OK, so when you think of the world’s most romantic destinations New York might not be the first place that springs to mind – that title may go to Paris or one of the picturesque Italian cities that serve as the setting for many a European love tale.
But while New York might be better known for its iconic landmarks and esteemed attractions, the Big Apple still has plenty of romantic spots for you to wine, dine and do your best Romeo & Juliette impersonations.
Here we take a look at some of the most romantic restaurants in New York for you all you love birds out there.
One if by Land, Two if by Sea – Looking for somewhere with live piano music, crackling brick fire-places and a private garden to wine and dine your significant other? Then One if by Land, Two if by Sea, a beautifully decorated spot set in a 16th-century carriage house might be just what you’re after.
The restaurant has become one of the city’s most popular places for love-struck patrons looking to pop the question, and one look inside it’s exposed brick walls will show you just why.
Zenkichi – If privacy is the most important ingredient for your dinner date, then Zenkichi offers it in abundance, with each of the tables here set inside its own dimly-lit private booth, complete with bamboo curtains.
Once seated, you’re given a button which you can use to grab the attention of your waiter when you’re ready to order, and customers are given an exciting, diverse choice of Japanese food that places an emphasis on Tokyo-style small plates, which are best shared and paired with the restaurant’s top-shelf sake.
The River Cafe – With the inclusion of this place on our list, we’ll assume money is no object when it comes to impressing on date night as the River Cafe is most certainly not cheap!
But then again why would it be, when it serves up some of the best food in Brooklyn and offers diners gorgeous views of both the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline from across the Hudson River?
Just make sure you dress for the occasion, as the restaurant enforces a pretty stringent dress code – all the more reason to get suited and booted to impress the person sitting opposite you.
La Grenouille – Since it opened way back in 1962, a who’s who of stars from film, music and fashion have all dined at this up-market French restaurant and after one look at the plush, elegant decor it’s easy to see why.
Red banquettes, mirrored walls and beautiful floral arrangements set the Midtown-based restaurant above the competition, and ensure diners in search of a romantic setting during their stay in New York needn’t look any further.
Peasant – No list of romantic restaurants in New York would be complete without the inclusion of an Italian eatery, and one of the best in NYC has to be Peasant, a traditional joint based in Little Italy.
Since it opened in 1999, Frank DeCarlo’s restaurant has tried to offer outside-the-box Italian food for diners looking for more than meatballs in tomato sauce – something the establishment was derided for back in the early years.
After overcoming the initial criticism, the Peasant has gone on to become one of the most respected establishments in the area, and these days it offers a rustic setting for couples looking for a romantic place to dine, with wooden, candle-lit tables, exposed brick and saucepans hanging from the walls giving the feel of a truly authentic Italian restaurant.
For a list of all the Michelin star restaurants in New York, check out our guide.
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