23 Most Swoon-Worthy and Romantic Restaurants in NYC

I will always believe that the Hotel Chelsea is one of the coolest hotels in the city, and by proxy it’s deeply romantic—not in a heart-shaped box of chocolates kinda way, but in the sexier, rock ‘n roll way. I love El Quijote, and throwing back vermouth under the murals that have looked over the likes of Patti Smith and Jimi Hendrix, but downstairs in Teruko the scene is sultry as hell. Ask for a table, not the bar—even though it’s a sushi joint, and I do love watching chefs work their magic, the low-lit tables below the stone barrel ceilings are even better. Order a mix of hot yakitori and gasp-worthy sushi, and the very large grilled shrimp that is nearly the size of a lobster. If you want to make a staycation of it, book a room upstairs and stay the night.—M.S.

Coby Club NYC

Best for: A later date, via speakeasy entertainment
Address: 156 1/2 7th Ave, Chelsea, Manhattan

Everything about Coby Club screams enticing, provocative, and sexy. With inspiration from San Francisco nightlife in the 1950’s, the new speakeasy lends itself to a celebration of unique and celebrated artistry. Here, alongside the plush retro decor, jazz-tinged and sultry blues, singers, broadway performers and burlesque artists perform impromptu, with pop-up live performances every night between 9 to 11 p.m. (for a later date). To enjoy during the show, there’s seasonal options for light bites and bar food.—J.C.

Joseph Leonard

Best for:
Address: 170 Waverly Pl, West Village, Manhattan

What makes Joseph Leonard so romantic, beyond its neighborhood staple notoriety, is the way it sets the perfect scene for clinching a late night. Dim antique lighting, picture frames covering every inch of the walls, and a centralized bar filled with buzzy characters sit at the heart of a room anchored by a few coveted tables, where leaning in and brushing shoulders with a lucky counterpart is inevitable. The food is always dependable, and its late hours make it irresistible. Open until midnight from Thursday to Saturday, it’s the perfect place for a second (or third, or fourth) location you can suggest when you’re on a marathon-type date and aren’t ready for the night to end. And it’s those hours that make it dangerous, too. I’ve escalated a simple “let’s grab a casual drink” into late-night walk-ins here with partners, strangers, best friends—even my parents. I always leave there ferociously romanticizing my entire life and, incidentally, the person I’m with. And for that I will raise the hand of accountability. –Bridget Knowles, associate social media manager

Monkey Bar

Best for: Old-school cool vibe, and an iconic reputation
Address: 60 East 54th Street, Midtown Manhattan

The iconic Monkey Bar opened in the heart of Midtown back in 1936 and has since kept true to its Jazz Age essence with an art deco interior, complimented by large-wraparound dining room wall mural. Its deep red leather upholstered booths work with the golden hues from the candle-and-lamp lights throughout. And while, yes, it’s an impressive reservation to score—it also has an unpretentious, relaxed energy that boosts the romance even more. You’ll have heaps of options given their extensive menu (brunch, lunch, and dinner). Some highlights: their dinner crudo selections, lemon meringue pie, and a classic martini. It’s also a haven for breaking the ice, as the history of the space lends a gracious first date topic—and it’s one of the greatest restaurants to people watch, welcoming funky and glamorous characters from all walks of life.—J.C.