THE RIVER CAFÉ
Some things are worth dressing up for, and a visit to this Brooklyn restaurant is undoubtedly one of them. It enjoys, without question, one of the most extraordinary settings, lying in the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge. The cityscape views are spectacular that ordering a Manhattan as your cocktail seems the only obvious choice.
The experienced, white-jacketed waitstaff keep the entire operation running like a well-oiled machine; in fact, they could spot an upcoming marriage proposal. The menu is just as stellar and provides the perfect match to this beautiful setting. Think succulent pork belly with scallops or even glistening duck breast with sweet potato spätzle. Simply put: the place oozes romance. Info: rivercafe.com
NERAI
This Midtown favorite offers an elevated and sophisticated take on traditional Greek cuisine with fresh seafood. According to TripAdvisor, the restaurant is ranked one of the Top 50 in NYC. It features a lively bar, an expansive garden patio, and stunning sidewalk seating in addition to elegantly appointed dining rooms. Nerai’s fresh seafood-focused dishes and layered cocktails are stripped to their simple essence, revamped for a twist, and then presented beautifully. A polished service team pays attention to each guest, striving to make their experience outstanding every time. Info: nerainyc.com
LA GOULUE
The best way to describe La Goulue in one word--elegant! Everything from its soft lighting to delicate curtains exudes elegance. That, combined with its exceptional service by highly professional and knowledgeable staff, makes this restaurant one of the best French bistros in the city.
Much like everything else, the menu presented by Chef Antoine Camin is elegantly presented. It features house favorites steak and tuna tartare, onion soup, roast chicken, steak au poivre vert, sole meuniere, and profiteroles are so good. The extensive wine list highlights a fabulous selection of French wines and worldwide classics. If one cannot decide which wine to pick for the evening, the knowledgeable staff will come to the rescue. Info: lagouluerestaurant.com
JUNGSIK
This highly acclaimed two-starred Michelin restaurant from world-renowned Chef Jung Sik Yim was the first to introduce New Korean cuisine to New York. The Tribeca kitchen, helmed by Executive Chef Daeik Kim (Culinary Institute of America), is included in La Liste’s 2022 Top 1000 World’s Best Restaurants.
LOULOU
The gorgeous French bistro and speakeasy in Chelsea is the perfect date-night destination. Named for Mathias Van Leyden’s rescue dog, the bi-level restaurant has ample seating indoors and outdoors (heated, of course!). Signature dishes from Executive Chef Jarett Brodie include Duck Leg Confit with apple rosemary puree and gala chutney and Steak Frites featuring a juicy skirt steak and bearnaise. Of course, start this divine dinner with a gorgeously crafted cocktail (or two). In addition to the banquette and table seating indoors, Loulou also features a speakeasy you can enter through a Coca-Cola machine door outside. Head downstairs after a filling meal and enjoy the music and time together.
Info: loulounyc.com
TASCA
The focus here is on the Iberian Peninsula in Spain, and the Caribbean islands of Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. This melting pot of Spanish Latin Caribbean flavors showcases how related cultures can work together in new and exciting ways. Couples dining out on Valentine’s Day will be able to enjoy a spacious dining room with high ceilings, beautiful bird sconces, and custom-designed wallpaper that incorporates flora and fauna of the regions represented at Tasca, giving lovers the vibe of being in the Caribbean. Additionally, Tasca can properly serve over 400 wines, with a current inventory of roughly 180, all of which are temperature controlled. Here’s to love! Info: tasca-nyc.com