Make your sweetheart swoon at one of these fine-dining hotspots and hideaways.
New York City is no stranger to romance. And what’s more alluring than sharing a magnificent meal with your significant other? But when you want to celebrate in style or turn up the heat in your relationship, choosing the right restaurant is essential for setting the tone for your evening.
In a city with seemingly endless dining options, several standouts manage to rise above the rest—delivering fine cuisine, exceptional wine lists and top-notch service, along with an utterly charming ambiance. And while the notion of what a romantic restaurant looks like may be subjective, sumptuous spaces with details like soft lighting, cozy nooks, and sweeping skyline views generally do the trick.
Here are ten of our favorites—a mix of tried-and-true standbys and hot newcomers—for an unforgettable New York night. Trust us, your date will be feeling the love.
Manhatta, New York City
Take your romance to new heights at Danny Meyer’s showstopper in the sky. Occupying the 60th floor of a Financial District skyscraper, Manhatta boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and the most breathtaking views of New York City. Meanwhile, chef Jason Pfeifer’s three-course dinner prix-fixe of French-influenced American cuisine—complemented by a stellar wine list deep in Burgundy—will impress as much as the epic panoramas. (Pro tip: start your date with the rye-based namesake cocktail or a glass of bubbly at the bar, which offers some of the best sight-lines in the house.) While the stately main dining room may feel grand, the especially welcoming hospitality creates a sense of intimacy that’s perfect for a memorable occasion.
Cosme
In 2019, famed chef Enrique Olvera’s Cosme was the highest ranked restaurant in America on the “World’s 50 Best” list, while chef-partner Daniela Soto-Innes was named “World’s Best Female Chef.” A love letter to modern Mexican cuisine, this Flatiron hotspot is a must-try—especially for an extraordinary date night—with its sleek, mood-lit dining room and menu of contemporary small plates meant for sharing. A wealth of tequila and mezcal can warm up your evening as you savor decadent duck carnitas for two and other locally-sourced signatures like fluke tostada with blue corn aioli, sweet corn tlayudas and deeply-flavorful mole negro. Without question, cap off your meal with the swoon-worthy husk meringue filled with corn mousse.
Frevo
Hidden behind a gallery on West 8th Street is one of the most exceptional dining experiences to debut in the Big Apple in recent times. A secret door disguised as an abstract painting leads to a dimly-lit haven with a curved 18-seat chef’s counter facing the open kitchen. At the helm, highly-acclaimed French chef Franco Sampogna (his mentors include Alain Ducasse and Guy Savoy) presents a five-course seasonal menu of modern French fare—a beautifully refined succession of focused flavors and textures. This under-the-radar gem has mastered how to charm: warm hospitality from manager Bernardo Silva, a remarkable selection of wines from hotshot sommelier Quentin Vauleon and a transportive ambiance that’s intimate and glamorous, while being incredibly comfortable and unpretentious. Frevo is a complete knockout.
Le Coucou
New Yorkers have been falling in love with chef Daniel Rose’s classic French cuisine since Le Coucou burst on the Soho scene in 2016. The striking fine dining restaurant from Stephen Starr continues to stun with its sophisticated ambiance—think high ceilings, ornate chandeliers, dripping candles and heaps of ooh la la appeal—and a refined menu to match. Delight your date with elegant preparations of traditional French cookery (highlights include veal terrine, halibut in beurre blanc, sweetbreads and tout le lapin; meaning “all of the rabbit”), with the kind of old-fashioned grandeur that will transport you to Paris. Pair with a beautiful bottle of Burgundy (or Champagne!) for extravagance at its finest.
Le Bernardin
Since opening in the ’80s, celebrity chef Eric Ripert’s seafood stunner has earned countless accolades—including three Michelin stars, a glowing four-star New York Times review and more James Beard Awards than any other restaurant in New York—and remains one of the finest establishments in the country, and in the world. Your special someone can expect nothing short of excellence at Le Bernardin. Here, superbly prepared seafood and French fare shines on exquisite tasting menus, with an equally-impressive 15,000-bottle wine collection. The formal main dining room is at once polished, seductive and romantic, and the always impeccable service will further elevate your night out.
The NoMad
Perhaps New York City’s most celebrated dish for two hails from this sultry restaurant in the NoMad Hotel. Here, the legendary roasted chicken is presented whole tableside and boasts a decadent mix of black truffles and foie gras under the skin. The NoMad features several sophisticated dining spaces—including a glass-ceiling atrium, a crimson velvet-covered parlour and a French château-like nook with a roaring fireplace—each as luxurious as the impeccably-plated New American-French dishes on menu. Equally as impressive: expertly-crafted cocktails from the bar (named America’s best on the 2017 “World’s 50 Best Bars” list) and the outstanding wine program from wine director Thomas Pastuszak. For an unforgettable ending, order the iconic milk and honey dessert. […]
