Romantic Restaurants in NYC

Whether you are going out on your first date, celebrating an anniversary, or even proposing, you want to make everything perfect. Your outfit, the way you smell and what you plan to do that evening are all of the pieces that, when put together, form a perfect evening out with the one you love. New York City is known for the beauty of the bright lights of the skyline at night. Romance is found all over New York City. Most of the time, when you are planning a romantic evening out, you look for the perfect place to eat since that is when you will spend most of your one-on-one time with the one you love. Now, picking the right place is all up to you. There are many restaurants in New York City- thousands actually. But there are a select few that can actually be called the most romantic.

One If By Land, Two If By Sea
17 Barrow Street and 7th Avenue South 212-255-8649
This restaurant is coined the "place to propose". Located in Aaron Burr's old carriage house, this restaurant offers a warm and relaxing environment. It features 2 roaring fireplaces, fresh flowers, and a piano man. The menu changes seasonally, but they offer seafood, poultry, beef, and other favorites. This restaurant was featured in the Zagat Survey and called the "ultimate romantic night out". Make reservations ahead of time. Because of its reputation, everyone wants to have their romantic night there. Also this is not the place to wear jeans. A jacket is suggested.

Water's Edge
44th Drive East River Long Island City, Queens 718-482-0033
The restaurant features a panoramic view of the skyline- Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and midtown Manhattan. The restaurant is built into 2 tiers so that anyone that is dining there will not miss the view. If you don't really want to drive or take a train to Queens, take their private water shuttle that drops you off directly at the restaurant that is situated in the water of the East River. The shuttle leaves from the 34th Street Pier. The restaurant also offers wedding services and has recently introduced a luxury yacht dinner cruise that is all-inclusive (open bar, meal, DJ, dancing, etc) for $100 per person. The dress attire is casual but, do yourself a favor, don't show up in jeans. Call to make a reservation. This is another popular eatery.

Top of the Tower
3 Mitchell Place (1st Avenue and 49th Street) 212-980-4796
The restaurant is located on the 26th floor of the Beekman Tower Hotel. It features a beautiful setting with high ceilings, warm colors and a beautiful view of the city. They offer Prix-Fixe meals. I recommend that you make reservations, especially if you want a window view.

The View
Marriott Marquis Hotel 1535 Broadway 47th floor 212-704-8900
My husband took me to this restaurant for my 22nd birthday. This is a very romantic and beautiful restaurant. Located on the 47th floor of the Marriott Marquis Hotel, you can get a full 360 degree view of the city while you eat. How is that possible, you ask? Well, the restaurant actually rotates. The floor on which all of the dining tables are situated move so that those that are seated can get a full view of the city. Since I've been there I've heard that the food is much better and, since they were remodeling it, it is even grander. I would advise you to either call ahead and make a reservation or get there early. The line to get a seat at this restaurant can be quite long. Also, if you get motion sickness, this is not really the best restaurant for you to go. This is one of the best restaurants to go to complete your romantic Broadway evening. It is very close to most Broadway theaters.

Barbetta New York
321 W 46th Street 212-246-9171
Barbetta is one of the oldest Italian restaurants in New York and is still owned by its founding family. Opened in 1906, Barbetta is located in the 1874 and 1881 Maioglio-Astor townhouses found on Restaurant Row. The decor is mostly "old world Italian" style. The main dining room is adorned by a beautiful central chandelier and candelabras throughout. The Garden, a popular summer dining spot, features seating that surrounds a beautiful water fountain. As you eat, you are overwhelmed with the wonderful smells of magnolia, wisteria, oleander, jasmine and gardenia flowers. Call for reservations. Just the decor attracts people. Then they realize they're in for a real Piemontese treat.

Avra Estiatorio
141 E 48th Street 212-759-8550
If you want to take a romantic trip to Greece, but can't afford it or don't have time, then have a romantic meal at Avra. The decor is reminiscent of traditional Greece- limestone flooring, warm colors… The restaurant features Greek delicacies and specializes in freshly caught fish, grilled on charcoal with lemon olive oil and herbs. If it's warm out, you might want to dine on the outdoor patio.

March Restaurant
405 E 58th Street between 1st and Sutton Place 212-754-6272
When you walk into the turn-of-the-century townhouse, you are first welcomed by a beautiful marble fireplace. The restaurant features multi-level dining areas. Some seating areas of the restaurant are so intimate, they only seat 15 people. On warm nights, from May to October, dine alfresco on a beautifully adorned patio. Jackets are requested. Try to make reservations.

Jezebel New York
630 Ninth Avenue Southeast Corner of 45th Street 212-582-1045
Reservations are definitely required for this restaurant. It prides on serving Southern style meals like Southern Fried Catfish Strips and Fried Chicken and Waffles. Enjoy your scrumptious meal in a colorful, warm atmosphere. Live music is available Thursday to Saturday. The attire is considered Upscale Casual- no jeans!

River Cafe
1 Water Street Brooklyn 718-522-5200
Dine on a prix-fixe meal while taking in the view of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge, and Downtown Manhattan. They also have a wine list that tops at 500 wines. Dress attire is casual- but again please don't wear jeans. Make a reservation.