Whether you love it or you’re still deciding which way to swipe, Valentine’s Day raises feelings like heart-shaped mylar balloons escaping to their destiny in the sky. For some, it evokes notions of romantic restaurants and big candy boxes. For others, it inspires a hasty run in the direction of the closest dive bar. In any case, the big day will arrive before you know it, and reservations fill up fast on February 14. These are the best places right now to book an evening to remember or an incidentally festive Wednesday night out. And remember that old love poem on this, and every culinary holiday, “Roses are red, violets are blue, prices are pre-tax and tip, and spots book quickly, too."
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Valentine’s Day for NYC
NYC’s best restaurant is special every day, and it’s pretty perfect for February 14th. Its interior looks a little like a vintage Valentine, the vibes are high and its illuminated to the most flattering degree. Its tasting menu tosses options like yellowtail crudo, she-crab soup, braised lamb and baked Alaska.
Price: $153 per person.
The best New Restaurant of 2023 serves superb, self-billed, “unconventional” Thai food in cozy environs, where the marvelous cocktails mix with Motown and disco tunes create a groovy mood. It has three Valentine’s seatings, at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm, all including unlimited beer or sparkling wine with your dinner.
Price: $175 for two people.
New to the space occupied by beloved Cafe Loup for 42 years, Cecchi’s is peak hospitality with an impeccably orchestrated mid century modern aesthetic. It’s a buzzy, sexy, fun place to dine on choices like charcuterie, scallops and duck across three courses, followed by chocolate soufflé, this extra-romantic February Wednesday.
Cost: $125 per person with an optional wine painting for $65.
Nearly 200 years old with several twists and turns in the intervening two centuries, newly reopened Delmonico’s is as sweeping and distinguished as ever. Its four-course special includes items like oysters, hamachi crudo, filet mignon and baked Alaska.
Price: $195 and up per person.
The view from and surrounding The Fulton at Pier 17 is just so pulse-quickening it can make almost any occasion romantic, and its powers abound on love’s biggest night. Lap up the shimmering East River view with four courses that have previously included selections from the raw bar, lobster salad with black truffle dressing and longevity noodles with more of that celebratory shellfish, plus dessert. À la carte items will also be available.
Price: $168 per person.
One of the best new restaurants of 2021, pairs of tickets for Cadence's five course, vegan soul food menu are still available at press time. Cozy up over some of the best plant-based plates in town.
Price: $75 per person.
Home to one of NYC’s most exciting appetizers, Little Mad's sleek, industrial-chic dining room is imbued with literal and atmospheric warmth from its open kitchen. Its five-course Valentine’s Day prix fixe includes pig head katsu, prawns with foie gras and lobster.
Price: $95 per person.
Charming Saint Julivert, on a cozy, parkside corner in Cobble Hill, is about as intimate as you can get outside of your own kitchen. Its Valentine’s Day menu spans four courses of some of the spot's seafood favorites.
Price: $125 per person.
Home to homonymic sweets like a cheesecake fashioned after a cartoony critter, Vestry also holds a Michelin star for its fine fare. This year’s Valentine’s Day menu is a four course prix fixe with items like sunchoke soup and wagyu beef with sautéed foie gras.
Price: $185 per person.
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