Best of New York: Valentine's Day Reservations

Haven’t made a Valentine’s Day reservation yet? It’s not too late! Although many favorite NYC restaurants book up early for the special day, there are still many great last-minute tables to be had. Whether you’re looking for a first date place, or want a special venue where you can pop the question, call up one of these restaurants to get a V-Day seat; as of this writing, they all had availabilities.

SHO Shaun Hergatt

When you think romantic dining experience, you probably don’t think of the Financial District. But SHO, which opened right next to the stock exchange last year, has been getting raves from diners and critics alike as one of NYC’s best fine dining experiences. The elegant Asian/French fusion fare gives famed restauranteur Jean Georges a run for his money; on Valentine’s Day, they’re offering a six-course prix fixe, so you can sample a variety of the chefs cuisine.

80 Broad St, Manhattan; 212-809-3993 shoshaunhergatt.com

Blaue Gans

For a more informal option, head to Blaue Gans, where the rib-sticking Austrian fare is accompanied by a dose of good cheer. The service is friendly, the atmosphere is lively, and the hearty helpings of everything from bratwurst to fried chicken are sure to put you in a good mood. What’s more, they’re serving their regular menu all night, so diners won’t have to worry about getting stuck with a pricy prix fixe just for Valentine’s Day (This also makes it a great choice for single diners looking to get away from kissing couples and big bills).

139 Duane St, Manhattan; 212-571-8880 kg-ny.com

Keens Steakhouse

Not only is a steakhouse a classic choice for Valentine’s Day fare, Keens is also a little trip back in time. A favorite of famous New Yorkers including Teddy Roosevelt, George M. Cohan, and J.P. Morgan, the restaurant has been around since before 1885, when it became a frequent hangout for the famous. Widely regarded as one of the best steakhouses in NYC, Keens timeless cuisine (and peerless selection of whiskeys) makes it a hot ticket for Valentine’s.

72 W 36 St., Manhattan; 212-947-3636 keenssteakhouse.com

Mehtaphor

If you’re a Food Network fan, you’ve probably seen Chef Jehangir Mehta before; he routinely blew away the competition on The Next Iron Chef, only losing out in the final round. His restaurant Graffiti, in the East Village, made him a star, but its cramped quarters and communal tables don’t make for a very romantic experience. Luckily, Mehta’s new restaurant, Mehtaphor, has more space, a relaxed vibe, and wonderful food, inspired by the Chef’s Indian background. The delicious desserts, which highlight Mehta’s past role as a pastry chef, make this a Valentine’s Day restaurant to remember.

130 Duane St, Manhattan; 212-964-4600 mehtaphornyc.com

Ai Fiori

NYC foodies will no doubt be familiar with Chef Michael White; three of his other restaurants in the city—Alto, Convivio, and Marea—have all earned Michelin stars. Ai Fiori is his new venture, and its refined Italian cuisine is sure to impress any date. The prix fixe is pricy (try $95 person), but will include everything from saffron gnocchi to the ultimate Valentine’s dish: a whole lobster.
400 Fifth Ave, Manhattan; 212-613-8660 aifiorinyc.com