Choosing where to eat in New York City is already overwhelming, but throw in date night pressure, and it’s a whole situation. The options are endless, the stakes feel unnecessarily high, and nobody has time for a two-hour wait at an overhyped spot. Lucky for you, we’ve done the work, scoping out the best restaurants that hit the perfect balance of great food, killer vibes, and just the right amount of romance (without trying too hard).
We took everything into account—location, availability, cuisine, cocktails, ambiance, and overall vibe—because a date night spot should set the mood, not stress you out. After extensive research from Team B, we landed on ten solid winners. Whether you’re keeping it casual and cozy or going full-on romantic flex, there’s a spot here that’ll impress without feeling like you tried too hard.
So whether you live in NYC or are just visiting, grab a res at one of these can’t-miss date night spots—because the vibes should be as memorable as the company. And if the company sucks, at least you found a new spot for you and your friends.
What to consider when booking a restaurant in NYC for date night:
When choosing a date night restaurant, several factors come into play to create the perfect ambiance and ensure an enjoyable evening. Here’s what to keep in mind:
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Atmosphere & Ambiance: You want a place that sets the right tone for your date. Think about lighting, décor, and overall vibe. Soft lighting and intimate, cozy settings work wonders for creating a romantic environment. A restaurant with a unique or charming interior design can also add to the experience.
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Noise Level: A good date night spot strikes the perfect balance. You don’t want it to be too loud, where you have to shout over your conversation, but you also don’t want it to be so quiet that you feel awkward. A moderate noise level adds energy to the environment without overwhelming your interaction.
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Quality of Food: Of course, the food is essential. The menu should offer a variety of dishes, with options that both you and your date will enjoy. Think about the style of cuisine and how adventurous you’re willing to be. Whether it's a fancy multi-course dinner or simple, delicious comfort food, the food should be both tasty and well-prepared.
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Location & Neighborhood: Choose a place that's in an easily accessible, interesting neighborhood, especially if you’re planning to walk around or explore afterward.
The Best Date Night Restaurants in NYC
Sloane’s NYC (Soho): The Best Speakeasy Restaurant
If you like a dimly lit bar with a sexy, vintage feel, Sloane’s is the place for you. Nestled in Soho’s The Manner Hotel, Sloane’s is the perfect spot for grabbing some small bites and a couple of cocktails. Expect to find upscale takes on some of your fave foods from childhood including french fries, chicken nuggets, and mozzarella sticks, but in a form that makes them feel fancy. For example, their Cottage Fries are topped with ranch dressing, fine herbs and Petrossian ossetra caviar. As for drinks, all cocktails are priced exactly the same, at $24, and they include classics like a Dirty Martini or Old Fashioned along with their own unique creations and even a special zero-proof drink that features a lower price tag.
Apothéke (Chinatown): The Best Inventive Cocktails
Apothéke in Chinatown combines a unique, apothecary-inspired atmosphere with a menu full of creative cocktails and small bites. The drink offerings feature unusual ingredients and medicinal herbs, while the food menu includes light, flavorful options like artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and inventive small plates. The intimate, speakeasy-style setting, paired with expertly crafted drinks and delicious bites, makes it a great date night spot for those seeking a cozy, adventurous experience.
The Nines NYC (NoHo): The Best Swanky Date Night
As the name implies, the establishment wants their guests to arrive, “dressed to the nines.” In that same vein, the supper club and piano bar, which can be found in Noho, offers an elevated menu consisting of a seafood plateau, caviar service, foie gras, and other bougie dishes.
On their extensive drink menu, there are not only regular cocktails– including staples like a G&T, margarita, and sidecar– but they also have hot cocktails along with low-proof, and zero-proof drinks. But, that’s not all…if you’re a bit of a snob about your drinks, they have an extensive list of wines and liquors.
Corner Store NYC (Soho): The Best Impossible to Get Reservation
Currently one of the toughest spots to snag a res, Corner Store aptly describes itself as “an upscale take on a classic American joint” at the landmark corner of Houston and West Broadway in SoHo. And it has Bethenny’s seal of approval. It strikes the perfect balance between casual, neighborhood haunt, and pretentious country club. Don’t expect to find any over the top dishes that you can’t pronounce, but rather straightforward, nostalgic dishes that you love such as spinach & artichoke dip, Caesar salad, french fries, and even apple pie.
As for their drink menu, Corner Store explains their unique take on drinks, saying “We have a culinary approach to our cocktail program, using techniques like infusion, cryovac, sous vide, milk washing, and oil washing & tools like a refractometer to dial in sugar levels.” TLDR: whatever drink you get, it’s going to be a memorable one.
Locanda Verde (TriBeCa): The Best Seasonal Ingredients
Locanda Verde is a perfect date night spot with its cozy yet sophisticated ambiance, featuring a stylish, rustic interior that creates an inviting, intimate atmosphere. The menu offers a range of delicious Italian dishes, from the creamy sheep's milk ricotta to the flavorful crispy chicken, ensuring there’s something for even the pickiest eaters. The combination of great food, exceptional service, and a relaxed yet elegant setting makes it an ideal choice for a romantic evening out.
Minetta Tavern (Greenwich Village): The Best Cozy Restaurant
If you want a date night spot that screams old-school New York charm, Minetta Tavern is it. This iconic Greenwich Village steakhouse-meets-French-bistro has been a go-to since 1937, serving up perfectly cooked steaks, rich pastas, and a vibe that feels straight out of a classic NYC film. The dim lighting, red leather banquettes, and vintage decor make it cozy, intimate, and effortlessly cool—perfect for a date that calls for great food and a little nostalgia. Try not to miss the Minetta Burger — it’s known to be one of the best in Manhattan.
Pro tip: Minetta Tavern is just a few blocks from Comedy Cellar, meaning you can do dinner and a show without having to cab around the city. Start with a leisurely steak dinner, sip on a few cocktails, then stroll over to Comedy Cellar for an entertaining stand-up set. It’s the kind of classic NYC night out that feels effortless, fun, and a little indulgent—exactly what a date night should be.
KYU (Noho): The Best Asian Fusion Restaurant
With locations in NYC, Miami, Las Vegas, and Mexico, Kyu is known for its eclectic Asian cuisine. Their signature grilling style with dishes including crispy rice, hamachi crudo, and surf & turf may be what draws you in, but you’ll stay for the sexy vibes and uniquely decorated space. Referred to in one review as “one of New York’s most stylish restaurants,” Kyu is not the kind of place you want to go to in sweatpants and a t-shirt, but rather use the opportunity to try out a new trend you’ve been eyeing.
If your idea of date night is catching a few drinks at happy hour, Kyu could be a good option for you. From Tuesday to Friday (5-7PM), they offer a curated list of snacks and cocktails including a weekly special thought up by their bartenders.
Reyna New York (Union Square): The Best Mediterranean Tapas Restaurant
Reyna is the kind of spot that screams “date night goals” with its trendy vibe and food that makes you want to keep ordering. The Mediterranean-inspired menu is insane, with must-tries like the crispy octopus and lamb chops that are beyond, not to mention cocktails that’ll have you feeling like you’re on vacation. It's got that perfect balance of fun and intimate, where you can actually hear each other talk, but still feel the energy.
Il Cantinori (Greenwich Village): The Best Classic Italian
Il Cantinori in NYC is a beloved Italian restaurant known for its rustic charm and classic Italian cuisine. Located in Greenwich Village, it offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere that’s perfect for a date night. The menu is full of traditional Italian dishes, with standouts like the pappardelle with wild boar ragu and the delicious olive oil cake for dessert. The warm, inviting vibe and excellent service make it a top choice for a romantic evening out.
Baccarat Hotel (Midtown Manhattan): The Best Fancy Restaurant
If you're looking for luxury, look no further than the Baccarat Hotel. The restaurant here is stunning, with opulent chandeliers and a sophisticated air. The modern French cuisine is as refined as the surroundings, and it’s a great option for a glamorous evening. Whether you're seated in the dining room or enjoying cocktails in the lavish lobby bar, it’s an unforgettable experience.
Socaratt Paella Bar: The Best Restaurant for Spanish Tapas and Happy Hour Deals
Socarrat Paella Bar is a fantastic date night spot with multiple locations throughout the city, offering a lively atmosphere and a focus on authentic Spanish cuisine. Their standout dishes, like the seafood paella and tender grilled octopus, are perfect for sharing, while the extensive wine list features excellent Spanish options to pair with every meal. With great happy hour specials and occasional entertainment, it’s an ideal spot to relax, enjoy delicious food, and savor a memorable evening.
Kiko (Hudson Square): The Best New Asian Fusion Restaurant
One of the newest hot spots to open, Kiko is the brainchild of restaurateur, Lina Goujjane, whose family was known for their restaurant, One If By Land, Two If By Sea, which has been called one of the “most romantic” restaurants in NYC. So creating an ambiance for a good date night spot basically runs in their genes.
Grab a glass of wine– many of which are priced at under $100 a bottle– and one of the famed Asian fusion dishes from their curated menu. Their unique cocktails come with a fun twist, too, like a gin martini that features sake, yuzu, and sea lettuce.
Polo Bar (Midtown Manhattan): The Best Restaurant for Celebrity Sightings
Polo Bar in NYC, created by fashion mogul Ralph Lauren, is an exclusive, upscale restaurant that draws in celebrities and patrons with its refined American cuisine and sophisticated, private club-like ambiance. Known for its timeless, luxurious décor—featuring dark wood paneling, leather seating, and equestrian-inspired details—it offers a chic yet comfortable dining experience. Getting a reservation can be tough due to its popularity, but once inside, you’ll enjoy standout dishes like the Polo Bar burger and the intimate, upscale atmosphere that makes it a perfect spot for a special night out.
Casino (Lower East Side): The Best Trendy Italian
The quaint Italian restaurant, located in the heart of the Lower East Side, is a nice respite from the crazy of the city. It feels like the type of spot where you can sit and stay awhile in one of its booths, bistro chairs, or at the bar that has a bit of a cool, retro vibe to it. Think of their food and drinks as elevated Italian– you’re not going to get spaghetti & meatballs with a glass of house red, but rather, maybe a dry-aged burger with pancetta and a Casino Cosmopolitan. It feels very much like the type of place that the ladies from Sex and the City would frequent.
Waverly Inn (West Village): The Best Intimate Restaurant
Tucked away in a quaint, historic townhouse, Waverly Inn offers a quintessential New York vibe, where celebrity sightings meet classic American fare. The cozy, candlelit dining room is perfect for a romantic evening, while the intimate, rustic charm adds to the allure. It’s a place where the atmosphere alone can make you feel like you're in a movie.
How to Actually Snag a Hard-to-Get Reservation
Getting into restaurants like Corner Store are not for the weak, but if you play it right, you can make it happen:
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Book exactly 30 days in advance on Resy—reservations drop at midnight and go fast.
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Be flexible—weekday dinners and late-night slots are easier to snag.
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Know someone—if you have a hotel concierge or a connected friend, use them.
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Walk in and pray—you might luck out with a last-minute cancellation, but don’t bet on it.
Bottom Line
There’s no shortage of places to go on date night in New York City, but that’s not to say that if you pick any old spot on a map it’s going to deliver. If you’re looking for a place that you and your date will love for multiple reasons, including the food, drinks, and ambiance, these are the ten places to consider.Pick your place by considering location, type of cuisine, and the vibe that you’re looking for. A lot of it boils down to personal preference, too, so we recommend you do your research and check out the social media and menus of each of these date night spots to determine which will best suit your tastes. And, remember, these places are hot, so we highly encourage you to book a reservation ASAP, so that you’ll be guaranteed a table once date night rolls around.
FAQs:
What are the best romantic restaurants in NYC for a date night?
- Some of the top romantic spots include The Nines NYC for a swanky experience, Il Cantinori for classic Italian charm, and The Waverly Inn for an intimate, candlelit setting.
Where can I get a last-minute date night reservation in NYC?
- For easier walk-ins, try Minetta Tavern, Reyna NYC, or KYU—they sometimes have last-minute availability. If you're set on a hard-to-get spot like Corner Store, try booking 30 days in advance on Resy.
Which NYC date night restaurants have the best cocktails?
- Apothéke in Chinatown, The Nines NYC, and Sloane’s NYC are all known for expertly crafted cocktails in ultra-chic settings.
What’s the best date night restaurant in NYC for wine lovers?
- L’Artusi in the West Village is a must-visit, boasting a 20-page wine list and a private wine cellar for intimate dining.
Where should I go in NYC for a trendy, buzzy date night spot?
- Hot spots like Casino, Polo Bar, and Kiko bring the perfect mix of stylish ambiance and a lively scene.