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Where to Go in NYC for a Romantic Valentine’s Day Dinner

When it comes to Valentine’s Day dinner, it’s not just about the food; the ambiance has to be just right. Whether you’re in a budding romance and it’s your first Valentine’s together, or you’ve lost count of the number of V-Day dinners you’ve shared with your other half, there are certain requirements for the special meal.

The food has to be excellent, of course, and there needs to be a great wine and cocktail list, but the atmosphere has to be romantic, too. To make the planning easier for you, here are a few options that your partner (and you) will love, along with nearby bars for a nightcap before you make your way home.

Le Coucou
SoHo

What’s more romantic than French cuisine? For an incredibly indulgent meal that you’ll remember long after it’s over, head to Le Coucou. Chef Daniel Rose’s SoHo establishment presents traditional French dishes in a uniquely New York way, offering dishes like lobster and scallop-stuffed cabbage, Dover sole with mushrooms and grapes, and Catalan-style grilled pigeon.

For a nightcap: Le Coucou has an excellent wine list, but if you want to continue the evening somewhere more cozy, why not continue with the French theme? Walk over to La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels for a selection of 600 (mostly French) bottles.

il Buco
NoHo

A beloved New York establishment, il Buco began as an antique store and evolved into a go-to downtown spot with an eclectic Mediterranean menu. The rustic, warm setting is a great choice for Valentine’s Day, and the hearty dishes will leave you more than satisfied.

For a nightcap: Try The Library at The Public, a refined yet understated locale with an extensive drink list. If you’re in the mood for a longer walk, head over to the 15-seat Blue Ribbon Downing Street Bar.

Zenkichi
Williamsburg

This dimly lit Japanese brasserie sets the perfect mood for Valentine’s night. Take a seat at one of the intimate booths, where you can focus on the food, drink, and of course, your date. Whether you opt for the tasting menu or not, dishes here are meant to be shared. Plus, Zenkichi prides itself on its sake selection, so you’ll have plenty of delicious drinks to enjoy during your meal.

For a nightcap: Head to Fresh Kills. This bar is known for its excellent cocktails and expert mixologists. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic or want to try something entirely new, you’ll find it here.

La Lanterna di Vittorio
Greenwich Village

There’s no shortage of upscale Italian restaurants in New York, but La Lanterna di Vittorio is a solid choice if you’re looking for a more whimsical and lively Valentine’s Day meal. The Village restaurant’s garden is open year-round, kept warm by roaring fireplaces and enlivened by colorful lanterns.

For a nightcap: The obvious choice is Bar Next Door, a nook adjacent to the restaurant that features jazz acts every night. For a visit to 1940s Hollywood, head over to subterranean cocktail bar Slowly Shirley.

One if by Land, Two if by Sea
West Village

We can’t have a list of recommendations for your Valentine’s Day date without including One if by Land, Two if by Sea. It’s considered one of the most romantic restaurants in the city, and you’ll see why when you enter its candle-lit, chandelier-filled dining room. Found in a carriage house dating back to 1767, you can sense the history, too. Of course, the food here is as well-known as its ambiance, with prix-fixe options like grilled Spanish octopus and rack of venison.

For a nightcap: The atmosphere at Wilfie & Nell is a bit different from your dinner spot, but you’ll find tasty cocktails and a healthy selection of beers and ales in an upscale rustic pub setting. Plus, it’ll only take you three minutes to walk over after your filling dinner.