From Italian food to a classic steak dinner, we’ve rounded up the best ways to say “I love you” this romance season.
See also: 4 Luxury Chocolatiers Offering Decadent Valentine's Collections
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35 E 21st St. / 212.913.9659 / Website
Serving contemporary cuisine rooted in Mexican flavors and tradition, Cosme is the perfect choice for a romantic dinner. Their dishes use local and seasonal ingredients from the Hudson Valley and other regions to create artisanal Mexican dishes. If you are looking for high-quality and unique flavors, try the fan-favorite uni tostada that comes with sea urchin, bone marrow, pico de gallo and avocado. This year, Valentine’s Day specials include duck breast and rose mole, esquites and black truffle, and a chocolate and strawberry sundae.
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53 Howard St. / 212.852.9097 / Website
Everything from La Mercerie’s velvety curtains and gorgeous ceramics evokes the charms of classic French bistros. This Valentine’s Day, chef Marie-Aude Rose is whipping up a four-course prix fixe menu with special dishes such as a millefeuille of fois gras, a creamy lobster and pasta casserole with tarragon and orange zests and a chocolate mousse dessert. The restaurant offers an optional wine pairing for each course, including a sparkling rose to start and a sauterne to accompany the dessert.
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45 Rockefeller Plaza / 332.258.8734 / Website
Frenchette’s chef-owners Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr are the masterminds behind Le Rock, a pleasantly boisterous French brasserie offering both traditional French dishes and seasonal dishes in the whopping 4,000 square feet of chicly outfitted space. This Valentine’s Day, the prix fixe meal begins with a seafood display of oysters, prawns, crabs, razor clams and caviar followed by other refined dishes such as roasted Guinea hen with potato fondant and chocolate caramel hearts for two.
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105 W 13th St. / 212.931.6335 / Website
Cecchi’s is the home away from home, as owner Michael Cecchi-Azzolina is known for his many years of experience in hospitality. Capturing a vibrant and welcoming environment, this restaurant is inviting everyone to the table complete with all the fixings. The curated St. Valentine’s Day menu sets the stage for romance with a four-course menu featuring standout dishes like Peconic Scallops Rockefeller with creamed spinach and pancetta, Tournedos Rossini topped with foie gras, truffles, and Madeira sauce, and a decadent dark chocolate mousse for two.
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138 Lafayette St. / 212.271.4252 / Website
Stepping into Michelin-starred Le Coucou, diners are welcomed by a modern nod to ornate European interiors, a testament to Daniel Rose and Stephen Starr. The menu, brimming with French cuisine, is touched by personality. The atmosphere—equal parts classic and cool—offers exceptional service accentuated by a view of an open kitchen. This Valentine’s, enjoy a special pre-fixe menu for dinner, followed by housemade madeleines for each guest as a takeaway gift.
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52 Gansevoort St. / 212.929.4844 / Website
A painted tin ceiling, subway tiles, vintage accents and a curved zinc bar detail the interiors in Pastis. All day, guests find French fare with a soulful twist, including steak frites, moules marinières and a meticulously curated selection of wines. The restaurant effortlessly combines the old-world charm of a French café with the vibrant energy of New York City. This love day, you’ll find caviar, lobster bisque, Dover sole and chocolate soufflé all on special.
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60 E. 65th St. / 212.288.0033 / Website
A true NYC mainstay, Daniel has been serving delicious refined European cuisine since 1993. Helmed by culinary legend Daniel Boulud, this spot always delivers impeccable service, exemplary cooking techniques and a swoon-worthy wine list. This Valentine's Day, guests can choose between an exclusive 4- or 5-course menu showcasing the finest seasonal ingredients and exquisite wine pairings.
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18 9th Ave. / 212.206.6700 / Website
For those adventurous eaters looking to try “something new,” Saishin means exactly that. Offering a rooftop venue with the backdrop of the glorious Manhattan skyline, their custom menu honors traditional Japanese cuisine with mindful sourcing, seasonality and quality. Savor a 5 p.m. 19-course omakase for $175 per person this Valentine's, with a glass of Moet & Chandon Brut Rosé Champagne on arrival. Or opt for a 7 p.m. or 9:15 p.m. seating and enjoy for $225 per person.
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Two E. 55th St. / 212.339.6857 / Website
Formerly known as Astor Court, this St. Regis dining concept has been reimagined to be even more inviting thanks to its lounge-style space serving sharable bites and large plates. The less formal concept invites you to fully relax and enjoy the St. Regis’ legendary hospitality. Indulge in a Valentine’s staycation and gain exclusive access to the newly launched Drawing Room for an intimate night out and a complimentary bottle of Champagne and canapés.
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10 Columbus Circle / 212.823.9335 / Website
Overlooking Central Park sits this three-Michelin-starred French restaurant in an intimate and inviting environment. With a nine-course tasting menu, this New York favorite by Thomas Keller offers an incredible experience with even better food. Be prepared to spend the evening here because the tasting takes around three hours to enjoy.
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194 Elizabeth St. / 212.965.9511 / Website
Located in Nolita, this ultra-cozy spot by chef Marc Forgione specializes in handmade pastas, wood-fired dishes and Italian wines. Plenty of candles, brick walls and vintage charm make this one of the warmest settings in all of New York City, and the perfect choice for Valentine’s Day. Celebrate the occasion by choosing any 3-course dinner for $99 per person. Be sure to add the optional wine pairings and aphrodisiac specials.
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403 E. 12th St. / 646.602.1300 / Website
Warm, inviting interiors, a fantastic wine list, delicious, seasonally driven cuisine and fabulous cocktails are just a few of the things to love about Hearth. The team even mills their own flour and polenta from heirloom grains on a daily basis. There’s a reason this neighborhood favorite has thrived for 20 years, and we hope they never leave. This Valentine’s Day, enjoy a 4-course prix fixe menu featuring dishes such as roasted duck breast with black barley, Tokyo bekana and blood orange for $125 per guest, with an optional wine pairing for an extra $75 per guest available.
Photography by: Zach Hilty/BFA.com
