New York City is a melting pot of culture and vivacious urban life. Also one of the most romantic cities in the world, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out. For the most romantic restaurants in NYC, look no further than this curated list from exclusive Manhattan matchmakers.
Whether you want to impress your partner with spectacular views, dine under sparkling stars at the greatest alfresco spots, or share an intimate candlelit dinner, we know the best date spots in New York.
Bear in mind that you will have to book ahead for many of these exclusive NYC dining rooms – but it’s well worth it for an unforgettable date night experience doused in romance.
The Most Romantic Restaurants in New York City
Classic Romanticism with One if By Land, Two if by Sea
We’re starting with a restaurant that is often recognized as the most romantic restaurant in New York City: One if by Land, Two if by Sea. Discerning daters have been choosing this destination for a romantic dinner in NYC for years, with fine dining and delightful decor a standard. Flickering candles, exposed brick fireplaces, and the soft tinkling of a baby grand piano will set the scene for an enchanting evening in the former carriage house. With features in Vogue Magazine and Forbes Media’s Restaurant Guide, you’ll be in safe hands with this beautiful restaurant.
A Magical Mediterranean Evening at il Buco
You’ll find the most magnificent meld of Italian and Spanish cuisine at il Buco, with the sourcing of only the finest ingredients a speciality of theirs. In what started its life as an antique store, you and your date will be suffused with the warm ambience and rustic charm that makes for a wonderfully romantic experience.
Fine French Fancy at Le Coucou
Bring a touch of Parisian chic to a romantic dinner in New York at Le Coucou, where internationally acclaimed executive chef Daniel Rose resides. Elegance and sophistication go hand-in-hand in this New York gem, where guests must dress to impress – the perfect opportunity to make a good impression on your date. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, a romantic night at Le Coucou is a must.
Awe-Inspiring Sights Await at Le Pavillon
Le Pavillon provides one of the most romantic restaurants in New York with a view – and what a view it is. Located in Midtown’s tallest skyscraper, One Vanderbilt, sweeping city vistas stretch out below, including iconic sights like the Chrysler Building and the Grand Central Terminal. Adorned throughout with gorgeous greenery, it’ll feel like you’re fine dining in a fantastical forest. Classic cocktails and seafood-centric cuisine are just the cherries on top of a unique dining experience.
Enjoy Michelin-Star Cuisine at Daniel
When you want a romantic dinner in New York that feels like an event, take your lucky date to Daniel. Opulence and flourish are hallmarks of the service here, where refined European cuisine is presented with aplomb. Its wine list is world-class, too. This is where you go to really dazzle a date.
Get Close and Cozy at Cadence
Cadence is one of the most intimate restaurants in NYC, with only 12 privileged seats around an exquisite marble bar. An outdoor dining setup is also available on East 7th Street. The entirely plant-based menu is innovative and delicious and the shimmering interiors provide a beautiful backdrop for whispering sweet nothings over vegan soul food.
Enjoy a Liquid Lunch at The Four Horsemen
This achingly cool spot is owned by James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem fame. Along with dishes that change on the daily, it’s a place great for conversation starters. Understated sophistication, small plates, and a choice of 250 wines make The Four Horsemen the place for relaxed romance that still impresses.
Find Grecian Bliss at Kyma – Flatiron
Take your date for a mouthwatering taste of Mykonos at Kyma – Flatiron, where the sumptuous simplicity lets you concentrate on getting to know each other. An outdoor area with delicately winding branches adorned with twinkling lights and sweet-scented blue hydrangeas also set an idyllic scene for romance.
Exclusive Elegance at Polo Bar
Culinary art and an exclusive aesthetic abound at Ralph Lauren’s Polo Bar, where you may only enter with a reservation. Find a menu loaded with American comforts presented divinely amongst decor that harks back to a bygone era. A handsome space decked out like a Royal country home provides an impressive and surprisingly intimate backdrop for a date.
Dinner With a View at Electric Lemon
If you’re looking for a romantic rooftop restaurant in New York, Electric Lemon in Hudson Yards is one of the swankiest options. This impressive locale is perched atop the 24th floor of Equinox Hotel, a five-star joint. A sleek dining room replete with floor-to-ceiling windows leads onto an 8,000-square-foot rooftop garden, where you’ll be surrounded by water features, fire pits, and a magnificent Jaume Plensa sculpture. Enjoy fresh American dishes with a sensational sunset view.
Secluded Splendor at Shuko
Shuko is a hidden gem lying behind an unmarked door in Greenwich Village, boasting a kaiseki-only menu of exquisite sushi bites. The only seating is at the counter, providing an intimate experience while chefs provide incredible seasonal dishes in front of your eyes. This restaurant is where you go to impress a date with your insider knowledge of New York City’s best foodie spots.
Midtown Romance at Buvette
Perched along the picturesque Grove Street, the charming French bistro of Buvette is one of the most delightfully romantic restaurants in Midtown, New York City. Outdoor dining is at its best here, where you can experience the gentle serenade of a cellist as you while away the evening with your date.
Green Garden Gastronomy at Gallow Green
Gallow Green rests atop the McKittrick Hotel in Chelsea, a rooftop garden providing a verdant oasis in the midst of all the concrete. The casual ambience makes it a great place for a first date, with speciality cocktails and beautiful greenery making it all the more romantic.
Candlelit Romance at Bobo
This quaint eatery is set in a West Village townhouse from the 1800s, the exquisite scenery providing gorgeous candlelight dinners in NYC for daters who want to impress. Bobo is a fabulous French affair, with aperitifs to enjoy at the bar and then the main event in the parlor upstairs, complete with a piano music accompaniment.
The Ultimate Speakeasy Experience at Acme
At Acme, you’ll find a unique dining experience with art deco interiors and an elusive atmosphere. The bistro menu offers a wide choice of fine food.
A Night of Magic at Minetta Tavern
Discerning diners will find a delightful date night in Minetta Tavern, where Ernest Hemingway, Ezra Pound and other luminaries spend their time in the twentieth century. Recently renovated, you’ll still feel as though you’re stepping back in time with authentic decor and an effortlessly cool ambience.
Gorgeous Gallic Gastronomy La Grenouille
Mirrored walls, spectacular floral arrangements, and banquettes draped in deep red: La Grenouille is one of the most romantic French restaurants in NYC. This family-owned restaurant in Midtown serves world-class classic dishes like foie gras terrine and silky soufflés. This is your destination for showstopping romance.
Find the Perfect Person to Share Romantic Restaurants in NYC With
With one of the finest and most eclectic gastronomic scenes in the US, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to romantic restaurants in NYC. at Maclynn International, we believe everyone should have the chance to experience the romance of New York City with that special someone.
We have a dedicated team of professional matchmakers who specialize in helping exceptional people find exceptional romance. We complete tried-and-tested psychological profiling to match our clients with other like-minded singles in our global network of elite members.
If you’re tired of the current dating scene in New York, why not upgrade to our bespoke, award-winning matchmaking service and eliminate the stress and boredom of modern dating? To find out more, get in touch with our team today to see how we can help re-energize your romantic life.
