The most important dinner date of the year is approaching.
And with February 14 falling on a Wednesday this year, a midweek romantic meal may be the perfect date to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Whether you want to go all out with caviar and champagne or opt for a cozy date night with pizza and Diet Coke, Manhattan has options for every type of couple, situationship or dynamic duo of best friends. Before tables for two book up at the city’s best restaurants, snag a reservation at one of these select spots.
Caviar Russe
Head to the lower level lounge or dining room for a luxe Valentine’s Day. In the dining room, Executive Chef Edgar Panchernikov will prepare a special pre-fixe menu for $600, starting with Select Osetra caviar with traditional accoutrements followed by indulgent aphrodisiacs including bay scallops with buttermilk caviar, foie gras with perigord black truffle, king Crab and dover Sole. At the end of the meal, guests will enjoy a special dessert from Chef Eunji Lee from Lysée pastry boutique. In its lounge, Caviar Russe will offer its ala carte menu, with a required $400 per person spend. Reservations via Resy or Opentable
Dowling’s at The Carlyle
Head to a classic spot for romance on the Upper East Side. Dowling’s will offer both prix fixe and a la carte menu offerings, with the prix fixe menu starting at $145. Highlights include artichoke a la Barigoule with truffle aioli, hazelnuts and celery root chips; tortellini with preserved lemon, ricotta, cream of parmesan and chorizo; and Australian wagyu filet mignon with pomme anna, leek and horseradish puree and red wine jus. The menu will be available on Friday, February 9, Saturday, February 10, and Wednesday, February 14. Reservations via Tock
Emmett’s
Eat your heart out at the only Chicago-style pizzerias in New York. At their MacDougal street location, diners can enjoy a deep dish heart shaped pizza or tavern-style, thin crust. Emmett’s on Grove will serve their tavern-style thin crust in heart shapes. Pies are $30, before toppings. A full a la carte menu is also available, plus a bountiful wine selection. Reservations via Resy
COTE Korean Steakhouse
The beloved Flatiron steakhouse is offering a ‘Tenderloin Loving Care’ Valentine’s Day menu for $175 per person. Those dining at the restaurant will enjoy some of the most desirable menu items, including the “Steak and Eggs,” Tenderloin Loving Care (USDA prime filet mignon, Maine scallops, 45+ day dry-aged ribeye, Japanese A5 filet mignon and marinated galbi), janchi somyun, soft serve with soy sauce caramel, a specialty cocktail and a chocolate bonbon treat. Reservations via Resy
Blackbarn
This farm-to-table, American restaurant in NoMad will offer an a la carte menu and optional four course pre-fixe for two for $120 per person, with an optional wine pairing for $185. The pre-fixe includes aphrodisiac-inspired dishes like Beau Soleil oysters, wild mushroom toast, foie gras torchon, beet cured halibut and more options. For dessert, choose between a chocolate caramel pear tart or toasted almond pavlova. Reservations via OpenTable
Aquavit
The two-Michelin star Scandinavian restaurant is celebrating Valentine’s Day with special menus for couples who want a taste of Nordic cuisine. Chef Emma Bengtsson’s six-course tasting menu will be $325 per person with an optional wine pairing for $225 per person in the main dining room. The tasting menu includes black truffle and king oyster, wagyu beef and celeriac, and almond and rosehip. For those who aren’t looking for a full dinner experience, Aquavit is also offering an bar package for two featuring Champagne, oysters and classic Osetra Caviar for $325 from 5-9pm. Reservations via Tock
Semma
The lauded Indian eatery will offer a tasting menu for Valentine’s Day for $175. Romantic dishes include pumpkin soup, dungeness crab vada with caviar, a black truffle iteration of their famous dosa, lobster moilee, and desserts. A vegetarian menu is also available upon request. Reservations via Resy
The Golden Swan
Eat lavishly this Valentine’s Day in the West Village with Chef Doug Brixton’s three-course prix fixe menu for $135 per person. Menu highlights include the fan favorite crescent duck, carnaroli risotto, and steak tartare. For an elevated experience, The Golden Swan is also featuring a Wallace Room exclusive for Valentine’s Day: $300 per table of two including a bottle of Pierre Brocard Champagne and caviar. Reservations via Resy
Point Seven
Steps away from Grand Central, this two-tiered seafood-centric restaurant offers a grand setting for a romantic feast. Chef Franklin Becker’s three-course prix fixe menu ($115) will include appetizer choices like cauliflower leek velouté with poached oysters and caviar; Nantucket Bay Scallop crudo with orange and bergamot, butter poached lobster with beets, fennel, and horseradish. pan roasted duck with rutabaga and orange whipped honey, plus much more. Desserts come from pastry chef Sam Mason, formerly of wd~50. Reservations via OpenTable