Most Romantic Outdoor Dining Spots In NYC

With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, solidifying romantic plans for the special day seems to be on every couple’s minds. Maybe Valentine’s Day quickly snuck up on you and your significant other and now you’re pressed for time on finding a dreamy spot for dinner, or maybe your annual plans were disturbed by restrictions related to Covid. Either way, finding a date night spot for V-Day that’s all about the love might be stressful on such short notice.

Luckily, for couples in New York City, there’s no shortage of glamorous outdoor dining spots that double as warm and cozy retreats in the dead of winter. While indoor dining has opened up across the boroughs of New York just in time for Valentine’s Day, exploring outdoor seating options is still a good way to ensure your date is Covid-friendly—and a great excuse to snuggle up together under a space heater. Here’s our list of NYC dinner date spots for the most blissful and romantic Valentine’s Day dates.

Buddakan

Serving up an array of creative dishes, Buddakan really knows how to get you celebrating a love for food that might make your valentine jealous. Celebrate your love for each other at one of Buddakan’s heated outdoor greenhouses, which are adorned with bright red accents and vibrant lanterns while enjoying small plates like edamame dumplings and Cantonese-style raw fish salad.

Try out elaborate entrees like the longevity noodles, a noodle dish finished with lobster and white soy butter, available as part of The Year of the Ox Feast, which ends on Valentine’s Day. No matter what you get here, it’s sure to make your Valentine’s day a good one.

Location: 75 9th Avenue, New York, NY 10011

Kyma

For a Valentine’s Day environment accentuated with sprawling vines and colorful flowers, Kyma is the perfect date spot. This heated outdoor dining space is the perfect infusion of seafood centric and Greek cuisines, making for a culinary experience that is sure to impress your valentine. Kyma’s extravagant dishes include lobster pasta, pan-seared scallops, and a traditional Moussaka topped with the creamiest, dreamiest béchamel sauce. Pair one of these mouth-watering entrees with a hot cocktail and your Valentine’s Day will easily become one of your favorite culinary experiences.

As if the Kyma didn’t sell you already, all customers are given complimentary glass of Chandon to celebrate their romantic evening with their Valentine. If you’re looking to experience Kyma from the comfort of your NYC home, the restaurant offers a cocktails from home package available through their website.

Location: 15 West 18th St., New York, NY 10011

Lafayette

Cozy up in a heated winter chalet at Lafayette’s patio for an enchanting French-inspired lunch or dinner experience in the heart of SoHo. If you’re looking for a more relaxed lunch or dinner before other plans, enjoying a pot of fondue and a winter cocktail at Lafayette sounds like a Valentine’s dream come true.

If you’re spending V-Day with friends rather than a significant other, Lafayette’s heated chalets are still a great spot for a secluded girls’ or guys’ night out. Chalets fit up to seven people, so you and your crew can enjoy some bubbly drinks or hot cocktails together all day long.

Location: 380 Lafayette St., New York, NY 10003

Loulou

Loulou, formally known as Loulou Petit Bistro & Speakeasy, is known for comprising their menu of delectable French classics, and what better way to spend your romantic date night than envisioning yourself in the heart of the city of love? Personal space heaters and illuminating lanterns line the outdoor dining area to create an atmosphere that is warm and radiant, just like Valentine’s Day should feel. 

Spend your night enjoying specialty dishes like Whole Grilled Branzino, Duck Leg Confit, and Rib Eye, or take Loulou up on their three-course Valentine’s Day prix-fixe menu. Either way, Loulou is a magical spot to spend your night.

Location: 176 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10011

Savanna Rooftop

Savanna Rooftop is no stranger to planning for Valentine’s Day, that’s for sure! This year, the rooftop restaurant is offering an exclusive VIP experience in their heated, enclosed couple’s suites. The package includes a bottle of Moet champagne, chocolate truffles, and long stem roses, not to mention the entrancing view of Manhattan’s skyline.

After enjoying your meal, end your night with a gooey and sweet treat: a s’mores kit! The kit comes with a personal table-top fire, marshmallows, chocolate, graham crackers, and roasting sticks. The restaurant is also a popular engagement spot for NYC couples, so if you’re planning a surprise proposal, this may be the place to do it.

Location: 11-01 43rd Ave, 12th Floor, Long Island City, NY 11101

Ten Hope

If you’re looking for a spot outside of Manhattan, but you’re still wanting to stay in New York’s boroughs, taking a ride over to Brooklyn to visit Ten Hope sounds like the best option. Ten Hope is home to one of the most romantic open air heated gardens that the city has to offer. Decked out in natural greenery and luminescent string lights, the outdoor dining space is fit for any romantic celebration of love. 

In addition to their regular menu and seasonal cocktails, Ten Hope is offering a V-Day Prixe Fixe for $69. The special starts with roasted beets, sweetened ricotta, micro cilantro, and fig glaze. The entree features a seasoned 10-ounce filet mignon, veal jus, potato pave, and vegetables. All meals on the Prixe Fixe menu end with a lusciously smooth creme bruleé.

Location: 10 Hope St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

No matter which of these New York dining locations you choose to spend your Valentine’s Day date at, you’re almost guaranteed a romantic experience. For more information on navigating a weekend in New York, click here, and for more about picture-perfect spots in the city to take advantage of with your valentine, click here.