Image Courtesy of King.

GuidesNew York

The Definitive Guide to Valentine’s Day

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From a Mediterranean prix fixe over waterfront views to a six-course dessert tasting at a brand-new patisserie, there’s at least one, but maybe even two, three, or four Valentine’s Day offerings just right for you and yours in this Resy roundup. The choice is yours; let the romance ensue.

Adelina’s
Over in Greenpoint, this cozy, brick-walled restaurant-meets-wine bar is offering a four-course, prix fixe menu (that’s both vegan and gluten-free friendly) alongside their ever-reliable natural wine list and craft beer selection.
Menu Highlights: polenta fritti, cannellini bean soup, pollo alla romana, pear & gorgonzola ravioli, molten chocolate cake with toasted pistachio.
$60, Book now on Resy.

Aria Hells Kitchen
Aria boasts a decidedly rustic setting, with its exposed beam ceilings and walls lined with bottles of Italian wine. For Valentine’s day, a prix fixe menu is being offered alongside the usual a la carte (which is rooted in cicchetti, or Italian tapas).
Menu Highlights: beetroot heart ravioli with ricotta and truffle; crab, shrimp, and scallop stuffed lobster tail; braised beef short ribs with herb risotto, Venetian poached pear with vanilla gelato.
$79, Book now on Resy.

Augustine
This twinkly, golden-hued FiDi mainstay from Keith McNally is offering its usual classically French menu of hand-cut steak tartare, duck à l’orange, and the like, alongside a few special items sure to invoke the holiday of romance.
Book now on Resy.

Atoboy
Junghyun Park knows what he’s doing when it comes to coursed meals; his entire menu is built to deliver deliciously creative Korean food in prix fixe form to all of his guests. So for Valentine’s Day, he’s doubling down, offering six courses in a tasting menu format. And considering how his dishes fare on a standard night here, it’ll be a meal to remember.
$95, Book now on Resy.

Barano
Comfortably settled into its second year of life, Barano has become a bona fide Williamsburg standby for heartwarming Italian fare. Thus, it’s only natural that for Valentine’s Day, the offering here is a very well-priced prix fixe with lots of choices, including adorable heart-shaped raviolo.
Menu Highlights: 21-day dry-aged beef meatballs with herb ricotta; saffron gigli with Calabrian honey, pecorino, and black pepper; lamb belly with white bean ragu and charred onions; 1/2 roasted lobster with mushroom and heirloom radicchio salad; steamed cheesecake with amaretto crumbs and braised strawberries.
$65, Book now on Resy.

Blenheim
Situated on the oh-so-charming corner of West 4th and 12th street, Blenheim is celebrating the holiday of romance with a special four-course menu, and priced according to seating: early love birds seating (5pm-6pm), and regular seatings (6pm-onwards), with an additional wine pairing for $65.
Menu Highlights: beets with citrus and spices; pan roasted skate with fennel, cauliflower nage, and herb salad; braised short rib with pommes puree, mushroom stew, and glazed veggies; chocolate cremeux.
$75 / $95, Book now on Resy.

Briciola
Briciola, at its snug and cozy locale in Hell’s Kitchen, is offering a prix fixe menu of Italian staples and decadent add-ons, alongside a la carte options, this Valentine’s Day.
Menu Highlights: beetroot heart ravioli with ricotta and truffle; crab, shrimp, and scallop stuffed lobster tail; braised beef short ribs with herb risotto, Venetian poached pear with vanilla gelato.
$79, Book now on Resy.

Charlie Bird
This perennial SoHo favorite, known for its farro salad, hip hop soundtrack, and stellar wine list, is going their usual route: a four-course menu for a fixed price, which will include, for one, pappardelle with black truffles.
$98, Book now at Charlie Bird.

Chumley’s
Chumley’s serves up hearty, satisfying fare — like lobster with espelette and brown butter and a well-known bone marrow cheeseburger — in what was formerly a storied speakeasy and literati hangout. It’s a perfect place to indulge, and lucky for you: they’re doing a special prix fixe for Valentine’s Day.
$95, Book now on Resy.

Codino
Codino is the downtown counterpart to sister restaurants, Briciola and Aria. Enjoy a prix fixe menu, with an option for a la carte menu items, at this intimate (read: romantic) West Village wine bar.
Menu Highlights: beetroot heart ravioli with ricotta and truffle; crab, shrimp, and scallop stuffed lobster tail; braised beef short ribs with herb risotto, Venetian poached pear with vanilla gelato.
$79, Book now on Resy.


Bobo
This chic, West Village restaurant evokes the French countryside; making it an idyllic choice for the romantic holiday. A Saint Valentine’s menu will be offered at two different prices, dependent on the number of courses you choose — three, or six — and sommelier wine pairings will be available, too.
Menu Highlights: cauliflower velouté with black truffle cream and grilled bread, seared diver scallops with saffron risotto and chorizo crust, roasted rack of lamb with herbes de Provence and caramelized salsify, bittersweet chocolate tart with espresso ice cream and crushed raspberry.
$75 / $95, Book now on Resy.

Camperdown Elm
A Park Slope favorite for its ever-evolving seasonal menu, Camperdown Elm is doing snacks and three courses (with choices for each) for the holiday. For an extra $30, a wine pairing is yours, for $20 — add American sturgeon caviar to any dish, and for $25? Black truffles.
Menu Highlights: squid cracker with mackerel pate, potato and uni galette with shiso, aged beef with aligot potatos and steak sauce, sticky toffee pudding with toasted rice ice cream.
$60, Book now on Resy.

Celestine
Simple, delicious Mediterranean cuisine is Celestine’s M.O. — and that’s on full display in its four-course menu (with suggested a la carte beverage pairings) for 2/14. Consider the fact that it’s a restaurant encased in glass, with front-row views of both the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges, and you’ve got a pretty perfect Valentine’s Day locale.
Menu Highlights: Atlantic mackerel crudo with blood orange and begonia blossom; beet tartlet with zhug and goat cheese; braised lamb shank with charmoula mustard, sour cherries, and bulgur; Persian love cake.
$85, Book now on Resy.


Image Courtesy of The Dabney at Chefs Club.

Chefs Club
If you haven’t already heard, Chefs Club’s chef-in-residence of the moment is Jeremiah Langhorne (of Michelin-starred The Dabney, in Washington DC). New Yorkers are lucky to have him in their city this Valentine’s Day, when he’ll be dressing up his signature Mid-Atlantic cuisine with a slew of luxury ingredients for a five-course tasting menu.
Menu Highlights: sweet potato rolls with fried chicken, crème fraîche, and caviar; Hudson Valley foie gras parfait with walnut, whiskey, and waffles; cornbread stuffed quail with winter fruit, bitter greens, and foie gras jus; braised beef short rib with potato puree, wild horseradish, black truffle and sauce périgord.
$125, Book now on Resy.

Faro
There’s a reason for that Michelin star; the food at Faro is downright delicious, particularly the pasta. This Valentine’s Day, enjoy a five-course tasting menu (with options for each), plus a wine pairing for an extra $50, at this lofty-yet-cozy Bushwick restaurant.
Menu Highlights: roasted kohlrabi with black lime, tarragon, and kale; crispy pig’s head with pickled onion and petite lettuce; cornetti diavolo with pork ragu; New York strip with rutabaga rosti, sherry braised shallots, and buerre noisette; vanilla parfait with caramelized pineapple, coconut cake, and macadamia nut.
$100, Book now on Resy.

Faun
Located in Prospect Heights nearby the park, Faun is taking its hand-crafted approach to Italian cuisine up a notch, with a four-course prix fixe menu, and optional wine pairing.
Menu Highlights: scallop crudo, chard ribs, and black trumpet mushroom; marrow cappelletti in brodo; duck breast with endives, black garlic, and dates; miso panna cotta with pumpkin seed cracker.
$95, Book now on Resy.


Follia
Gramercy’s neighborhood wine bar is known for its simple pastas and artisanal pies. On Valentine’s Day, Follia is adding a touch of refinement with a prix fixe menu of dishes featuring oysters, lobster, and the like.
Menu Highlights: cauliflower soup with crispy kale and Tuscan olive oil; lobster tortellini in tomato saffron brodo; grilled Berkshire pork chop with parsnip puree, thyme-roasted carrots, and cider reduction; chocolate pot de creme.
$55, Book now on Resy.

Freek’s Mill
The darling of the new-aged Gowanus restaurant scene, appropriately located right by the canals, is doing it up for Valentine’s Day with a seven-course tasting menu.
Menu Highlights: tuna tartare with gribiche and duck cracklin; taglierini with winter squash and uni; steak au poivre with red bliss potato and charred frisee; chocolate cake with peanut butter ice cream.
$75, Book now on Resy.

Henry at Life Hotel
Stephen Hanson’s now-quintessential NoMad bistro is offering five courses, plus a wine pairing for an extra $25. Staycation, anyone?
Menu Highlights: potato knish with Hackleback caviar, house-made burrata and parsnip with vanilla-black truffle vinaigrette, hand-cut fettuccine with prosciutto-brisket and fresno chile bolognese, dry aged NY strip with charred hen of the woods and red watercress, cherries jubilee.
$75, Book now on Resy.

Her Name Is Han
For a very good price, Her Name is Han is serving up a special five-course Korean meal that’ll begin with a vegetable soup and end with vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate syrup. For the three courses in between, the choices are numerous.
Menu Highlights: beef ceviche salad, baby octopus with soy-apple vinaigrette, black cod with creamy kimchi-dijon mustard sauce and beet chips, spicy seafood hotpot with assorted seafood and pork dumpling.
$48, Book now on Resy.


Image Courtesy of Il Buco.

Il Buco
This longtime NoHo favorite (and obvious Valentine’s Day choice, partly for the food and partly for the utterly romantic atmosphere) is ramping up for another February 14th dinner in the books. The menu will include an amuse, a choice of antipasti, primi, secondi, and dessert.
Menu Highlights: beau soleil oyster with white grapefruit and cilantro; burrata with celery hearts, serrano peppers, and bottarga di muggine; risotto with red carabineros, fennel, and fresno chili; vitello with grilled baby carrots and cumi-lime yogurt.
$125, Book now on Resy.

King
Clare de Boer and Jess Shadbolt’s elegant corner restaurant on King street is charming and romantic every day. So, it’s only fitting that they have a few tricks up their sleeve for Valentine’s Day. Succumb to their four-course “lover’s menu” to see for yourself.
Menu Highlights: whole lobster tagliarini, bistecca alla fiorentina.
$125, Book now on Resy.

Little Frog
Let’s face it: classic French bistro fare on Valetine’s Day just makes sense. And this UES joint does just that, very well. If you’re afraid of commitment, you’re in luck: Little Frog is offering its a la carte menu for the holiday — in addition to a three-course prix fixe with an optional $45-per-person wine pairing.
Menu Highlights: fruits de mer platter with oysters, fluke crudo, and tuna tartare; fine homemade charcuterie plate with winter chutney; filet mignon a la plancha with foie gras toast, pink peppercorn sauce, and gratin dauphinois; Normandy duck flambé au calvados for two.
$89, Book now on Resy.

Llama Inn
This funky Peruvian enclave in Williamsburg is known for its exciting share plates, and for its modern and vibrant décor. It’s a fun time, and thus a stellar choice for Valentine’s Day — when the kitchen will be offering a prix fixe menu that’s far from boring.
Menu Highlights: roasted squash with winter fruits and huacatay yogurt; scallop with uni, ponzu, and persimmon; beef cheek seco; chocolate with lucuma and coffee.
$75, Book now on Resy.

Marlow and Sons
This bona fide Williamsburg classic is keeping it casual with its standard (although ever-changing) a la carte menu (hits include chicken liver pate on sourdough toast and brick chicken), but shaking things up a bit with a few specials for the special day.
Menu Highlights: East and West coast oysters, Santa Barbara uni, spicy ricotta with dates, dry aged strip steaks.
Book now on Resy.

Miss Ada
Israeli-born chef Tomer Blechman helms this popular Fort Greene spot (that opened just last spring), where he serves contemporary Mediterranean shared plates. For Valentine’s Day, his offering is a three-course prix fixe, which will come with an amuse and a choice of dessert.
Menu Highlights: Jerusalem artichoke soup; hummus masabaha with lamb shawarma and amba; octopus with  eggplant puree, charred peppers, and castelveltrano olives; whole branzino with kale salad, anchovy dressing, and croutons; labne mousse with poached pears and pomegranate-suman granita.
$55, Book now on Resy.

Motel Morris
Fans of this Chelsea crowd-pleaser will be glad; Motel Moris is doing what it does best — creative takes on American classics —  with a choice-heavy prix fixe menu. Playful design and fun vibes included, of course.
Menu Highlights: tuna tartare with black sesame, wakame salad, and creamy ponzu; saffron risotto parmesan, melted tomato, and white wine; grilled dourade for two with sautéed escarole, roasted potatoes, and preserved lemon chimichurri; sundae with peanut butter, chocolate, and fluff.
$65, Book now on Resy.

Northsquare Restaurant & Lounge
This old-school mainstay off Washington Square is offering a Valentine’s prix fixe with something for everyone (read: lots of choices), capped off with decadent butterscotch creme brûlée.
Menu Highlights: oyster quartet, spinach & ricotta crepes, filet mignon au poivre, herb & parmesan crusted halibut, bourbon butterscotch creme brulee.
$65, Book now on Resy.

Old Monk
A modern and seasonal Indian restaurant in Alphabet City, Old Monk is offering two three-course menus for the holiday of romance — vegetarian and otherwise, each served with a glass of prosecco.
Menu Highlights:
coconut shrimp curry, Punjabi power greens, sweet & sour eggplant, mango mousse, chocolate delight.
$49, Book now on Resy.

Olmsted
There’s a reason this Prospect Heights gem is still so hard to get into: cool crowd, lively atmosphere, impressive (and adorable) back garden, and a delicious and inventive ever-changing menu. Try your luck on Valentine’s Day (there are still a few tables up for grabs!), when the kitchen will be serving up a family-style tasting menu.
$125, Book now on Resy.

Pig Bleecker
Loved by carnivores and pasta loyalists alike, Pig Bleecker is offering a four-course Valentine’s Day menu (welcome cocktail, included) in the meaty, Italian vein that it’s known for.
Menu Highlights: country ham, charcuterie, and nut board; spaghetti with smoked crab, jalapeño, aleppo, and garlic bread crumbs; black truffle burger with a sunny side egg, truffle aioli, and house-cut fries; key lime pie with raspberry sauce.
$95, Book now on Resy.


Image Courtesy of Camperdown Elm.

Queens Bully
Can’t quite decide which cuisine you want for Valentine’s Day? Opt for Queens Bully, where globally influenced fare is the hallmark and where a three-course dinner for two is on deck.
Menu Highlights: cold-smoked bone marrow with shaved black truffles; mussels de parma with cream, dijon, parmesan cheese, and baguette; curry dusted cauliflower steak with chai tea-braised pumpkin, cabbage, and roasted beets; funnel cake stack with cinnamon sugar, vanilla ice cream, and caramelized bacon bits.
$100, Book now on Resy.

Rahi
Rahi is iterating on its New York-inspired, artisanal Indian cuisine for a special Valentine’s Day tasting menu. A wine pairing will be offered for an extra $50.
Menu Highlights: anjeer (fig) chilli paneer, asparagus artichoke chaat, chettinad octopus, kashmiri lamb ribs.
$75, Book now on Resy.

Red Hook Lobster Pound
A go-to for lobster rolls and the like, Red Hook Lobster Pound is tucked away in the inarguably romantic neighborhood of Red Hook, and it’s offering a special, four-course prix fixe for the holiday, which will no doubt complement its fun and lively vibe.
Menu Highlights: Downeast bisque, grilled oysters with yuzu kosho butter, Maine lobster dinner, chocolate fondue for two.
$75, Book now on Resy.

Reynard
Valentine’s Day is a very appropriate time to discover — if you haven’t already — what’s been going on at the revamped Reynard, since chef Christina Lecki took the helm. A four-course prix fixe is on deck for the night.
Menu Highlights: vegetable crisps and taramasalata, diver scallop in prosciutto broth with potato cream and fried quail egg, coq au vin for two, chocolate soufflé.
$90, Book now on Resy.

Roman’s
The menu changes daily at this Fort Greene staple, but always features delectable fresh pastas and hearty, seasonally inspired fare. Valentine’s Day is no different, but a bit more special (read: shared entrees for two).
Menu Highlights:
Mackerel crudo, spaghetti alle vongole or mushroom risotto, grass-fed ribeye for two, and, for dessert,  torta Caprese.
$85, Book now on Resy.

Salvation Taco
Salvation Taco is veering away from the romance theme, in favor of a special, a la carte menu for Palentine’s Day. Because in their words, “it’s not just a day for couples.”
Menu Highlights: grilled oysters with salsa verde butter and smokey cocktail sauce, taco dinner of Heritage country rib carnitas, flan with blood orange and caramel, buckets of POP champagne.
Book now on Resy.

The Dessert Bar
This brand-new dessert bar from pastry chef Rory Macdonald is located inside his Flatiron patisserie, Chanson. Given that Valentine’s Day is a day about sweets and chocolate, a six-course dessert tasting with a glass of champagne (and optional cocktail pairing) sounds about right.
$95, Book now on Resy.

The Meatball Shop – West Village
Everyone knows that this restaurant is obsessed with meatballs. So it’s only appropriate that, for Valentine’s Day, their first-ever multi-course dinner is being called the Love Ball. The vegetarian menu is only $65, and the optional wine and cocktail pairing is an added $45.
Menu Highlights: crab and caviar balls, duck and foie gras balls, pure Akaushi Wagyu beef, bombe glacée.
$75, Book now on Resy.

The NoMad Bar
An essentially swanky spot that never misses a beat, The Nomad Bar may easily turn out to be where you want to be this Valentine’s Day, enjoying their three-course, prix fixe menu, and a wine pairing to go with (for an additional $65).
Menu Highlights: oysters with sorrel and champagne; bone marrow roasted with anchovy, shallots, and parsley; suckling pig rack with Seckel pears, chicory, and mustard.
$95, Book now on Resy.

Union Square Cafe
Union Square Cafe is pretty much as classic as it gets as far as New York restaurants go. In honor of the holiday of romance, enjoy a special four-course menu, with flawless service along the way.
$135, Book now on Resy.