29 Best Date Night Restaurants in NYC in 2025
Looking for some of the different date night restaurants NYC has to offer you and your partner? Want to go somewhere new for your next romantic evening together? We’ve got the list for you. In this bustling city that never sleeps, there’s no shortage of romantic restaurants to try out.
According to a National Library of Medicine study, planning intentional date nights that allow partners to explore new activities can help promote intimacy. And what better way to do so than to explore new restaurants together? Whether you’re looking for a first date spot or want to celebrate a milestone, these date night restaurants in NYC will help set the romantic vibe you’re looking for.
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The 29 Best NYC Date Night Restaurants
1. Le Crocodile
No one knows romance like the French, which is why our first contender is Le Crocodile. This hotel brasserie regularly makes the Top 100 Restaurants in NYC list. As its name suggests, the restaurant is playful and proud of its French origins.
The Vibe
High ceilings, exposed brick hallways, wide windows and warm lighting all help make this one of the coziest date night restaurants in NYC.
What to Order
Try the elevated steak frites, cooked in a special French savory butter called maître d'hôtel.
Le Crocodile | 80 Wythe Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11249 | $$$
2. Raoul’s
This next date night restaurant in NYC is a classic success story. Its owners are two brothers from Alsace, France, who arrived in SOHO with cooking skills and a dream. As a result, Raoul’s was born.
The Vibe
Raoul’s is candlelit and cozy, with plush leather booths and retro decorations to honor the past.
What to Order
This is one of the top date night restaurants in NYC for steak lovers. The signature steak natural au poivre, drenched in creamy pepper sauce with hand-cut fries is one of the best in the city.
Raoul’s | 180 Prince St., New York, NY 10012 | $$$
3. La Tête d'Or by Daniel
If you're looking to truly impress your date, visit La Tête d'Or by Daniel. As one of the famous restaurants led by Chef Daniel Boulud, the French cuisine will impress any partner.
The Vibe
This is one of the top date night restaurants in NYC to consider for a classy evening in a suave, shimmering dining hall.
What to Order
Order the American wagyu ribeye steak for a fun tableside trolley experience that doubles as one of the most memorable things to do in NYC.
La Tête d'Or by Daniel | 318 Park Ave. S., New York, NY 10010 | $$
4. Raf’s
Dine underneath a sky of Renaissance-style clouds at Raf’s, one of the most intimate date night restaurants NYC has to offer. Named after the owner’s daughter, this intimate French-Italian bakery and restaurant offers a full menu for any time of day.
The Vibe
The candlelit tables, open kitchen and framed mirrors lining the walls all come together to create one of the most romantic date night restaurants in NYC.
What to Order
Go for the mafaldine, a lamb dish topped with a flavorful Italian sheep’s milk cheese.
Raf’s | 290 Elizabeth St., New York, NY 10012 | $$
5. La Mercerie
Dazzle your partner with a meal at La Mercerie, a beautiful French restaurant and bar tucked away in a home goods store. This date night restaurant in NYC is the perfect excuse to head out early and shop before dinner.
The Vibe
With a canopy of leaves overhead and bright airy lighting, this is the kind of date night restaurant in NYC you’ll be dreaming of for years to come.
What to Order
For a pescatarian dish, try the steamed cod in donabe, served with grain mustard, leeks and potatoes.
La Mercerie | 53 Howard St., New York, NY 10013 | $$$
6. Borgo
Transport yourself and your partner to Italy by visiting Borgo, an Italian trattoria and wine bar with a focus on wood-fired cooking. This is one of the many date night restaurants NYC offers for delicious, thoughtful entrees and well-crafted cocktails.
The Vibe
Old-fashioned wooden booths, tableside bar service and classic white walls with warm lighting create a romantic atmosphere for a date night in NYC.
What to Order
Go for the whole roasted branzino with fresh lemon, paired with a unique cocktail or glass of wine.
Borgo | 124 E. 27th St., New York, NY 10016 | $$
7. Gage and Tollner
With origins dating back to 1879, Gage and Tollner is a Brooklyn chop house restaurant that needs no introduction. It’s one of the few date night restaurants NYC offers for those seeking a magical evening steeped in history.
The Vibe
Picture a long golden hallway lit elegantly by chandeliers. Add carpets and cozy booths, and you’ve got one of the best date night restaurants NYC natives adore.
What to Order
The beef Wellington for two is great for date night. For dessert, try the baked Alaska.
Gage and Tollner | 372 Fulton St., Brooklyn, NY 11201 | $$$$
8. June
Nothing says romance like natural wine and tapas. June has both. First opened in 2015, this is one of the most special date night restaurants NYC offers if you want a welcoming atmosphere and a thoughtful menu.
The Vibe
With curvy Edison bulb-studded ceilings and tables that glint in the light, June is one of the more intimate date night restaurants that NYC locals favor.
What to Order
Try the signature cheeseburger with artisanal ingredients like sweet onion mostarda (a Northern Italian candied fruit and mustard-based condiment).
June | 231 Court St., Brooklyn, NY 11201 | $$
9. Sailor
If you find yourself feeling adventurous in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, consider checking out Sailor. This neighborhood bistro is led by Chef April Bloomfield, who whips up elevated dishes that pair well with the extensive wine list.
The Vibe
As far as date night restaurants in NYC go, Sailor leans in completely to its oceanic theme. The charming space is filled with navy blue seats, wooden booths and modern art.
What to Order
Customers love the smoked Arctic char pâté to start, and the half-roasted chicken with herb-infused butter as a main.
Sailor | 228 Dekalb Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11205 | $$
10. Sixty Three Clinton
Led by Chef Sam Clonts and Raymond Trinh, Sixty Three Clinton is one of those date night restaurants in NYC that masquerades a fantastic seasonal menu behind an unassuming entrance.
The Vibe
White exposed brick walls, modern leather chairs and marble tabletops create a calm industrial vibe. This style makes the spot one of the top date night restaurants NYC offers to visitors.
What to Order
Since the menu changes seasonally, be sure to check the website ahead of your visit. If available, try the popular duck leg cassoulet (a traditional French stew) with fresh cornbread.
Sixty Three Clinton | 63 Clinton St., New York, NY 10002 | $$$$
11. Theodora
Good things come in threes, and Chef Tomer Blechman’s third restaurant is a great example. Theodora is one of the top date night restaurants NYC offers for seasonal Mediterranean cuisine, all cooked in an open-fire kitchen.
The Vibe
The creative décor at Theodora rivals that of many date night restaurants in NYC. Admire the natural accents, from dangling plants to glowing stone lights, contrasted by white walls and wooden chairs.
What to Order
Start with the yellowfin tuna crudo and then try the prawns with honey habanero and pineapple pico de gallo.
Theodora | 7 Greene Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11238 | $$
12. JUA
This next top option for date night restaurants in NYC comes with a heartwarming story. JUA is named after owner and Chef Hoyoung Kim’s daughter, doubling as a reference to the French word joie (joy). The restaurant serves a tasting menu of Korean wood-fired dishes.
The Vibe
Tall wooden ceilings and spotlights keep focus on the food, making JUA a vital addition to any foodie’s list of date night restaurants in NYC.
What to Order
The tasting menu features Korean delicacies, including the popular caviar starter and rice porridge.
JUA | 36 E. 22nd St., New York, NY 10010 | $$$$
13. San Sabino
Wife and husband duo Chefs Angie Rito and Scott Tacinelli have opened their second Italian restaurant, San Sabino. This new option for date night restaurants in NYC focuses on traditional Italian cuisine with a modern twist.
The Vibe
The space shines bright with golden hues, complete with cushioned chairs and tall windows. The charm here feels reminiscent of an Italian sidewalk café, making it one of the most romantic restaurants in NYC.
What to Order
Try a San Sabino signature — stuffed farfalle with smoked chili crab, yellow chive, tobiko, and crème fraîche foam.
San Sabino | 113 Greenwich Ave., New York, NY 10014 | $$
14. Kafana
Sometimes you just crave a meal in a home away from home. That’s what Kafana feels like. This cash-only date night restaurant in NYC serves up traditional Serbian fare in a cozy bistro.
The Vibe
Sit back on a patterned cushion booth seat and admire the framed photos of historic moments and other traditional decorations as you enjoy your meal at one of the most healthy restaurants in NYC.
What to Order
Try the freshly made mixed grill, a popular collection of grilled meats for two.
Kafana | 116 Avenue C., New York, NY 10009 | $$
15. Wayan
Solid French-Indonesian fare can be hard to find, but Wayan has got you covered. It’s a lovely date night restaurant in NYC that offers Indonesian cuisine with French influences and techniques, along with creative cocktails.
The Vibe
There’s an authenticity at Wayan found in the lush green plants, natural downlights and intimate atmosphere that make it one of the top date night restaurants in NYC.
What to Order
Start with the escargot rendang served with toasted brioche, garlic-herb butter and lime. Then split the lobster noodles with your partner and finish sharing the fruity pandan custard for dessert.
Wayan | 20 Spring St., New York, NY 10012 | $$$
16. Crown Shy
If the goal is an innovative, international cuisine-inspired experience, Crown Shy executes it beautifully. Book a reservation here at one of the most impressive date night restaurants NYC offers for those seeking romance.
The Vibe
Entering this date night restaurant in NYC means being met with sky-high ceilings, spacious dining areas and muted lighting that help set an intimate mood.
What to Order
The menu changes regularly. Try the hamachi with a unique curry dashi if it’s available.
Crown Shy | 70 Pine St., New York, NY 10005 | $$$$
17. Daniel
Another infamous restaurant by award-winning Chef Daniel Boulud is the aptly named Daniel. Nestled in the Upper East Side, the restaurant features grand dining rooms, a detailed tasting menu and private dining options.
The Vibe
With stunning room options like the neoclassical-style dining hall, lounge, bar and Skybox, this is one of the most memorable date night restaurants NYC offers for diners.
What to Order
The five-course prix-fixe menu changes regularly, featuring dishes made with French cooking techniques like the lamp chop and chestnut-enriched tortellini with Périgord black truffle.
Daniel | 60 E. 65th St., New York, NY 10065 | $$$$
18. Huda
Speaking of calm and sweet date night restaurants NYC has, Huda is another popular option. This neighborhood bistro is named after owner and Chef Gehad Hadidi’s childhood community center. It serves a menu inspired by Lebanese, Syrian and Palestinian cuisine.
The Vibe
The atmosphere at this well-known option for date night restaurants in NYC is both quaint and comfortable with rustic seating, candlelit tables and a modest corner bar.
What to Order
Try the shish barak, a Lebanese tortellini stuffed with beef in a creamy yogurt sauce.
Huda | 312 Leonard St., Brooklyn, NY 11211 | $$$
19. Lord’s
Dine like a lord at Lord’s, a wine bar and restaurant that specializes in traditional British fare. This is one of the most solid date night restaurants NYC offers for those looking to experience classic English delicacies on this side of the pond.
The Vibe
This is one of the top date night restaurants in NYC for an elevated pub-like experience. Its ornate ceilings and deep green theme feel regal, indeed.
What to Order
Start with the rarely seen curried lamb scotch egg, then the confit duck leg with soft polenta.
Lord’s | 506 LaGuardia Pl., New York, NY 10012 | $$$
20. The Four Horsemen
There’s a foreboding air in the name of this next famous option for one of the many date night restaurants NYC has to offer, but that’s where the apprehension ends. The Four Horsemen is a Williamsburg staple for lovers of natural wines and creative tapas.
The Vibe
This space features warm spherical lighting above wood-slat interiors and wooden seating everywhere, creating a rustic natural feel.
What to Order
The menu changes frequently. Try the poached shrimp or braised leek toast if they’re available.
The Four Horsemen | 295 Grand St., Brooklyn, NY 11211 | $$
21. Wayla
Time is the one thing you can’t get back, so it’s no wonder why Wayla is named after the Thai word for it. This is one of the top date night restaurants in NYC for fresh Thai street food and more.
The Vibe
Inspired by the bustling markets in Bangkok, this space feels like a secret with its moody lighting, intimate seating and pleasant back patio.
What to Order
The shrimp pad thai and the lobster noodles are both notable dishes that make this one of the top date night restaurants in NYC for Thai fare.
Wayla | 100 Forsyth St., New York, NY 10002 | $$$
22. Mắm
New York is home to all kinds of cuisine, but Vietnamese is more rare. Mắm is here to fix that. Try this option when it comes to date night restaurants in NYC for Vietnamese delicacies in an authentic space.
The Vibe
A visit here will feel lowkey and casual, with simple metal tables and plastic seating amid traditional Vietnamese decorations.
What to Order
Go for the signature Dac Biet platter, which comes with a variety of foods like sticky rice sausage, fermented shrimp paste and soft pork belly.
Mắm | 70 Forsyth St., New York, NY 10002 | $$
23. Lilia
Taking inspiration from traditional Italian cooking, Lilia offers wood-fired seafood dishes and creative handmade pastas along with classic cocktails to pair them with. Dine inside or out on the patio at this date night restaurant in NYC.
The Vibe
Tall ceilings sprawl over the walls which are lined with an extensive wine collection. The atmosphere is classy yet casual, making Lilia a great place for an impromptu date to enjoy some classic NYC food.
What to Order
Customers come for innovative dishes like the sheep’s milk cheese agnolotti topped with saffron and honey.
Lilia | 567 Union Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11211 | $$$$
24. Bangkok Supper Club
Experience a snapshot of the nighttime food scene in Bangkok at Bangkok Supper Club. Led by Chef Max Wittawat, this is a gem of a date night restaurant in NYC that features unique Thai charcoal-grilled dishes and drinks.
The Vibe
This date night restaurant in NYC emanates Bangkok nightlife with suave décor and a bright orange ceiling centerpiece.
What to Order
Go for the 12-hour braised beef cheeks if you’re feeling adventurous. They come with a rich Massaman curry and fragrant Jasmine rice.
Bangkok Supper Club | 641 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014 | $$$
25. Rosella
Sushi is a classic date idea, and Rosella is the place for some of the best. This is one of the date night restaurants in NYC that wholeheartedly dedicates itself to sustainable ingredient practices, ever since its opening back in 2021.
The Vibe
This date night restaurant in NYC is made up of a trendy, modern space that cultivates calm energy, featuring wooden accents and an organized bar.
What to Order
Try the laksa ramen, a Malaysian take on the classic Japanese dish. The fatty tuna roll is great for seafood lovers.
Rosella | 137 Ave. A, New York, NY 10009 | $$
26. Manhatta
If you’re looking to celebrate a milestone, Manhatta is an award-winning option. This is one of the many date night restaurants NYC offers for sky-high views and creative three or five-course meals.
The Vibe
Aside from its breathtaking location, the sleek and spacious dining hall creates an oasis in the clouds that makes Manhatta one of the top fancy restaurants in NYC.
What to Order
The menu changes regularly, but try the dry-aged duck with kumquats if it’s available. The dish has an impressive balance of unexpected flavors.
Manhatta | 28 Liberty St., Floor 60, New York, NY 10005 | $$$$
27. Claud
There’s a trendy spot in town, and it’s Claud. The open kitchen and stellar desserts in addition to innovative pastas and other mains help make this one of the top date night restaurants in NYC to try.
The Vibe
Listen to the sounds of the bustling kitchen as you dine under curved red lights on rustic wooden tables, which help make this one of the best date night restaurants NYC offers.
What to Order
Go for the chicken liver agnolotti. For a vegetarian option, try the koginut (butternut and kabocha squash hybrid) mille-feuille.
Claud | 90 E. 10th St., New York, NY 10003 | $$
28. SoleLuna
Some of the most romantic date night restaurants in NYC are a labor of love and collaboration. That’s the inspiration behind SoleLuna, the dream creation of husband-wife duo Valerio and Michele as well as others.
The Vibe
Exposed bronze ceiling pipes, draping green plants by the windows and authentic decorations help create the industrial-chic vibe here.
What to Order
Try the gnocchi al Tartufo, topped with a black truffle sauce and Parmigiana al gratin. Diners also favor the lasagna Bolognese for its freshness and rich flavors.
SoleLuna | 40-1 Queens Blvd., Sunnyside, NY 11104 | $$
29. Misi
For fresh pasta in South Williamsburg, visit Misi. Award-winning Chef Missy Robbins uses her years of expertise in fine dining Italian kitchens to bring forth one of the most highly sought date night restaurants in NYC.
The Vibe
This light-filled date night restaurant in NYC features sleek white ceilings and a playful, chic demeanor overall. Golden lighting adds a romantic warmth to the space, creating the perfect ambiance for date night.
What to Order
Misi’s signature sheep’s milk ricotta-filled occhi with lemon is popular here. Ask about their off-menu items too.
Misi | 329 Kent Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11249 | $$$
Other Romantic Foodie Experiences in NYC
If you’re ready to explore other kinds of foodie experiences besides visiting date night restaurants in NYC, consider taking one of the local couple's cooking classes in NYC. This is a great way to bond with your partner and learn new cooking techniques, all at once.
Another way to experience food in the city is to hire one of the many private chefs in NYC. You’ll end up with an intimate, high-end dinner date prepared specifically for you and your partner by an expert chef. Before you know it, you’ll be thinking of the next time you can do this again.
There’s no shortage of date night restaurants in NYC to try with your partner, either for a casual outing or a bigger celebration. From romantic European cuisines to modern, American renditions and Asian specialties, there’s always a new experience waiting. When it’s the right person, they’ll always be impressed as long as they’re with you. But delicious food does tend to help in most situations.
For even more ways to explore NYC and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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