February: the month of love. To be honest, we’re not super into Valentine’s Day. It can be kind of gimmicky… dotting on the one you love and all. But whatever – we don’t create the holidays! So we’ll cave – just this once and obviously in the name of love — to give you a few restaurant ideas to keep to have in your back pocket.
♥the most romantic restaurants in the city♥
The Clocktower
Photo Cred: The Clocktower
The Edition Hotel may be one of the hottest new hotels in the city, but their restaurant, The Clocktower, is a destination on it’s own. Brought to fruition through the combined talents of Michelin-starred Chef Jason Atherton and restauranteur Stephen Starr, it’s a phenomenal restaurant and one of the more alluring new dining spots in the city. The swanky Edition Hotel is sleek and modern in style; however, the 2nd floor where the restaurant lies, has a brooding, old-school vibe mixed with a little bit of edge. Frisky photos of celebrities and rockstars blanket the dark wood-paneled walls, each adorned with their own opulent gold frame. After a drink at the large mahogany bar or a game of billiards, sit down in the dining room for one of the more well-executed, elegant meals you’ve had in awhile. The Dover Sole is particularly top notch.
one if by land two if by sea
Photo Cred: One if by Land, Two if by Sea
Not only is this one of the most romantic restaurants in the city, it might very well be the most romantic. (It’s also said to be haunted, but we’ll discuss that come Halloween.) Housed in what was once Aaron Burrs carriage house, the history alone makes the place feel frisky. Daintily decorated tables-for-two, adorned with flowers and candlelight, set the mood for a perfect date night. Listen to the pianist tickle the ivories while you eat at this West Village restaurant that’s so infamous for romance (you’re pretty much guaranteed to see a proposal). We love the Warm Cippolini Onion Tart followed by the Beef Wellington, available only on the Prix Fixe menu. Pricey, yes, but well worth it if you really want to go all out for V-Day and have a special night out.
peasant
Photo Cred: Peasant
If you’re not careful, you’ll walk right by this cozy, dark Nolita restaurant. Lit dimly with candles, it’s a favorite of ours during the winter months, when we’re craving comfort food and a warm place to enjoy it. Peasant isn’t your typical red-sauce Italian restaurant and you’ll be glad. They’ve got a great menu full of pastas, pizzas, and proteins, all prepared in a rustic Italian fashion. If you’re seated near the back, you can peek into the open kitchen and see the old brick wood-fire ovens and rotisserie. Pick a great bottle of wine and pair it with the Burrata and the Gnocchi in a brown butter and sage sauce for a perfectly romantic meal any time of year.
The river café
Photo Cred: The River Café
What’s more romantic than enjoying a great meal while taking in one of the most beautiful skylines in the world? Set under the Brooklyn Bridge, The River Café affords stunning views of the Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. Open since 1977, the restaurant has been a staple for locals and visitors alike looking for a special meal paired perfectly with an unbeatable view of the city. The food is exquisite, earning The River Café a Michelin Star and keeping guests coming back year after year. Yes, there is a dress code, but for a date night this romantic, you should spruce up anyways, for crying out loud.
carbone
Photo Cred: Carbone
Carbone’s facade is dark and nondescript with the hint of a red velvet curtain peeping through the window and a florescent sign marking the door. Once you walk in, though, and hear Ol’ Blue Eyes seeping through the speakers, the experience really starts. The atmosphere at Carbone just oozes old Hollywood glamour; the waiters are dressed in burgundy tuxedos and buzz around the dining room in a finely choreographed dance. The head waiter is called “Captain”. He’s in charge and everybody knows it, and while Sinatra plays in the background, Captain conducts the show around you. The menu is stellar, featuring plenty of Italian-American favorites. Share the Baked Clams and Lobster Ravioli to start, then hog the Veal Parmesan or Dover Picatta all to yourself.
rRESTAURANT marc forgione
Photo Cred: Restaurant Marc Forgione
Another dimly-lit gem of a restaurant for you romantics out there. Restaurant Marc Forgione is a cool, downtown-chic spot for your date night. It has more of a trendy vibe, forgoing the whole white tablecloth and flowers thing. And while the lights are set low at this TriBeCa eatery, the flavors are anything but dull. Iron Chef Marc Forgione opened the space (which we’re told was built as a butter warehouse in the late 1800’s) in 2008, quickly earning the famed chef his first Michelin Star just two years later. Whatever you do, do not go here without having the Chili Lobster with Texas Toast. It’s DAMN good. And from there, you really can’t go wrong – the Halibut en Croute is phenomenal as are the Ribeye Cap and Chicken Under A Brick. Hell, this place might even be good enough to help get you a second date!
joseph leonard
Photo Cred: Joseph Leonard
We’re in love with the deliciously intimate West Village restaurant, Joseph Leonard – and have been for a while now. Nestled into a small corner location, Joseph Leonard’s great bar-top dining and cozy bistro buzz make it one of our favorite date-night spots in the city. They don’t take reservations (which is perfect for the last-minute folks), but if you head there before the 7pm crowd you should be good to go – or worst case, you have to wait with a glass of vino in your hand…. nooo, that’s the worst!! We suggest starting with some fresh oysters and one of their always phenomenal rillettes, tartares or paté appetizers. Be sure and cap off the evening with their salted caramel pudding dessert, and you’ll have yourself a pretty romantic situation.
blue hill
Photo Cred: Blue Hill
Blue Hill is where you take someone when you really want to impress them. We’ll just be impressed if you manage to score a reservation. Their Greenwich Village location, hidden steps below street level, is in a landmark ‘speakeasy’ building just off Washington Square Park. They focus on using the freshest ingredients and source primarily from nearby farms. These fresh dishes are offered in two tasting-menu formats – either 4 or 6 courses. Truly one of the best restaurants in the city, so can’t go wrong with a night a Blue Hill.
casa mono + bar jamón
Photo Cred: Casa Mono
The brainchild of Chef Mario Batali and restauranteur Joe Bastianich, the modestly sized Casa Mono has already earned a coveted Michelin star and after a few bites you’ll know why. The food is served in authentic Spanish tapas-style, making it an ideal place to take a date and share a bunch of small plates together. Before dinner at Casa Mono, pop over to its sister restaurant, Bar Jamón, for a glass of wine next door. Spanish wines have made a bold (and affordable) entrance to the world stage in recent years, and these spots both have plenty of great ones to choose from. Great wine followed by a great meal – what more could you ask for?!
Photo Cred: Bar Jamón
