Recipe for romance: Romantic restaurants in NYC

Couple having dinner in romantic restaurant in New York City

Notorious for never cooking, New Yorkers are no strangers to the wide array of eateries available on their doorstep. But with so many options to pick from, it can be difficult to decide where to go on date night. That’s why we’ve created a list of the most romantic restaurants in NYC for every cuisine.

The Best Romantic Restaurants in NYC

We’ve tried to display the city’s diverse culinary scene by choosing our favorite romantic restaurants according to our top 10 beloved cuisines from around the world. From classic Italian flavors to the sultry spices of Thai food, we’ve got you covered for an evening of culinary romance. Bon Appetite! We also added a few guaranteed winners if you’re looking for pure, outrageous romance with different options: for night or day, the menu or the view, the overall venue or a bar for drinks. We have the ultimate list for you.

Want to meet someone special to dine with? Try our guide to dating in NYC

After covering a list of the top 10 romantic restaurants in NYC based on a selection of cuisines, we have handpicked several guaranteed dreamy date venues. Stop the search, each of these restaurants will seal the deal and sweep even a cynic off their feet.

Read more: Find an even wider range of NYC date ideas here!

Most romantic restaurants in New York for any scenario

Night: The Gramercy Tavern is the epitome of a confident date restaurant. It brings together excellent food, a renowned chef and impressive reputation with a casual nonchalance. To fit the mood of the night, you can choose between the upscale dining room or go for the more laid-back tavern. Your date won’t be disappointed – this restaurant promises to make for a memorable night.

Day: Situated under Brooklyn Bridge, The River Café has a spectacular setting and outstanding culinary reputation. Invite your date in the day to take in the views of the New York skyline, a classic American menu and riverside magic. One of the best in New York City.

The view: Perched on top of The Rockefeller Plaza, The Rainbow Room is the perfect place for some extravagant romance. 65 stories up, it boasts breathtaking views and oozes old-school charm. Plan ahead, dress up and go dancing. This venue is worth the effort and will turn a date into one of your own special events.

The menu: Overlooking Madison Square Park, choose the elegant Eleven Madison Park for fine dining excellence. It has been awarded 3 Michelin stars and has topped numerous lists, including the World’s Best 50 restaurants 2017. An iconic romantic restaurant in NYC when you want to pull out all the stops.

Overall venue: Possibly the ultimate date spot in the whole City, One if by Land, Two if by Sea, offers indulgent candlelit romance in a 1967 carriage house. With a decadent setting and classic menu, take your date here for special occasions. And in case you didn’t know, it has become a very popular proposal venue!

Just a drink: Sometimes a quiet drink at a bar is what your date night calls for – and just because its causal, doesn’t mean it can’t be classy. Why not take your drinks date up a level, and head to Ralph Lauren’s Polo Bar. But be sure to make a reservation in advance.

Hotels: If you staying in the City and looking for the convenience of a place to stay with a suitable date spot close by, Dirty French in the Ludlow Hotel is the place for you. In Manhattan’s storied Lower East Side, this French bistro is as cool as it is classy, and is the perfect backdrop to heat up the romance.