The TOP 10 Romantic Restaurants in New York City

What is it? Raf’s sits at 290 Elizabeth Street, a ten-minute walk from Washington Square Park. This restaurant bridges French and Italian culinary traditions within a space designed for fine dining.

Why we love it: It earns its place in the neighborhood by balancing a luxury dining experience with a rare, relaxed terrace. With a guest rating of 4.67 from 177 reviews, the restaurant successfully delivers a consistent, romantic atmosphere that justifies its premium price point.

Good to Know: The kitchen treats French and Italian fusion with a rigorous, smart, and elegant approach, so expect the menu to lean into precise, high-end technique rather than casual comfort.

What is it? Gramercy Tavern sits at 42 E 20th St, a five-minute walk from the Flatiron Building. It holds a Michelin star and functions as a dual-concept restaurant offering both fine dining and a more casual tavern space.

Why we love it: The restaurant balances a high-end price point with a consistent performance that has earned a 4.76 rating from thousands of guests. It avoids the pretense often found in luxury dining by grounding its South American and farm-to-table focus in a setting that feels deliberate rather than merely performative.

Good to Know: While the menu leans into a formal fine dining experience, the smart and elegant dress code applies throughout the restaurant, so plan your attire accordingly for a visit.

What is it? da Toscano is a contemporary Italian restaurant on West 44th Street. It sits a six-minute walk from The Morgan Library & Museum and is positioned within a short distance of the crowds at Washington Square Park.

Why we love it: The kitchen balances the rigor of fine dining with a contemporary approach to Italian ingredients, justifying its place in a higher price tier than the typical midtown bistro. Its 4.84 rating across nearly 500 reviews reflects a rare consistency for a space that leans so heavily into a romantic, intimate atmosphere.

Good to Know: The smart and elegant dress code at da Toscano aligns with the formal, luxury feel of the room, so save the casual layers for your walk back toward SoHo.

What is it? Little Prince sits at 199 Prince Street, just a short walk from Soho and 600 meters from Washington Square Park. It offers a French, classic menu within a setting defined by its luxury and fine dining approach.

Why we love it: While many spots in the area favor frantic turnover, Little Prince maintains a 4.61 rating from 537 reviews by leaning into a romantic, focused atmosphere. It manages to deliver a classic French experience at a mid-range price point that avoids the typical Soho markup, making it a reliable pick for an evening that feels intentional.

Good to Know: The smart and elegant dress code at Little Prince complements the classic French menu, so save the casual wear for your stroll through nearby Washington Square Park.

What is it? Atomix is a Michelin-starred restaurant located at 104 E 30th St in New York City. It sits a ten-minute walk from the Empire State Building and offers a contemporary approach to Korean cuisine.

Why we love it: This venue distinguishes itself through a rigid commitment to fine dining in a city that often favors casual convenience. While the price point reflects a premium experience, the consistent quality is evidenced by a 4.84 rating from 460 reviews, making it a reliable destination for those seeking technical precision in their meal.

Good to Know: The Atomix dress code is smart and elegant, so choose attire that suits a formal evening rather than typical street-wear.

What is it? Little Sister Lounge sits at 112 E 11th St, positioned about a ten-minute walk from Washington Square Park. It functions as a Southeast Asian restaurant that balances a high-end price point with an intimate atmosphere.

Why we love it: While the SoHo shopping district and The Morgan Library & Museum draw most of the neighborhood’s foot traffic, this spot captures a more reserved, romantic energy. It earns a 4.65 rating from 113 reviews precisely because it avoids the frantic pacing of its surroundings, focusing instead on a luxury dining experience.

Good to Know: The kitchen focuses on Southeast Asian flavors, so pair your meal with a dry, aromatic white wine to cut through the spice profile at Little Sister Lounge.

What is it? Arthur and Sons is an Italian restaurant located at 38 8th Ave. It sits a three-minute walk from the High Line and is within a short stroll of the Meatpacking District.

Why we love it: This is an unapologetically traditional dining room that manages to feel both private and upscale. With a 4.68 rating from over 700 diners, it succeeds by focusing on classic techniques rather than reinventing them, making it a reliable choice for those seeking a romantic, fine-dining environment that justifies its price point.

Good to Know: The smart and elegant dress code at Arthur and Sons suggests a polished approach; opt for tailored layers to match the classic aesthetic of the room.

What is it? Alba Accanto sits at 141 10th Ave, a five-minute walk from the High Line. This fine dining restaurant focuses on a blend of classic and contemporary Italian cuisine.

Why we love it: The kitchen balances tradition with modern technique, a rigor reflected in the near-perfect 4.90 rating from its first 30 guests. It avoids the tourist-heavy sprawl of nearby Chelsea Market, offering a refined, romantic setting that feels earned rather than forced.

Good to Know: The terrace at Alba Accanto offers the best vantage point for those looking to maintain the smart and elegant dress code while dining al fresco.

What is it? Maison Close is a French restaurant at 15 Watts Street. It sits a ten-minute walk from the Soho shopping district and roughly twenty minutes from both Washington Square Park and One World Trade Center.

Why we love it: The space balances classic French technique with contemporary execution, maintaining a high-fidelity experience that resonates with its 1,508 reviewers. Its fine dining approach commands a premium price point, yet the room retains an intimate, romantic character that separates it from the high-traffic corridors nearby.

Good to Know: Maison Close requires a smart and elegant dress code, so plan your evening attire accordingly to match the room's formal French aesthetic.

What is it? Per Se is a French and modern creative restaurant located at 10 Columbus Circle. It holds a Michelin star and sits a two-minute walk from the shops at Columbus Circle.

Why we love it: The restaurant commands a position just 800 meters from Central Park, trading the frantic pace of the streets below for a focused, high-end environment. With nearly 1,900 guest reviews averaging a 4.76 rating, it remains a consistent benchmark for luxury fine dining in New York City.

Good to Know: The smart and elegant dress code is strictly enforced to match the quiet, romantic atmosphere of the dining room.