❤️ Top 10 NYC Restaurants for Valentine's Day! ❤️
Uptown, downtown... the hottest new places... the institutions... even Indian food... this list has it all!
I'm not a big Hallmark holiday person.
Sure, I love flowers and chocolates and jewelry… ok, I love jewelry… but the way to my heart?
A great meal. Plain and simple.
So, with Valentine’s Day coming up (it’s on Monday, guys) — if you want to go somewhere special with your someone special… and you want to avoid having this happen to you:
Read this:
In no particular order…
My Top 10 Most Romantic NYC Restaurants for Valentine’s Day:
RAOUL’S, 180 Prince St — In addition to having the best burger in NYC, Raoul’s — in my mind — is hands down the sexiest restaurant in New York, 47 years running. I’ve had many a date there, some great, some not so great. But Raoul’s always puts you in “the mood.”
MAJORELLE, 28 E 63rd St — If you really want to splurge for your Valentine, book a table at Majorelle, the most elegant dining room in New York. With the most beautiful fresh flowers. The three-course Valentine’s Day menu includes mouth-watering options like foie gras terrine, escargots, and Petrossian caviar and blinis. Dessert options include three soufflés — Grand Marnier, chocolate, and pistachio. $175 pp.
ONE IF BY LAND, TWO IF BY SEA, 17 Barrow St — I know what you’re thinking. Of course, you’re including One if By Land, Two if By Sea — it’s on every Valentine’s Day restaurant list. There’s a reason. It’s an institution. It was once owned by former Vice President Aaron Burr. And the Beef Wellington is legendary. It also holds a special place in my heart. I spent my very first Valentine’s Day in New York here. The four-course V-Day menu is $200 pp.
SONA, 36 E 20th St — Indian food might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Valentine’s Day, but SONA has a sexy vibe and outstanding food. Owned and operated by two very connected friends, Maneesh Goyal and David Rabin, SONA was a hit from Day One. Favorite dishes include the Tamarind BBQ Lamb Chops, India House’s Butter Chicken, and Swiss Chard Saag Paneer. There’s also a special V-Day “Date Night in For Two” at-home option for $180.
DON ANGIE, 103 Greenwich Ave — This Michelin-starred Italian restaurant is a cozy, romantic spot in the heart of the West Village. Still one of the most popular tables in New York. Order the Lasagna for Two and stay awhile. It’s that kinda place.
LE BERNARDIN, 155 W 51st St — So, you want to go somewhere really special on Valentine’s Day? Le Bernardin boasts three Michelin stars, a four-star rating from The New York Times and has received more James Beard Awards than any other restaurant in New York City. Chef and co-owner Eric Ripert was one of the first people I profiled for Cho & Tell — a real talent who looks like a movie star and cooks like there’s no tomorrow.
LOCANDA VERDE, 377 Greenwich St — If you live uptown, like I do, Locanda Verde is a little bit of a trek, but it’s worth it. I love the ambiance, the lighting, and the food is beyond. The three-course Valentine’s Day menu is $130 pp. Make sure you add one item to your order: the sheep’s milk ricotta, which comes with homemade bread. It’s life changing.
MARK FORGIONE, 134 Reade St — Another Tribeca spot I love is Mark Forgione. Doesn’t get the respect that it deserves, in my opinion. Love the rustic vibe and the rustic menu. Get the Chicken Under a Brick for two. Forgione is also the chef/owner of Peasant, another NYC favorite.
SCALINATELLA, 201 E 61st — You have to walk down a steep set of stairs to get to Scalinatella, but once you arrive, it’s like dining inside a chic wine cellar. Maybe there’s a menu, but I’ve never seen one. The charming waiters will make almost anything you want. Order a Barolo and any of the pastas, you won’t be disappointed.
THE NINES, 9 Great Jones St — Can’t get it together for Valentine’s Day? Prefer to go out on Sunday night? Head to the Nines. (It’s closed on Monday). My friend, Jon Neidich, opened this NoHo piano bar a hot second ago. And it’s white hot. It’s like a downtown Bemelmans. Don’t miss the Kaspian potato topped with Russian caviar, named for the famous original at Caviar Kaspia in Paris.
ENJOY! ❤️❤️❤️