Even if you blew it on the dinner reservation for Valentine’s Day, here is a list of restaurants to get you back in good graces.
TAK Room
Courtesy Adrian Gaut Thomas Keller, the Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur behind the famed French Laundry in Northern California, brought his signature flair to Hudson Yards last year when he opened TAK Room. The menu is a reimagined take on classic dishes, with options like oysters Rockefeller and a roast chicken for two, along with a renowned wine list of globally-sourced bottles.
TAK Room at 20 Hudson Yards, Fifth Floor
La Goulue
Courtesy La GoulueThe iconic French bistro reopened in 2018, and quickly reclaimed its spot atop the list of favorite restaurants among Upper East Siders. Chef Antoine Camin’s menu features staples like poulet rôti, steak tartare, and a truffle risotto along with an enviable wine list in a cozy Francophile setting will transport you to Paris.
La Goulue at 29 East 61st Street
The Lambs Club
Courtesy The Lambs ClubChef Geoffrey Zakarian’s Lambs Club is a handsome mix of nostalgia, craft cocktails, a deep wine list and such statement dishes as 28-day dry-aged Creekstone Farms Delmonico steak…for when the meal really needs to impress.
The Lambs Club at 132 West 44th Street
Dirty French
Courtesy Noah FecksThis is how the cool kids do French cuisine. The Lower East Side bistro has an all-star dream team at the helm–Major Food Group’s Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi and Jeff Zalaznick–and a menu that combines classic French recipes with bold flavors. Plus, there’s an entire menu section with meals “pour deux,” making it an ideal destination when you’re in the mood to share an entrée.
Dirty French at 180 Ludlow Street
Bluebird London
Courtesy Bluebird LondonThe British brasserie has sweeping views of Central Park from its perch in the center of Columbus Circle. The menu highlights a modern take on classic British fare, with options like fish and chips, Peking duck breast, and beef Wellington. And, in true English form, there’s an extensive list of “gin and tonic” cocktails to choose from.
Bluebird London at 10 Columbus Circle
Bouley Test Kitchen
Courtesy Bouley Test KitchenBouley Test Kitchen is a special events and dining space where guests can learn cooking techniques directly from Chef David Bouley. The venue hosts events and classes on a regular basis, like a monthly “Rare Vineyards and Vintages” evening, which combines unique wines with an eight-course tasting menu curated by Chef Bouley himself.
Bouley Test Kitchen at 31 West 21st Street
Le Bernardin
Courtesy Daniel KriegerLe Bernardin has become a New York institution since the day it opened back in 1986. Since then the restaurant has evolved under the leadership of Maguy Le Coze and Chef Eric Ripert, and the tasting menus are elevated by the sophisticated wine pairing options.
Le Bernardin at 155 West 51st Street
Mayanoki
Courtesy MayanokiThe intimate eight-person spot in the East Village is New York’s only sustainable omakase sushi restaurant. Diners have the chance to interact directly with Chef Josh van den Berg during their meal for an even more immersive experience, as Chef van den Berg curates a multi-course selection of sustainably-sourced seafood and locally-grown produce.
Mayanoki at 620 East 6th Street
21 Club
Courtesy 21 ClubFrom the Bar Room filled with gifts from sports legends and other iconic figures, a testament to the boldface names who have dined at 21 since its opening in 1930. The secret Prohibition-era wine cellar offers an even more intimate venue for dinner or a celebration. Opt for one of 21’s signature dishes, like the steak tartare, and don’t miss the celebrated wine list, which is a seemingly endless list of world-class wine options.
21 Club at 21 West 52nd Street
The River Café
Courtesy the River CaféThe River Café is the epitome of romance, nesting in a garden setting on the Brooklyn waterfront. The Michelin-starred restaurant has a celebrated wine list along with a classic (and exquisitely-executed) American menu–think lamb, Amish chicken, and lobster dishes. The impeccable level of service makes you feel like the only table in the room.
The River Café at One Water Street, Brooklyn
The Fulton
Courtesy Robert BredvadJean-Georges Vongerichten brought his signature flair to the Seaport District, where he debuted his first seafood-focused restaurant, The Fulton, last year. Fans of Vongerichten’s 36 other restaurants will find a familiar level of excellent service and sophisticated menu options, including various crudo dishes, mussels, black sea bass, and a gruyère cheeseburger. Plus, the panoramic views of the East River exude romance.
The Fulton at 89 South Street
Cecconi’s Dumbo
Courtesy Cecconi's DumboCecconi’s is equally beloved for their views of the Manhattan skyline and their classic Italian dishes. The menu features pastas and pizzas galore along with an extensive wine list and innovative cocktail selections. The sleek, rustic interior has brass accents and cozy banquette seating for a cozy date night setting.
Cecconi’s Dumbo, 55 Water Street, Brooklyn
Eleven Madison Park
Courtesy Jake ChessumDaniel Humm’s Eleven Madison Park offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience with an eight-to-ten course tasting menu. Guests can elevate their meal even further with the wine pairing option, allowing the expert sommeliers to choose beverages to accompany your meal; cocktail lovers will enjoy their table-side presentation of The Manhattan. The tasting menu is the hallmark of a visit to Eleven Madison Park.
Eleven Madison Park at 11 Madison Avenue
Cosme
Courtesy CosmeChefs Enrique Olvera and Daniela Soto-Innes created a menu that celebrates flavor at Cosme, filled with Mexican-inspired cuisine. With a focus on high-quality, local ingredients, signature dishes include clam tostadas and duck carnitas, a fan-favorite entrée. Don’t miss the equally impressive cocktail list, which features a top-notch Margarita and Paloma for the tequila lover.
Cosme at 35 East 21st Street
