Daniel
Manhattan’s award-winning Daniel restaurant specializes in seasonally-inspired, contemporary French cuisine. Explore a range of dishes such as Cochon de Lait (Suckling Pig Mustard-Crusted Chop and Pickled Daikon Crispy Belly) or Saint Pierre (John Dory Baked “en Papillote” Black Truffle Velouté).
A tasting menu and a vegetarian menu are also available. Enjoy something from the full bar or a selection from their fantastic wine list. World-renowned Chef Daniel Boulud opened his flagship restaurant in 1993 and, today, is joined by Executive Chef Jean Francois Bruel in the kitchen. You will find Daniel in the heart of the Upper East Side.
60 East 65th Street,212-288-0033, Map
Gramercy Tavern
Gramercy Tavern serves seasonal, contemporary American cuisine in an upscale setting. Treat yourself to fantastic eats, such as Sunchoke Ravioli (with Leeks and Reading Raclette), Pork Loin & Deckle, Smoked Trout in a Cipollini puree, and Ruby Red Shrimp.
In addition to their exquisite wine list, they also have an extensive cocktail program. Renowned restaurateur Danny Meyer, founded Gramercy Tavern in 1994. Today, he is joined in the kitchen by Executive Chef Danny Meyer. You will find this elegant eatery nestled between Madison Square Park and Union Square.
42 East 20th Street, 212-477-0777, Map
Per Se
The upscale Per Se restaurant specializes in New American cuisine via two expertly prepared prix fixe menus offered daily. Treat yourself to boldly-flavored dishes, such as the “Confit” Fillet of Atlantic Striped Bass, Honey Lacquered Liberty Farm’s Pekin Duck Breast, Citrus Braised Fennel Bulb, or Thomas Farm’s Pigeon.
Sip on a selection from their award-winning wine list as you soak in the beautiful Central Park views. Renowned restaurateur Thomas Keller, opened Per Se in 2004 as his acclaimed New York interpretation of The French Laundry. It is located in the Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle.
Per Se, 4, The Shops at Columbus Circle, 10 Columbus Circle, 212-823-9335
Quality Meats
Quality Meats is a modern steakhouse serving incredible New American eats – heavy on the meats. Start your meal off with the boldly-flavored Hamachi Sashimi appetizer, before moving on to The QM 2-pound “Lobster Roll”, Cajun Short Rib (with potato gnocchi and burgundy truffles), or a juicy Grilled Veal Chop.
Pair your meal with something from their handsome wine list or a refreshing handcrafted cocktail. Opened in 2006, Quality Meats is owned by father and son restaurateurs, Alan and Michael Stillman, and partner, acclaimed Chef Craig Koketsu. This industrial-chic Midtown eatery is located next to the famous Plaza Hotel.
Quality Meats, 57 West 58th Street, 212-371-7777
Jean-Georges Restaurant
Manhattan’s award-winning, three Michelin star Jean-Georges Restaurant specializes in an intriguing fusion of French, American, and Asian cuisine. Treat yourself to exquisitely-prepared dishes, such as juicy Diver Scallops, Crispy Confit of Suckling Pig (with rutabaga “Pudding” and smoked bacon marmalade), or Caramelized Beef Tenderloin.
An extensive, globally-sourced wine list is also available, as are refreshing beers and cocktails. World famous Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten opened the place in 1997, and it has since become a New York City icon. Eat your dinner while enjoying gorgeous Central Park views at this delicious restaurant, situated at the corner of Central Park closest to the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood.
Jean-Georges Restaurant, 1 Central Park West, 212-299-3900
Nerai
For a taste of the city’s best Greek food, book a table at the elegant Nerai restaurant. Start your meal off with the Stuffed Calamari appetizer, before moving onto the Short Rib Yiouvetsi, Cretan-Spiced Scallops, or the Duck Moussaka.
Alternatively, stop in for brunch and try the Tsoureki French Toast. Lifelong friends Constantine Youssis and Spiro Menegatos, along with hospitality industry veteran Dinos Gourmos, combined forces with Executive Chef Chris Christou to open Nerai in 2013. Savor their passionately prepared Greek favorites at this charming Midtown eatery, located blocks from MOMA and the Rockefeller Center.
Nerai, 55 East 54th Street, 212-759-5554
Gabriel Kreuther
Owned and run by Alsace-born chef Gabriel Kreuther, this eponymous upscale French restaurant located in mid-town Manhattan across from Bryant Park is a visual delight long before you get a plate in front of you. The bright, striking dining room with white leather banquettes and reclaimed wood columns is full of modern art, which continues on the beautiful plates put together by Chef Kreuther in the kitchen, which is visible behind a glass wall. The best way to explore the chef’s artistry is to go for his four, six, or nine-course tasting menus, which include such delights as Pennsylvania squab “en cassoulet,” with kohlrabi choucroute, coco beans, and house-made duck sausage, or the hamachi, black truffle, and foie gras mille-feuille with grapes, celery, and a truffle vinaigrette. The list of wines by the glass is small but exquisite and the list by bottle is extensive and impressive.
Gabriel Kreuther, 41 W. 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036, 212-257-5826
Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque
Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque serves some of the best authentic BBQ New York has to offer. You can’t go wrong with favorites, like the Brontosaurus Rib, Pulled Pork, Smoked Sausage, or Crispy Spicy Chicken Sandwich. Don’t miss their Dirty Frites, and wash it all down with one of their many ice cold, refreshing beers.
Owner and Pit Master, High Mangum, opened Mighty Quinn’s in 2012, jazzed to share the secrets he had learned from his Texan father. Enjoy the savory barbeque styles of Texas and the Carolinas at this popular joint, which has locations in the East Village, Financial District, and West Village.
Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque, 103 2nd Avenue, 212-677-3733; 225 Liberty Street, 2nd Floor, New York City, 646-649-2777; 75 Greenwich Avenue, New York City, 646-524-7889
Decoy Bar
The popular Decoy Bar specializes in delicious Asian cuisine, with Peking Duck being a staple on their menu. Try the Crispy-Skinned Peking Ducks, Jamaican-Chinese Style Jerk Baby Chicken, Pork ‘Toro’, or the Shrimp-Stuffed Shishito Peppers. A prix fixe menu is also available, and a full bar is at your disposal for refreshing beverages.
Chef Joe Ng and restaurateur, Ed Schoenfeld, opened Decoy Bar in 2013 and also own its sister restaurant, Red Farm, which sits just above Decoy Bar. Only 24 ducks are served per night, so reservations are necessary. Decoy Bar is located in the West Village, blocks from Washington Square Park and NYU.
Decoy Bar, 529½ Hudson Street, 212-691-9700
Perry Street Restaurant
Perry Street Restaurant serves innovative, globally-influenced New American cuisine. Relish in stunning views of the sunset over the Hudson River, as you feast on exquisitely-prepared dishes, such as the Lobster Thermidor, Roasted Crescent Duck, or Jamison Farm Lamb Shank. Alternatively, stop in for brunch and try the Truffle Potato Latkes.
Enjoy something from their extensive wine list, an ice cold beer, or a refreshing craft cocktail. World famous Chef Jean-George Vongerichten opened the restaurant in 2005 and his son, Chef Cedric Vongerichten, helms the kitchen. Perry Street Restaurant is located in the Richard Meier Towers, in the West Village.
Perry Street Restaurant, 176 Perry Street, 212-352-1900
Buvette Gastrotheque
Buvette Gastrotheque is a charming, small plate-style French bistro with Italian influences – the perfect neighborhood eatery for an early breakfast, friendly lunch, or intimate dinner. You can’t go wrong with lovingly-prepared dishes, like Carottes Rapeés, Cassoulet (slow-cooked duck, pork, and flageolet beans), Rabbit, Chicken, & Mushroom Pot Pie, or Mussels Provençale.
Their extensive wine list includes many selections from France and Italy, and tasty handcrafted cocktails are available from the bar. Chef Jody Williams opened this elegant old world café in 2011. You will find it in the historic West Village, close to Washington Square Park and NYU.
Buvette Gastrotheque, 42 Grove Street, 212-255-3590
More ideas: OktoberFest NYC
Aquavit
Aquavit restaurant specializes in exquisite, seasonal, world-class Nordic cuisine. Indulge in a culinary journey through phenomenal dishes, like Gravlax & Quail Egg, Klådesholmen Matjes Herring (with västerbotten cheese, potato, and egg), Swedish Meatballs, or Venison Tartare.
To quench your thirst, they offer an impressive wine program, beer, spirits, and refreshing cocktails. Originally founded in 1987 by Tore Wretman and others, Aquavit is now owned by restaurateur Håkan Swahn. Swedish-born Chef Emma Bengtsson leads the kitchen, bringing her passion and heritage to the foods she creates. Aquavit is located in Midtown’s Park Avenue Tower.
Aquavit, 65 East 55th Street, 212-307-7311
Molyvos
Molyvos restaurant specializes in rustic Greek country cooking, all inspired by the traditions and heritage of Greece. Staple dishes include Braised Beef Short Ribs Stifado, Marinated Wild Striped Bass “Moussaka”, Stuffed Cabbage, or the Cypriot Sandwich. Molyvos is also home to the largest all-Greek wine list in the United States.
Originally founded decades ago by John Livanos and his family, the restaurant is operated by John’s children, Nick, Bill, and Corina together with restaurateur Paul McLaughlin. Executive Chef Carlos Carreto leads the culinary creations. Molyvos is nestled in Midtown West, a block from Carnegie Hall.
Molyvos, 871 Seventh Avenue, 212-582-7500
Market Table
The elegant Market Table restaurant serves fresh, delicious, seasonally-driven contemporary American cuisine. Savor incredibly flavored dishes, such as the Grilled Block Island Swordfish, Crispy Berkshire Pork Cutlet, or the Butternut Squash Risotto. Alternatively, stop in for brunch and try the Ham Flannel Hash.
Beer, wine, and handcrafted cocktails are some of the drinking options. Longtime friends, Chef Mike Price and thriving businessman Joey Campanaro, opened Market Table together in 2007. Enjoy a casual lunch or a romantic dinner at this charming eatery, located in the West Village, between James J. Walker Park and Father Demo Square.
Market Table, 54 Carmine Street, 212-255-2100
La Contenta Cocina del Barrio
La Contenta Cocina del Barrio serves authentic Mexican cuisine with French accents. Dive into boldly-flavored, passionately-prepared dishes, such as the Pork Rib Eye a la Parrilla, Chile Relleno y Ratatouille, or Tostada de Cangrejo. If you want to have brunch here, try the Torrejas French Toast. Wash it all down with something from the full bar, such as one of their Alt Agave cocktails.
A Mazatlan native, Chef Luis Arce Mota opened La Contenta in 2015 with the help of partner, Alex Valencia. This restaurant is situated in the heart of the Lower East Side, close to Tenement Museum.
La Contenta Cocina del Barrio, 102 Norfolk Street, 212-432-4180
MAMO
MAMO serves expertly prepared foods inspired by Italian and Provencal cuisines. Savor classics such as Rigatoni con Polpette e Salsiccia, Pollo Ruspante e Patata al Forno, or Focaccia al Tartufo Pizza. For brunch, a staple item at MAMO is “Crêpe Vonnassienne” Marinated Salmon and Poached Eggs. The restaurant features an impressive wine list and a full bar.
Michelin-starred Executive Chef Massimo Sola is the mastermind behind the culinary creations. World-renowned restaurateur Mike “Mamo” Mammoliti (of the French Riviera’s renowned Mamo Le Michelangelo restaurant) opened MAMO in 2015. Find it in the heart of Soho.
MAMO, 323 West Broadway, 646-964-4641
More ideas: trampoLEAN
Club A Steakhouse
Tantalize your taste buds with amazing steaks and meat dishes the city has to offer at the elegant Club A Steakhouse. Dive into expertly-prepared classics, like Sauteed Colossal Shrimp Scampi or Prime Dry Aged Double Eagle Strip Bone-In. Make it a romantic night, and try the Mixed Grill For Two (filet mignon, lamb chop split, veal strip steak, and sweet and hot Italian sausage. Don’t miss the piano room and wine cellar.
Celebrated restaurateur Bruno Selimaj, opened Club A Steakhouse in 2008. You will find it on the border of Midtown and the Upper East Side.
Club A Steakhouse, 240 East 58th Street, 212-688-4190
For more dining choices, don't miss our articles: 21 Best Romantic Restaurants in Harlem and 25 Best Romantic Restaurants in Brooklyn.
Conclusion
If you are looking for the perfect spot for your first date or an anniversary celebration, Manhattan offers a range of amazing romantic restaurants. From five star meals by celebrity chefs or intimate celebrations with affordable prices, our lists was designed to offer a range of options.
