The best restaurants for Valentine’s Day dinner in NYC

Experience the latest from Michael White with an evening at Santi. The grand horseshoe bar invites close conversation as do the half-moon banquettes in the den down below. But don’t fall too deep into each other's eyes just yet. Break away for chef White’s Valentine’s Day specials, starting with the crudo tasting of King Ora Salmon, Bluefin Tuna, Madai and Montauk Red Shrimp. The coursed menu follows with a decadent Tortellini with shaved black truffle and a choice of Dover Sole or Filet Mignon with bone marrow.  

Cost: $195 per person

More to love: Each meal ends with the Fiori di Sicilia for dessert, made with baba au rhum, citrus and tonka bean Cioccolato. 

Chef Melissa Rodriguez tames the flame at her newest West Chelsea restaurant. For Valentine's Day, she's offering a three or four-course meal, touching on some of the restaurant's favorites alongside exclusive offerings. Thumb through a menu of oysters, both smoked and marinated, Tuna Tartare and the 27-ounce Ribeye for Two.

Cost: $195 per person for three courses; $233 for four courses

More to love: Cocktails are given the same amount of afterthought here (they are from Chris Lemperle, formerly of Crown Shy and Overstory, after all). Same goes for the wines, which spans over 1,000 selections. 

Chef Alain Verzeroli’s green oasis in Midtown East is a natural fit for romance. During Valentine’s Day weekend, the restaurant is offering lunch and dinner specials. Daytime dates can dig into Maine Scallops and Chicories with Black Truffle Vinaigrette, while late nights come with King Crab and Wagyu Striploin. 

Cost: $95 for lunch; $225 for dinner

More to love: The plant-filled interior feels like we planned a romantic getaway, even with its midtown address. 

Nearly 200 years old with several twists and turns in the intervening two centuries, the new and improved Delmonico’s is as sweeping and distinguished as ever. Its four-course lovers special includes items like caviar service, Maine crab cakes, and their famous ribeye. 

Price: $205 and up per person

More to love: Did you know Delmonico's is the creator of the Baked Alaska? Try a taste of the original here. 

Café Boulud retains the charm of its former self, continuing to celebrate chef Daniel Boulud's French roots. His three-course menu, on offer February 14 and February 15, includes the likes of Foie Gras, pan-seared scallops and a roasted duck breast with a saffron-honey jus.

Cost: $185 per person

More to love: With five desserts on the menu, you and your sweetie can decide on the top two, the pistachio whipped ganache in the Pistache & Framboise being one of them. 

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 include selections from the raw bar, Maine diver scallops and Wagyu Beef Tenderloin, plus dessert. 

Price: $168 per person

More to love: We don't know if we believe in aphrodisiacs, but we do believe in the Petite Seafood Plateau of oysters, shrimp cocktail and sashimi. 

There is a new chef in town, as executive chef Haley Duren is taking the reigns at this soulful spot. But worry not, chef Duren carries on the ethos of Cadence well, starting with a five-course, plant-based menu for Valentine's Day.

Price: $90 per person

More to love: Plenty of the wine and beers here are made by Black viniters and producers, so go all in with the wine flight. 

Dutch for ''North District," The Noortwyck was founded by a pair of Eleven Madison Park vets, chef Andrew Quinn and sommelier Cedric Nicaise. For Valentine's, the new American eatery begins with Leeks Vinaigrette with black truffle and Fluke Crudo with coconut leche de tigre. Main courses range from their Grilled Branzino with a saffron beurre black to their Pork Chop with bourbon and brown butter.

Cost: $120 per person

More to love: Their signature Beef Wellington is also on offer for dinner. 

Le Rock knows how to get the romance going this holiday. Take the starter, the Coquillage for Two, a seafood display towering with oysters, prawns, crabs, razor clams and caviar with pomme dauphine. The decadence continues with Foie Gras Torchon with Brioche and the Chocolate Caramel Hearts, also for two, for dessert.

Cost: $185 per person 

More to love: Big windows provide sights of Rockefeller Plaza allowing you to quietly people watch minus all the touristy energy. 

One of NYC’s best restaurants 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 seared tuna crudo, New York strip for two and their famed baked Alaska. 

Price: $165 per person 

More to love: If the date is going right, Sunken Harbor Club bar, one of our favorite bars, is just a few steps up above.