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New York

Best Restaurants for a Date Night in New York

Looking for a cozy dinner spot in New York City? Check out our list of the best romantic restaurants for a memorable date night.

World of Mouth team | Oct 19, 2023

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Known for its endless dining options, New York City doesn't disappoint when it comes to romantic spots that offer both an intimate setting as well as culinary excellence. Whether it's your first date or your fiftieth anniversary, you'll want to consider our carefully curated list of the most romantic restaurants in New York. From the enchanting Peruvian-Japanese fusion at Llama San to the plant-based wonders of abcV, and the Italian-Japanese crossover at Kimika, each restaurant offers a great experience. This list is not just our opinion but is based on recommendations from World of Mouth experts such as Will Guidara, Robert Dentice, and Mimi Lan. Keep reading to discover the restaurants in New York City for a date night that will leave a lasting impression.

Llama San

Llama San is a restaurant specializing in Peruvian fusion cuisine, known for its flavorful dishes and particularly its ceviche, which is highly recommended by customers. It's a spot often underrated, yet consistently delivers on taste and quality. They are open for dinner seven days a week from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Recommended by

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abcV

ABCV is a plant-based restaurant, offering a menu curated by renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The establishment is known for its creative and forward-thinking dishes, tonics, and cocktails that highlight the best of nature's offerings, providing both vegan and gluten-free options. Regardless of dietary preferences, ABCV aims to serve, inform, and inspire a cultural shift towards plant-based dining through its delicious and innovative culinary creations.

Recommended by

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Win Son

Win Son is a Taiwanese-American restaurant run by the chef-owner duo, Trigg Brown and Josh Ku. The place is known for its relaxed vibe and delicious food that won't disappoint. Be prepared for a bit of a wait due to its popularity, making it a great spot for a date with a budget of $40-60 per person.

Recommended by

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View recommendation

Llama Inn

Llama Inn is a vibrant spot where Chef Erik Ramirez showcases his take on Peruvian cuisine. The restaurant offers an elevated dining experience, featuring an open kitchen and a centrally located bar, contributing to its lively ambiance. It's an ideal place for a date, promising a memorable Peruvian culinary journey.

Recommended by

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Kimika

Kimika is a restaurant that serves inventive Japanese-Italian dishes, complemented by a selection of creative cocktails. The menu is a blend of Italian and Japanese culinary traditions, with standout dishes like the soy butter bigoli and the cavatelli pork ragu. The restaurant also features an all-female-led kitchen staff, outdoor seating, and a rooftop with a panoramic view, offering a diverse dining experience.

Recommended by

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Ume

Ume is a serene sushi restaurant in Williamsburg, offering an artistic and culinary concept that's all its own. Patrons can enjoy a deconstructed meal experience, choosing their preferred salt to accompany exceptional sushi, all while soaking in the tranquil surroundings of a zen garden. The menu, inspired by the founder's travels, changes frequently and features a prix fixe sushi set.

Recommended by

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Marea

Marea is an Italian seafood restaurant known for its housemade pastas and vibrant Central Park setting. The eatery is recognized for its excellent food, particularly the golden uovo and rib eye, along with top-notch, friendly service. With its award-winning culinary reputation, Marea offers a blend of authentic coastal Italian flavors and a modern New York dining atmosphere.

Recommended by

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CTA

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Sushi Yasuda

Sushi Yasuda is a classic destination for sushi lovers, particularly known for its top-tier omakase. Drawing on high-quality ingredients and perfectly cooked rice, the restaurant offers a gastronomic journey that many customers consider a trip to sushi heaven. The restaurant carries a significant reputation, with some even referring to it as the best sushi restaurant.

Recommended by

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Buvette Gastrotheque

Buvette Gastrotheque is a part restaurant, part bar, part café, inspired by European traditions that honor a history of craft and design. The restaurant offers a short list of classic French dishes made from top-notch ingredients, including divine scrambled eggs for breakfast and dishes like tartare, coq au vin, and tartiflette for dinner. The ambiance of Buvette Gastrotheque is reminiscent of an old-world café, providing a casual neighborhood eatery experience, perfect for an early morning espresso, a long lunch of shared dishes, or a late-night digestif.

Recommended by

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Lusardi's

Lusardi's is a charming, old-school Northern Italian restaurant located on the Upper East Side, known for its authentic cuisine and cozy atmosphere. It is highly recommended by locals for its excellent Italian dishes and an impressive list of Italian and US wines. Remember to book in advance to secure a table at this popular spot.

Recommended by

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View recommendation

Lilia

Lilia is a modern Italian restaurant in Williamsburg, popular for its innovative, casual cuisine. The place is known for its wood-fired seafood, handcrafted pastas, and classic Italian cocktails, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts. The restaurant's ambiance is vibrant, often filled with a creative crowd and good music, providing a casual dining experience.

Recommended by

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View recommendation

Pastis

Pastis is a beloved French bistro in the heart of the Meatpacking district, known for its fantastic food and incredible atmosphere. Open from breakfast to dinner, it's the perfect spot to start or end your exploration of nearby attractions like the High Line and Chelsea Market. Despite a brief closure, Pastis has made a triumphant return to the district, now located just 200 meters from its original spot.

Recommended by

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JoJo by Jean-Georges

JoJo by Jean-Georges is an elegant restaurant situated in a charming townhouse in the Upper East Side. The cuisine, crafted by Jean-Georges Vongerichten, is characterized by its light, innovative French style, and is complemented by a well-curated wine list. The restaurant offers dinner every day from 5pm to 9:30pm, and brunch on weekends from 12pm to 3pm.

Recommended by

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View recommendation

Rezdôra

Rezdôra is a rustic Italian restaurant that specializes in the cuisine of Emilia Romagna. It is highly recommended for its well-executed, delicious pasta and an impressive wine list. With a focus on simplicity and authenticity, Rezdôra ensures a memorable dining experience with its service that matches the quality of its food.

Recommended by

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View recommendation

YOSHINO • NEW YORK

Yoshino in New York offers high-end omakase, meticulously crafted by the renowned Japanese Master Sushi Chef Tadashi "Edowan" Yoshida. The restaurant stands out for its fusion of traditional Japanese omakase and French techniques, providing an exceptional culinary experience. Despite its high-end offerings, Yoshino maintains a comforting and relaxed atmosphere, making it a top choice for those seeking an unparalleled sushi experience.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

Looking for more restaurant recommendations to

New York

? Download the World of Mouth app for free and discover expert recommendations to over 2,000 destinations, curated by top chefs, food writers and sommeliers. From street food to fine dining and well known institutions to hidden gems, World of Mouth is your ultimate insider's guide to the world's best restaurants.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Known for its endless dining options, New York City doesn't disappoint when it comes to romantic spots that offer both an intimate setting as well as culinary excellence. Whether it's your first date or your fiftieth anniversary, you'll want to consider our carefully curated list of the most romantic restaurants in New York. From the enchanting Peruvian-Japanese fusion at Llama San to the plant-based wonders of abcV, and the Italian-Japanese crossover at Kimika, each restaurant offers a great experience. This list is not just our opinion but is based on recommendations from World of Mouth experts such as Will Guidara, Robert Dentice, and Mimi Lan. Keep reading to discover the restaurants in New York City for a date night that will leave a lasting impression.

03

Llama San

Llama San is a restaurant specializing in Peruvian fusion cuisine, known for its flavorful dishes and particularly its ceviche, which is highly recommended by customers. It's a spot often underrated, yet consistently delivers on taste and quality. They are open for dinner seven days a week from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

abcV

ABCV is a plant-based restaurant, offering a menu curated by renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The establishment is known for its creative and forward-thinking dishes, tonics, and cocktails that highlight the best of nature's offerings, providing both vegan and gluten-free options. Regardless of dietary preferences, ABCV aims to serve, inform, and inspire a cultural shift towards plant-based dining through its delicious and innovative culinary creations.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

Win Son

Win Son is a Taiwanese-American restaurant run by the chef-owner duo, Trigg Brown and Josh Ku. The place is known for its relaxed vibe and delicious food that won't disappoint. Be prepared for a bit of a wait due to its popularity, making it a great spot for a date with a budget of $40-60 per person.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

Llama Inn

Llama Inn is a vibrant spot where Chef Erik Ramirez showcases his take on Peruvian cuisine. The restaurant offers an elevated dining experience, featuring an open kitchen and a centrally located bar, contributing to its lively ambiance. It's an ideal place for a date, promising a memorable Peruvian culinary journey.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

Kimika

Kimika is a restaurant that serves inventive Japanese-Italian dishes, complemented by a selection of creative cocktails. The menu is a blend of Italian and Japanese culinary traditions, with standout dishes like the soy butter bigoli and the cavatelli pork ragu. The restaurant also features an all-female-led kitchen staff, outdoor seating, and a rooftop with a panoramic view, offering a diverse dining experience.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

Ume

Ume is a serene sushi restaurant in Williamsburg, offering an artistic and culinary concept that's all its own. Patrons can enjoy a deconstructed meal experience, choosing their preferred salt to accompany exceptional sushi, all while soaking in the tranquil surroundings of a zen garden. The menu, inspired by the founder's travels, changes frequently and features a prix fixe sushi set.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

Marea

Marea is an Italian seafood restaurant known for its housemade pastas and vibrant Central Park setting. The eatery is recognized for its excellent food, particularly the golden uovo and rib eye, along with top-notch, friendly service. With its award-winning culinary reputation, Marea offers a blend of authentic coastal Italian flavors and a modern New York dining atmosphere.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

CTA

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

Sushi Yasuda

Sushi Yasuda is a classic destination for sushi lovers, particularly known for its top-tier omakase. Drawing on high-quality ingredients and perfectly cooked rice, the restaurant offers a gastronomic journey that many customers consider a trip to sushi heaven. The restaurant carries a significant reputation, with some even referring to it as the best sushi restaurant.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

Buvette Gastrotheque

Buvette Gastrotheque is a part restaurant, part bar, part café, inspired by European traditions that honor a history of craft and design. The restaurant offers a short list of classic French dishes made from top-notch ingredients, including divine scrambled eggs for breakfast and dishes like tartare, coq au vin, and tartiflette for dinner. The ambiance of Buvette Gastrotheque is reminiscent of an old-world café, providing a casual neighborhood eatery experience, perfect for an early morning espresso, a long lunch of shared dishes, or a late-night digestif.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

Lusardi's

Lusardi's is a charming, old-school Northern Italian restaurant located on the Upper East Side, known for its authentic cuisine and cozy atmosphere. It is highly recommended by locals for its excellent Italian dishes and an impressive list of Italian and US wines. Remember to book in advance to secure a table at this popular spot.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

Lilia

Lilia is a modern Italian restaurant in Williamsburg, popular for its innovative, casual cuisine. The place is known for its wood-fired seafood, handcrafted pastas, and classic Italian cocktails, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts. The restaurant's ambiance is vibrant, often filled with a creative crowd and good music, providing a casual dining experience.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

Pastis

Pastis is a beloved French bistro in the heart of the Meatpacking district, known for its fantastic food and incredible atmosphere. Open from breakfast to dinner, it's the perfect spot to start or end your exploration of nearby attractions like the High Line and Chelsea Market. Despite a brief closure, Pastis has made a triumphant return to the district, now located just 200 meters from its original spot.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

JoJo by Jean-Georges

JoJo by Jean-Georges is an elegant restaurant situated in a charming townhouse in the Upper East Side. The cuisine, crafted by Jean-Georges Vongerichten, is characterized by its light, innovative French style, and is complemented by a well-curated wine list. The restaurant offers dinner every day from 5pm to 9:30pm, and brunch on weekends from 12pm to 3pm.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

Rezdôra

Rezdôra is a rustic Italian restaurant that specializes in the cuisine of Emilia Romagna. It is highly recommended for its well-executed, delicious pasta and an impressive wine list. With a focus on simplicity and authenticity, Rezdôra ensures a memorable dining experience with its service that matches the quality of its food.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

YOSHINO • NEW YORK

Yoshino in New York offers high-end omakase, meticulously crafted by the renowned Japanese Master Sushi Chef Tadashi "Edowan" Yoshida. The restaurant stands out for its fusion of traditional Japanese omakase and French techniques, providing an exceptional culinary experience. Despite its high-end offerings, Yoshino maintains a comforting and relaxed atmosphere, making it a top choice for those seeking an unparalleled sushi experience.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

Looking for more restaurant recommendations to

New York

? Download the World of Mouth app for free and discover expert recommendations to over

2,200

destinations, curated by top chefs, food writers and sommeliers. From street food to fine dining and well known institutions to hidden gems, World of Mouth is your ultimate insider's guide to the world's best restaurants.

Read more

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