Dining in New York just lends itself to romance. Fine food, sharp service, and sophistication aplenty make it easy to have a special night out. Valentine's Day is no exception, with the city's best restaurants rolling out winter menus for February 2016 that make it hard to narrow down the choices. We've gathered up the best of the best—with surf 'n' turf, Champagne toasts, and chocolate mousse making their way into the mix—for our picks of the best Valentine's Day restaurants in NYC.
Ben & Jack's Steakhouse
Ben & Jack's serves generous portions of steakhouse favorites to a very satisfied clientele. On Valentine's Day enjoy a prix fixe dinner that leads off with seafood or sizzling Canadian bacon, followed by a salad course, steaks (Porterhouse for two, rib eye, filet mignon) or chicken or fish (sole, tuna, or wild salmon), plus sides and an array of desserts. The whole package is $95pp, plus tax and tip, and includes a complimentary glass of Champagne. 255 Fifth Ave., 212-532-7600, benandjackssteakhouse.com
From beautifully marbled cuts of dry-aged beef and succulent seafood to refined service and charm, Benjamin Steakhouse in midtown is perfect for an intimate dinner. This year's Valentine's Day menu tempts with champagne toasts, followed by an appetizer array to get you further in the mood: Blue Point oysters and sweet & smoky Canadian bacon with a cayenne-chocolate dipping sauce are among the prix fixe options. There are steaks for entrees, of course, including dry-aged Porterhouse for two and a surf 'n' turf option pairing lobster tails and filet mignon. Resistance is futile. $99pp, not including tax or gratuity. 52 E. 41st St., 212-297-9177, benjaminsteakhouse.com
David Burke fabrick
If there was ever a gourmet restaurant with something for everyone, it's the fabulous David Burke fabrick. From eggs Benedict to burgers to branzino, this Archer Hotel hotspot will take you anywhere you want to go. For Valentine's Day, savor the creativity of the kitchen as it rolls out specials like oyster chowder with rose petals and vermouth, octopus carpaccio with blood orange, and a Southern take on surf 'n' turf, putting cheddar grits with grilled prawns and a blackened filet mignon. Archer Hotel, 47 W. 38th St., 212-302-3838, davidburkefabrick.com
David Burke Kitchen
Regionally sourced ingredients and imaginative reinterpretations of classic American cooking are on display at David Burke Kitchen in The James New York downtown. Valentine's Day will be no exception, as tasting menus will be served, loaded up with temptations like bay scallops with a short-rib marmalade, Maine lobster two ways with caviar, and Waygu strip loin with foie gras sauce. (And those are just three of the seven courses!) It's $100pp, available through the weekend. 23 Grand St., 212-201-9119, davidburkekitchen.com
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse boasts a sophisticated space that reflects the energy, vibrancy, and romanticism of the city. They'll be celebrating Valentine's all weekend long, with specials like a 16 oz. prime rib, steak and lobster tail duos, and a triple-chocolate decadence dessert. Del Frisco's full menu, including their famed bone-in rib eye, will also be available. 1221 Avenue of the Americas (entrance on 49th St.), 212-575-5129, delfriscos.com
E & E Grill House
E&E Grill House is the more fun and dynamic cousin of the steakhouse. With an emphasis on grilled items and fresh ingredients, their menu satisfies vegetarians, fish lovers, and, yes, carnivores all at once. All Valentine's weekend long (Friday the 12th through Monday the 15th) they're offering a tasty prix fixe special, with the likes of lobster bisque and Caesar salad to start, and lobster, steak, and truffle asparagus risotto among the entrees. It's just $68pp, with three courses of paired wines an additional $28pp (tax and tip not included). 233 W. 49th St., 212-505-9909, eegrillhouse.com
Fogo de Chão
In 1979, Fogo de Chão began sharing the gaucho way of preparing meat in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Today, its gaucho chefs still expertly grill each of its 16 cuts of meat and offer continuous tableside service. For Valentine's Day weekend you'll find traditional Brazilian sides (cheese bread!), a market table and feijoada (stew) bar, and, of course, a selection of fire-roasted meats. Couples dining on Valentine’s Weekend receive a Valentine’s card for a complimentary lunch or dinner on their next visit, whether that's in New York or back home at one of Fogo's two dozen-plus other locations. 40 W. 53rd St., 212-969-9980, fogodechao.com
Molyvos
Molyvos serves rustic country cooking, featuring regional ingredients from the villages and islands of Greece. They'll be celebrating Valentine's Day all weekend long, with a special prix fixe menu ($65, or $100 paired with select wines from the largest all-Greek list in the country). Be tempted by appetizers like seared big eye tuna with Cretan blood orange, Fuji apple, and red endive salad and mains like grilled red snapper with roast squash, a wild mushroom feta rice pilaf, and an Assyrtiko vinegar reduction. 871 Seventh Ave., 212-582-7500, molyvos.com
Oceana
An elegant evening awaits at the spacious, modern seafood restaurant Oceana. Featured entree specials for Valentine's Day include a Hudson Valley Foie Gras & Scallop “Surf & Turf” entree with champagne-black truffle sauce and Dover sole and Alaskan king crab roulade Veronique with chanterelles and beet gnocchi. Get things started with a Valentine's cocktail, the Cupid's Arrow, which adds lemon, strawberry, rosemary, and champagne to Appleton white rum. Dessert swings decadent: a take on chocolate mousse with frozen strawberry marshmallows, champagne jelly, and peppermint meringue. 120 W. 49th St., 212-759-5941, oceanarestaurant.com
The Sea Fire Grill
Swanky seafood spot The Sea Fire Grill will be serving a special Valentine's Day prix fixe that includes a champagne toast, caviar blini, plus three more courses and sides of your choosing (don't miss the "#1 Yellowfin Tuna"...no false advertising there). Grilled giant Madagascar prawns, filet mignon Rossini, and truffled whipped potatoes are also on our short list. It's $99pp, plus tax and tip. 158 E. 48th St., 212-935-3785, www.theseafiregrill.com
And for Valentine's Day dessert...
Carlo’s Bakery is your chance to taste the incredible creations of Buddy Valastro, the world-famous Cake Boss. The family's Times Square outpost brings to NYC the amazing treats of the Hoboken, NJ original, which dates all the way back to 1910. Whether you opt for their acclaimed cannolis, cupcakes (that's pink buttercream above), or any one of their delicious cakes, you’re certain to satisfy your sweet tooth—and you never know when Buddy himself might drop in. If you pre-order your items on Grab & Go (order.carlosbakery.com) and use the Carlo's Bakery coupon code EXTRA10 at checkout, you'll get 10% off your entire order.
Looking for love in the city? Check out the romantic goings-on in Times Square on February 14th. We've got some great Valentine's ideas for couples in New York, too.