30 Rockefeller Plaza
NY, NY 10112
(212) 632 – 5000
The Rainbow Room hosts their famous five-course price-fixe Valentine’s dining experience on the roof of the Rockefeller Center for the first time in five years. And this year, after finishing up its multi-million dollar renovations, the view from The Rainbow Room will be unlike any before. The rotating dance floor will keep you dizzy enough to keep dancing, with a little help from a few cocktails, and the restored crystal chandelier with its iconic rainbow halo turns the interior view into a rival of the exterior. In fact, the whole space is beautiful inside and out it may even distract you from the feast. One complimentary, signature cocktail is included with the meal, and your choices range from classic Beef Wellington to a crisp, roast duck garnished with huckleberries and orange-braised endive. The latter may satisfy your sweet tooth, and there is Baked Alaska specifically for two, but if you’re craving something darker, their dark chocolate soufflé, complete with mandarin orange sorbet, is seriously something to die for.
Romantic Spots NearbyOf course, the Rainbow Room itself may not be sold out for Valentine’s Day experience, but there are a few stops nearby where you can satisfy your sweet tooth in case you don’t get a taste of the dark chocolate soufflé. La Maison du chocolat is located right next door. Specializing in artisan chocolates, it’s perfectly fine to indulge in one of their signature boxes while you enjoy the view out of the Rockefeller Center. And to continue that chocolate kick, cross the street and head over to the Godiva Choclatier.
135 West 42nd Street
NY, NY 10036
(212) 316 – 1660
Executive chef Marcus Gleadow-Ware brings his interpretation of Progressive American Cuisine to this New York City hotspot. And with it being located in Bryant Park, it is also one of the most fashionable Valentine’s Day venues in the city. There are public and private dining spaces to choose from, and if you plan on having a large party it is important to book ahead in order to maximize the use of the space. There are two seatings you can choose from, each offered at a different time in the evening and each hosting a unique four-to-five-course menu and wine list. If you have plans later in the evening, sit down to eat at Aureole from 5pm-6pm. The First Seating menu boasts a Wagyu Beef Tenderloin main course followed by a rich, raspberry chocolate mousse for dessert. But later in the evening, starting at 7pm and running until 11pm, Aureole’s five-course dinner menu includes an extra serving of Poached Wild Turbot in wine sauce as a special treat, along with the tenderloin, the mousse, and the Hamachi Tartare.
Romantic Spots NearbyBeing in the Clinton NYC neighborhood will give you close access to Times Square, which can be a fun experience on Valentine’s Day. On a Saturday morning, tourists and cute couples alike will be exploring the city. Take a stroll and join them, enjoying the unique people-watching experiences that go along with the New York City pedestrian traffic. If you’re feasting during the First Seating, it means you have enough time to check out the New Amsterdam Theatre. Tour the historic facility which opened at the beginning of the 19th century and hosted such icons as the Ziegfeld Follies.
Birds & Bubbles
100B Forsyth Street
NY, NY 10002
(646) 368 – 9240
For those couples who actively stray from the norm but still want a trademarked bottle of bubbly on their romantic day, Birds & Bubbles is going to be your favorite romantic eatery. Their cuisine is designed by Executive Chef Sarah Simmons, who takes her southern roots and uses them to tell a story through food packed with flavors from all over the world. With a unique menu that includes spicy, kimchi-braised potatoes and seasonal vegetable curry, the story you choose to tell this Valentine’s Day is entirely up you and your significant other’s palette. Their signature, crisped-to-perfection buttermilk fried chicken can be romantically paired with your choice of sweet potato pie or a bitter green salad topped with deviled egg sauce, or you can simply indulge with your loved one and eat all three.
Romantic Spots Nearby
Birds and Bubbles is bordered by the romantic Sara D. Roosevelt Park, making it the perfect spot for a romantic stroll after dinner. The Bowery Ballroom nearby will be staging a live music performance by Father John Misty on Valentine’s Day with an 18-and-over only show, and there are great shows lined up all month so you and your loved one can celebrate all of February if you miss out on Saturday’s show.
As you plan your romantic evening – or morning if you take advantage of the delicious brunch specials offers on Valentine’s Day – bear in mind that these restaurants require a reservation. The earlier you can reserve the better as many venues fill up quickly. If you miss out this year, don’t worry. With this list of the five best Valentine’s Day dinners in New York City, you’ll be prepared for next year’s romantic holiday, and you can plan in advance in order to get the full experience of a Valentine’s Day in New York City.
