Top Picks For A Romantic Special Occasion
Melinda Kauffman / September 11, 2018
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When it comes to celebrating special occasions, finding the perfect restaurant can be a daunting task. Whether you’re looking for classic fine dining or a more intimate, trendy italian spot like I Sodi, there’s no going wrong if you pick from this list we’ve curated. Here are our top picks for celebrating a romantic special occasion in NYC:
I Sodi
PC: @misscutiefoodieRita Sodi is the owner and Executive Chef of I Sodi, an intimate West Village restaurant offering exceptional Tuscan style fare. Here, you’ll find a relatively simple menu packed with flavor and quality you can taste, which is precisely why we love it so much. Our favorite pastas here are the the pappardelle al limone and the lasagna a sugo.
Le CouCou
PC: @ppkitsLe Coucou is one of our top choices for traditional French cuisine in NYC. Restaurateur Stephen Starr and Chef Daniel Rose bring this dining experience to the 11 Howard Hotel in Soho. The seasonal menu here includes authentic ingredients sourced from all over France and served in an ornately designed dining room by Roman and Williams Guild. Between the five star service and romantic ambience, you’re sure to be in for an unforgettable evening.
Manhatta
Manhatta is Danny Meyer’s newest restaurant concept located 60 floors up in Fidi. Chef Jason Pfeifer serves seasonal French inspired cuisine here, offering a lot more than the stunning views of the NYC skyline. The tasting menu will set you up for a romantic evening where you can enjoy the views and your date! Must orders here include the lobster quenelle, wagyu bavette entree and of course the vanilla souffle with butterscotch sauce.
L’Artusi
PC: L’ArtusiL’Artusi is probably our favorite all-around restaurant in NYC. Every dish is thoughtfully curated and delicious, the service is impeccable yet unpretentious and the ambiance is trendy and romantic at the same time. We’re not sure how one restaurant can accomplish all of these things, but L’Artusi does just that. Start your meal here with the housemade Ricotta and the Roasted Mushrooms and be sure to have at least one pasta on your table. Our favorite is the Bucatini.
Daniel
PC: @restaurantdanielIf you’re really looking to go all out, Daniel is at the very top of our list when it comes to serious fine dining. Expect to be treated like royalty at this seasonal French restaurant by Daniel Boulud. This iconic Upper East Side spot is famous for their seven course tasting menu that is sure to be one of the most memorable meals of your life.
Gramercy Tavern
PC: @gramercytavernSince 1994, Gramercy Tavern has been a popular spot for a memorable dining experience for any type of occasion, so it comes as no surprise that it’s one of our top picks for celebrating something like your boo’s 30th birthday. This USHG restaurant holds strong relationships with local farms and purveyors, allowing them to offer some of the best contemporary American cuisine in NYC.
Marea
PC: @mareanycThis classic NYC establishment by Chef Michael White redefines high end Italian cuisine with fresh seafood and some of the best pasta we’ve ever had. For a well-rounded evening, we recommend opting for the tasting menu which highlights all of the best dishes Marea has to offer. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or an engagement, we promise your date will be thoroughly impressed with this choice.
Babbo
PC: @babboristoranteBabbo is a cozy Italian restaurant in Greenwich Village that set the scene for Italian fine dining in NYC back when it opened in 1998. It’s the type of restaurant you can go back to time and time again and still find just as exciting on every visit. Whatever you go with, make sure to have an order of the octopus on your table to start – it is one of our absolute favorite renditions of the dish.
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