NYC has no shortage of restaurants for any occasion, but it can be hard to narrow down the right one from so many options. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, you may have romantic restaurants on your mind. We’re sharing the 11 most romantic restaurants in New York City. Save this list for Valentine’s Day, a date night, to celebrate an engagement, or any other special occasion.
Let’s dive in!
1. Bemelmans Bar
image courtesy of Bemelmans Bar
Bemelmans Bar is a long-standing New York spot for dinner, drinks, and amazing live music. The bar is named after Ludwig Bemelmans, famous for the Madeline books whose strokes you’ll find on the walls of the bar, where he painted Central Park in all four seasons to settle his bill for his stay at the Carlyle. It’s a beautiful and classy interior, and the crowd is very posh. With the live piano music, you’ll easily spend a few hours here.
2. Jack & Charlie’s No. 118
This West Village restaurant opened recently but was designed with that old-school New York feeling in mind. Jack & Charlie’s No. 118 owner describes it as a love letter to New York and it certainly feels that way with the moody mid-century modern interior and cozy fireplace.
It’s classic and sophisticated but exciting and new at the same time. On the menu you’ll find New American classics like tomahawk rib steak for two, wood-fired branzino, and a BLT wedge salad. And don’t miss their martini menu!
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3. River Cafe
image courtesy of The River Cafe
What’s more romantic than a view of the skyline? The River Cafe in DUMBO is possibly one of the best spots to bring a date for a romantic date. You’ll be looking over the Hudson River, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Manhattan skyline.
The staff will make you feel like a VIP with their attentive service. You’ll want to dress up for this one. The dress code is formal and jackets are required for men.
4. Le Pavillon
Enjoy a peaceful oasis right in the heart of the city at Le Pavillon, a Michelin-starred restaurant by Chef Daniel Boulud. It’s located in the Vanderbilt building, but the lush indoor garden and tall olive trees all around the glass interior will make you quickly forget that. However, if you snag a seat at the bar, you’ll have a prime view of the Chrysler Building and Grand Central station.
The menu is vegetable and seafood-forward, highlighting the best ingredients of the season from the region. Choose between the three or six-course tasting menu and prepare to be wowed.
5. Buvette
Picture this: a quiet tree-lined street, a table filled with small plates of French food, and twinkle lights above you. That’s the Buvette experience. And, if you’re lucky you’ll catch the cellist on the corner serenading you and your date. This spot is definitely one to have up your sleeve for a romantic date in New York City.
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6. Lilia
image courtesy of Lilia
Borrow a note from Lady and the Tramp and share some top-tier Italian food with your date. Lilia is one of the most talked about Italian restaurants in Brooklyn, maybe even all of New York City and for good reason! The pasta tastes authentically Italian, the service is attentive, and the legendary focaccia bread is divine. It’s a cool and hip spot, the perfect romantic restaurant in New York City.
7. The Polo Bar
New Yorkers will know the work it takes to get a table at The Polo Bar. That’s a sign of love for sure! But the interior is extra romantic too. The classic Ralph Lauren style translates to the restaurant with moody lighting, dark wood, and a library feel. It’s a charming place to spend an evening with a date and the menu, featuring American classics (and an iconic cheeseburger) will not disappoint.
8. Manhatta
image courtesy of Manhatta
Impress your date with dinner on the 60th floor of a FiDi skyscraper. Manhatta offers a panoramic view of the city skyline view where you can see buildings all the way up to Midtown, including the Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, and the Woolworth Building to name a few. Equally impressive is their menu, which is contemporary American with a twist.
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9. One if By Land, Two if By Sea
One if By Land, Two if By Sea is a romantic restaurant set in a 1767 carriage house that was once owned by Aaron Burr. It’s certainly alluring for Hamilton fans but calls a large crowd regardless with the interior that feels like a nod to times past.
Inside you’ll find low lighting and candles on every table, a warm fireplace, and live piano music. It’s elegant and classy and has notoriously been a place to propose or celebrate an engagement.
10. Cote
If you’re looking for a memorable dining experience or enjoy trying different cuisines, this is for you! Cote is a blend of American and Korean steakhouses. Cozy up with your date as you share four types of USDA Prime and American Wagyu beef cooked over a smokeless grill on your table. It’s served with traditional Korean sides like kimchi stew, scallion salad, egg souffle, and ban-chan.
11. St. Jardim
St. Jardim is an intimate, under-the-radar neighborhood spot in West Village. If you’re looking for a laid-back vibe, this is the spot for you! It’s a coffee shop by day and transforms to a wine bar/restaurant by night. St. Jardim is located on a quiet corner and has window seats or sidewalk tables for great people-watching. The servers are friendly, the music is always on point, and the food and wine are superb.
And that wraps up 10 romantic restaurants in New York City. We hope this gives you inspiration for Valentine’s Day, a special occasion, or your next date night.
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