Date Night in Manhattan: An Invitation to Romance

I've been fortunate to explore every continent and call four countries home, yet no place ignites my passion quite like The Big Apple. New York City is a perpetual thrill, where you can play the role of a tourist every evening, discovering new shows, restaurants, and exhibitions. The mere thought of it makes me want to close my laptop.

This page is my evolving guide to New York. Whether you're a busy traveler in town for work or a native New Yorker curious about our shared tastes, you've found your source of inspiration right here.

Restaurants:

Eleven Madison Park: A Michelin three-star restaurant known for its fine dining and innovative cuisine.

Per Se: Another Michelin three-star restaurant, Per Se offers French and New American cuisine in an elegant setting.

Le Bernardin: Renowned for its seafood dishes and awarded three Michelin stars, Le Bernardin is a top choice for seafood lovers.

Daniel: A classic French restaurant with an extensive wine list and a Michelin two-star rating.

Masa: An exclusive sushi restaurant with three Michelin stars, known for its omakase experience.

Jean-Georges: A Michelin three-star restaurant serving contemporary French cuisine.

The Modern: Located at the Museum of Modern Art, this restaurant combines modern cuisine with a stylish setting.

Gramercy Tavern: A Michelin one-star restaurant with a warm and inviting atmosphere, known for its seasonal American cuisine.

The NoMad: Offers a sophisticated dining experience with a focus on both food and cocktails.

Carbone: Known for its Italian-American cuisine, this restaurant has a classic, retro ambiance.

Bars & Lounges:

Bemelmans Bar: Located in The Carlyle, a classic New York City hotel, this bar offers a refined atmosphere, live jazz, and an extensive cocktail menu.

The Campbell: Housed in Grand Central Terminal, The Campbell is a stylish bar with a historic feel, known for its classic cocktails and grand decor.

The Bar Room at The Beekman: Part of The Beekman, a luxury hotel, The Bar Room features a beautiful atrium and a sophisticated cocktail menu.

Please Don't Tell (PDT): This hidden speakeasy-style bar is accessed through a phone booth in Crif Dogs. It's known for its inventive cocktails and exclusive ambiance.

Attaboy: A popular speakeasy in the Lower East Side, Attaboy offers a menu of customized cocktails and an intimate, vintage setting.

The Aviary NYC: Located in the Mandarin Oriental, The Aviary is known for its avant-garde cocktails and stunning views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline.

Raines Law Room: This intimate cocktail bar in Chelsea is designed to evoke the feel of a bygone era, offering classic and seasonal drinks.

The Dead Rabbit: An Irish-American bar with a reputation for its extensive whiskey selection and craft cocktails.

The NoMad Bar: Adjacent to The NoMad Restaurant, this bar is known for its cocktail program, particularly their signature drinks.

Bar SixtyFive at Rainbow Room: Situated in the Rockefeller Center, this bar offers panoramic views of the city and a refined drink menu.

Hotels:

The Baccarat Hotel & Residences: Known for its crystal-inspired decor and luxurious amenities, this Midtown hotel offers a lavish experience.

The St. Regis New York: A classic luxury hotel that has been a Manhattan icon for over a century, offering exceptional service and elegant surroundings.

The Plaza Hotel: Situated at the southern edge of Central Park, The Plaza is a historic and opulent hotel known for its grandeur and iconic status.

The Conrad New York Downtown: Located in Battery Park City, this modern and sophisticated hotel offers stunning views of the Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty.

The NoMad Hotel: A chic and stylish boutique hotel in the NoMad district, featuring beautifully designed rooms and a renowned restaurant.

The Knickerbocker Hotel: A historic hotel in Times Square, offering a blend of old-world charm and contemporary luxury.

The Edition New York: A trendy and upscale hotel in the Flatiron District, known for its modern design and rooftop bar.

The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park: Overlooking the Statue of Liberty, this hotel offers a tranquil escape in Lower Manhattan.

The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel: A historic hotel with a stunning atrium and stylish accommodations in the Financial District.

The Peninsula New York: A five-star hotel with spa, rooftop, bar, and excellent dining options.

Dating Ideas:

Michelin-Starred Dining: Let's embark on a culinary journey at one of Manhattan's renowned Michelin-starred restaurants. We'll savor exquisite dishes and create lasting memories over candlelight.

Rooftop Dining: Imagine a romantic dinner with stunning city views as our backdrop. We can choose an upscale rooftop restaurant, where we'll dine under the stars and revel in the magic of the city lights.

Broadway Show: The magic of Broadway beckons, and I can't think of a better way to experience it than in your company. Let's lose ourselves in a world-class theater production in the heart of the Theater District.

Art Gallery Hopping: For art enthusiasts like us, exploring the upscale galleries of Chelsea or the Upper East Side promises an immersive and culturally rich experience.

Central Park Picnic: A sophisticated picnic in Central Park with gourmet cuisine, fine wine, and each other's company sounds like the perfect way to create unforgettable moments.

Jazz Night: We could immerse ourselves in the sultry world of live jazz music at renowned venues like The Blue Note or Jazz at Lincoln Center, sharing smiles, laughter, and perhaps even a dance or two.

Helicopter Tour: An exhilarating private helicopter tour will allow us to witness Manhattan's iconic landmarks from the skies, offering a truly unique perspective of the city.

Wine Tasting: A visit to an upscale wine bar or winery would not only deepen our appreciation for fine wines but also give us the opportunity to savor each other's company.

Couples' Spa Day: Let's treat ourselves to a day of pampering and relaxation with couples' massages and facials, leaving us refreshed and rejuvenated.

Cocktail Evening: We can explore the city's hidden gems, chic cocktail lounges, and speakeasy bars. Sipping handcrafted cocktails in an intimate atmosphere, we'll share stories and laughter.

Opera or Ballet Performance: A grand evening awaits us at the Metropolitan Opera or the New York City Ballet, where we can appreciate the elegance and artistry of a world-class performance.

Private Yacht Cruise: To add a touch of adventure, we can charter a private yacht for a romantic cruise along the Hudson River or around Manhattan, creating cherished memories.

Museum Date: Exploring the world-class collections at The Met or the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) would be a cultural and intellectual delight for us.

High Line Walk: A leisurely stroll along the High Line offers city views, lush greenery, and the perfect opportunity for quiet moments together.

Chocolate Tasting: Our date could conclude with a visit to a high-end chocolatier, where we'll savor delectable chocolates and sweet moments.