Our Favorite Date Night Restaurants in NYC

City Winery's newest concept in Grand Central Terminal, Cornelius pays homage to a titan of industry, Cornelius Vanderbilt, and is an ode to industry and high-end dining. Chef Zach Bondy leads a menu taking cues from the exquisite tastes of the Gilded Age. With modern twists on familiar favorites and an extensive list of wines, Cornelius offers farm-to-table fare with grandeur.

As far as date night restaurants in NYC go, Cornelius's gilded and grand experience is the height of sultry romance. Diners will feel like titans of industry themselves with each bite of Cornelius' locally sourced menu featuring classics like Duck Confit (served with lentils du puy, confit tomato, aioli, and fine herbs) or Tartare of Beef (prime tenderloin, dijon, shallot, cornichon, fine herbs, farm egg, gaufrettes).

Les Trois Chevaux offers the quintessential date night restaurant experience. Crafted lovingly by famed chef Angie Mar, Les Trois Chevaux is her love letter to fine French-dining. Serving a constantly changing prix-fixe dinner inspired by French tradition in a stunningly elevated space, this restaurant is perfect for lovebirds who crave the finest things in life.

In a departure from the increasingly normal conventions of modern restaurants, Les Trois Chevaux features white cloth table tops, hanging chandeliers, gilded mirrors, and a dining dress code that requires all men to wear jackets. For date night restaurants in NYC, it's hard to find one more elegant and refined as Les Trois Chevaux.

Located in the north Greenwich Village, L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele is a world-renowned Neapolitan pizzeria that first debuted in the heart of Hollywood. The food here focuses on honing the same centuries-old recipes and techniques imported from Italy and is always crafted with the freshest and finest ingredients.

Diners looking for date night restaurants in NYC that feel sociable and maybe a little less stuffy than your traditional fine-dining experience will love L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele. Taking center stage is, of course, their pizzas but don't miss out on their wine offerings, cocktails, or pasta dishes.

We've written about Gotham before as one of our favorite High-end restaurants in NYC currently on the inKind app. We're reaffirming our love for Gotham as a must-visit destination for those looking for an upscale date night restaurant. Helmed by the much-lauded trio of Bret Csencsitz, Kevin Conrad, and executive chef Ron Paprocki, Gotham serves world-class dining with deep historical ties to New York City.

Love birds will love the close intimacy of the dining room and Gotham's unquestionably refined hospitality. Chef Paprocki creates a menu that captures the spirit of Gotham (and NYC ) by creating an approachable yet unforgettable experience that changes with the Seasons. For an extra date night experience make sure to drop by their newly started Gotham Jazz events, happening Wednesdays from 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM and Saturdays from 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM.

Charlie Bird is a New York City staple that highlights the mix of style, taste, and effortless "coolness" that make the city the cultural capital of the country. In their cozy dining room adorned with pops of yellow and boombox prints, you'll be treated to dish after dish of Italian-inspired cuisine that delights the palate and leaves diners full and satisfied.


On full display are two things: One, Charlie Bird's dedication to hospitality, giving you a white tablecloth experience, sans the traditional stuffiness. Two, their expansive and every changing wine list makes this spot a go-to date night restaurant for wine lovers or budding sommeliers.

One of Citizens' innovative culinary concepts, Krispy Rice serves a sushi experience that's anything but ordinary. Come for their fast and fresh flavors made with a California twist like their signature maki rolls, and spicy tuna krispy rice. If you're feeling adventurous (and extra hungry) order one of their go-to combos to share which will give you a little taste of everything Krispy Rice has to offer.

As an additional date night bonus, Krispy Rice is located in the same spot as other Citizen's concepts like Katsuya, Soom Soom, and Cindy Lou's Cookies. This makes it a perfect spot for foodies looking to explore new flavors, grab dessert after a great meal, or couples with competing palettes wanting to find common ground.

Another one of Citizen's culinary concepts, Sam's Crispy Chicken serves crispy fried chicken or bold grilled chicken sandwiches on toasted brioche buns. For couples looking for a casual dinner date that doesn't skimp on deliciousness, Sam's Crispy Chicken is the go-to spot. Grab a signature sandwich, share their Mac N' Cheese, or grab some of the best parmesan truffle fries you've ever tasted. Leave room for dessert and grab either a chocolate milkshake or hop over to Cindy Lou's Cookies for seriously delicious cookies.

As the old adage goes: the fastest way to someone's heart is through their stomach, and if a trip to Whitman's doesn't please their stomach, you'll want to find someone else. Famous for their take on Minneapolis classic, the Juicy Lucy, Whitman's also serves burgers and seasonal fare focused on fresh and local ingredients.

This date night restaurant in NYC is a great pick for those looking for less of the pomp and circumstance involved in the fine-dining date night, without sacrificing the flavor. Since their main claim to fame is the Juicy Lucy, you'll definitely want to order that. However, any of their burgers, cheesesteaks, and chicken dishes will please even the pickiest of eaters. Visit their Hudson Yards location to also sip on signature cocktails, draft beers, and classic cocktails.

Describing itself as a "love letter to the beautiful rustic island in the south: Sicily" Bar Pasquale replicates the success of their neighboring pizzeria Pasquale Jones here, offering a menu full of handmade pasta, sfincione-style pizza, and small plates inspired by travel.

This date night restaurant in NYC is a great fit for anyone looking for an elevated Sicilian charm. Their outdoor patio seating is ideal for NYC diners who want the hustle and bustle of the New York City streets to feel as much a part of their date as the partner sitting across from them. Their indoor space features banquettes of burgundy red leather, vintage furniture, and classic red-sauce joint attire that feels welcoming and warm.

The traditions of date nights can feel imposing at times. Far too often we'll find ourselves pondering over our next meal: what should we eat, where should we eat rather than the essence of the date itself. Pebble Bar is a hot date night spot for lovers looking to forgo the customary dinner date for cocktails and conversations.

Housed in the legendary townhouse at Rockefeller Center and expanding across three floors, this space feels effortlessly cool and full of history. While lighter bites like Grand Gougere, steak tartare and caviar, and oysters are served at their 3rd-floor bar, their walk-in 2nd-floor cocktail bar is the place to be. Invite a date for a night of casual conversation or intimate love-leading questions.

Let's be honest, sometimes a date is a trial run. You're testing the waters, not sure if you'll want to stay or get out as quick as you can. Cha Cha Matcha is the perfect place for those penciled-in dates or coffee-shop chats when you're still deciding what to do next.

You'll love each of their locations which feature a quirky and whimsical vibe to go along with their addictive and energizing matcha drinks. Plus, their matcha drinks are the perfect pick to perk you up for stimulating conversations and the potential next stop on your soon-to-be amazing date night.

The traditional date-night dinner is great for most, but sometimes you want something more alluring and exclusive. The Sentry is a great pick for anyone looking for a highly-social night out. Evoking the allure of a sensuous penthouse loft and a discreet speakeasy spirit, The Sentry is the perfect cocktail bar for budding socialites.

You'll love their casual-yet-elevated atmosphere, stunning views, and extensive cocktail, agave, and whisky lists. If, after a few hours of sipping and socializing you find yourself hungry, you can also pick from a menu of small sharable bites like french fries, Brussel sprouts, or salt and pepper squid.