Whose significant other wouldn't love dinner at a romantic spot? Many New York City restaurants have special Valentine’s Day menus that often carry hefty price tags; others are more reasonable. Of course food is only the beginning in New York: read on for some great 2025 Valentine's Day (and days leading to) date ideas.
Celebrate Valentine's Day with Jazz at Lincoln Center. They're setting the stage for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day celebration, blending romance with live music on two of New York City’s most iconic stages. In Rose Theater, NEA Jazz Master Dianne Reeves (Feb. 14-15) returns for her 11th consecutive Valentine’s Day performance at the House of Swing with an all-star band to celebrate that mysterious force called love. Additionally, powerhouse vocalist Kim Nalley (Feb. 13-16) brings jazz’s greatest love songs to life at Dizzy’s Club for a four-night run.
Love Pong at SPIN New York. Feeling up for a little friendly competition? How about some ping pong ? SPIN New York is shaking up the usual V-Day routine with Love Pong—a one-of-a-kind event that offers something for everyone, whether you're single or coupled up! On Saturday, February 15, from 7-11 PM, the event encourages locals to skip the same old dinner date nights, and serve up an unforgettable evening! With locations in Flatiron and Midtown, “Love Pong” offers an atmosphere to build connections with community tables for social butterflies looking to meet their match and semi-private spaces for loved up couples to bond. The event includes a menu of specialty sips, mouthwatering bites, and games that are guaranteed to make sparks fly (or at least the paddles).
Raves abound for the cast iron chicken and other delights from Vinegar Hill House, 17 Hudson Avenue, Brooklyn, a relaxed restaurant in an historical part of the Brooklyn waterfront. Food here centers on sustainably farmed ingredients and there’s a wood-fired oven where artful eats are composed. vinegarhillhouse.com.
La Lanterna di Vittorio is a cozy boîte with a lantern-filled garden and roaring fireplace, the perfect spot to cuddle up in while enjoying a delicious meal. A huge wine and beer list, all manner of specialty coffees, lasagna, excellent pizzas and more make this spot a winner. 129 MacDougal St. lalanternacaffe.com.
By Chloe is a good choice especially if either or both or you are vegan. There are locations in Soho, West Village and the Flatiron district with a Rockefeller Center spot coming soon. Mac-and-cheese boasts a sweet potato/cashew cheese crust and shitake bacon; the whiskey BBQ brings smoky Portobello's, seitan, sautéed kale and onion marmalade. The Soho spot is at 185 Bleecker Street. eatbychloe.com
Work up an appetite at the Cupid’s Undie Run 2025, a roughly one-mile event on February 8th, where you run in your bedroom-best to raise money for the Children’s Tumor Foundation. You can register as an individual or group. To register for the, um, brief run (and longer party): https://my.cupids.org/event/2025-cupids-undie-run-new-york-city/e555450
Le Jardinier, one of Midtown East’s most chic restaurants, is offering both lunch and dinner specials over Valentine’s Day weekend, starting with a three-course prix fix lunch menu on Friday, February 14th. Menu options include Maine Scallops, Chicories with Black Truffle Vinaigrette and Cured Hiramasa to start, and ramping up to filling entrees like Pearled Barley Risotto, Atlantic Red Snapper and Grilled Beef Tenderloin, finished off with a rich Raspberry Cheesecake Cremeux for dessert ($95/person for three courses). If looking for a dinner experience, join your loved one in the main dining room for dinner on February 14th or 15th for a 4-Course Set Menu with choice of entree ($225/person), featuring dishes like a King Crab and Wagyu Striploin. Reservations can be made via Resy.
The Museum of Sex is perfect for a day that celebrates love. This Valentine's Day Weekend (Feb. 14-16) get In the Mood. Their NYC museum location package includes a signature THC ‘Love Potion’ drink to set the mood and special gifts to keep the fun going long after you’ve left. The new exhibition, Long Island Girl features superrealist sculptures of New York artist Carole Feuerman. museumofsex.com
ROMANCE ON THE WATER
How about a romantic dinner cruise with a cause? On Feb. 13-14, Princess Cruises is offering for the first time a Love by Britto cruise, departing from Pier 59. Couples and food enthusiasts can immerse themselves in this one-of-a-kind pop-up experience, blending the vibrant artistry of Romero Britto from Brazil with the culinary expertise of Chef Rudi Sodamin. The dinner will include:
* A five-course menu curated by Chef Sodamin, with dishes expertly paired with custom cocktails and premium wines.
· A colorful world inspired by Britto’s iconic art, recreating the romantic ambiance of Princess Cruises’ newest ships, Sun Princess and the soon-to-debut Star Princess.
There is a single seating each evening, 6:30pm-9pm. Cost for the cruise is $170 (not including taxes and fees) and all proceeds will go to the Save the Children Foundation. Make your reservations here on Tock.
NYC ICONS
Remember the moment in Sleepless in Seattle atop the Empire State Building? This iconic spot welcomes lovers and anyone who wants a truly fabulous view of the Big Apple. Sixteen floors above the 86th Floor Observatory, the Empire State Building’s Top Deck provides spectacular views of the city and beyond. To reach the Top Deck, ride up in the manually operated elevator! To visit both the Top and Main deck is $54 with other options available. esbnyc.com
Hang out at the slightly divey Ace Bar with two pool tables and super prices at the 2-7 Happy Hour with fourteen beers on tap. It's a great place to listen to the jukebox, play darts, admire the collection of 70s lunchboxes or just chill with a pint. Open since 1992, Ace is known and admired for its total lack of pretension. 531 East 5th Street. acebar.com
If you need to do a little shopping, Grand Central Terminal is a great Valentine's Day destination. For a special someone with a sweet tooth, look to Jacques Torres Chocolate, Li-Lac Chocolates, and Neuhaus Belgian Chocolate. You can also find flowers at Dahlia and Eli Zabar’s Farm to Table West and champagne and wine at Central Cellars and Taste NY.
