Romantic Restaurants in Manhattan

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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