This list of the most romantic restaurants in NYC was written by Yana Zaytseva, co-founder of New York Simply (an official partner of Apple Maps).
New York City is a paradise for foodies, and sharing a decadent meal with your plus one, is a great way to enjoy all the city has to offer. Luckily, NYC has plenty of romantic restaurants where you can dine in style. Whether you’re planning a dreamy date night or a special celebration, there are lots of romantic restaurants in NYC ready to make your evening unforgettable. Here’s a roundup of some spots that are definitely worth checking out.
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Most Romantic Restaurants in New York City
Table of Contents: Most Romantic Restaurants in NYC
Saga
Website: Saga
Neighborhood: Financial District
Address: 70 Pine St 63rd Floor, New York, NY 10005
Saga offers a unique blend of world-class cuisine, breathtaking view, and impeccable service. Located on the 63rd floor of a historic Art Deco building at 70 Pine Street, the two-starred Michelin restaurant is perfect for special occassions.
The dining experience at Saga is nothing short of exceptional, thanks to Chef James Kent’s inspired seven-course tasting menu. The theme focuses on a mix of seafood with Moroccan and Asian influences, including a memorable aged duck served in a tagine.
The presentation of each dish is a visual feast, matched by the exquisite taste and the thoughtful wine pairings that elevate the flavors. The attentive and knowledgeable staff ensures that every detail is perfect, earning Saga a spot as one of the most romantic restaurants in NYC.
Cathédrale Restaurant
Website: Cathédrale Restaurant
Neighborhood: East Village
Address: 112 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003
Cathédrale Restaurant is tucked inside the Moxy East Village Hotel, the cathedral-inspired ambiance and soft lighting sets the perfect mood for a romantic evening.
Chef Jason Hall’s delicious French-Mediterranean dishes make the restaurant a must-visit spot for couples looking for a memorable dining experience in NYC. The main highlight is the giant wire mesh sculpture called Fillmore, created by Edoardo Tresoldi.
It’s designed to look like a grand dome ceiling, which I guarantee will be the talking point of the night. While the indoor dining area is impressive, try to get a table outside on the charming covered patio!
Le Crocodile
Website: Le Crocodile
Neighborhood: Williamsburg
Address: 80 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Le Crocodile is a romantic NYC restaurant with a cozy ambiance, elegant French decor, and delightful culinary experience helmed by Chef Jon Neidich.
While everything on the menu is tempting, I recommend ordering the French onion soup and steak frites. They’re absolutely delicious (worth a detour alone). Plus, the attentive service and a impeccable wine selection makes it perfect for celebrating big moments.
Celestine
Website: Celestine
Neighborhood: DUMBO
Address: 1 John St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Celestine is one of the most romantic waterfront restaurants in NYC. It lies in the shadow of the Manhattan Bridge with floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the majestic Manhattan skyline. Offering Mediterranean cuisine in a picturesque setting, it’s hard to beat this spot when looking for romantic restaurants in NYC.
If you’re a fan of small bites, shareable options like the mezze platter are non-negotiable. The platter comes with Baba Ganoush, white bean hummus, muhamarra, marinated olives, and Flatbread. The flatbread is out of this world and will leave a lasting impression.
I will say, as one of the most romantic restaurants in NYC you do pay the price of being so close to the Manhattan Bridge. At times (when the subway passes) it can get noisy for a few minutes. Regardless, it’s a small price to pay for great a meal and impressive views.
One If By Land Two If By Sea
Website: One If By Land Two If By Sea
Neighborhood: West Village
Address: 17 Barrow St, New York, NY 10014
One If By Land Two If By Sea is easily one of the most romantic restaurants in New York City. Situated in the West Village, the dimly lit restaurant boasts a menu that features exquisite dishes crafted with precision, making it easy to lose track of time while gossiping with your lover.
You’ll find cozy brick fireplaces fill the room along with candlelit tables, there’s also a baby grand piano and private garden that has seen more proposals than you can count. With its charming atmosphere and delicious cuisine, One If By Land, Two If By Sea offers an unforgettable dining experience that captures the essence of romance in NYC.
Locals Tip: It’s said that One If By Land, Two If By Sea boasts the most engagement announcements in Manhattan. If you’re seeking a romantic NYC restaurant but aren’t planning a proposal anytime soon, you might want to avoid this spot to avoid raising any expectations.
Daniel
Website: Daniel
Neighborhood: Upper East Side
Address: 60 E 65th St, New York, NY 10065
You’ll have a hard time finding a more romantic restaurant in New York City than Daniel. The two-starred Michelin restaurant is known for its exquisite atmosphere, exceptional service, and outstanding cuisine. While dining at Daniel is undeniably a luxurious experience, it’s important to note that it comes with a high price tag.
From the moment you step in, you’re greeted warmly and surrounded by elegant decor. The menu offers a delightful array of dishes, from foie gras to duck and a unique corn-themed swordfish. Each course is paired perfectly with wine, enhancing the flavors.
The staff goes above and beyond to ensure a personalized experience, making every visit special. And don’t miss out on the delectable desserts! Despite its expense, many find the visit well worth the cost, as Daniel offers a truly unforgettable culinary experience and a pretty epic date night in New York City.
Le Coucou
Website: Le Coucou
Neighborhood: SoHo
Address: 138 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10013
Le Coucou is as enchanting as ever, reminiscent of 18th-century France. The romantic NYC restaurant sets the stage for an intimate evening. Led by acclaimed chef Daniel Rose, the restaurant offers a menu of modern French delights, earning it a Michelin star and widespread praise.
Standouts are the veal sweetbreads (sweetbread is the culinary name for the thymus) with maitake mushrooms or the lobster, both incredibly delicious. Between the attentive service and a carefully curated wine selection, couples can indulge in privacy over a cozy, candlelit dinner. This is one of the most romantic restaurants in NYC for celebrating a special occasion,
Buddakan
Website: Buddakan
Neighborhood: Chelsea
Address: 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Buddakan serves up a modern twist on Asian cuisine, with a diverse menu including seafood specialties and expertly crafted dim sum. The restaurant’s lavish interior features extravagant chandeliers, communal tables, and a cozy atmosphere lit by candlelight.
The romantic NYC restaurant offers an array of unforgettable dishes, but some that stand out include their iconic edamame dumplings, tender tea-smoked spare ribs, and miso black cod. Buddakan is ideal for celebrating special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or promotions thanks to the top-notch service and sultry atmosphere. It’s no wonder it’s considered one of the most romantic restaurants in NYC.
Saint
Website: Saint
Neighborhood: East Village
Address: 136 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
Located in the East Village, Saint is a top pick for a romantic night out for folks who like a lively date spot. The joint is artsy and chic with exposed brick and chandiliers dressing the place. The menu offers delicious options like tuna carpaccio and croquettes, while the drinks, including bourbon-infused espresso martinis, are a hit.
As the night wears on, the indoor ambiance becomes livelier with dimmer lights and louder music, which might make intimate conversations challenging. However, Saint offers a more tranquil outdoor seating area where guests can still appreciate the moody lighting and charm of the romantic NYC restaurant without having to raise their voices.
Palma
Website: Palma
Neighborhood: West Village
Address: 28 Cornelia St, New York, NY 10014
Stepping into Palma feels like entering an Italian villa. This romantic NYC restaurant boasts a beautiful garden setting with twinkling lights and fragrant flowers, making it a perfect escape from the city hustle. Specializing in authentic Italian cuisine, Palma offers homemade pasta and flavorful entrees to enhance the romantic experience.
A highlight of this popular NYC date-night destination is their commitment to using seasonal ingredients, resulting in fresh and delicious dishes. Noteworthy choices include the Ravioli Cacio e Pepe and the current seasonal salad on the menu.
Featuring intimate indoor seating and excellent service, couples can savor dinners by candlelight in a cozy ambiance. Perfect for both special celebrations and casual romantic evenings, Palma sets the scene for an unforgettable date night in NYC.
Manhatta
Website: Manhatta
Neighborhood: Financial District
Address: 28 Liberty St 60th floor, New York, NY 10005
They say you can only have two: good views, good quality, or good prices – at Manhatta, you can have it all. Perhaps the most romantic setting for a date night in New York City is the spectacular panoramic views of Manhattan from Manhatta, which is located on the 60th floor.
The restaurant is best described as casual-upscale, where dressing up is encouraged but you can ditch the sports coat at home. The menu is full of innovative and modern flavors, mostly revolving around American staples. And here’s a little bonus tip, if you can’t get reservations, arrive early to try to snag a seat at the bar. Manhatta’s bar opens an hour before the restaurant, making this one of the most romantic restaurants in NYC to start your night.
The River Café
Website: The River Cafe
Neighborhood: DUMBO
Address: 1 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Located under the Brooklyn Bridge, The River Café is one of NYC’s top romantic waterfront dining spots. Adorned with flowers the restaurant has a fairy-tale quality. In full transparency, the pricing isn’t for the faint of heart — it’ll run you around $200 per person to dine here.
However, for an anniversary, engagement, or celebration The River Café is one of the most romantic restaurants in New York City. The food comes in a prix fixe, three-course menu with options like lamb, venison, and swordfish available as main courses.
And unlike other date night restaurants in NYC where you pay for the location more than food, The River Café’s cuisine is nothing to scoff at. It has a Michelin Star! Tables can be booked up to a year in advance and reservations are strongly encouraged.
Something to note: Collared shirts and jackets are required for men, and ties are preferred. Jeans, athletic wear, and sandals are not allowed.
L’Appart
Website: L’Appart
Neighborhood: Financial District
Address: 225 Liberty St, New York, NY 10281
L’Appart is revered as one of the most romantic restaurants in NYC thanks to the exclusive feel. Tucked away in Lower Manhattan, this intimate dining spot offers a cozy and elegant ambiance, perfect for a romantic evening. With only a handful of tables, diners can enjoy privacy and personalized attention from the attentive staff.
The French-inspired menu, curated by renowned chef Nicolas Abello, features exquisite dishes crafted from the finest ingredients, adding to the allure of the dining experience. Whether savoring a candlelit dinner or enjoying the panoramic views of the city skyline, L’Appart provides an enchanting setting for couples seeking a memorable and romantic night in NYC.
Mono + Mono
Website: Mono + Mono
Neighborhood: East Village
Address: 116 E 4th St, New York, NY 10003
Situated in the East Village, Mono + Mono is a Korean fried chicken joint that boasts a cozy and dimly lit interior, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere ideal for a romantic dinner. Couples can enjoy sharing delicious Korean fried chicken dishes while spilling secrets over a bottle of wine.
Not to mention the restaurant’s extensive collection of vinyl records playing in the background, adding a nostalgic and romantic touch to the dining experience. Mono + Mono is one of the more unique romantic restaurants in NYC to grace this list, but the food is delicious and the vibe is too cool not to mention it.
Taven On The Green
Website: Tavern On The Green
Neighborhood: Upper West Side
Address: W 67th St, New York, NY 10023
Tavern On The Green holds a special place in New York City, being one of the only restaurants located in Central Park. Originally a home for the park’s 700 sheep, it was turned into a restaurant by Robert Moses in 1934. Since then, it’s become a go-to spot for romantic dining, often frequented by celebrities.
The restaurant’s charm is undeniable. The stunning interior, despite its sheep-filled past, is particularly enchanting during the holidays complete with a cozy fireplace and floor-to-ceiling glass windows. But what truly sets Tavern On The Green apart is its exceptional food.
Despite its touristy reputation, the restaurant surprises diners with high-quality dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, catering to a range of tastes. The courtyard seating, adorned with twinkling lights, adds to the restaurant’s romantic ambiance, making it a truly unforgettable dining experience in Central Park.
Quick Recap of the Best Date Night Restaurants in NYC
- Cathédrale Restaurant
- Le Crocodile
- Celestine
- One If By Land Two If By Sea
- Le Coucou
- Buddakan
- Saint
- Palma
- Manhatta
- The River Cafe
- L’Appart
- Saga
- Daniel
- Mono + Mono
- Tavern On The Green
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And there you have it, the most romantic restaurants in NYC according to yours truly. As always, don’t hesitate to let us know if we missed anything.
Cheers!
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