Romantic Dining In New York City

Enter this authentically French dining destination and be instantly transported to a twinkling Parisian avenue in the heart of Midtown West. La Grande Boucherie’s outdoor dining area is under a covered, alfresco pedestrian passageway with heated floors, warm wood paneling and Art Nouveau style. Begin with La Vie En Rose and Moules Marinières, enjoy a Domaine Paul Buisse cab franc with Coq au Vin (or perhaps Raviolis aux Champignons) and share a Crème Brûlée or la Tarte au Chocolate et Caramel. Never a better time to say oui.

Bring your love to Ladybird for vegan tapas, wine and good conversation. Locals love the Buffalo Maitake Buns and the Ricotta Toast. Yummy shareables include Brussels sprouts with endive, apple, quinoa, soy truffle and vinaigrette, KFB (tempura-friend broccoli, gochujang tamari sauce, sesame and scallions) and the luscious chardonnay & artichoke fondue. Then order the chocolate fondue and take your sweet time.

Once a modern-day trading post for exchanging objects, crafts and culture, Il Buco has transformed into a different sort of market — patrons instead exchange ideas and delicacies across the table. The distinctly European setting and floor-to-ceiling wine cellar are natural, comfortable backdrops for the diverse Mediterranean-inspired menu, with strong Italian and Spanish influence and culinary creativity. Here, romance wins.

On the second level of The Langham Hotel is Ai Fiori — a Michelin Star-recognized fine-dining establishment with impeccable service and a menu touting French and Italian Riviera cuisine with handmade pastas, seasonal ingredients and traditional regional dishes. The wine list is lives large at 1,000+ selections. A must-try is Astice: butter poached Nova Scotia lobster, artichokes, chanterelles and leeks.

Candlelit tables with white-linen tables. Brick fireplaces, a baby grand piano and a private garden. A historic carriage house built in 1767 and a reputation as one of the most romantic restaurants in New York City, as well the world. One If By Land, Two If By Sea beautifully prepares a three-course prix fixe menu and seven-course chef’s tasting menu, plus a simply lovely dessert menu — an ideal cap to an evening overflowing with amour.

Near the southeast side of Central Park is August, serving seasonal dishes and wines, beers and house cocktails in a cool yet sophisticated space. Windows open out to Lexington Avenue, weather permitting, and the courtyard makes for a lovely respite for a flavorful bite with a loved one. Honorable mention goes to the Ahi Quality Tuna on Crispy Rice — a regular favorite — and consistently delicious crab cakes.

Uva — This rustic Italian wine-bar restaurant on the Upper East Side seats guests in the main dining room, backyard patio and private wine cellar. An extensive wine list complements the menu, which offers tapas-style and classic second offerings; every Monday, it serves meatball specials, including dessert balls. Meat and cheese pairings are ideal for an intimate meal in the cozy spaces, and the pastas are freshly made. The exposed brick and chandeliers at Uva up the romance factor of this popular eatery.

Barbetta — Landmark décor that includes 18th-century Piemontese antiques, the first New York restaurant to serve wild Porcini mushrooms, risotto, polenta and white truffles and a creative and innovative menu devised by a team of expert chefs are the hallmarks of Barbetta. Ideal for romantics and theatre-goers, this TripAdvisor favorite has been gathering fans since 1906.

La Grenouille (reopening February 11, 2022) — During a 1962 blizzard and newspaper strike, Charles Masson and his wife Gisèle opened La Grenouille — a French-inspired eatery with a famous cult following and the most gorgeous flower arrangements around. The Grilled Dover Sole With Mustard Hollandaise Sauce and Cheese Soufflé are widely acclaimed. Kudos to the restaurant for including a delectable vegetarian menu.

Taureau — What is considered more romantic dining in NYC than enjoying fondue and a well-paired wine, cocktail or apéritif with your significant other in an intimate setting with attentive service? At Taureau, try a prix-fixe option or go for the three-course fondue: A salad is followed by your choice of cheese fondue, meat cooked in oil or broth (or a second cheese option for vegetarians) and chocolate — dark or milk. Fantastic.