New York City is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world. It is a city that never sleeps and is always bustling with activity.
With so much to see and do, it's no wonder that it's a popular destination for couples looking for a romantic date night experience.
When it comes to date night restaurants, New York City has plenty of options to choose from.
From upscale dining to cozy cafes, there is something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a fancy night out or a more casual experience, you'll find it here.
But with so many options, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect restaurant for your date night. That's why we've put together a list of the best date night restaurants in New York City.
We've scoured the city to find the most romantic, delicious, and unique dining experiences that will make your date night one to remember.
1. Gramercy Tavern
Gramercy Tavern is a restaurant that offers a beautiful ambiance and excellent service.
The food is top-notch, and they have a tasting menu in the dining room for a special night out. The casual bar section has a la carte items, and the wine selection is solid.
The restaurant is always packed, so reservations are a must. It's a great place to go for groups or date night.
If you're looking for a memorable dining experience, Gramercy Tavern is a must-visit.
2. L'Artusi
L'Artusi is a bi-level Italian restaurant that offers a dimly lit atmosphere perfect for a date night. The restaurant is known for its fresh and delicious pasta dishes and extensive wine list.
The service is impeccable, with attentive waitstaff and prompt food delivery. The ambiance is cozy and intimate, with skylights adding an airy feel to the space.
The menu is simple, but the food is outstanding, with the mushroom pasta and olive oil cake being standout dishes.
While reservations can be difficult to come by, the experience is well worth the effort. L'Artusi is a must-visit for anyone looking for a romantic night out with exceptional food and service.
3. Portale
Portale is a contemporary Italian restaurant perfect for a date night. The warm and inviting atmosphere sets the tone for a romantic evening.
The menu features seasonally driven Italian dishes prepared in an open kitchen.
The attentive waitstaff is knowledgeable about the menu and offers great recommendations.
The desserts are exceptional and perfect for sharing. Portale is a great choice for a special occasion or a romantic night out.
4. Scalini Fedeli
Scalini Fedeli is an upscale Italian restaurant that offers French-influenced fixed-price menus.
The restaurant boasts an elegant and romantic ambiance, with thick carpets and white linen tablecloths. The vaulted interior with Tuscan touches adds to the charm of the place.
The menu is extensive, with a few seasonal dishes added to the regular favorites.
The staff is attentive and kind, making it an ideal destination for romantic dinners, business dinners, and family dinners alike. Highly recommended.
5. ZiZi
ZiZi is a Mediterranean restaurant that serves modern Middle Eastern classics. The food is fresh and delicious, with a unique touch to each dish.
The small plates are amazing, especially the crazy baba and cauliflower. The vegetarian appetizers are great, but the vegetarian entree is a little less impressive.
The service is friendly and attentive, and the cocktails are creative. The space is small with tables close together, but the warm environment and fun atmosphere make up for it.
If you're looking for a tasty date night spot with a good vibe, ZiZi is definitely worth a try.
6. Masseria dei Vini
If you're looking for an upscale Italian date night spot, Masseria dei Vini is a must-visit.
The restaurant offers a diverse menu of original Italian dishes, including Pugliese specialties, seafood crudo, and pastas. The wine list is exceptional, and the service is top-notch.
While prices are on the higher side, the quality of the food and the overall dining experience make it well worth it.
The atmosphere is perfect for a romantic evening out, and the staff is attentive and accommodating. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a high-quality Italian meal in the area.
7. L'Appart
L'Appart is a fine French restaurant that offers a unique and intimate dining experience. With a small and cozy atmosphere, it feels like eating in a friend's home.
The personally cooked menu by Chef Nicolas Abello is impressive, and the presentation of food is exceptional.
The staff is professional, hospitable, and attentive to every detail. The wine pairing selection is perfect, and the cocktails are delicious.
L'Appart is a must-visit for those who want to experience the best of French cuisine.
8. Le Coucou
Le Coucou is a French restaurant that offers refined French classics such as lobster, rabbit, duck, and foie gras.
The restaurant has an elegant and rustic-chic atmosphere, perfect for a romantic date night. The service is outstanding, and the staff is knowledgeable about the menu.
The wine list is pricey, but worth it for the quality of the selection. The surprise tasting menu is highly recommended for those who want to try a bit of everything.
All in all, Le Coucou is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a top-notch French dining experience.
9. La Sirene
La Sirene is a cozy and intimate French bistro that serves traditional Southern French cuisine made with seasonal ingredients.
The ambiance is laid-back with low music that allows for easy conversation. The staff is friendly and accommodating, making it a great spot for a romantic date night.
The menu boasts dishes like Tournedos Rossini, a perfectly-cooked filet mignon topped with foie gras, and escargot served in-shell. The restaurant also has a fondue menu, which is a must-try.
Although the prices can be on the higher side, the quality of the food and service makes it worth it. La Sirene is a great choice for those looking for a classic French dining experience in a cozy setting.
10. Le Jardinier
Le Jardinier is a French fine dining restaurant that offers a vegetable-forward menu and sustainable proteins. The modern greenhouse-inspired space is beautifully designed, creating a romantic ambiance perfect for a date night or special occasion.
The Michelin-starred restaurant offers imaginative dishes that are fresh and delicious, with great attention to detail.
The staff is friendly and efficient, providing perfect service. The Chef's Tasting menu is accommodating to various dietary needs, including vegan options.
The price point is high, but the experience is worth it. Le Jardinier is a top-notch restaurant that provides an unforgettable dining experience.
11. Oak Tuscan Truffle Lounge
Oak Tuscan Truffle Lounge is a hidden gem for anyone looking for a romantic Italian dinner in the city.
With an amazing selection of truffle dishes, the restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience. The owners are friendly and attentive, making sure that every guest feels welcome.
From the lobster salad to the lamb fettuccini, every dish is made with fresh ingredients and cooked to perfection. The outdoor seating is cozy and intimate, perfect for a date night.
The wine selection is also impressive, with generous pours and great recommendations from the staff. Oak Tuscan Truffle Lounge is a must-visit for any truffle lover looking for a unique dining experience.
12. The Musket Room
The Musket Room is a perfect date night spot for those looking for a unique and upscale dining experience.
With a focus on modern global cuisine, the restaurant offers a tasting menu that is sure to impress.
The rustic-chic atmosphere and backyard garden add to the overall ambiance, making it a memorable experience.
The knowledgeable and attentive staff provide excellent service, making guests feel welcomed and well taken care of. If you're looking for a special night out, The Musket Room is definitely worth a visit.
13. Da Andrea
Da Andrea is a charming Italian restaurant perfect for a romantic date night. With a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, you'll feel transported to a vineyard in Italy.
The menu offers a wide variety of delicious pasta dishes and homestyle meat options, all made fresh.
The outdoor seating area is particularly beautiful with heat lamps to keep you cozy. The staff are friendly and attentive, making sure you have everything you need for a perfect evening.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly Northern Italian spot, Da Andrea is a must-visit.
14. Giardino D'Oro
Giardino D'Oro is an upscale Italian restaurant perfect for a romantic date night or a business dinner. The menu offers traditional Italian dishes with a focus on quality ingredients and expert preparation.
The restaurant's atmosphere is inviting and elegant, with stone walls and classic music playing in the background.
The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, making for a pleasant dining experience. Don't miss out on the wine selection, which is excellent.
If you're looking for a top-notch Italian restaurant, Giardino D'Oro is definitely worth a visit.
15. Estela
Estela is a stylish New American restaurant that serves contemporary cuisine in an intimate and informal setting.
The food is consistently high quality with creative flavor combinations and every bite is delicious. The stars of the show are definitely the dishes, which are both delicious and extremely interesting.
The service is excellent, with knowledgeable staff that provide professional recommendations. The wine list is interesting and the Sommelier takes the time to understand your preferences.
The only downside is that the space between tables is small. Despite this, Estela is definitely worth a visit for a refined and enjoyable date night experience.
