Romantic Restaurants in NYC: 18 of the Best for Couples

The magic of a Broadway production or the thrill of soaking in the Empire State Building is more than enough for many doe-eyed couples to pop the question or get hitched. However, nothing fans the flames of romance faster than a romantic dinner in New York City. Follow along to discover the 18 most romantic restaurants in NYC.

From sampling unique varieties of natural wine to diving into a special occasion-worthy raw bar experience, the best romantic restaurants in NYC are unparalleled.

Cheers to your 30th anniversary with a cocktail served in a Baccarat tumbler, or enjoy french cuisine and fun people-watching in Greenwich Village.

Whether you are seeking affordable romantic restaurants downtown or romantic french restaurants in NYC that will make you say ‘oui,’ the Big Apple’s best eateries offer a welcome escape.

Ready to inject some sizzle into your next NYC date night or amorous event? Read on..

Romantic Restaurants NYC

In a city peppered full of cafes, bars, and eateries how do you find the ‘one’? While we can’t help you plan the perfect proposal, we’ve done the dirty work of compiling a comprehensive guide to NYC romantic restaurants.

No matter if you are in the mood for a decadent carbonara for two or are on the lookout for a few post-theater romantic restaurants in Midtown NYC, we’ve got it all.

L’Artusi

It turns out lady and the tramp knew a thing or two about romance! So load up on pasta with your paramour when you get close and cozy at West Village hotspot L’Artusi.

Dishing out modern takes on traditional Italian dishes, L’Artusi might require a reservation, but we promise this Italian restaurant is well worth the wait.

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Their fairy light-strung patio is just begging for a proposal. Meanwhile, the candlelit dining room interior is perfect for temperature-sensitive couples.

Gaze upon their robust wine list, mainly featuring Italian varietals. Next, sample fig, pear, burrata crostone, and roasted mushrooms with pancetta.

Order some classic spaghetti so you can share a strand. Or select their Venison Osso Buco with celery root, broccolini, lemon, and chili gremolata.

Uva

Italy may be for lovers, but a subway ride to the Upper East Side will prove just as swoon-worthy when you stop by one of the most romantic Italian restaurants in NYC. Enjoy the charm of classic New York mingled with the influence and flavors of rural Northern Italy at Uva.

From their cozy exposed brick interior peppered with flickering candles to their relaxed copper bar studded with leather seats, Uva has become a haven for lovers looking to enjoy quality Italian cuisine in a relaxed setting.

Revel in the Tuscan farmhouse aesthetic, or perhaps even reserve an intimate room in their private wine cellar.

For some al fresco dining, be sure to snag a table in their all-season back garden. Dive into their extensive wine list, which features over 40 wines by the glass, or opt for a relaxing CBD cocktail such as the Well Balance Negroni.

Wow your partner with their showstopping Antipasto misto for two which features a bountiful array of San Daniele prosciutto, Speck, Coppa, Mortadella, and Sopressata, all garnished with cerignola olives, artichokes, and sweet cherry peppers.

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Trade tantalizing bites of sundried tomato puree bruschetta before moving on to your ‘secondi’ course.
Angling for carb overload? Get your fill of authentic Italian pasta with their homemade pappardelle pasta ribbons sautéed with ragout of veal and Montasio cheese, or opt for the hearty braised beef short ribs served with savory pan-seared potato and rosemary cake.

End your night with a bite of ‘dolce; as you share a Fine Tawny Port and lighter-than-air Tiramisu.

The Grand Salon at the Baccarat Hotel New York

Baccarat crystals, Jouffre silk, and velvet-clad seating set the stage for an afternoon of romance at the Grand Salon.

Located in the impossibly chic and royalty-worthy Baccarat Hotel, a late lunch or cheeky cocktail at the Salon is sure to sweep any jaded New Yorker off their feet.

Marvel at the 22-foot floor to ceiling and the cascading chandeliers as you drink craft cocktails from glittering Baccarat tumblers. 

Set the mood with a floral forward ‘Mile High’ featuring Haku Vodka, Kalamansi, Crème de Violette, Maraschino, and rose petals. Or, go for all-out sugary satisfaction with the Baccarat Old Fashioned, made with real Angostura cotton candy.

Soak up all of that high-end booze with nibbles of exquisite Iberico Jamon and classic steak frites. 

Les Trois Chevaux

Say ‘oui’ to an elegant night of old-school Parisian glamor at Chef Angie Mar’s Les Trois Chevaux. This French restaurant is a loving homage to the classic bistros that once peppered the city’s landscape. . Meanwhile, its impeccably chic ambiance and Greenwich Village location make it a date night must.

Dress to impress, and revel in the opulent floral arrangements, blue velvet banquets, and white table cloths. Start by ordering a bottle of Chablis and contemplate the unique menu.

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Seek to intrigue your tastebuds with mouthfuls of show-stopping and distinctive dishes. Try their umami mousse of veal’s brain, truffle turbot. Or try a juniper roast pheasant with hazelnut and endive for two.

One If By Land, Two If By Sea

While watching Hamilton may not be required viewing for dinner at One If By Land, Two If By Sea. We won’t blame you if you can’t stop singing ‘My Shot’ on your big night.

One of New York City’s most illustrious and historic date spots, One If By Land, is housed in a former 1767 carriage house. Aaron Burr once owned it.

For almost 50 years, this West Village landmark has seduced couples with its candlelit tables, roaring fireplace, and live piano music. Named ‘the most romantic restaurant in New York’ and even the world. A meal here is a triumph of American cuisine and timeless decor.

Prepare your palates for a feast as you choose either their three-course prix fixe or seven-course tasting menu. 

Enjoy Yellow Fin Tuna Tartare with wakame salad, black garlic sauce, sesame oil, and chives. We also love the smoked tomato gnocchi with sundried tomato and manchego cheese. Or, classics like Beef Wellington with beurre rouge. 

Corkbuzz

If you and your significant other get quite a buzz from deciphering wine lists, sampling varietals, and guessing tasting notes, you need to hightail it to Corkbuzz.

A wine-forward eatery that puts the vino on center stage, Corkbuzz is an ideal date night destination for the sweet sommelier in your life. With Chelsea and Union Square locations, you can sample tasting flights and chow down on cheese wherever you are.

Crank up the competition when you challenge your partner to a blind-tasting option. Or, settle in and absorb the modern and golden-lit interior. 

Craving just a snack? Try their chicken liver mousse with bacon and onion jam. Or, treat yourself to their subtly rich duck fat leeks and zesty steak tartare.

Ten Bells

In the market for some natural wine and Lower East Side ambiance? Tin ceilings, moody lighting, and a prolific wine list (many of which are Sulfur Dioxide free) make Ten Bells the ideal haunt for a casual date night.

Tempt your significant other with an intimate evening of organic biodynamic wines including many unique selections from small producers.

Stop by before 7 pm for the best oyster happy hour in NYC and deals on carafes. Otherwise, share a cozy table, or snag side-by-side bar stools and begin sipping. Divert from the ordinary with a glass of orange from Alsace, or opt for a delightful Rhone Valley red.

Soak up all that alcohol with a smattering of small tapas-style plates, such as Buratta with Piquillo peppers, chorizo Picante, or Pâté de Campagne.

Atomix

Shake up your special occasion go-tos when you plan a romantic night on the town at Atomix. A romantic meal doesn’t always have to mean French fare or plates of truffles. Journey to the east when you secure a reservation at this Korean eatery.

Minimalistically stylish to a fault, this Michelin starred eatery is helmed by the team who brought the Empire City Atoboy.

An incredible foodie experience like no other. Their ‘Chef’s Counter’ provides an intimate journey through Korean food’s tastes, traditions, and flavors. 

Meanwhile, their tasting menu constantly reflects the seasons and their frequent chef collaborations. As a result, you can appreciate morsels of Spanish mackerel, King Crab, Wagyu with mushroom japchae, and more. 

Shalel Kitchen

Moody, dark, and inviting, Shalel Kitchen is a place where you can whisper in your lover’s ear and not feel exposed.

One of the most romantic restaurants on the Upper West Side Staple for couples, Shalel’s intimate lounge environment, cavernous interior, and bubbling waterfall amp up the allure for any night out.

Mediterranean and tapas-style dishes reign supreme here. Therefore, you would do well to order a  sampling of small plates.

Share longing looks and hummus di tahini with grilled pita, Moroccan lamb cigars, and braised Spanish Octopus.

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Opt to keep feasting and order some heartier mains like the Lamb Kofta Tagine. It’s served with steamed couscous, chickpeas, and roast vegetables. But save some room for a heavenly slice of traditional pistachio baklava.

Romantic Restaurants in NYC with a View

The River Cafe

Want to put cupid to shame? Then delight your darling with the most breathtaking views of the Hudson River, Brooklyn Bridge, and Manhattan skyline.

Dinner at The River Cafe is on everyone’s date night hit list. Thanks to its waterfront scenery, enchanting ambiance, and Michelin-rated cuisine. Along with its vibrant flower arrangements, live piano music and first-class service only add to its appeal.

This restaurant takes great pride in its wine program. Boasting one of the most extensive wine lists in the world. 

Select a bottle of their finest Cabernet and whet your appetite with their signature warm lemon glazed Irish Point Oysters. They’re served with caramelized sweet onion, speck ham, and Pacific sturgeon caviar.

Fawn over crispy duck breast, served with huckleberry reduction, confit risotto cake, foie gras emulsion, and brussel sprout leaves. Or opt for more sea fare with the butter-poached Nova Scotia Lobster tail served with sauteed lobster cake.

The River Park

Yearning for an intimate yet relaxed dining experience? So then put your knowledge of New York City waterfront restaurants to the test when you head out for a night at The River Park.

Lap up the panoramic views of the East River and sip a superior Sauvignon Blanc as you congratulate yourself on securing a reservation on this Kips Bay hidden gem.

Dine on the terrace and snap some serene river view selfies in warmer weather. Alternatively, in colder months, unwind inside. Appreciating the beauty of the Bentel & Bentel designed space and floor-to-ceiling windows.

The River Park delivers an unpretentious wine bar experience that complements their elevated American tapas-style cuisine. Serenade your taste buds by ordering a surplus of small plates and prepare to be wowed. 

Their tuna carpaccio with pickled chilies and yuzu wasabi is a clear winner. Additionally, we’ve never found a more delightful cauliflower than their seared option topped with romesco sauce and pomegranate.

For a formidable main, you can never go wrong with the roasted Skate served with sunchoke, baby fennel, grapes, and sunflower seeds.

Peak

There are waterfront views, and then there is Peak. When you need to bring the va-va-voom back to date night, stun your significant other with the sweeping views at Peak.

Located in the Hudson Yards tower, this upscale eatery prides itself on its staggering eastern and southern views of the city skyline. You can also gaze upon the Statue of Liberty and the Hudson River.

Modern, timeless, and designed by renowned architect David Rockwell. Peak’s aesthetic sets the perfect tone for an evening of allure and land, sea, and garden sustenance. 

Slowly savor an Aperol spritz. Meanwhile, relishing mouthfuls of squid ink chitarra and yellowfin tuna with mango, sou, and chili. Intriguing entrees include the vegan and gluten-free friendly salt baked sweet potato with Lacinato Kale, goat cheese, and raisins. As well as the luscious lamb loin.

Romantic Rooftop Restaurants and Bars NYC

Le Pavillon

A lush garden nirvana that serves as a true love letter to outdoor dining, Le Pavillion is the ideal locale for any extraordinary date night. Studded tall olive trees create a perfect contrast against the gritty cityscape and jaw-dropping views of the Chrysler Building.

Appeal to your love’s inner epicurean when you dine al fresco at Le Pavillion. Another Daniel Boulud venture, Le Pavillion, has fashioned itself a living landscape thousands of feet in the air at 1 Vanderbilt.

Truly a foodie fantasy comes to life, Boulud’s menu here emphasizes the bounty of the sea and the earth. Opt to order a la carte or spring for their three or six-course tasting menu.

Learn to appreciate vegetables in a whole new light. Sink your teeth into the grilled avocado with einkorn berries, kale, harissa, and yogurt green goddess dressing. Or, the otherworldly kabocha squash soup, with roasted delicata, gingerbread, juniper, and pâté en croûte.

Meat eaters never fear as you can still get in your protein with the filling and romantic grilled côte de boeuf for two. 

Broken Shaker Freehand New York

Valentine’s Day in New York City may not be giving us beach vacation vibes, but it’s easy enough to fake the tropical atmosphere (if not your tan) at Broken Shaker.

Part of the Freehand hotel family, this eclectic spot’s kitchy wood and wicker interior will have you swear you are partying it up at a Hawaiian beach house.

Cocktails are the star here, and the Broken Shaker was even the winner of Tales of the Cocktail’s Best American Hotel Bar, as well as a James Beard finalist.

Cuddle up to your honey as you revel in the panoramic city views and partake in an expertly crafted beverage. Observe the funky names like ‘Per My Last Email’ and ‘Pear Necessities,’ featuring a lovely blend of Bacardi 4 Year, Plantation Pineapple, Pear, Chinese Five Spice, Fino Sherry, Dolin, Blanc, and Bitter Riserva.

Stave off those drunk munchies with magnificent snacks such as blistered shishito peppers with soy lime glaze and peanuts, or their completely addictive Shaker Hot Chicken Sandwich with smoked paprika and cayenne glaze, house slaw, and pickles.

RH Rooftop Restaurant New York

A glittering, glamorous oasis nestled in the heart of the historic meatpacking district, RH Rooftop Restaurant is a love letter to old-school romance and ardor.

Located on the 6th floor of RH New York, this 90,000 square foot gallery is more than a retail or restaurant space. 

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Love drunk couples can celebrate their love here under a year-round skylit garden complete with crystal chandeliers, verdant greenery, and flowing fountains.

Ponder the beauty of the pleached London Plane trees before toasting your tender-hearted treasure with a glass of prosecco.

Laden a warm baguette with strawberry preserves and prosciutto. Or, dip a crispy artichoke into creamy rosemary aioli.

Sometimes simple is best, and their broiled salmon with honey, black pepper, brown butter, and lemon is nothing short of perfect. 

Splurge-Worthy Romantic New York Restaurants

Per Se

Make like the mover and shaker you are, and impress your date with a dinner at one of New York City’s most expensive restaurants.

Per Se probably needs no introduction, but executive chef’s Thomas Keller’s fine dining and French technique institution has been wowing the Upper West Side for almost 20 years.

This three Michelin starred eatery showcases an unbelievable nine-course tasting menu, an award-winning wine list, and sensational Central Park views.

Well worth the splurge, Per Se’s tasting menu is the stuff of legend, and whether or not you opt for the vegetable option, no single ingredient is ever repeated throughout the meal.

Internally scream with pleasure as you ingest bites of Ris de Veau wrapped in veal bacon, Regis Ova Caviar, and more.

Le Bernardin

Bring out the big guns when you blindside your beloved with a tasting menu experience at Le Bernardin.

With an unparalleled pedigree, including three Michelin stars, and more James Beard Awards than any other restaurant in New York City, it’s safe to say the sexy French forward appeal of Le Bernardin is never waning.

For over 20 years, this New York City stalwart has seduced couples searching for a formal, seafood-focused experience.

Dress up in your finest frock, and gentlemen, dust off that jacket as you embark on a culinary expedition of pure pleasure and white-glove service.

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Prime that palate for the most incredible ‘fruits de mer’ including Sautéed Langoustine with Fennel-Leek Compote and Sea Urchin Sauce Américaine and poached lobster with black trumpet, baby radish, and truffled jus.

Caviar Russe

Channel your inner big spender when you chow down on caviar, King Crab, toro, and more at Caviar Russe.

Sleekly stylish, Caviar Russe has brought drama, decadence, and deliciousness to dinner service for over two decades.

Russe’s sumptuous white table-clothed and art-adorned dining room overlook bustling Madison Avenue offer so much more than caviar. Absorb the cascading bulbous light fixtures, or choose to imbibe at the slightly less formal art deco-inspired bar.

Caviar Russe’s menu has continually earned Michelin stars, and their three-course tasting menu is the perfect pairing for any special occasion. 

Enjoy elevated fare like Miyazaki Wagyu Carpaccio with horseradish and caviar as well as LI. Peking Duck, and Denver Sole. Dessert is always a treat here, so be sure to save room for a flamboyant Baked Alaska or chocolate-based delicacy.

Every day in the City that Never Sleeps may not feel like a walk through Meg Ryan’s Manhattan. But, with a little effort and care, couples can always discover romance.

Heavenly views of the Hudson River, sweeping vistas of the Statue of Liberty, and splurge-worthy tasting menus all come together to make dinner in the city a full-blown fantasy-like affair.

Whether you are honoring St. Valentine with a plate of homemade pasta in the West Village. Or hunkering down over American history at Aaron Burr’s former residence. Restaurants in New York City bring romance, charm, and culture to any romantic occasion. 

Which is Your Favorite Romantic Restaurant in NYC?

Did We Miss Any of the Best Romantic Restaurants in New York?

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