a wood-beamed ceiling, concrete floors, and white walls. While the space is certainly a looker, it's Robbins's irresistible, handmade pastas (like her Rigatoni Diavola and Pink Peppercorn Mafaldini) that keep Lilia perpetually packed.
567 Union Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11211; (718) 576-3095
Le Pavillon
Chef Daniel Boulud's Bryant Park venture brings the romance of a dinner al fresco and gives it a serious culinary upgrade. The greenery-bedecked dining room and views of the Chrysler Building make it the stuff of NYC fantasies, while the menu, which focuses on seasonal seafood and vegetable forward fare, will be the highlight of any food-lover's night.
1 Vanderbilt Ave., New York, NY 10017; (212) 662-1000
Corkbuzz
For the wine loving couple, a stop in at Master Sommelier Laura Fiorvanti's wine-centric restaurant is a made to order date night. In addition to their impressive selection of bottles, they also offer adventurous flights and blind tasting options to help you expand your palate, as well as a green-market-driven menu that runs the gamut from "post-work snack" to "big night out meal". And for those who understand that no romantic night out is complete without a little bubbly, they also offer their famous Champagne Campaign, where all bottles of champagne are offered at retail price—in case you needed an excuse to celebrate.
13 E 13th St, New York, NY 10003; (646) 873-6071
Atomix
The NYC tasting menu scene is often dominated by European and Japanese influences, which makes this innovative Korean spot so special. Helmed by husband and wife team Chef Junghyun and Ellia Park, the elegant cuisine served at this 14-seat counter is sure to thrill devotees of Korean food and novices alike, and is certain to make any date night there one to remember.
104 E 30th St, New York, NY 10016
Aquavit
Scandinavian fare might not be the first cuisine to jump to mind for a romantic night on the town, but this two Michelin-starred restaurant will make you think twice about that assumption. From the sumptuously sleek interiors to the tasting menu filled with clean, precise Nordic flavors, it's certain to be a highlight.
65 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022; (212) 307-7311
Gramercy Tavern
Whether you opt for more casual bites and drinks in the Tavern–nab a coveted seat at the bustling bar if you can–or go for a more formal meal in the Dining Room, you'll be rewarded with friendly service, vibrant, fresh, floral displays, and hearty yet refined cooking in this NYC classic.
42 E. 20th St., New York, NY 10003; (212) 477-0777
Icca
If your love has been missing their jaunts to Japan, you can't do better (sans passport) than this Tribeca haven. From Michelin-starred chef Kazushige Suzuki, the menu features fish flown in weekly from Japan, a signature style of beef available only at Icca, and expertly curated sake pairings. Feeling a little more understated? The front bar offers its own unique menu with Italian-influenced takes.
20 Warren St, New York, NY 10007; (646) 649-3415
Don Angie
The world of Italian dining in NYC tends to skew either ultra-traditional or red sauce Americana, but this Michelin-starred West Village spot bridges the gap and finds its own way with what they've dubbed "modern Italian American" fare like a tartare-style riff on vitello tonnato, a version of chicken cacciatore with mezcal-braised chicken and sourdough pasta, their Instagram-famous lasagne for two, and a fiore di latte mochi.
103 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10014; (212) 889-8884
Daniel
Looking to splash out? You and your special someone will feel positively regal at this fine dining palace from chef Daniel Boulud, which features classical techniques to make the most of luxe local seafood, meat, and produce. Of course, the food is only part of the story here, where the ultra-attentive service ensures that your every need and whim is artfully attended to—because for your special night out, you deserve it.
60 E 65th St, New York, NY 10065; (212) 288-0033
Minetta Tavern
Take a step back in time at this renovated tavern which was once a hangout for luminaries like Ernest Hemingway, Ezra Pound, and Eugene O'Neill. Nowadays, the big names are more A-list at this celeb-favorite hotspot, where the people watching is almost (almost) as good as the signature burgers.
113 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012; (212) 475-3850
Portale
This Chelsea gem from longtime Gotham Bar & Grill chef Alfred Portale neatly treads the line between neighborhood favorite and special occasion spot with an Italian-focused menu filled with an exciting blend of classic flavors and zing-y, refreshing takes that are sure to make it a datenight mainstay.
126 W 18th St, New York, NY 10011; (917) 781-0255
Raoul's
Though the interiors of this Soho mainstay haven't changed much in over 40 years–imagine quirky original artwork, pink neon, and black tin ceilings–it's still one of the city's most beloved date spots. In contrast to its bustling neighborhood, Raoul's feels warm and inviting. You can't go wrong with the signature steak au poivre or frisee salad, and if you can't secure a table, the bar is also terrific for cozying up with someone (and snagging one of the 12 burgers available every night).
180 Prince St., New York, NY 10012; (212) 966-3518
Union Square Cafe
USC has been a date night favorite for decades, and for good reason. From their freshmade bread and olives to their seasonal pastas and clean, produce-oriented entrees, this stalwart serves as a reminder of why it revitalized the concept of American cuisine years ago—and why it's still one of the best around.
101 E 19th St, New York, NY 10003; (212) 243-4020
Grand Central Oyster Bar
Sometimes you just need a dose of classic New York, and taking a jaunt to this iconic oyster bar certainly fits the bill. While the menu is extensive, the raw bar selections are standouts as well as some of their most old school recipes like the oyster pan roast and oysters Rockefeller. Snap up a few with an ice cold martini with your special someone, then head to the main concourse for some indoor stargazing with Grand Central's famed ceiling.
89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017; (212) 490-6650
Il Buco
Dining at this Nolita Italian spot evokes hanging in a rustic farmhouse. (There's lots of dark wood, exposed brick, and pots and pans hanging just about everywhere.) And the cuisine, as you might imagine, is just as comforting and cozy. The artisanal pastas shift with the seasons, but the popular Tuscan black kale salad with anchovy lemon vinaigrette remains on the menu year-round.
47 Bond St., New York, NY 10012; (212) 533-1932
Keens
Some things are classic for a reason, and this steakhouse—founded in 1885—is just one such example. If you're looking for a date idea that's destined to become a tradition, look no further than tucking in to one of these old school New York favorites like dry aged steaks, surf and turf, and their famous mutton chops alongside their iconic collection of churchwarden pipes.
72 W 36th St New York, NY 10018; 212-947-3636
The River Cafe
Come sunset and evening, the views of the Hudson River, Brooklyn Bridge, and Manhattan skyline are nothing short of breathtaking. Thankfully, they're matched by the serene ambiance, faultless service, and Michelin-starred New American cuisine by chef Brad Steelman. While gentlemen are expected to wear jackets and ties at dinner, daytime dining is a breezier affair. When the weather is warm, request a table on the patio.
1 Water St., Brooklyn, NY 11201; (718) 522-5200
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