Best Romantic Restaurants in New York

Renowned chef Thomas Keller brought the sophisticated appeal of his acclaimed Napa Valley restaurant, The French Laundry, to New York City with Per Se, which now ranks alongside its sister restaurant as one of the best in the world. Per Se is situated in the Time Warner Center, and its prime location offers guests the opportunity to take in beautiful views of Central Park while enjoying seasonal, French-influenced American cuisine. Beyond the main dining room, there is a lounge bar, a wine cellar, and two private dining rooms that are perfect for celebratory occasions. No matter where you are, Per Se is as visually stunning as its cuisine is delicious, featuring earthy tones, a charming fireplace, and wood and stone accents.

The brainchild of chefs Angie Rito and Scott Tacinelli, Don Angie is a fine-dining restaurant, offering the best of Italian cuisine. The interiors are elegantly put together and feature an array of classic furnishings, replete with whitewashed French windows that offer wonderful views of Greenwich Avenue. The fare is a representation of the refinement of the chefs, who have honed their skills working with some of the biggest names in the city. The Shell Steak Al Limone, Orata Alla Griglia and Octopus Puttanesca are only a few of the many interesting gems on offer here. This restaurant is a great option for a date night.

Located on the bustling Prince Street of New York, Raoul's is an iconic establishment that has stood the test of time. Opened in the 1970s, this historic bistro boasts a vintage ambiance that features classic booths, antique lights, and period artwork. When in town, head over to Raoul's for a leisurely brunch or dinner to experience the charming Parisian bistro with hearty portions and delicious drinks. The brunch menu includes staples like sandwiches, pancakes, their signature frites and steak, along with an impressive list of wines. The elaborate dinner menu features a variety of small plates, entrees and French delicacies.

In 1986, sibling owners Maguy and Gilbert Le Coze opened Le Bernardin in New York after tasting phenomenal success with their 1972 flagship restaurant in Paris. It has continued to thrive under Chef Éric Ripert after Gilbert’s tragic demise in 1994. Seafood has been the inspiration behind the menu at Le Bernardin since inception. The tasting menu takes diners through delicacies such as Osetra Caviar, Dungeness Crab, Lobster Tail and Black Bass. Moreover, an extensive collection of around 900 wines complements every dish to perfection. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails from your eclectic lounge. The appetizers are tasty, and dinner is like a set menu but one that affords you the freedom to choose from different dishes for your meal. The flavors are good, given the chef’s experiments with different cuisines, not only French but a smattering of Asian as well, e.g., shrimps with coconut sauce. A dash of Caribbean is thrown into the mix, with the fruits added to the dessert.

Owned by the legendary Chef Daniel Boulud, this award-winning French restaurant is considered by many to be the one of the best dining experiences in the city. The cuisine is contemporary, putting a fresh spin on traditional recipes and is both expertly prepared and exquisitely plated. Enjoy divine dishes like rabbit saddle with chorizo and tarragon mustard or wasabi-marinated hamachi with white sturgeon caviar and Meyer lemon coulis amid fine Italian Renaissance décor. Opt for the tasting menu or let the knowledgeable staff at Daniel help you create your perfect meal, complete with outstanding drink pairings.

A lovely French-style bistro, Buvette effortlessly blends vintage with modern chic. Featuring a delightfully rustic but trendy vibe, the little bistro is a popular local spot for an elegant breakfast, light lunch or after work drink. The menu stays close to its bistro theme, serving up a nice array of retro classics like the mouth-watering selection of baked delights from flaky croissants perfect for a quick breakfast to more substantial steak tartare, ratatouille and coq au vin. A lovely spot for a quiet evening out and a nice place to enjoy the perfect glass of French wine accompanied by one of the delicious small eats, in quaint little jars and bowls, meant to be shared. Round off the evening with a slice of melt-in-the-mouth tarte tatin, for a truly satisfying experience. Since they do not accept reservations, expect a wait on weekends.

Although this quintessential Manhattan French restaurant may be pricey, La Grenouille is a thoroughly romantic place to enjoy a memorable meal. It has long been known for its spectacular floral displays, great food, and good service. The prix fixe dinner combined with wine makes for an excellent combination. Dishes can be ordered a la carte as well, these include delicacies such as frogs' legs sauteed with garlic and tomato compote and filet mignon with potato and onion crisps. Do not forget to cap the meal with some indulgent desserts.

Located in the famous GE Building at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, the Rainbow Room has entertained thousands of guests with dancing and dinner for more than 80 years. The view of New York City from this restaurant on the 65th floor is sure to render you speechless and the prices on the menu as well. The restaurant is open for brunch on Sundays, while Monday evenings guests are invited to enjoy a delectable a la carte menu and chic entertainment. After all, what could be more romantic than a swirl and a jive on the twirling dance floor? Overall, a night at the Rainbow Room is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will remain in your memory for a long, long time.

Serving Italian seafood creations to delighted patrons, Marea has already earned two coveted Michelin stars for their polished menu of authentic Italian coastal offerings. The chic interior is perfect for business or romance, and private dining rooms can be readily arranged. Chef Michael White's deft Mediterranean touch pairs globally sourced ingredients like sea urchin, lobster, oysters, marlin, scallops and octopus with rich sauces, fragrant herbs and bright, citrus flavors. Studying the menu alone will whet your appetite. If not, a glass of wine from their thoughtfully selected wine list will surely do the trick.

Club A Steakhouse brings together an amalgamation of contemporary splendor to a traditional classic structure. With crimson hued walls surrounding classy tables and warm light filling the interiors, this place has been praised as being the "most romantic steakhouse in New York." Dig into the delectable steaks grilled to perfection, with perfectly prepared sides.

Mark Forgione is a celebrated chef in America, winner of the show The Next Iron Chef and recipient of a coveted Michelin Star. His signature restaurant is a must visit and gives you the opportunity to savor some fine contemporary inventions created by him. In an elegant ambiance with classic furniture and dim lights, one can relish his take on the steak, apart from other frequently-changing, seasonally-inspired dishes. Desserts and wines can also be enjoyed to the fullest at this prestigious restaurant.

If you wish to experience a meal that is delicious in an atmosphere that is upscale and classy, Vetro by Russo's on the Bay is the place to be. A fine dining Italian restaurant, Vetro serves classic dishes like stuffed shrimp, pasta, chicken Francaise, steak, and much more. The Italian wines and other mixes add on to your meal. Do not make the mistake of skipping the Italian desserts, especially the tiramisu. The elegant ambiance and beautiful views of Jamaica Bay transports you into another world.