16 Romantic Restaurants in New York City For Your Next Date

08.12.2024 - 13:05 / cntraveler.com

At first glance, New York City might not scream intimacy—reservations get booked up weeks out, open bar stools are snatched up in seconds, and dates squeezed into overpacked schedules. But it's the potential—the low-lit room, delectable shared dish and bottle of red—that pushes New Yorkers to fall head over heels, if not with their date, then at least with the restaurant itself. This city's dining scene brims over with romance, thanks to visionary restaurateurs who have mastered the art of ambiance.

In the first episode of Sex and the City, a skeptical Carrie Bradshaw was convinced that romance is dead in New York City. “Cupid has flown the co-op,” she wrote in her column. But perhaps, at that point in time, she hadn't the access to the selected list we've gathered for you below. Whether it’s cozy neighborhood gems, chic spaces with live entertainment, or venues designed for post-dinner drinks nearby—each offers its own twist on the balance of intimacy and allure. And because, in NYC, the line of a romantic restaurant is razor-thin (if too loud, the charm is lost; if too buzzy, the rush for an open table ruins any mirage of spontaneity.) To take some of the pressure off, read on to find the best NYC dates spots.

Gage and Tollner, Downtown Brooklyn
Address: 372 Fulton St

Gage and Tollner is a revitalized New York classic chophouse with charismatic old-world charm (many thanks to its original opening back in 1879.) The space seeps intimacy, with a landmarked interior lined with floor-to-ceiling mirrors and amber glow from the cherry wood arches lit by brass chandeliers. It is exactly the type of place where you want to order a round of oysters from the raw bar, a classic cocktail, and stay for dessert (the baked Alaska for two, filled to the brim with chocolate and cherries, perhaps?). Given its spiffy atmosphere, make sure you and your date dress the part. A subtle post–date move: head upstairs to the second floor to transport from the Victorian–inspired space to Sunken Harbor Club, a stylish and nautical–themed bar for another round (or two).

Monkey Bar, Midtown Manhattan
Address: 60 East 54th Street

The iconic Monkey Bar opened in the heart of Midtown back in 1936 and has since kept true to its Jazz Age essence with an art deco interior, complimented by large-wraparound dining room wall mural. Its deep red leather upholstered booths work with the golden hues from the candle-and-lamp lights throughout. And while, yes, it's an impressive reservation to score—it also has an unpretentious, relaxed energy that boosts the romance even more. You'll have heaps of options given their extensive menu (brunch, lunch, and dinner). Some highlights: their dinner crudo selections, lemon meringue pie, and a classic