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Valentine's Day Restaurant Guides

Our Favorite Date Night Restaurants in NYC

Guide By Cole Bubenik
With Valentine's Day right around the corner, love birds throughout New York City can find love at first bite at any of these date night venues.
Lots of decisions go into finding the perfect date night restaurant in NYC. From the low pressure spot for drinks to an elevated night out, in this guide to date night restaurants in NYC we've curated some of the hottest spots for love. You'll find high-end concepts alongside quicker casual options for first dates or quick conversations.

Featured in This Guide

Our Guide to Date Night Restaurants in NYC


Romantic Dinner Dates

LouLou

176 8th Avenue, New York, NY, 10011
Date Night Spots NYC - LouLou Exterior
Step into this two-level escape for an intimate date night that's sure to delight your tastebuds. Chef Jarett Brodie offers a delicious selection of Bistro classics while the bar offers inventive & fun craft cocktails. You can find the speakeasy hidden behind a door in the "basement" of the venue.

LouLou serves up French classics for lunch, brunch, and dinner. The lower level speakeasy features an extensive cocktail menu with creative and classic cocktail options and lively atmosphere with music almost every night.

Osteria Morini

218 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012
Date Night Spots NYC - Cornelius Dining Room
Nestled in the heart of SoHo, Osteria Morini invites you to experience the allure of Italian romance in a cozy and intimate setting. Helmed by Chef Michael White, this charming osteria captures the essence of Italian cuisine with its rustic yet refined dishes. From the savory aroma of freshly made pasta to the delicate flavors of artisanal cheeses and cured meats, each bite at Osteria Morini is a culinary journey through the diverse regions of Italy.

Whether you're sharing a bottle of wine by candlelight or savoring the signature Cappelletti, every moment at Osteria Morini is infused with warmth and elegance. Perfect for a romantic date night or a special celebration, Osteria Morini promises an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the timeless beauty of Italian cuisine.

Serafina

Multiple NYC Locations
Date Night Spots NYC - Cornelius Dining Room
Serafina is a culinary sanctuary where Italian romance comes to life. Its intimate yet lively ambiance, adorned with rustic decor and soft lighting, sets the stage for an unforgettable date night experience. Here, every detail exudes warmth and charm, making it the perfect backdrop for a romantic rendezvous.

But it's not just the ambiance that enchants at Serafina—it's the food. From traditional pizzas adorned with fresh ingredients to sumptuous seafood risotto, each dish is a masterpiece crafted with care and precision. With every bite, diners embark on a journey through the vibrant flavors of Italy, savoring the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply savoring the company of your loved one, Serafina offers an enchanting experience that lingers long after the last bite.

Momoya

Multiple NYC Locations
Date Night Spots NYC - Cornelius Dining Room
Momoya promises an escape into the world of Japanese cuisine, blending tradition with modernity for an unparalleled dining venture. Its contemporary interior sets the stage for a serene culinary journey, where the aroma of fresh sushi and sizzling hibachi entices patrons upon arrival.

At Momoya, each dish is a masterpiece, meticulously crafted to deliver a symphony of flavors. From expertly rolled sushi to succulent grilled meats, every bite embodies the essence of Japanese culinary artistry. Whether you seek a romantic rendezvous or simply a taste of Japan's finest, Momoya offers an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of New York City.

BOTTE

Multiple Locations
Date Night Spots NYC - Cornelius Dining Room
BOTTE celebrates Roman traditions in NYC, both on the plate & in the glass. An authentic Italian restaurant specializing in their cuisine and traditional Italian cocktails, brings a cozy and inviting atmosphere to any date night.

Escape to Italy by ducking into this intimate space on any night of the week. Dine al fresco in their garden & patio, or join them in the dining room or at their lively bar, where you can sometimes find live music. At BOTTE, they believe in the inherent simplicity, freshness and quality of the Italian region. They are proud of where they came from and where they live now, so when in NYC, dine as the Romans do. They have multiple spots to dine, join them in Brooklyn, the Upper East Side, Tribeca, or Astoria.

ATLA

Multiple NYC Locations
Date Night Spots NYC - Cornelius Dining Room
ATLA invites diners to experience the vibrant flavors of contemporary Mexican cuisine in a chic and welcoming setting. Helmed by acclaimed Chef Enrique Olvera, ATLA offers a refreshing take on traditional Mexican dishes, elevating them with modern techniques and seasonal ingredients.

From the moment you step into ATLA, you're greeted by an atmosphere of warmth and sophistication, with stylish decor and attentive service. The menu reflects Chef Olvera's commitment to authenticity and innovation, featuring an array of dishes that showcase the diverse culinary landscape of Mexico. Whether you're indulging in the bold flavors of the guacamole or savoring the intricately crafted ceviche, every bite at ATLA is a testament to the restaurant's dedication to excellence. Join us at ATLA NYC for a culinary journey that celebrates the rich heritage of Mexican cuisine while embracing the excitement of contemporary dining.

Smith & Mills

71 N Moore St, New York, NY 10013
Date Night Spots NYC - Cornelius Dining Room
Located in the heart of Tribeca, Smith & Mills occupies a historic carriage house dating back to the 1800s, offering a unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary dining. With its iconic red door and intimate ambiance, the restaurant provides the perfect setting for romantic evenings or casual gatherings with friends. Step inside and be greeted by exposed brick walls, vintage decor, and a cozy atmosphere that invites guests to unwind and savor the moment.

Under the culinary direction of Chef Nick Korbee, Smith & Mills boasts a menu inspired by seasonal ingredients and local flavors. From delectable small plates to enticing entrees, each dish showcases the restaurant's commitment to quality and creativity. Whether indulging in a leisurely brunch on the sunlit patio or savoring artisanal cocktails in the evening, Smith & Mills offers an unforgettable dining experience that captures the essence of Tribeca's vibrant culinary landscape.

Cornelius

89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
Date Night Spots NYC - Cornelius Dining Room
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).
L'Antica
81 Greenwich Avenue, New York, NY 10014
Date Night Spots NYC - L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele Food
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.

Charlie Bird

5 King St., New York, NY 10012
 Date Night Spots NYC - Charlie Bird NYC Dining Room
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.

Coffee and Cocktails Dates


Pebble Bar

67 W 49th St, New York, NY 10112
Date Night Restaurants NYC - Pebble Bar Interior
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.

Cha Cha Matcha

Multiple NYC Locations
Date Night Restaurants NYC - Cha Cha Matcha Drink
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 Sentry

5 King St., New York, NY 10012
Date Night Restaurants NYC - The Sentry Bar
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.

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