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New York City’s Best Restaurants for Date Night

Check out romantic spots that provide an elegant dose of atmosphere alongside delicious meals

Tuome

Cuisine: American (New)
Neighborhood: East Village
Price: $$$ out of $$$$ 
Eleven Mad alum chef Thomas Chen has blended his classic training and Chinese-American upbringing to this casual but oh-so-elevated East Village spot.

Contra

Cuisine: American (New)
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
Price: $$$$ out of $$$$ 
In a railroad-style restaurant on a quiet part of Orchard Street lives Contra. The daily changing tasting menu by two famed chefs is a must-visit for those engaged with the NYC dining scene. 

The Musket Room

Cuisine: New Zealand
Neighborhood: Nolita
Price: $$$ out of $$$$ 
Earned first Michelin star four months after opening. The Musket Room brings New Zealand to the heart of Nolita. Fashionistas flock to the bar early, so grab a table upfront for the action or in the back room with view of the restaurant’s herb garden for a more serene dining experience.   

Comodo

Cuisine: Latin American
Neighborhood: Soho
Price: $$$ out of $$$$ 
Candlelit, brick-lined Soho date spot serving Latin dishes ranging from Brazilian to Mexican fare. Husband and wife Felipe Donnelly and Tamy Rofe make you feel right at home. 

Meadowsweet

Cuisine: American
Neighborhood: Williamsburg
Price: $$$ out of $$$$ 
Michelin-starred chef Polo Dobkin, who pioneered Williamsburg with Dressler, is back in the Dressler’s former space with this new dining concept. Antique-looking wallpaper evoking the meadowsweet herb covers the walls of this airy, bright place. Enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired menu with herbs fresh from the restaurant’s 17-foot lofted garden, collaboration with Brooklyn Grange. 

King Bee

Cuisine: Acadian, French/American
Neighborhood: East Village
Price: $$ out of $$$$ 
Warm and inviting farmhouse with a killer soundtrack. King Bee’s refined Acadian cuisine pays homage to Louisiana country cooking and its French and Canadian roots. Expect oysters, game, and an extensive wine list.   

Marco’s

Cuisine: Italian
Neighborhood: Prospect Heights
Price: $$$ out of $$$$ 
Brooklyn-style trattoria offering intimate setting and attentive service. Husband-and-wife owners and Savoy vets Andrew Feinberg and Francine Stephens source local, organic ingredients to deliver cross-region Italian dishes that delight.   

Fung Tu

Cuisine: Chinese
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
Price: $$$ out of $$$$ 
Chinese-American cuisine in the creative style of Per Se vet Jonathan Wu. 2-star New York Magazine reviewed by Adam Platt. Enjoy the terroir-driven beverage program in an intimate dining room.   

Neta

Cuisine: Sushi
Neighborhood: West Village
Price: $$$$ out of $$$$ 
This white-hot spot features unique sushi preparations, a trendy vibe, and bumping music. Casual setting with creative cocktails not to be missed and an omakase you will not forget.   

Vinegar Hill House

Cuisine: American
Neighborhood: Vinegar Hill
Price: $$$ out of $$$$ 
Tucked down a cobblestoned street in the historic neighborhood of Vinegar Hill in Brooklyn. Rustic atmosphere serving new American cuisine. Recently Grub Street power-ranked. 

Recette

Cuisine: American (New)
Neighborhood: West Village
Price: $$$ out of $$$$ 
Marrying the traditional and the progressive. Bringing together American food cooked with Spanish flavors and French flair. Grown out of the Recette “underground” supper clubs. Approachable and playful. 

Khe-Yo

Cuisine: Asian
Neighborhood: Tribeca
Price: $$$ out of $$$$ 
Laos comes to Tribeca in this inspired resto from Marc Forgione and Kansas-bred chef Soulayphet “Phet” Schwader. The bustling vibe, metal tables and exposed brick evoke Forgione’s first Tribeca joint, albeit smaller and dare we say cozier. 

Le Jardin Bistro

Cuisine: French
Neighborhood: East Village
Price: $$ out of $$$$ 
Le Jardin has returned to NYC with a new name after its 15-year stint in the current home of The Cleveland. This new reincarnation serves classic French bistro dishes including steak tartare, cassoulet, bouillabaisse and frisee aux lardons salad.   

The Red Cat

Cuisine: American
Neighborhood: Chelsea
Price: $$$ out of $$$$ 
The timeless go-to West Chelsea spot exudes a lively gallery-hopping energy. The red-and-white barn door interior and works by local artists contribute to the funky decor to create a respite regulars love.   

Market Table

Cuisine: American
Neighborhood: West Village
Price: $$$ out of $$$$ 
Enjoy seasonal American inside a perennial fave that will remind of your local corner grocery — in all the good ways. Floor-to-ceiling windows and vaulted ceiling create an approachable, intimate setting. Celebrated chef Mike Price and Joey Campanaro bring another winner. 

Felidia

Cuisine: Italian
Neighborhood: Midtown
Price: $$$$ out of $$$$ 
3-star New York Times reviewed. Lidia Bastianich and executive chef Fortunato Nicotra’s talents shine at this tony Upper East Side townhouse.

The Gander

Cuisine: American
Neighborhood: Flatiron
Price: $$$ out of $$$$
Chef Jesse Schenker’s casual follow-up to Recette, The Gander presents a welcome addition to the Flatiron dining scene. Need we say more?

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