23 Best New York City Restaurants for a Romantic Dinner

Looking for the most romantic spots to dine in the NY City? Look no further! These top-rated restaurants will take your breath away and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Key Takeaways:

• Look for restaurants with an intimate atmosphere: A romantic dinner should have a cozy and intimate atmosphere with soft lighting and comfortable seating arrangements. 
• Consider the quality and variety of the menu: The ideal restaurant should offer a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes and dietary restrictions. The food should be of high quality, beautifully presented, and complemented by a well-curated wine list.

When it comes to finding the perfect place for a romantic dinner in New York City, the options are endless. From cozy candlelit bistros to elegant rooftop restaurants, the city has something for every taste and budget. In this article, we will explore some of the best New York City restaurants for a romantic dinner, without mentioning any specific names.

Firstly, it is important to consider the ambiance of the restaurant. A romantic dinner should have a cozy and intimate atmosphere that sets the mood for the evening. Soft lighting, comfortable seating, and a relaxing ambiance can create the perfect setting for a romantic dinner. Some restaurants may even have live music or a view of the city skyline, adding to the overall romantic experience.

Secondly, the menu is an important aspect to consider when choosing a restaurant. The menu should feature a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes and dietary restrictions. It is also important that the food is of high quality and beautifully presented. A romantic dinner is a special occasion, and the food should reflect that.

In addition to the ambiance and menu, the service provided by the restaurant staff is also crucial. The staff should be attentive and courteous, making the guests feel welcome and comfortable. A good waiter or waitress can enhance the overall dining experience and make it a memorable one.

When it comes to finding the best New York City restaurants for a romantic dinner, it is important to do some research beforehand. Reading reviews online and asking for recommendations from friends and family can be helpful in making an informed decision. It is also important to make a reservation in advance, as popular restaurants can get booked up quickly.

Best New York City Restaurants for a Romantic Dinner

1. L’Artusi: L’Artusi is an Italian restaurant located in the West Village. The menu includes a variety of pasta dishes and a wide selection of Italian wines. The ambiance is cozy and intimate, with dim lighting and a rustic interior. Prices can range from $30-$60 per person for dinner.

2. Le Pavillon: is a classic French restaurant that has been around since 1941. The restaurant’s decor features crystal chandeliers, white tablecloths, and a vintage charm. Dinner prices at Le Pavillon start at $125 per person for a prix-fixe menu, which includes dishes such as foie gras terrine and lobster bisque. They also offer an a la carte menu and an extensive wine list.

3. Oiji Mi: is a Korean restaurant in the East Village. The menu features modern takes on classic Korean dishes, with upscale ingredients and a refined presentation. The ambiance is elegant and upscale, with an intimate atmosphere. Prices can range from $40-$80 per person for dinner.

4. Dhamaka: Located in Essex Market on the Lower East Side, Dhamaka serves modern Indian cuisine with a focus on street food. The restaurant’s colorful decor and lively atmosphere make it an exciting choice for a romantic dinner. The average price per person for dinner is around $40. Some of the dishes on the menu include chaat, butter chicken, and kulfi.

5. Buvett: This cozy French bistro in the West Village is perfect for a romantic evening. The restaurant’s rustic decor and candlelit atmosphere create a warm and intimate ambiance. The menu features classic French dishes such as escargots, steak tartare, and croque monsieur. The average price per person for dinner is around $50.

6. Le Bernardin: Le Bernardin is a French seafood restaurant in Midtown. The menu features a variety of seafood dishes, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. The ambiance is elegant and sophisticated, with a dress code and a formal atmosphere. Prices can range from $150-$250 per person for dinner.

7. Shuko: Shuko is a Japanese restaurant in the East Village. The menu features an omakase-style tasting menu, with a focus on sushi and sashimi. The ambiance is intimate and upscale, with a minimalist design and an open kitchen. Prices can range from $250-$400 per person for dinner.

8. Manhatta: Located on the 60th floor of a skyscraper in the Financial District, Manhatta offers stunning views of the city skyline, which adds to its romantic ambiance. The French-American restaurant serves a seasonal prix-fixe menu, which costs $145 per person. Some of the dishes on the menu include seared foie gras, roasted duck breast, and a chocolate caramel tart.

9. One If by Land, Two If By Sea: is an American restaurant in Greenwich Village. The menu features classic American dishes, with a focus on steak and seafood. The ambiance is romantic and elegant, with candlelit tables and a historic interior. Prices can range from $100-$200 per person for dinner.

10. Lilia: Located in Williamsburg, Lilia is an Italian restaurant known for its handmade pasta dishes. The ambiance of the restaurant is chic and elegant, with dim lighting and a minimalist decor. Prices for dinner range from $75 to $85 per person. The menu features a variety of pasta dishes, such as mafaldini with pink peppercorns, and entrees such as whole grilled branzino. They also offer a selection of wines and cocktails.

11. Rezdôra: This Italian restaurant in the Flatiron District offers an intimate atmosphere, perfect for a romantic dinner. The menu focuses on pasta made from scratch using high-quality ingredients. The average price per person for dinner is around $80, with pastas costing between $24 and $29. Some of the pasta dishes include tagliatelle with ragù alla bolognese and spaghetti with sea urchin.

12. Corkbuzz: is a wine bar and restaurant that serves American cuisine with a focus on wine pairing. The ambiance is chic and sophisticated, making it a great spot for a romantic dinner. The menu includes dishes like roasted chicken, mushroom risotto, and crispy pork belly. The prices for entrees range from $24 to $35. Additionally, Corkbuzz offers a variety of wines by the glass, bottle, or flight. The average price for a bottle of wine is around $60, but prices can go up to $400 for more premium bottles.

13. Atomix: is a Korean fine-dining restaurant with an intimate atmosphere that’s perfect for a romantic dinner. They offer a set menu of 10-12 courses that change seasonally. The menu includes dishes like uni with caviar, black truffle porridge, and Korean-style wagyu beef. The price for the set menu is $275 per person, and an optional beverage pairing is available for an additional $185 per person. Reservations are required.

14. Caviar Russe: Located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Caviar Russe offers a luxurious and romantic dining experience. The restaurant specializes in caviar, which is served in a variety of ways, including as a topping for smoked salmon or as an accompaniment to blinis. They also offer a range of seafood dishes, including lobster and scallops. Prices at Caviar Russe are on the high end, with a tasting menu costing $195 per person. The restaurant has an intimate and elegant atmosphere, with soft lighting and plush seating.

15. Olmsted: Located in the Prospect Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, Olmsted offers a romantic and rustic ambiance. The restaurant has a garden out back, which is used to grow some of the ingredients used in the dishes. The menu is seasonal and changes frequently, but typically includes dishes like charred broccoli and ricotta gnocchi. Prices at Olmsted are moderately high, with most dishes costing around $20-$30. The restaurant is known for its inventive cocktails, which are made with ingredients like yuzu and mezcal.

16. Aquavit: Located in Midtown Manhattan, Aquavit offers a romantic and refined Scandinavian dining experience. The restaurant is known for its tasting menus, which feature dishes like smoked arctic char and duck breast. Prices at Aquavit are high, with the tasting menu costing $165 per person. The restaurant has an elegant and modern atmosphere, with clean lines and a neutral color palette.

17. Cosme: Cosme is a contemporary Mexican restaurant located in the Flatiron District of Manhattan. The menu features dishes inspired by Mexican cuisine with a modern twist, and prices range from $25 to $99 for entrees. The ambiance is modern and upscale, with a sleek and minimalist design. Cosme has been recognized for its romantic atmosphere, with dim lighting and a cozy seating arrangement. 

18. Gramercy Tavern: is a fine-dining restaurant located in the Gramercy Park neighborhood of Manhattan. The menu features contemporary American cuisine with prices ranging from $28 to $48 for entrees. The restaurant has a cozy and intimate atmosphere, with dim lighting and a rustic decor. Gramercy Tavern has been recognized as one of the most romantic restaurants in New York City. 

19. ICCA: ICCA, or the International Culinary Center of America, is a culinary school in SoHo that offers a restaurant where students can showcase their skills. The menu changes frequently and features dishes from around the world, with prices ranging from $55 to $70 for a prix fixe menu. The ambiance is modern and elegant, with a chic decor and an open kitchen. ICCA offers a unique and intimate dining experience for couples who enjoy trying new and innovative dishes.

20. Peak: is a rooftop restaurant located in Hudson Yards, offering stunning views of the city skyline. The restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine with a focus on seafood and vegetables. The average price for a meal is around $100 per person. The ambiance is upscale, with a modern and sophisticated decor.

21. The River Café: The River Café is located under the Brooklyn Bridge and offers panoramic views of the New York skyline. The menu features American cuisine with a focus on seafood, and the average price for a meal is around $150 per person. The ambiance is romantic and elegant, with a formal dress code.

22. Keens: Keens Steakhouse is a classic New York institution located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. The restaurant has been around since the late 1800s and is known for its dry-aged steaks and mutton chops. The average price for a meal is around $100 per person. The ambiance is cozy and historic, with old-fashioned decor and a fireplace.

23. Grand Central Oyster Bar: is a seafood restaurant located in Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The restaurant offers a romantic ambiance with its tiled vaulted ceilings and vintage decor. The menu features a variety of fresh seafood, including a selection of oysters from both the east and west coasts, as well as lobster, crab, clams, and shrimp dishes. The restaurant also has a raw bar, where guests can choose from a wide selection of fresh seafood. Prices vary depending on the dishes ordered, but the restaurant offers a range of options for different budgets. The average price per person for a meal at Grand Central Oyster Bar is around $50-$75.

New York City is home to many restaurants perfect for a romantic dinner, and this article aims to explore some of the best options. The ideal restaurant for a romantic dinner should have an intimate atmosphere with soft lighting and comfortable seating. The menu should feature a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes and dietary restrictions, and the food should be of high quality and beautifully presented. Additionally, the restaurant staff should be attentive and courteous. Some of the best restaurants for a romantic dinner in New York City include L’Artusi, Le Pavillon, Oiji Mi, Dhamaka, Buvett, Le Bernardin, and Shuko. It is important to do some research before selecting a restaurant, and reservations should be made in advance, especially for popular restaurants that can get booked up quickly.