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 2025 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.

Benjamin Steakhouse (Midtown East)

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 (there's a reason it's the Concierge Choice Awards winner for Best Steakhouse). This year's Valentine's Day menu tempts with a spectacular prix fixe. Benjamin dry-ages their meat in their own aging box and you can choose from options like bone-in rib-eye, Porterhouse for two, filet mignon, lobster tails, or Chilean sea bass. Oysters, lobster bisque, and shrimp cocktail are among the starter options, and there’s a champagne toast included as well. 52 E. 41st St., 212-297-9177, benjaminsteakhouse.com

Benjamin Prime (Midtown East)

Benjamin Steakhouse's nearby sister spot Benjamin Prime, the 2019 Concierge Choice Awards winner for Best Restaurant Experience, also has a romantic Valentine’s prix fixe dinner, served on the 14th. Highlights include options like Blue Point oysters, sizzling Canadian bacon, bone-in rib eye, filet mignon, and twin lobster tails. Save room: dessert offers a choice of chocolate mousse cake, tiramisu, or New York cheesecake. Benjamin Prime's elegant space is conveniently close to Grand Central. 23 E. 40th St., 212-338-0818, benjaminsteakhouse.com

Bond 45 (Midtown West)

Bond 45 is a Theater District favorite serving up Italian classics. The restaurant is best known for its vegetable antipasto bar, which offers a rotating selection of market vegetables. Like its sibling spots Trattoria Dell’Arte and Cafe Fiorello below, they'll be serving heart-shaped pizza and a tangy-sweet Valentine's special Tequila Kiss cocktail. 221 W. 46th St., 212-869-4545, bond45ny.com

Cafe Fiorello (Upper West Side)

Cafe Fiorello is an Upper West Side icon, across from Lincoln Center with a timeless interior finished in warm wood, brass, and mirrors. Updated Italian classics begin with a 50-item hot and cold antipasto bar. The kitchen excels in seafood, steak, veal, and pasta. For Valentine's look for specials like heart-shaped pizza and the Espresso Martini. 1900 Broadway, 212-595-5330, cafefiorello.com

The Consulate (Midtown West)

Love is in the air for Valentine's at The Consulate in midtown. A four-course prix fixe meal for $125 begins with a champagne welcome toast. That's followed a choice of appetizer such as langoustine crudo and lamb tartare, mains of lobster tail, duck l'orange, aged ribeye for two, and desserts such as molten chocolate lava cake for 2.  Soft candlelight, exquisite table settings, and a warm ambiance will make it a night to remember. 44 W. 56th St., 646-850-1100, theconsulate.nyc

The Consulate (Upper West Side)

Restaurant and cocktail bar The Consulate inspires patrons with rotating daily specials that highlight international cultures. Their special Valentine's Day menu ($125) starts off with a welcome champagne toast and an oyster and caviar amuse bouche. That's followed by soup, appetizers like a langoustine crudo or lamb tartare, and entrees picks of roasted lobster tail, duck al'orange, and grilled ribeye for two. Dessert is your choice of molten chocolate lava cake for two or a caramel Basque cheesecake. 

David Burke Tavern (Upper East Side)

David Burke Tavern is a modern American restaurant by award-winning celebrity chef David Burke. Occupying the first two stories of a stately townhouse on New York City’s Upper East Side, the restaurant showcases Burke’s creative and contemporary approach to classic fare—often with show-stopping presentations. This year from 4-10pm find a three-course menu (plus amuse) for $135. Gulf shrimp ceviche, tuna and salmon tartare, salads are on the opener list, followed by picks like seared scallops & lobster risotto, and dry aged sirloin steak Diane "goddess of the hunt". 135 E. 62nd St., 212-988-9021, davidburketavern.com

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse (Midtown West)

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse features floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking views of Sixth Avenue and nearby Rockefeller Center. From Friday, Feb. 14-Sunday, Feb. 16,  they'll be celebrating the holiday with a special Valentine's Dinner for Two menu. The prix fixe runs from a caviar and truffled burrata crostini amuse bouche onto a pick of starters like tuna tartare or Wagyu meatballs. For entree, look for a 28 oz. Westholm Wagyu Kansas City Strip, served with truffle whipped potatoes. For dessert, it's chocolate mousse with chocolate covered strawberries. There's also a featured cocktail, the Seduction Spritz, with LALO Tequila, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, Monin raspberry syrup, and Sparkling Rose. 1221 Ave. of the Americas (entrance at 49th St.), 212-575-5129, delfriscos.com

Ellen's Stardust Diner (Midtown West)

Food, drink, and live performances from the famous singing waitstaff make a visit to Ellen's Stardust Diner a Valentine's to remember. The 1950s-themed restaurant has been around since 1987 and brings back its retro vibes (founder Ellen Hart Sturm is a native New Yorker who was crowned Miss Subways in 1959.) Catch intimate performances by staff on their way to joining a long line of Broadway actors who have made Ellen's their launching pad. 1650 Broadway, 212-956-5151, ellensstardustdiner.com

Gatsby’s Landing (Midtown West)

Experience the Roaring Twenties with grand ballroom chandeliers, elegant ambiance, and gracious service at new bar-restaurant Gatsby’s Landing near Bryant Park. A globally inspired menu employs seasonal ingredients for homemade pastas, brick oven pizzas, and steak and fish entrees. This Valentine's Day they'll be serving their a la carte menu. 120 W. 44th St., 212-597-2850, gatsbyslanding.com

Great Jones Distillery (Noho)

Whiskey-lovers can tour, taste and explore Manhattan’s first legal whiskey distillery since Prohibition with a Valentine’s Day Whiskey & Chocolate Pairing Experience. In partnership with Brooklyn's Fine & Raw Chocolate, the distillery will be hosting an exclusive pairing class combining New York whiskey with New York chocolate, complete with a tour of the whiskey-making process and tasting experience of four Great Jones whiskeys, including the limited Peated Scotch Cask Bourbon, each accompanied by an expertly paired chocolate. Tickets are $99 for two and $55 for a single - a perfect gift for a loved one or night out for the romantic holiday (experience runs from Feb 13-15). 

Havana Central (Theater District) 

Calling all lovers! Havana Central is your go-to spot for a festive date night this Valentine's Day, Friday February 14th. Enjoy a Cuban Lover's Feast featuring 3-courses, a champagne toast and coffee ($69 in Long Island, $75 in NYC). (excludes tip, gratuity and add'l beverages).  Please note this menu will be exclusively offered after 5pm on Valentine's Day (plus their Kids' menu). Dine with your date over Cuban specialties like Shrimp Ceviche, Mango Salmon, Churrasco and Dulce de Leche Churro Bites! Sip on a Pomegranate Luv Punch, Passion Fruit Margaritas or our classic Mojitos.  Live Latin music from 7pm-10pm!

On Thursday, Feb. 13, Havana Central is celebrating Galentines' Day!  All guests will enjoy a free shot of their Pomegranate Luv Punch and heart shaped sunglasses upon arrival!  Sip on $35 Classic Cocktail Pitchers (mojito, margarita and sangria). Party the night away with our live DJ spinning* from 6pm-9pm! Indulge in our Cuban menu, enjoy Happy Hour specials** and dip into seasonal specials like our Dulce de Leche Churro Bites!

ilili (Flatiron District)

ilili , specializing in Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine, is offering a 4 course prix fixe menu for Valentine's Day (menu here). Begin your meal with an amuse bouche featuring Royal Ossetra Caviar, followed by a selection of mezza and indulgent entrees including Lobster Shish Barak. For dessert, enjoy Citrus Berry Bliss for two with yuzu cremeux and strawberry and raspberry compote. 

 La Masseria (Theater District)

“A farmhouse in the middle of Manhattan,” La Masseria offers classic Italian dishes from the Puglia region of Italy, utilizing the freshest natural ingredients. See for yourself on Valentine's Day with classic dishes from the Puglia region of Italy, focusing on authentic pastas, risottos, and meat and fish dishes. Warm, inviting decor blends rural Italian style, nostalgia, and charm, complementing their exceptional cuisine and wine list. 235 W. 48th St., 212-582-2111, lamasserianyc.com

Masseria dei Vini (Midtown West)

Executive chef Pino Coladonato does not disappoint with his wide-ranging and flavor-infused spinoff of La Masseria. The tera mare del Tavoliere (grilled baby octopus and cuttlefish with broccoli rabe on a bed of fava bean puree) and capesante e carciofi grigliati (sea scallops and artichoke hearts) are our top picks for appetizers at Masseria dei Vini, while the coniglio alla Caprese (oven roasted rabbit with fresh herbs and wine sauce) and fegato di vitello spadellato all’aceto di mirtilli (calf liver sauté with onions and blueberry vinegar) are not to be missed on the entrée menu. 887 Ninth Ave., 212-315-2888, masseriadeivini.com

Morton’s The Steakhouse (Midtown East)

Morton’s The Steakhouse manages a perfect balancing act between classic and contemporary. You can see it in the revamped dining room on Fifth Avenue (there’s a second location in the Financial District), done up in cosmopolitan blacks and grays, and in ever-evolving culinary offerings. Morton’s serves only the top 2% of beef available in the U.S., so you know you’re getting top quality. All served in serious steakhouse portions. 551 Fifth Ave. (on 45th, btw. Fifth & Madison Aves.), 212-972-3315, mortons.com/newyork; downtown location near the 9/11 Memorial at 136 Washington St., 212-608-0171, mortons.com

Nerai (Midtown East)

Offering a contemporary twist on sophisticated Greek dining, TripAdvisor recently ranked Nerai one of the top 100 restaurants in New York City. This Valentine's they're serving a romantic 4-course prix fixe ($140 per person). Lovebirds can start off with a choice of black bass crudo or radicchio and pomegranate salad, before moving on to a pick of fresh squid ink lobster pasta or a warm king crab fennel salad. The third course is seared scallops or a dry-aged New York strip. Dessert brings strawberry yogurt mousse or a decadent chocolate-custard mille crepe. 55 E. 54th St., 212-759-5554, nerainyc.com

Park Ave Kitchen (Midtown East)

Photo: Park Ave Kitchen

Celeb chef David Burke has just launched his latest, Park Ave Kitchen, a two-for-one restaurant with top-notch service. There's a formal dine-in brasserie on one side and a more casual to-stay area with a take-out option on the other. Dishes reflect the technique and boundlessly creative approach Burke is famous for. The menu for Valentine's Weekend ($125), served from Feb. 14-16, offers eight appetizers and 10 entrée choices, including the crab cake pretzel raft pictured here, in addition to rack of lamb, bison short ribs, and rock shrimp & king crab spaghetti. 

Patsy's Italian Restaurant (Theater District)

Theatre District landmark (it was Frank Sinatra’s favorite!) Patsy's Italian Restaurant has been family-run since 1944. For a classic romantic night out, Executive Chef and Co-Owner Sal Scognamillo will serve up house favorites. Look for artichoke hearts oreganata, eggplant parmigiana, and spaghetti and meatballs, with ingredients sourced from other family businesses who have worked with Patsy’s throughout the years. 236 W. 56th St., 212-247-3491, patsys.com

Redeye Grill (Midtown West)

Centrally located in Midtown West, the Redeye Grill hosts a classic American brasserie scene, with polished nickel and leather, warm tones, and original Red Grooms artwork. This Valentine's they'll be decked to the nines in Valentine’s Day decor. A $95 prix fixe menu comes with a glass of prosecco and desserts like Valhrona chocolate mousse and Tahitian vanilla bean creme bruleé. In between, options include shrimp scampi, Blue Point oysters, surf 'n' turf with steak and a lobster tail, and Dover sole with crab and lemon beurre blanc. You can make reservations here. 890 Seventh Ave., 212-541-9000, redeyegrill.com

The Sea Fire Grill (Midtown East)

The Sea Fire Grill's superior service, super-fresh seafood, and cosmopolitan vibe make it a great Valentine’s destination. A $149 prix fixe on Friday the 14th brings options like a filet mignon-lobster-shrimp-king crab surf ‘n’ turf special, Spanish octopus, Organic Scottish Salmon, and Fresh Maine Lobster with Black Squid Ink Spaghetti.  Desserts are chocolate mousse cake, New York cheesecake, or tiramisu. 158 E. 48th St., 212-935-3785, theseafiregrill.com

The Standard (East Village)

Available for one day only, The Standard, East Village serves an aphrodisiac-inspired menu in their holiday pop-up space Partridge. This Valentine’s Day Menu features a 3-course $90 prix fixe dinner, served 5pm-10pm.  Look for mains like seared duck breast, Bucatini-Lobster, Fresno Chili, Meyer Lemons, and Poached Pears with Red Wine, Cinnamon, and Whipped Mascarpone for dessert. 25 Cooper Sq., 212-475-5700, standardhotels.com

Strip House (Midtown West)

You can indulge all your senses when experiencing the famed New York City steakhouse Strip House. Signature prime cuts of beef are matched by striking dining room with a siren-red interior and black and white vintage photography. For Valentine's 2025, find specials from Friday, Feb. 14-Sun, Feb. 16. Offerings include Lobster Vol-au-Vant, American Wagyu filet mignon , and red velvet cake.  Strip House Downtown, 13 E. 12th St., 212-328-0000, striphouse.com/venues/downtown; Strip House Speakeasy, 11 E. 12th St., 212-838-9197, striphouse.com/venues/speakeasy; Strip House Midtown, 15 W. 44th St., 212-336-5454, striphouse.com/venues/midtown

Trattoria Dell’Arte (Midtown West)

With interiors inspired by a Tuscan artist’s studio, Trattoria Dell’Arte brings clever design to a vibrant spot. For Valentine's Day, look for a la carte favorites plus heart-shaped pizzas and a special tequila cocktail. 900 Seventh Ave., 212-245-9800, trattoriadellarte.com

Valentine's on the Water with City Cruises

Valentine's is better on the water. For an unforgettable New York experience, join City Cruises for a holiday dinner cruise on the East and Hudson Rivers. Stunning views await from the glass-enclosed deck of the European-inspired Bateaux. You’ll be served a plated meal in a festive atmosphere. The Valentine's Bateaux New York Premier Plus Dinner Cruise will have you taking in the sights on the Hudson and East Rivers for three hours. Dinner cruises include cocktails, live entertainment, and plated 3-course meals with freshly prepared salads, entrees, and desserts. Another possibility for great dining and views to match is on Spirit of New York. The Valentine's New York Signature Dinner Cruise brings together signature buffets, delicious cocktails, dancing, and New Jersey and New York's most stunning views. For departures from South Street in Lower Manhattan, come aboard the Valentine's New York Signature Dinner Cruise Pier 15.  Toast to the most romantic day of the year with City Cruises! Chelsea Piers, Pier 61, near W. 23rd St. on the Hudson; Pier 15, 78 South St., citycruises.com/newyork