NYC's Top Romantic Restaurants: Valentine's Day Dining Guide
NYC's Top Romantic Restaurants: Valentine's Day Dining Guide
From Thai Delights to Nordic Elegance: Your Must-Visit NYC Valentine's Spots
New York City: The Ultimate Cupid for Foodie Couples
Love is in the air, and so are the intoxicating aromas from New York City's top dining destinations this Valentine's Day. Whether you're a die-hard romantic or someone who just loves a good meal, the Big Apple serves up a smorgasbord of experiences that promise to tantalize your taste buds and set hearts racing.
Sabai Thai: A Taste of 'Happy Thai' Love
Nestled in the vibrant Flatiron District, Sabai Thai – which charmingly means "Happy Thai" – is prepping to sprinkle some culinary magic this Valentine's Day. Owner Karan Daryanani, a trailblazer with a heart for hospitality, has crafted a special menu that fuses traditional Thai flavors with a modern twist. With Executive Chef Mingmitr Eddy Amnuaypanich at the helm, expect dishes that resonate with passion – from Grilled Squid with garlic lime sauce to a heartwarming Tiger Prawn Pad Thai. And for a sip of love, try the 'Kiss from a Rose' cocktail, a flirtatious mix of Irish whisky, Cointreau, and prosecco.
Aquavit: Nordic Romance on Park Avenue
Imagine a Valentine's Day wrapped in the luxurious embrace of Nordic cuisine. Aquavit, a staple of New York's culinary scene since 1987, offers just that. With Chef Emma Bengtsson, a James Beard Semifinalist, leading the way, your palate is in for a treat. Aquavit isn't just a meal; it's a love letter to the art of fine dining.
Kintsugi Omakase: A Valentine's Day Sushi Symphony
In the heart of Soho, Kintsugi Omakase awaits as a sanctuary of sushi sophistication, offering a Valentine's Day experience as unique as the ancient art its name honors. Executive Chef Victor Chen, an alumnus of New York Sushi Ko, infuses the ethos of kintsugi—the revered Japanese practice of beautifying brokenness with gold—into his culinary creations. Here, the usual sushi formalities are gently set aside, cultivating an atmosphere where imperfection is celebrated and each dish is a testament to care and passion. On this day of love, you're presented with a choice of two omakase tiers: the 13-course Soho Experience or the 16-course Kintsugi Experience.
Hav & Mar: A Seafood Serenade
Dive into the ocean's bounty at Hav & Mar, where Chef Marcus Samuelsson's creativity meets the freshest seafood. The Chelsea hotspot is a canvas of contemporary and classical design, perfect for those looking to indulge in a prix fixe menu that's as vibrant as the surrounding arts district. Opt for the heart-shaped Cornbread for Two to kickstart a symphony of flavors.
Casa Bond: A Mexican Love Affair on the Bowery
For a bohemian rhapsody this Valentine's, Casa Bond brings the spirit of Tulum to NYC. Executive Chef Rodrigo Abrajan's five-course menu is a love song to Mexican gastronomy, featuring dishes like Filet Mignon wrapped in cheese crepes and a heart-shaped dessert that's all about 'mi corazón'.
Point Seven: An Ode to Earth's Waters
Point Seven, a gem in the Met Life Building, weaves a tapestry of dishes that pay homage to our planet's oceans. With Chef Franklin Becker's vision, each bite is an exploration of the earth's aqueous essence. This Valentine's, expect a menu that's as deep as your conversations.
Hortus NYC: A Garden of Culinary Delights
In the heart of the city lies Hortus NYC, a garden of Asian-European fusion. Executive Chef Geo Park, alongside Managing Partner Suhum Jang, has cultivated a menu that's a bouquet of flavors. From February 14th to 18th, the four-course prix-fixe menu is a passport to love.
Restaurant Yuu: A Michelin-Starred French-Japanese Encounter
Step into the intimate world of Restaurant Yuu for a French omakase experience that whispers romance. With Executive Chef-Owner Yuu Shimano at the helm, the Valentine's menu is a performance of culinary artistry, perfect for those who love a dash of drama with their dining.
YAO: A Cantonese Valentine's Odyssey
YAO, set to open in the Financial District, presents a Cantonese narrative through a modern lens. Chef Kenny Leung's six-course tasting menu for Valentine's Day is an invitation to journey through flavors with a loved one by your side.
Chef Guo: An Imperial Chinese Rendezvous
Finally, Chef Guo offers an imperial garden setting for a regal 19-course adventure. This Valentine's, the Chef Guo Signature Experience is not just a meal; it's a royal affair that promises to leave you and your significant other feeling like emperors of old.
In a city that never sleeps, these dining destinations are the perfect backdrop for a romantic escapade. New York City has long been a stage for love stories, and with these culinary hotspots, your Valentine's Day is set to be a chapter you'll never forget.
The Chef Global Restaurant and Chef Sentiment Ratings plus Critic Reviews from our industry-leading Restaurant Critic - Paul Barron.
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