Dear boyfriends,
Roses are red, violets are blue, Valentine's Day is on Friday, and I bet you had no clue. For you, that’s likely enough time to plan a month-long excursion to Thailand. For us, that’s barely enough time to decide what pastas we are ordering at Borgo in three weeks.
If you’re reading this right now, you are already majorly behind on making Valentine’s Day plans. No matter what your girlfriend says, she is expecting you to take her out to a nice, and let’s face it, expensive dinner. She is expecting you to wear that navy Theory bomber she bought you last spring, and to show up to her door with her favorite flowers (mine are white peonies if you are wondering).
I can literally see you sweating through the screen. Relax, Matt. There’s no need to panic. I’m here to help you out (save your stupid ass). On behalf of all New York City girlfriends, I’ve rounded up a list of V-Day-approved spots that will end with both of you feeling satisfied.
Disclaimer #1: This doesn’t include the Don Angie and Torrisis of the world... because let’s be real. You’re just not getting in.
Disclaimer #2: Valentine’s Day is the Hunger Games in New York City. Getting a decent reservation is never a guarantee, plus the prix-fixe menus kinda suck. Take with that what you will, but perhaps celebrate a few days (or weeks) after the big day if you can’t snag a decent res.
Love,
Your single AF sis <3
Hyun
What to expect: All-you-can-eat Wagyu omakase
Price: $$$
Frevo
What to expect: An inventive tasting menu presented in a hidden art gallery
Price: $$$$
Caviar Kaspia
What to expect: A celeb-laden haunt decorated with Birkins and botox
Price: $$$$. Be prepared to spend. The famous caviar-topped potato ranges from $95 -$540
Cafe Carmellini
What to expect: A blend of Italian & French cuisine served in an opulent setting
Price: $$$$
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What to expect: Sophisticated Asian dishes with a playful twist. The Eel Club is a must-order!
Price: $$$$
Cosme
What to expect: Upscale Mexican fare with an expansive tequila menu
Price: $$$
Casa Mono
What to expect: Elegant Spanish dishes served Tapas-style. Grab a glass of wine at Bar Jamon beforehand!
Price: $$$
Sushi Yasuda
What to expect: High-quality sushi served in a low-key space
Price: $$$$. Depending on how hungry you are, this meal could cost anywhere between $250-$500
Locanda Verde
What to expect: “Soul satisfying” Italian dishes served in the heart of Tribeca. The crudo is A+
Price: $$$
Il Cantinori
What to expect: A celebrity hotspot offering authentic Italian dishes. Split the off-menu pasta sampler!
Price: $$$
Paros
What to expect: Delicious Mediterranean dishes, good drinks, good vibes
Price: $$$
Oiji Mi
What to expect: 5-course Korean tasting menu with standouts like Bo Ssam (oysters with pork belly) and Lobster Ramyun
Price: $$$
Mr. Chow
What to expect: Glitzy Chinese fare with a chic Beverly Hills vibe. Lobster Shumai and the chicken satay with peanut sauce are to die for
Price: $$$$
One White Street
What to expect: A farm-to-table neighborhood spot with locally sourced ingredients and 1 Michelin Star. One of the best burgers in the city
Price: $$$
Beefbar
What to expect: Mouthwatering wagyu quesadillas, smoky hamachi pastrami and decadent Wagyu bolognese at a world-renowned steakhouse
Price: $$$$
Frenchette
What to expect: Contemporary yet sophisticated French food, including the infamous Duck Frites
Price: $$$
Shinji's
What to expect: Intimate cocktail bar with stylish small plates, tableside hand rolls and caviar
Price: $$$$
Gramercy Tavern
What to expect: New York landmark with a creative 5-course tasting menu
Price: $$$$
Hutong
What to expect: Award-winning Chinese restaurant with an “elegant casual” dress code
Price: $$$$
Crown Shy
What to expect: Sleek seasonal restaurant with raved-about olive bread
Price: $$$
Vestry
What to expect: Seafood-driven menu with mouse-shaped cheesecake and milk bread with the most luscious seaweed butter you’ll ever have
Price: $$$
Ai Fiori
What to expect: Polished Italian and French Riviera-inspired fare overlooking Fifth Avenue
Price: $$$$
Cecchi's
What to expect: Burgers, martinis and fries in an old-school Manhattan setting
Price: $$$
Fouquet's
What to expect: Delightful French cuisine in a lavish “out of a movie” setting. Another amazing burger
Price: $$$$
Casa Cruz
What to expect: American dishes served in an ornate beaux-arts townhouse
Price: $$$$
Tucci
What to expect: Italian fine dining in an illuminated, romantic setting.
Price: $$$
Zou Zou's
What to expect: Eastern Mediterranean dishes with a bustling atmosphere and dip tower not to be missed.
Price: $$$
Casino
What to expect: Coastal Italian food with a retro red-booth vibe.
Price: $$$
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