While Paris may hold the title of the City of Love, New York City has its own charm when it comes to romance. Bursting with acclaimed restaurants and bars, NYC stands out as one of the premier destinations for a memorable night out. Whether you're planning a romantic Valentine's Day escape or you're a native New Yorker seeking unique date night ideas, we've compiled a list of the most enchanting dining spots suitable for all types of couples.
1. Crown Shy
Crown Shy is the first solo project of Chef James Kent. Inspired by James’ upbringing in downtown New York and his experience leading the city’s most celebrated kitchens, Crown Shy is a neighborhood seasonal restaurant elevated by fine dining training and technique. Located on the ground floor of Art Deco masterpiece 70 Pine Street, the dining room and bar occupy a series of rooms with floor to 16-foot-ceiling windows leading to an open kitchen. The food at Crown Shy is rooted in European technique but draws inspiration from around the world, primarily the flavors from our childhoods, traveling, and the diverse cuisine in New York City.
Address: 70 Pine Street Ground Floor, New York, NY 10005; 212-517-1932; Website: www.crownshy.nyc
2. La Mercerie
Leave it to celebrated Parisian chef Marie-Aude Rose to elevate simple Gallic fare to new heights: La Mercerie at The Guild is the French restaurant of your dreams, which just happens to be nestled inside a bona fide design mecca. And now, it's also home to an intimate little bar, The Guild, that you don't want to miss.Address: 53 Howard St, New York, NY 10013; 212-852-9097; Website: www.lamercerieny.com
3. Oiji Mi
Recent years have seen the city's Korean dining scene elevated to new heights, and that certainly holds true at this Michelin-starred restaurant. The prix fixe spot's menu plays off of classic Korean dishes while bringing in oodles of upscale elegance and luxe ingredients (their chilled lobster ramyun has become a runaway hit) making it a perfect date night option. For carnivores in-the-know, the venue is also home to Bom, a meat-focused tasting menu experience from the Oiji Mi team, which earned its own Michelin star when it opened in 2023.Address: 17 W 19th St, New York, NY 10011; (212) 256-1259; Website: www.oijimi.com
4. L’Artrusi
As the city’s regional Italian dining scene is booming, it’s hard to keep track of its first loves. So consider L’Artusi, the West Village’s de facto trattoria, which still impresses over a decade later. You’re here for the sumptuous pastas and the Italian wines, and pro tip: The bar’s still the best place to be, whether you’re in a pair or dining solo.Address: 228 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014; 212-255-5757; Website: www.lartusi.com
5. Buvette
Let this pint-sized, all-day eatery transport you from the West Village to Paris with its charming decor (think: marble bar, tiny candlelit tables, vintage flatware) and classic bistro menu ( including croissants, steak tartare, and coq a vin) by Jody Williams. Given its snug size and popularity, Buvette crowds up quickly (a pandemic-era outdoor dining set-up has only made it more popular) giving you all the more reason to get closer to your companion.Address: 42 Grove St., New York City, NY 10014; (212)-255-3590; Website: ilovebuvette.com
6. The Polo Bar
First off, reservations are a must (you can't enter the restaurant without one), so simply being here feels exclusive. Then there's the handsome space, kitted out with tan leather banquettes, emerald green walls, and, in true Ralph Lauren fashion, equestrian-inspired art. The menu favors American comforts, as evidenced by the best-selling, bacon and cheese-topped Polo Burger and famous corned beef sandwich: both generously sized, for a bit of romantic sharing.Address: 1 E. 55th St., New York, NY 10022; (212) 207-8562; Website: www.ralphlauren.com/global-polo-bar
7. Atomix
The NYC tasting menu scene is often dominated by European and Japanese influences, which makes this innovative Korean spot so special. Helmed by husband and wife team Chef Junghyun and Ellia Park, the elegant cuisine served at this 14-seat counter is sure to thrill devotees of Korean food and novices alike, and is certain to make any date night there one to remember.Address: 104 E 30th St, New York, NY 10016; Website: www.atomixnyc.com
8. Koloman
Koloman is a contemporary French restaurant where Chef Markus Glocker blends Parisian creativity with Viennese tradition. It echoes the neighborhood buzz of Secessionist-era European cafes in an iconic NoMad location.Address: 16 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001; 212-790-8970; Website: kolomanrestaurant.com
9. Cosme
Want a date night that's presidentially approved? While they were in the White House, President Obama and the First Lady stopped in at this upscale Mexican spot in the Flatiron. From riffs on classics like cobia al pastor and their signature duck carnitas to their famous mole and scene-stealing corn husk dessert, you'll be dining like A-listers.Address: 35 E 21st St, New York, NY 10010; (212) 913-9659; Website: www.cosmenyc.com
10. Le Coucou
After taking Paris by storm, internationally acclaimed chef Daniel Rose returns home with Le Coucou. A gracious modern nod to fine European gastronomy, Rose shrinks the intercontinental divide separating the City of Light and the Big Apple, proving that the true essence of fine French dining can thrive in any time zone.Address: 138 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10013; 212-271-4252; Website: lecoucou.com
