There is nothing more romantic than Valentine’s Day in New York.
These 10 restaurants are the absolute pinnacle of romance for Valentine’s Day.
1. Per Se
Is it the breathtaking views of Central Park; the elegant, intimate space; or the refined dishes or the peerless hospitality that make this three-Michelin-starred restaurant a classic high-end date spot? Yes, to all three. (The fact that scoring a reservation is next to impossible helps—what better way is there to show your date how awesome you are?) You’ll be swept away by chef Thomas Keller’s nine-course tasting menu, including the famous oysters and pearls—pearl tapioca with oysters and sterling white sturgeon caviar—and butter-poached lobster. Pair with one of the restaurant’s 2,000 bottles of wine.
Marc Forgione
Marc Forgione’s Tribeca restaurant exudes romance: there are weathered brick walls, gilded mirrors, and pillar candles, which supply almost all of the light. Share the spicy lobster chili, served with Texas toast to soak up the broth, or the rich chicken under a brick (since it’s a special occasion, splurge on the shaved black truffles for added decadence). The Halibut en Croute’s sauce is nicknamed “proposal sauce,” supposedly for the amount of times diners have asked Forgione to marry them after trying it.
August
This classic date spot recently moved to the Upper East Side, but managed to keep the charm of its original West Village location. The menu in the new locale has kept some of the restaurant’s iconic dishes—braised short ribs with honey sriracha, for example—along with new items like roasted halibut with kale emulsion, garlic chips, and black onion. At the marble bar in front, they’re making barrel-aged cocktails, including a riff on a Long Island Iced Tea, but if you’re looking for a nightcap, try the Glogg: red wine, vermouth, vodka, cinnamon, clove, and raisins, served warm.
One if by Land, Two if by Sea
Inside this elegant landmark building—it was once Aaron Burr’s carriage house—brick walls, gold chandeliers, huge bouquets of flowers, and plush seating set the scene for one the city’s most popular spots for proposals. Tables near one of the restaurant’s two fireplaces in the Constitution Room, or near the French windows that overlook the garden, are particularly popular with couples. The prix fixe menu is filled with classic upper-crust favorites like beef Wellington, but if you’re offered a special extra course “designed just for you,” you’ll likely be served a ring surrounded by rose petals served under a domed silver platter.
Buddakan
Buddakan Restaurant
Who knew that a former cookie factory could ooze opulence? At Buddakan, the subtle concrete-colored entryway leads to an airy bar and lounge where lattice-screen walls offer hints that something impressive lies on the floor below. Like its sibling in Philadelphia, this eatery makes an impact with sheer size, its décor and its savory Asian-Fusion cuisine. Test your “Fate” (elderflower, pineapple and prosecco) at the bar or pump up the “Heat” (tequila, Cointreau and chilied cucumbers), both from the snazzy cocktail list, before descending down one side of a dual staircase towards an impressive banquet table in the center of an expansive room. Gargantuan chandeliers cast a warm glow over the candelabra-topped family-style table. As spicy aromas waft over from your neighbor’s nearby table, an eager staff is ready to cater to any dietary needs. For appetizers, indulge in the plump, crispy taro puff lollipops filled with pork and ginger. Dim sum choices include Shanghai soup dumplings with crab and pork or hoisin-glazed pork belly. Entrées range from ginger-glazed veal cheeks to whole Cantonese lobster to fried tofu and pineapple. The cauliflower stir-fry melts in your mouth almost as easily as the blatantly decadent desserts; and really, if it’s called “Crying Chocolate” (molten cake, white chocolate ganache, coffee ice cream and caramel), is there anything left to say? Okay—the chocolate-peanut butter bombe. Need we say more?
Cherry
Japanese / Sushi
In the subterranean space in Dream Downtown hotel that once housed short-lived molecular gastronomy restaurant Romero comes something a bit more straightforward: sushi rolls and other Japanese-inspired fare offered in stylish surroundings. Foie gras short rib gyoza is a satisfying take on the Japanese dumpling, while the uni poached egg, wading in a shallow pool of frothy soy, is a more subtle and complex taste sensation. Tender steak au poivre, served with Japanese sweet potatoes, will appeal to the carnivore, while those seeking a sea-worthy dish might consider a barbecued eel roll, inventively topped with candied bacon, and a yellowtail jalapeño roll with kimchi miso. Numerous bottled sakés are available, as are several wines by the glass.
355 W. 16th St. (Eighth Ave.)
Peasant
If only all peasants had it so good. Straightforward, traditional cuisine from Tuscany is largely prepared in an old-fashioned brick oven, giving that unmistakable wood smoke-tinged aroma and flavor. We recommend the hearty baked-meat dishes if you want to commune with your Old Country ancestors. The wine list is almost completely Italian. This is a very enjoyable dining experience, the only downside being that it can get very loud during busy times.
Pera SoHo
STK
STK MIDTOWN – NYC
Sensual STK in the Meatpacking District is a steakhouse in nightclub attire. Early evening, before the scene kicks into high gear, the room—featuring a fireplace and white leather banquettes—might still pass for romantic. The dry-aged steaks, listed in sizes to accommodate every appetite, are offered with a choice of mix-and-match sauces and sides. The eclectic menu also features fine duck, lamb and fish preparations (the skate with ponzu is particularly winning). Innovative starters include an over-the-top foie gras “French Toast” and zippy tiger prawns in shrimp bisque.
Megu
Dynamic, sexy and loud, Megu serves Japanese specialties prepared by 25 chefs.
Megu (which means blessing in Japanese) is set on two levels and 13,000-square-feet of shadowy space. The $6 million restaurant, designed by Yasumichi Morita, is dynamic and sexy, so, as you might imagine, it is also very loud, with 120 speakers set around. The menu is enormous, going from category to category, and owner Koji Imai insists he brings in only the very finest ingredients from all over the world. The proof of all this planning is, of course, in the food. Crown Jewels are the most extravagant items on the menu, like toro steak with white truffle oil and Kobe beef Châteaubriand with fresh wasabi and saké juices. The extensive menu also includes grilled miso-marinated half lobster, crispy shrimp in “kanzuri” spicy cream, and foie gras in crispy Kobe beef croquettes. There are also soups and noodles and an array of better-than-usual French-accented Japanese desserts, including bitter chocolate soufflé with warm ogura azuki cream. The only question is the price: when you choose from this category and that, this page and another, sharing plates of sushi and Kobe beef—in most cases small portions—the bill can mount fearfully.
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