By: Sabrina Ziccardi By: Sabrina Ziccardi | November 16, 2022 | Food & Drink, People,
There are few things more special than an anniversary dinner out in NYC. Our fair city is home to some of the most romantic restaurants in the world, but romance alone won't cut it for the perfect anniversary dinner. Impeccable service, delicious food and dreamy ambiance are just starting points, and all of these beloved NYC staple restaurants will make you and your loved one feel just as special as you deserve. So clink your Champagne flutes and cheers to you!
400 5th Ave. / 212.613.8660 / Website
They say Italian is the language of love and Paris is the city of love, so we say French and Italian cuisine together in one restaurant can only mean one thing. Showcasing modern French and Italian Riviera cuisine, Ai Fiori signature handmade pasta and regional dishes inspired by land and coast only use the freshest ingredients. Meaning "among the flowers," Ai Fiori's interiors are just as romantic as the food thanks to its gorgeous blooms, cozy banquets and modern design. The award-winning wine list features over 1,000 wine selections that pair beautifully with signature dishes such as Tortelli with rabbit ravioli, pistou, brown butter and lavender and the Tagliata with 14oz dry aged NY strip, shishito bearnaise, charred romaine and potatoes. Overlooking Manhattan's skyline, Ai Fiori is the perfect spot to dine elegantly.
115 East 60th St. / 212.339.8363 / Website
There's a reason so many flock to the Mediterranean to honeymoon, as the region has provided the backdrop for some of history's most iconic love stories, making it the perfect inspiration for a lovely anniversary meal. Amali emphasizes the Mediterranean diet of vegetables, olive oil, cheese, grains and fish, resulting in a balanced menu that offers plenty of opportunities to share. We recommend the Moroccan spiced lamb saddle with mint walnut pesto and castelvetrano olives. Amali also hosts live music on Sundays from 7-9PM for an evening of celebration. The wine list of 400+ bottles ensures you'll find the perfect bottle, or if you have a rare favorite you'd like to bring along, check out Amali's unique corkage policy.
5 Madison Ave. / 212.413.4300 / Website
The Clock Tower is an award-winning restaurant that serves British cuisine, offering a taste of contemporary London. This spot has three dining rooms, a billiards room and a lively bar with a posh pub-like ambiance. Occupying the second floor of the Edition Hotel, this cozy piece of the UK is located directly across from Madison Square Park. The walls are lined with classic photographs of actors, musicians and artists. The menu includes signature English dishes with a hint of an American flare. One exciting addition to their menu is their raw bar that includes savory East Coast oysters, shrimp cocktails, 1/2 chilled Maine lobster, tuna Crudo and a shellfish platter. Another staple on their menu includes popular British dishes such as the classic beef wellington, shepherd's pie, and everybody's favorite fish and chips.
45 S. 3rd St., Brooklyn / 718.388.7591 / Website
Perfect for the modern young couple who loves to party, FREEHOLD is a hip cafe and restaurant with a spacious atmosphere offering both indoor and outdoor seating. The indoor dining experience offers a number of signature pizzas, a delectable charcuterie board, a variety of savory wings, salads, the freehold burger and for dessert, a cold brew-infused brownie skillet with house-made vanilla ice cream. From day turned to night, FREEHOLD has an outdoor grassy courtyard with a club-like atmosphere and an upbeat vibe. On their nightlife menu, you will find large format cocktails featuring Kendall Jenner's 818 Blanco tequila and other fun high-quality libations. Other drinks include espresso martinis, summer of soles, classic wines, draft beers and daytime drinks for happy hour. The space also allows people to host events such as birthday parties or business dinners.
123 W. 52nd St. / 212.956.1404 / Website
Ocean Prime is an upscale restaurant known for its sophisticated decor, extensive wine list and classic seafood and steak menu. Located in the heart of midtown Manhattan, Ocean Prime is the place to celebrate, socialize and indulge in the art of fine dining. The spacious atmosphere is complemented by vibrant energy and genuine hospitality. The restaurant offers a private dining experience with three separate rooms and a general area for regular seating. The menu, which has a variety of choices, features dishes ranging from prime steaks, seafood on ice, Chilean sea bass, lamb, sushi, delectable sides and much more. If you're looking for a relaxing and eventful evening, Ocean Prime is a supreme choice.
10 Columbus Circle / 212.823.9335 / Website
Per Se is a three Michelin-starred restaurant owned by American chef and restauranteur Thomas Keller. The restaurant's French-style cooking technique matched with the finest quality ingredients results in an incredible nine-course tasting menu and a nine-course vegetarian tasting menu. One of the most renowned restaurants in the city, Per Se's high-profile setting makes it an ideal choice for an anniversary celebration. The menu includes dishes such as buttered poached Maine lobster, charcoal-grilled Miyazaki Wagyu, and a golden chanterelle mushroom vichyssoise. Enjoy this high-end nine-course dining menu with delicious herb-infused cocktails or a glass of pinot noir. This elegant dining experience, with its ever-changing menu, will leave you speechless and give you a reason to return.
88 Madison Ave. / 212.691.0555 / Website
Scarpetta is a modern upscale Italian restaurant that serves handmade in-house pastas with a sophisticated flare of traditional Italian cuisine. If you're looking to order Scarpetta's famous cacio e pepe ravioli, roasted chicken, or grilled branzino, an anniversary is a perfect reason to do so. Scarpetta offers indoor and outdoor dining on Madison Avenue, located inside The James New York - NoMad Hotel. After dinner, join Scarpetta's cocktail lounge, The Seville, to listen to some live music. This spot draws a crowd, so be sure to secure your spot with reservations.
116 E. 60th St. / 212.772.0404 / Website
A new arrival to NYC's hospitality scene, T Bar has quickly become a staple in upscale New York dining. Modern interiors, luxurious seating and beautiful low-lit chandeliers all make T BAR's ambiance the romantic setting of NYC dreams. All three floors are stunning, making this Upper East Side hotspot a can't-miss dining experience. Classic dishes and a unique bar program adorn the menus, with dishes such as yellowfin tuna tartare, raw bar selections, crispy sushi, chicken Milanese, steak options and caviar additions available.
Whether you're in the mood to sip on wine and eat cozy Italian food or to party it up in Brooklyn, these restaurants promise to deliver an excellent anniversary experience. Cheers to your love, and enjoy!
Photography by: Bojanstory / Getty Images