TL;DR
Brooklyn Recommendations
For those looking to dine in Brooklyn, Vinegar Hill House is highly recommended for its fantastic food and service. It's noted as a perfect spot for Valentine's Day [3:1]. Other notable mentions include Colonie on Atlantic Ave, which is praised for its ambiance and proximity to Barclays Center
[3:4], and Cecconi in Dumbo for its good atmosphere
[5:8].
Manhattan Recommendations
In Manhattan, iL Buco stands out as a quintessential romantic spot with a cozy, warm atmosphere and excellent food [5:1]
[5:7]. Le Coucou offers a high-end dining experience but may be close to the top of your budget
[5:4]. For a unique Italian grotta feel, Bacaro provides a candlelit basement setting that is surprisingly romantic
[5:4].
Queens and Surrounding Areas
For those willing to venture into Queens, Park Side offers an old-school NYC vibe with great food [5:2]. Keen's Steakhouse in Manhattan also provides a classic, classy steakhouse experience
[5:2],
[5:11].
Budget-Friendly Options
If you're looking for options under $100 for two, Ten Bells in Brooklyn offers romantic vibes during their happy hour [1:1]. Rana Fifteen in Park Slope has an awesome tasting menu for $45 each, ideal for grad students on a budget
[1:5]. Chinatown is also recommended for its quality-price balance, with Dim Sum Palace being a standout choice
[1:7].
Unique Experiences
For a memorable dining experience, consider Rolo’s in Ridgewood, known for its romantic ambiance and proximity to JFK [2:1]
[2:10]. The Paris Cafe at the TWA Hotel at JFK offers a convenient option if you’re flying out
[2:4], though it may not meet cleanliness expectations
[2:5].
I live in NYC, but my boyfriend is visiting for a few days next week. We do long distance so I'm wondering what some good restaurant recs are? We're both grad students, so something under $100 (splurging because this happens so rarely) would be wonderful, and I'd love if it felt intimate and cozy.
Any cuisine is okay, except I'm currently exhausted with eating Italian/American food. What are some places I should take him to make sure he's had a good experience?
$100 per or for two?
Sorry, for two!
Unfortunately you just missed restaurant week.
There are places still doing prix fixe menus, that could be a good bet. cafe alsace is good, and has menus for $40. cafe un deux trois is solid $49 prix fixe but that will run you more like $130 without wine. Sometimes the lunch menu is a better deal.
In the city, an interesting choice would be le relais de venise. $38 salad, steak, and fries, very pleasant atmosphere and service but not cozy. That said, add wine and dessert and you are going to go over $100. El Parador is an old ‘50s era place on east 34th that has the right vibe and could fit the budget.
You could go in the other direction, some atmospheric wine bars, get a few glasses and not much food and keep it under $100. Try Vin Sur Vingt on 7th ave south, or gottino enoteca a block away, or amelie on 8th st.
Otherwise, you can go in the boroughs for a full meal and there are some nicer places - dawa in sunnsyside is a good bet. I hesitate to recommend the great places in flushing as service can be brusque and the atmosphere is not what you are looking for. Same for all the great central and south american.
Lots of options out there. Any preferred neighborhoods?
For example, the vibes of Moono are cozy and fit within your price range depending on what you order.
Thank you- I just checked Moono out and it looks wonderful. Anything below 50th St would be great, since ideally I would want to spend less time travelling and I live near Clinton Hill, Brooklyn.
Any other Asian recommendations you have? We're both big on Sushi/Ramen/Sichuan style places!
Shuya can be a good fit for ramen and sushi. Also cozy vibes. Has one of the best ramens in NYC.
Ariari is cute and fun. You can try multiple dishes.
Mountain House for Sichuan
Won’t gatekeep this: Rana Fifteen in Park Slope has an awesome tasting menu for $45 each. My girlfriend and I are also grad students so I feel you haha
Oh also an early-ish dinner at Ten Bells while their happy hour is on! Def romantic vibes there, especially at the Brooklyn location
Chinatown. Hard to beat it from a quality/price balance. I’d recommend dim sum palace.
Thank you!
Popeyes. Get those chicken sandwiches. Bring it back to the crib, you set.
Hello fellow BWT! I have a restaurant request that's feeling a bit like an SAT question. My fiance (BWT supporter) and I are looking for a restaurant to have a special dinner on the night we leave for our honeymoon. Here are our requirements / preferences:
I've been wanting to go to Four Horsemen and I also saw Misi recommended here, but looking for additional thoughts / recommendations! Thanks in advance!
Edit: thanks for all the recommendations!!!
Don’t go anywhere in Brooklyn, that’s a traffic nightmare. Think Harlem/astoria/queens directions. I don’t have a restaurant rec but I know traffic (I often go from UWS to JFK). If it’s international flight you’re gonna wanna arrive at the airport at 8:30-9 ish, which means leaving your restaurant at 8ish. Anything after that and you’re cutting it close in a way that’s not worth it for your honeymoon. I would pick something ideally 30-45 minutes away by car, so you can have a 6:30 booking and feel relaxed.
Williamsburg is no where near on the way to JFK lol for those suggesting.
Rec 1 Sushi - Mikado on Metropolitan Rec 2 Steak - Aged Stakehouse on Austin St Rec 3 Latin - Casa Enrique in LIC Rec 4 Italian - Parkside in Corona
The Paris Cafe at the TWA Hotel at JFK. If you are able to, consider overnighting at TWA the night before you fly.
That place (hotel and restaurant both) are insaneeeeely dirty
Oh nooooo, are you serious. It was so lovely when it first opened. Such a bummer.
Eyval
Four horsemen could work but you’re still in Williamsburg so lots of traffic potential, misi is on the water so same issue, both are really hard to book.
Assuming you want a 8:30 pm seating I’d go for Rolo’s—it’s in ridgewood and super romantic, great cocktails and service. You’ll be super close to JFK!
Thank you!! We’ll add Rolo’s to the list!
No way they could do an 8:30 seating and make an 11:30 flight...
Came here to say Rolo’s!
Adding another vote for Rolo’s!
Have a concert/ date night scheduled with the wife in September at the Barclays Center. Staying at the Marriot Brooklyn Bridge and going to walk to/from.
Any recommendations for a romantic or nice dinner in the area would be greatly appreciated.
Rucola, Colonie, River Deli, La Vara, French Louie
Check out Colonie on Atlantic Ave. maybe a ten minute walk from the hotel
Came here to say Colonie!
Thank you!
Sofreh
I love the food but the ambiance can use some work in the romantic/vibe section. Good for groups/fun diners but not low light romantic vibes
Vinegar Hill House! Plus fantastic food and service. Our most recent Valentine’s Day was there and it was just perfect
My partner and I are visiting Manhattan next week for my birthday and we’re staying in lower Manhattan . What are some good, not too expensive , romantic or just cool restaurants around that area or Manhattan in general? Personally I’m in the mood for either Italian, Korean , pizza or Mexican food but really open to anything .
The Eataly rooftop is cool. Also City vineyard by the water is great. If you can afford it gramercy tavern is fire
Thank you . I’ll look into them
What part of lower manhattan? honestly I've compiled lists of dozens of romantic restaurants to take my fiancee to, separate lists for separate parts of the city
Lower east side
lower east side is not lower manhattan.
try dirty french in that area
La lanterna di Vittorio...specifically the back patio!
Ooo I like the look of it . It looks beautiful
Frenchette, Pasquale Jones, Atoboy for Korean,
Lupa tasting
Hello! My partner (31M) and I (28F) are visiting NYC from Boston next month (the weekend of Valentine's Day). After a search through this subreddit, we decided that the best option for us on Valentine's Day would be to hit up a pizza joint and go to a Broadway show. From what I've read, it seems like there's a lot of fixed menus/rushed service on actual Valentine's Day and I'm not about that.
That being said, we would like to go on a romantic dinner date on the 15th. I am asking now mainly so I can make a reservation well in advance. We are open to many styles of cuisine except for sushi restaurants. We typically go to Italian places, Mediterranean style restaurants, or steak houses (I don't do seafood but my partner does, and a lot of Italian restaurants often have excellent seafood options for him).
As for setting, we are looking for something intimate but still lively. Ideally, the restaurant is a place we could have a conversation with each other without yelling over the music. I also really enjoy when a restaurant has a nice atmosphere. We are both willing to dress up a bit!
We would like to stay under $200 per person (so under $400 total, tip included). This assumes a drink (maybe 2) for each of us, a split appetizer, and an entree each. I appreciate any and all of your suggestions greatly!
I am going to my favorite restaurant in NYC on Valentine’s Day: Park Side. It’s in Queens though and extremely old school, like walking into a Time Machine of old NYC.
However, if you’re looking for something a little nicer, may I recommend Keen’s? It’s very classy, centrally located and has been great forever.
Keen's looks super classy! Park Side looks INCREDIBLE! Both have an old school vibe to them - which I absolutely love. I've noticed some newer restaurants tend to have a very sterile feel and your recs seem very real and lived in. Thank you for the recommendations!!!
Fellow Bostonian here, we go to NYC a lot and we’ve been to Keen’s it very good & old school steakhouse. Another fave steakhouse is Club A on E 58th. I think it’s a total gem in an old brownstone… :-)
You'd like Osteria 57, Scarpetta, Le Coucou (might be close to your top budget), La Mercerie, or if you don't mind a bit of a trek Bacaro might beat them all by having an Italian grotta feel by being candlelit in a basement (it's way more romantic than it may sound and the food is exceptional!).
My partner and I have been to Scarpetta in Las Vegas! We went there for our first anniversary maybe ~4ish years ago and we loved it. We had a window view overlooking the Bellagio fountain and I felt so chic at the time. It would be really cute to clock in our 5th year together by going to the one in NYC. Osteria 57 looks great as well. Le Coucou looks great, but you are right - close to top of the budget. Bacaro would actually not be too far of a trek for us as we are staying nearby.
Le Coucou is not worth its price… food is not bad but my wife and I ate there a few months ago and were surprised it had a star. Cramped seating and a $450 bill for just ok food.
For romantic Italian I have a soft spot for the original iL Buco. It’s cozy, warm, very small without feeling crowded and the food/service is great. They have specials that aren’t on the menu, every time I’ve gone it’s included a steak if you’re in the mood to split a big piece of beef instead of going to a proper steakhouse.
That being said I haven’t been in a year, and our friend group defaults to alimentari around the corner for a more casual vibe but curious if people come out of the Reddit woodwork to give an opinion on this one.
Editing to add Brooklyn if you are considering exploring:
Bar Bete, La Vara, Vinegar Hill House, Chez Ma Tante
Il Buco is quintessential oh so chill but cool place and great food! Haven’t been in a while, thanks for reminding me:)
Thank you for your suggestions!!! Right now iL Buco is winning for me out of all the suggestions. Between the location, the vibe, and the menu, I am really hoping I can snag a reservation!
Wanted to let you know I snagged a reservation for iL Buco! Thanks for the rec!
Cecconi in Dumbo has a good atmosphere.
Go to the Ritz Carlton Nomad, get a drink in the lobby bar, get a snack in the Nubeluz....
Hi everyone, I am travelling to NYC in a couple weeks, it is my girlfriend's birthday and I would like to take her to a restaurant that is romantic, with good food and that does not cost more than $60 per person. I know that it is quite hard to fit those requirements, but if can someone help me, I would be grateful.
Thanks in advance.
Check out:
Celestine (DUMBO, Brooklyn)
St. Anselm (sit at the bar) in Williamsburg
The Binc or Henry's End in Brooklyn Heights (rarely packed and you can walk to the Promenade for amazing views after dinner. Also close to FiDi)
Shalel Lounge on the UWS is one my favorites and fits what you're looking for.
Wow looks awesome, a hidden gem from what I have seen! Definitely going to have dinner there on one of the days I am staying in NYC! Thank you!
Lil Frankies in the east village, it’s pretty cozy and dimly lit. Cash only, reasonable prices.
Assuming you drink, look for restaurants that do BYOB—that will be the major roadblock to spending less than $60/person. Eg, Tartine or piccola strada would come in way under budget.
The 💖💖💖 Valentine's Megathread 💖💖💖 has a list of places that should be of interest to you and links to similar questions.
Thank you! I will take a look at that thread!
Hi everyone,
I am visiting New York from the Netherlands. I somehow got the luck of meeting this amazing woman and we had an awesome first date on Saturday. Our second date will be having dinner date tonight. I’ve been looking at Google/Maps but I am getting really overwhelmed with all the options available. So I am actually just looking for some personal experience/suggestions.
Sidenote: not a big fish fan and doesn’t have to be haute cuisine
Thanks!!!
Evelina in Fort Greene if either of you like Italian food!
I second Evelina - great food and consistent. Also check out Rucola
Try Chez Ma Tante, Glassiere, El Born, or Maman in Greenpoint, easy to get to from W'Burg or Queens.
Maman is a casual sandwich/coffee shop - did you mean Madre? Chez ma tante and glasserie are great recs for romantic spots. I’d add Achilles heel and naked dog to that list too if you’re sticking to Greenpoint (which is a great location choice)
In Greenpoint, Achilles Heel and Glasserie are the spots for sure. Oh, and Cafe Mogador in Wmsburg!
Achilles heel and glasserie are perfect for this!
Bamontes if you want some old school Italian American charm vs modern/trendy
Rule of Thirds - really cute space and good food
Achilles Heel - cozy. They have a fire place inside
Rule of Thirds is an awesome idea. Maybe it’s not everybody’s idea of a good date but I love a restaurant that has sharing options. I find it really ties you together in a shared sort of activity
I’m here for this NYC love story OP, please keep us posted
Celestine
How’d it go?
The ferry goes there from Williamsburg, nothing mor e romantic than that
River Cafe
Haven't been there in years. Decades actually. Really incredible view, is the food still good?
Clicked to post this.
The food… I mean, it’s fine these days. But the setting, daaamn.
Agreed. Must have the record for proposals
Saga will probably get a star (it’s still new) given that their sister restaurant (Crown Shy) has one. the ambience and view are something else.
Other places suggested so far are ones I’d be inclined to agree with as well - Kreuther, Coucou, River Cafe (the food is fine, The ambience is magic)
Per Se not so high on but YMMV.
Saga looks great! They're pretty booked for the date I want to go but it will be top of my list next time. Edit: thanks for the opinion on the other places as well, it's always a good sign when the same suggestion comes up more than once.
L'appart. About 5 tables total in this quiet restaurant.
They were my first choice! But sadly they are closed for a private event the day I'm looking to book. If you know anything else like it I'm all ears.
So far my favorite romantic one was gabriel kreuther. Went for a dating anniversary, they let us sit in the kitchen table for dessert. Gave us an extra dessert. And food is delicious
Second this. Could hardly eat the extra dessert because we were so full but everything was great. And it’s relatively ‘cheap’ as far as 2 stars go.
Le Coucou
Will be visiting NYC soon and I'm looking for a romantic dinner date restaurant. Budget is up to 100 USD per person including tax and tip but the cheaper the better :D We just want to have a romantic date where we can enjoy good food and talk. Do you guys have any recommendations?
Open to trying any cuisine! Thank you!
Will you be consuming alcohol? That changes things
Also how romantic do you want it to be or is the good food/atmosphere more of the focus?
I think Maison Pickle is a great date spot!
I’m curious by your question. How do you define a romantic place when you asked how romantic do you want to be or is good food and atmosphere more of the focus? I’m trying to understand the line between atmosphere and romantic (atmosphere?)
when I think of a romantic restaurant New York, I’m picturing a place where the tables are not literally 2 inches next to each other where I can take bread off the next table. Where it’s not super loud and I could hear the person across from me very easily without hearing the conversation of the people at the next table or the next booth. Maybe a booth versus a table. Maybe the lighting would be a little dimmer and not bright neon etc. Maybe candles on the table. How do you define?
I guess I meant how much do you value the ambiance and the fact that you would feel like you're on a special private date along together versus somewhere that you can have a romantic/memorable time together but the place doesn't feel inherently romantic? Like balancing the vibe of the place, the quality of the food, the ambiance, the experience you'll have. Maybe I just meant atmosphere? I'd describe it similarly to you - more romantic-scaled would be a bit quieter, spaced our tables or personal booths, not too bright maybe even a little dim, candles, probably no kids/families/big friend groups and instead mostly couples.... I guess how romantic do you want the place means to me does the romance happen in the chemistry between sharing an experience together or is a specific ambiance/atmosphere setting the stage an important detail. I do think a lot of it is subjective and dependent on the couple.
Bottino. My bf and I had a great date night a couple years ago!
I ate there last weekend! The wine list and drink list is great. It’s usually crowded enough to be interesting but they can space you so it’s not cafeteria style.
Mercato on W. 39th St. I learned about it on this sub, and it’s a classic, old school, brick wall Italian trattoria with fantastic food, lovely service, great prices, and the atmosphere you’re seeking. Truly a throwback to an NYC without influencers.
Maison Pickle should fit your budget then! :) and I think they have decent drinks there. And desserts are good!
If you're willing to go outside of Manhattan a little bit, my girlfriend and I love Rolo's for a cozy date spot especially if you can get one of the booths.
This.
If you can there for a 6pm res you can get the burgers. If not they usually sell out.
For 100 per you’ll have to skip on the ribeye(incredible) but the skirt steak is great also. Don’t skip the polenta bread to start - Calabrian chili one is my fave. Try out the “war potatoes” and the pea greens are a phenomenal veggie side for the steaks
Not picky about the sort of cuisine (I like good meat but I’m also looking for ideas), I’d like for it to cost about or under 200 for a dinner for two, ideally it’d be located in Manhattan or Brooklyn.
If you don’t drink that really opens things up. I’m late to the party so this is gonna be as much for me as you! Love playing this game. Will try not to offer repeats.
WV - LArtusi and Voula. Someone mentioned LArtusi but I’m gonna add it anyway cause it’s that damn good and sounds like just what you’re lookin for
GV - Loring Place and North Square
NoHo - Bohemian and Bond St
NoLita - Peasant and Musket Room
SoHo - Cocotte and La Sirene
Hell’s Kitchen - Gloria and Print
Gramercy - Casa Mono - it’s a Batali restaurant tho :/ and Maialino
East Village - Hearth and Prune
Flatiron - Cosme and Nur
LES - Le Turtle and Contra
Marea on Central Park South is outstanding and can be kept under $200 if you aren’t drinking. Two Michelin stars. Some of the best food in the city. Maybe the best restaurant in New York that doesn’t require a fixed menu
Hangawi on 32nd.
Korean food, very lovely atmosphere. Take off your shoes when you enter and sit on pillows. Pre-fixe for 80 a plate but they have individual entrees for 20 dollars.
Does a fantastic job of feeling upscale without totally breaking the bank and the food is some of the best I've ever had despite not being crazy about korean food in general.
ABC Cocina
Mercer Kitchen
Barbounia
Also here to "meh" Mercer Kitchen and Baroubnia. Strongly second Buvette and I Sodi from that other comment, and also want to add Via Carota, which is Tuscan by the same people as Buvette. When I went I cried a little, it was so good.
​
EDIT: Barbounia is really good, but the vibe doesn't do it for me romantic-wise. I like cozier places.
Great recommendation - love Mercer Kitchen!
Not Mercer! It's a beautiful space, but the food is meh for the price. You're paying for hype.
If you're really down for anywhere, I'd recommend the following for romantic atmospheres:
+1 Vinegar Hill
Also out in Brooklyn Olmstead and Gristmill.
Looooove Vinegar Hill House. I went there the night I got engaged.
I Sodi is my wives favorite restaurant, and we have celebrated her birthday there for the last 4 years, and will be 5 in a few weeks. Gotta make a reservation! Thanks for reminding me.
St. Anselm in Williamsburg
I have never encountered a problem with this. While they have pillows to set on, the area under the tables dips down so you can sit as if it were a chair rather than kneeling. I'm assuming people with stinky feet just put their feet under the table which mostly masks it?
romantic restaurants in New York
Here are some key considerations for choosing a romantic restaurant in New York:
Ambiance: Look for places with dim lighting, cozy seating, and a warm atmosphere. Soft music can also enhance the romantic vibe.
Cuisine: Consider what type of food you and your partner enjoy. Whether it's Italian, French, or a unique fusion, the cuisine can set the mood.
View: Restaurants with scenic views (like rooftop dining or waterfront locations) can add a special touch to your experience.
Privacy: Opt for restaurants that offer intimate seating arrangements or private booths for a more personal dining experience.
Reservations: Popular romantic spots can get busy, so it's wise to make reservations in advance.
Recommendations:
Le Bernardin: A Michelin-starred French seafood restaurant known for its elegant atmosphere and exquisite dishes.
The River Café: Located under the Brooklyn Bridge, it offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and a romantic setting.
One if by Land, Two if by Sea: This historic restaurant in Greenwich Village is famous for its romantic ambiance, complete with candlelit tables and a fireplace.
L'Artusi: An Italian restaurant in the West Village with a modern vibe, known for its delicious pasta and great wine selection.
The Rainbow Room: A classic choice with breathtaking views of the city, perfect for a special occasion.
Choosing any of these spots will likely create a memorable and romantic dining experience!
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