Explore NYC with Me: 5 Romantic NYC Restaurants

One of my favorite pastimes is checking out new restaurants with my husband and sampling delicious food. So in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, I thought it would be fun to share five romantic NYC restaurants.

Each of these spots is perfect for date night, Valentine’s Day, or even a girl’s night out if you’re unattached. There is something for everyone here, from tapas to burgers and fries, so dig in!

Are you ready to start exploring? Let’s go!

1. Buceo 95

This was one of the first restaurants my husband and I visited after moving to New York, so it holds a special place in my heart!

Buceo 95 is a tapas restaurant and wine bar located on the Upper West Side. Stop in for a glass of wine and a snack, or order a selection of their delicious and reasonably-priced tapas for a complete meal.

I love the intimate, bustling atmosphere here and the friendly staff, not to mention the sangria!

2. Shake Shack

Okay, this may be a somewhat controversial choice, but who says a romantic date has to be fancy?

Shake Shack is one of my favorite New York restaurants, romantic or otherwise. If you’re planning a date, I recommend heading there later at night (9:00 pm+). That way you’ll avoid the crowd and the kids, neither of which will put you in a loving mood!

Grab a bottle of wine or a couple beers, and fill up on delicious burgers and fries. Don’t forget a delicious shake for dessert. Get the salted caramel, if it’s available!

This is actually a chain, and most locations are crazy busy. My favorite Shake Shack is in Battery Park City, which I’ve found to be much quieter than the other locales (it’s a little off the beaten path). Catch a movie at the nearby theater, grab dinner, and then stroll along the nearby Hudson River.

3. Station

I love this cute and cozy place located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn!

Station has a small menu of mostly casual food that’s great for sharing. I especially like their salads and toast (topped with delicious ingredients like burrata cheese … OMG, so good!). They also have a good selection of wine and cocktails.

The showstopper though – and something you simply must order – is the Tableside S’Mores. Seriously, it doesn’t get much more fun that cooking your own s’mores right at your table!

4. Enoteca Maria

Head over to Staten Island for an amazing Italian meal!

Enoteca Maria was an accidental find. My husband had planned a day filled with birthday surprises, one of which was taking the Staten Island Ferry for the first time (we had just moved to NYC a few months prior).

It was getting late in the day, and we were starving, so we consulted Yelp for restaurant ideas. Enoteca Maria popped up, and I’m so glad we stopped in! The food was fresh and amazing, but as wonderful as it was, the meal was outdone by the super-friendly proprietor who treated everyone like family. This is definitely a neighborhood place, and you could tell that most guests had been there many times before. If I lived on Staten Island, I’d definitely want to become a regular!

Enoteca Maria is within walking distance of the Staten Island Ferry terminal, so cuddle up on the ride over and then enjoy the wonderful food and friendly atmosphere.

5. Buca

This restaurant doesn’t seem to have a website, and I’ve see it alternately called Buca and Buchetta, but you can find it at 201 W. 103rd Street on the Upper West Side.

Buca is a tiny hole in the wall serving delicious brick oven pizzas and Italian food. It’s a very casual. The pizzas are small, so get two and swap slices with your partner! Order an appetizer or two and wash everything down with red wine.

The prices are very affordable for New York, which is a major bonus.

Next Monday, I’ll be back with a roundup of romantic restaurants from other bloggers, so make sure to come back. You might find one in your town!

Okay, your turn! What romantic NYC restaurants would you add to my list?

P.S. Each of these restaurants has great vegetarian options, so your veggie-loving friends won’t be left out!

P.P.S. Check out my other Explore NYC with Me posts for more New York ideas!

I’m linking up with these link parties, as well as I Heart Naptime.