There are so many great things to do in Chelsea, a New York City neighborhood located roughly west of Broadway. It stretches to the Hudson River and from West 14th to West 30th. Its 19th century industrial roots are blended with genteel townhouses now transformed into galleries, restaurants, parks, and markets. With Chelsea Market as its beating heart and High Line as a symbol of regrowth and reinvention, Chelsea has an interesting mix of eateries that range widely in their ethnic origins, price, vibe, flavors, and esthetics.

15 Must-Try Romantic Restaurants in Chelsea, NYC
   Peak Restaurant and Bar
   Cull & Pistol Oyster Bar
   The Ainsworth
   The Lobster Club
   Le Zie Trattoria
   Sushi Seki
   Socarrat Paella Bar
   Birrichino
   Tao Downtown Restaurant
   La Nacional Restaurant
   Pastai
   Da Umberto
   Porchlight
   Tia Pol
   Mokbar

Peak Restaurant and Bar

Peak Restaurant and Bar

© Syda Productions/stock.adobe.com

Graciously combining all the necessary elements for a romantic night out, Peak Restaurant and Bar would be an excellent choice for any date night or special occasion and a unique place to visit in New York. The restaurant is located on the 101st Floor of the 30 Hudson Yards building, offering unsurpassed views of New York City. The elevated location of this elegant restaurant is echoed by an elevated American menu, a warm and welcoming atmosphere and wonderful service. Headed up by Chef Rose Noel, the cuisine is based on fresh seasonal ingredients which are locally sourced wherever possible. There is something for everyone on the extensive menu and vegans and vegetarians are well catered for.

101st Floor, 30 Hudson Yards, NY 10001, 332 304 8547


Cull & Pistol Oyster Bar

Cull & Pistol Oyster Bar

© Cull & Pistol Oyster Bar

Located next door to its parent the Lobster Place Seafood Market inside New York’s Chelsea Market, Cull & Pistol is known for its seasonal menu with incredibly fresh, diverse offerings from the Lobster Place. They also have an excellent wine list, great craft beers, and imaginative cocktails. Expect classics such as New England clam chowder but also more contemporary treats like Grilled Butterfly Bronzino. While the eatery is a sit-down establishment, it is clean and simple, with nothing to distract you from what is on your plate. They also offer take-out and delivery, so explore the options while you are there so you know what to get next.

Chelsea Market, 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011, Phone: 646-568-1223


The Ainsworth

The Ainsworth

© The Ainsworth

The Ainsworth is one of Chelsea's hippest restaurants, serving up elevated American steakhouse and bar fare in a visually stimulating dining environment. The restaurant, which is part of the national Ainsworth dining chain, is known for its unusual gourmet burgers, including its inventive Mac and Cheese Burger, which pairs a traditional beef patty with a panko-crusted mac and cheese patty. Delicious sandwich options include grilled chicken BLTs and short rib grilled cheeses, paired with a selection of high-quality land and sea taco options. Diners can also enjoy traditional steakhouse entrees such as skirt steak, branzino, and brick-pressed chicken, complemented by elegant sides like grilled asparagus and garlic-parmesan fries. At brunch, favorites such as avocado toast, huevos rancheros, and eggs Benedict take center stage, along with hearty and health-conscious build-your-own oatmeal bowls. If you are staying for a few nights, don't forget to explore New York beaches for a relaxing day out.

122 West 26th Street, New York, NY 10001, Phone: 212-741-0645

More great places to eat:
Hell’s Kitchen, NYC Restaurants
Seafood Restaurants in NYCs
Italian Restaurants in New York City
Indian Restaurants in New York City


The Lobster Club

The Lobster Club

© M.studio/stock.adobe.com

If you love seafood you will undoubtedly love The Lobster Club (although meat eaters and vegetarians will be equally impressed). The restaurant describes itself as a Japanese Brasserie and endeavors to showcase a range of traditional Japanese cooking techniques including tempura, yakitori, robata and gyoza, along with an excellent selection of Teppanyaki and Sushi. Amazingly, all the fresh fish and lobster is flown in from Tokyo to ensure consistent quality. The design-driven décor is by American Architect Peter Marino who will thrill diners with his Picasso plates and Picasso-inspired sculptures. The Lobster Club is the ideal modern and exciting restaurant for an elegant and romantic night out.

The Seagram Bldg, 98 E. 53rd Street, NY 10022, 202 254 3000

More ideas: Where to go on a date


Le Zie Trattoria

Le Zie Trattoria

© Le Zie Trattoria

Le Zie is a popular Venetian restaurant located in the heart of Chelsea. Ideal for date nights or other romantic occasions, Le Zie will impress with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, some impressive artworks, delicious versions of everyone’s favorite Italian dishes and an excellent wine list. The dinner menu kicks off with a selection of hot and cold appetizers including aged Parma Ham (and other imported charcuterie), Grilled Octopus and traditional Venetian Bean Soup. These are followed by a long list of tempting pastas, entrees and sides. There are several choices for vegetarians and several decadent desserts which can be accompanied by mellow dessert wines. Plan a longer trip with one of these inexpensive weekend getaways from NYC, just a short drive from Chelsea.

172 7th Ave, NY 10011, 212 206 8686

More ideas:
Romantic Restaurants in Harlem
Restaurants in Brooklyn, NY
Romantic Restaurants on Staten Island
Best Breakfast in Queens


Sushi Seki

Sushi Seki

© Sushi Seki

Sushi Seki is the vision of owner and executive chef Seki Shi, who brings extensive experience in the Japanese restaurant and market industry to his latest venture in Chelsea. The restaurant, which was opened to the public in 2014, offers a wide variety of seating options for diners, ranging from a 15-seat sushi bar and a spacious dining room to two semi-private tatami-style rooms. Diners can select from an extensive menu of a la carte sushi and sashimi options or enjoy an omakase chef's tasting menu experience, which highlights the best selections of the day as part of a multi-course tasting experience. A full menu of Asian-style favorites is also available at dinner, including tempura entrees, teriyaki platters, and udon noodle options.

208 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10011, Phone: 212-255-5988


Socarrat Paella Bar

Socarrat Paella Bar

© Socarrat Paella Bar

Named for the delicious caramelized rice which remains stuck to the bottom of a traditional Paella pan, Socarrat Paella Bar will transport you to the beaches of Valencia in Spain. While traditional Paellas are definitely the highlight of any dinner at Socarrat, the restaurant is also famous for their large selection of mouthwatering Tapas dishes, which are ideal for sharing. These include tempting morsels like the Veal and Beef Meat Balls (Albondigas), Sizzling Shrimp and many more. There are also several hearty seafood and meat Paellas and Fideuas (made with noodles instead of rice) to choose from, including an all vegetable version for vegetarians. There are some peaceful New York lakes that you can visit for a change of scenery on your weekend vacation.

259 W. 19th Street, NY 10011, 212 462 1000

More great NYC restaurants:
Weekend Brunch in Manhattan
Long Island Restaurants
Breakfast in Brooklyn


Birrichino

Birrichino

© Birrichino

Birrichino invites diners to come and take a seat at the family table, to enjoy a wonderful selection of Northern Italian cuisine. The founders of the restaurant hail from the Piedmont region of Italy and have been hand-crafting traditional Italian delicacies in America for around 90 years. When you step inside Birrichino, you know you are in for a warm welcome, great atmosphere and an exceptional dining experience. All the produce is freshly sourced from trusted local farmers (or imported from Italy) and their pasta, sausages, charcuterie and mozzarella are all home-made. Remember to save some space for one of their mouth-watering desserts.

260 W. 29th Street, NY 10001, 212 695 6690


Tao Downtown Restaurant

Tao Downtown Restaurant

© Tao Downtown Restaurant

Stepping into Tao Downtown is a little like embarking on an adventure, where surprises await you around every corner. The restaurant/nightclub has been cleverly designed to offer patrons a new and exciting dining experience which would be perfect for a romantic night out. The carefully designed décor provides an elegant and welcoming backdrop to your wonderful meal, which is stylishly presented. The menu contains a long list of Asian favorites including Sushi and Sashimi, Dim Sum, Yakitori, Soups, Tempura and mouthwatering rice and noodle dishes. These are followed by a selection of meat, fish, poultry and vegetable entrees. After dinner you can enjoy artisan cocktails in the adjoining night club.

369 W. 16th Street, NY 10011, 212 888 1440


La Nacional Restaurant

La Nacional Restaurant

© La Nacional Restaurant

Bringing 150 years of Spanish culinary excellence to the heart of Chelsea, La Nacional Restaurant is an excellent choice for a romantic dinner. The restaurant was originally established as a meeting place for Spanish immigrants, a place where they could truly feel at home in New York City. Today, everyone is invited to come and sample authentic Spanish cuisine in a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere. The menu starts off with a list of small plates (Tapas) which are ideal for sharing. These are followed by several varieties of Paella and Fideuas, tempting seafood and meat entrees and a selection of cheese and charcuterie boards.

239 W. 14th Street, NY 10011, 917 388 2888


Pastai

Pastai

© Pastai

Small and bright, Pastai pays homage to Southern Italian pasta. Chef and owner Melissa Muller, who also owns nearby Eolo, offers hand-made fresh pasta prepared from scratch with seasonal ingredients in an open kitchen. There are about ten pasta dishes on the menu, as well as interesting antipasti, panini, and a few meat dishes. Breakfast dishes are available in the morning and for brunch. Try Asparagus Portobello Frittata with home-made ricotta; it is divine. There is an excellent wine list with Sicilian and Italian wines that will certainly please you.

186 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011, Phone: 646-688-3463


Da Umberto

Da Umberto

© Da Umberto

Elegant in its simplicity, Da Umberto has been one of New York’s favorite Italian restaurants for special occasions or a romantic dinner for two since 1987. The Assante family brings classic Tuscan fare to the 21st century by putting their own twist on traditional Tuscan dishes without sacrificing their roots. There is a lengthy list of daily specials that depend on what is fresh and in season. They are all incredible, especially Da Umberto’s inspired pasta dishes. The wine list is extensive and has some special regional Italian wines rarely seen. The portions are large, but try to leave some space for something from the dessert cart – you won’t want to miss it.

107 West 17th Street, New York, NY 10011, Phone: 212-989-0303


Porchlight

Porchlight

© Porchlight

Located in West Chelsea in the huge 1891 Waterfront New York Building, Porchlight is a charming amalgam of a Southern watering hole and a sleek New York bar with concrete floor, miles of raw wood, and old beams salvaged from the building’s basement. It is cozy, comfortable, and instantly recognizable. In the back there's a lively game room, and one corner has a porch with cozy couches and rocking chairs. The cocktails include classics such as New York Sour, Sherry Cobbler, and Behind the Mule. Their beer and wine lists are inspired and diverse. Chef Jean-Paul Bourgeois offers unexpected delights like the Tasso-and-Cheddar biscuits cooked in cast iron and Dirty Rice Croquettes with chicken liver.

271 11th Ave, New York, NY 10001, Phone: 212-981-6188


Tia Pol

Tia Pol

© Tia Pol

Tia Pol is a small cozy place serving some of the best tapas in New York, and you will recognize it when you see the crowds. The narrow space is lined with a long bar on one side and small tables on the other, so there isn’t much space, but nobody minds. The tapas, mostly Basque, are worth it. Try crunchy, savory croquettes that change daily, squid in its own ink served with rice, garlic, marinated lamb skewers, battered and fried shark served in little pyramids, and cod in any shape and form. The portions are small and reasonably priced, so you can keep sampling and enjoying to your heart’s content.

205 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011, Phone: 212-675-8805


Mokbar

Mokbar

© Mokbar

Mokbar is a tiny Korean ramen shop in Chelsea Market, and you have to know where to look to find it. The long counter is lined with chairs where customers sit and watch the action in the kitchen, while the team dances the elaborate choreography common to all kitchens in a space replete with flavors, aromas, and steam. Mokbar combines traditional Korean flavors with fresh Japanese ramen noodles, creating a unique experience. Chef and owner Esther Choi introduces a typical Asian custom of eating noodles on the go by selling her dishes as take-out. Dinner is offered at the counter. Some of the most popular dishes are delicious fried crispy ho cakes (pancakes stuffed with pork belly) served with Mokbar’s own orange kimchi sauce they make fresh every day, and,they have kimchi “kimchijigae” ramen with kimchi bacon broth, stewed kimchi, and braised pork and scallions, preferably topped with poached egg and pork belly.

Chelsea Market, 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011, Phone: 646-964-5963


Table of Contents: