THE BEST: NYC Romantic Dining

[Dryden]

Having been to March, the River Cafe, GT and JG, the big difference between the first three and the last one is a warmth in ambiance. JG is a nice room, but feels quite a bit more formal (and like you're sitting in a restaurant). March and GT have a lot more warmth, and the room feels quite a bit "cozier". River Cafe, of course, has a view no restaurant in Manhattan can match.

[oakapple]

I would add Asiate to the list. It's an incredibly romantic space, especially at night.

[mascarpone]

Thanks for the feedback. Any news on Atelier since Kreuther left? Has it slipped or is it holding its own?

[James Kessler]

For romantic ambiance I will quickly run down all of the places I've tried that even come close:

One If By Land, Two If By Sea: I proposed here, on New Years' Eve. I've also eaten there on another night since then. Both times it was very romantic and I found the food quite good both times. I simply do not understand why it gets such a negative food review from some people. I simply have not found that to be the case. The service, decor and atmosphere are unmatched by any other place in NYC for romantic appeal.

Cafe Des Artistes: Food was good, but I found the tables much too close together for any kind of good atmosphere. Service wasn't very special either.

Terrace in the Sky: Decor and atmosphere are nice, but getting into the building is a little wierd taking this old elevator to the top floor. It's located INSIDE a dorm building of Columbia. Yes, that's right it's in the same building as a dorm house. Once you get to the top floor it's nice enough, but also I found the service a little snooty. Food was also quite good here as well.

Eleven Madison Park: Too loud in the main dining room, although the food was really good. Not romantic in my book, although an otherwise excellent restaurant.

Tabla: Food was excellent, and the atmosphere is really nice. Kind of more of a luxury trendy atmosphere more than romantic atmosphere. I wouldn't choose this place for romantic appeal. An excellent restaurant otherwise, though.

Edited December 14, 2005 by James Kessler (log)

[Nathan]

we're just going to have to disagree about One if by Land.

I haven't read the entire thread but 2 places that I haven't seen mentioned that should be are:

Il Buco and Petrosino

[Dryden]

I've never understood the commentary about Eleven Madison Park. Not about the food, which is excellent, but about the room - what makes it any nicer/more romantic than a standard good room at any other top restaurant?

I wouldn't put it in the category of a March/Gramercy etc., which are pretty special places, IMHO.

[Nathan]

I think it's the airiness and windows that are so appealing.

[LittleWing]

Any restaurants to add to the list? It's my SO's birthday coming up, and we're going to drive up to manhattan from dc for a few days...

I'm like to take him somewhere romantic, but the food and wine are most important - somewhere not snooty/cold would also be nice, with a price not much higher than about $100 for a tasting menu (not including wine or tip or anything) - but I could go up to about $125 if its definitely worth it.

We loved Babbo, so something in the same vein would be great - Marche and Chanterelle look good, as does GT.

But any other ideas? thanks...

[daisy17]

I'm like to take him somewhere romantic, but the food and wine are most important - somewhere not snooty/cold would also be nice, with a price not much higher than about $100 for a tasting menu (not including wine or tip or anything) - but I could go up to about $125 if its definitely worth it. 

←

I am always a fan of Veritas. Some people don't like the room, but I do, and I've always found the food/wine/service to be consistently stellar. There's a separate thread on it somewhere here . . .