Top Picks for a Romantic Special Occasion – UPDATED
eatingmynyc / October 1, 2023
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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:
Manhatta
PC: Trip AdvisorManhatta 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: ResyL’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: EaterIf 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: Bentel & BentelSince 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: EaterThis 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.
Le Crocodile
PC: New York TimesLe Crocodile perfectly embodies a romantic restaurant. Located in the bottom of the Wythe hotel, the space has high ceilings, beautiful arched windows, dim lighting, exposed brick walls, and lots of candles. The menu is handwritten and features a long list of delicious French dishes. Pro tip – order the chicken. It’s the best thing on the menu, served with a pile of fries and a delicious herb jus.
Shuko
PC: New York MagazineInside the unmarked door, you’ll find a narrow room with about 20 seats that all have a perfect view of the the chef preparing bite after bite of delicious kaiseki dishes. If you’re willing to spend hundreds of dollars on your dinner (omakase starts at $228pp), this is the perfect spot for an incredibly special meal in an intimate setting.
Olmsted
PC: EaterThe back garden at Olmsted is the most romantic outdoor dining spot in New York, filled with string lights plants galore, including every microgreen you can imagine. The food feels like the level of fine dining, but the atmosphere is relaxed, making it the perfect place to comfortably celebrate. Each dish is thoughtfully curated and exceptionally delicious.
Zou Zou’s
PC: OpentableIn Manhattan’s West Side, you’ll find an incredibly buzzy Eastern Mediterranean restaurant. The glitsy space is always packed with people celebrating, all centered around the open kitchen and wood-fired oven. The menu is perfect for sharing, from the dip towers to the best sweet potato I’ve ever had, and a duck borek with phyllo so unbelievably flaky.
Claud
PC: ResyThis wine bar in the East Village is one of the toughest reservations to get, and for good reason. The space feels as exclusive as it is, and you’ll feel special just having a seat inside. The food is absolutely incredible, from the agnolotti to the famous devil’s food cake, which is truly the best cake in the city.
Estella
PC: TimeoutThis restaurant is all around special, regardless of the occasion or who you dine with. It’s a small restaurant, but the menu is mighty, filled with the perfect assortment of Modern American dishes. You can’t leave without trying the endive salad, or the scallops. Honestly, order one of everything.
Peasant
PC: Wine SpectatorPeasant is the cozy, rustic Italian restaurant from acclaimed chef Marc Forgione. The space is lit with candles and the perfect atmosphere for delicious Italian food. Pro tip – the wine bar downstairs is even more intimate, and serves all of the best dishes from Peasant.
Torrisi
PC: The InfatuationThe newest hot-spot from the Major Food Group team, Torrisi is the perfect spot when you’re looking for an expensive, perfectly executed dinner. The menu is inventive, combining influences from New York and Italy. Italian and American Hams with Zeppoles to Tortellini Pomodoro and Duck alla Mulberry are some notable dishes, and the specials are always worth ordering (I personally love the lobster pasta!). Opt to sit facing the open-kitchen if you’re able to, where you can watch all the magic happen.
Atomix
PC: AtomixIf you’re looking for a multi-course tasting menu with dishes you’ve likely never seen before, Atomix is the spot. It’s exclusive and intimate, with an unmarked door and only 14 seats at the counter. Little details make the experience special, from choosing your chopsticks to the notecards that accompany each dish. You’ll taste dishes with special ingredients like sea urchin, black truffle, sea cucumber, and A5 wagyu, and will walk out completely satisfied.
Cote
PC: SecretNYCNothing says romantic and special like dinner and a show, and that’s what Cote is. This Korean BBQ spot is Michelin-starred, and they cook the meat in front of you. For $68pp, you get to sample several cuts of beef, plus a variety of banchan, plus soft serve for dessert. Afterwards, you can head down to Undercote, their speakeasy-style bar, to keep the night going.
Le Coucou
PC: The InfatuationLe 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.
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