NYC's 5 Best Romantic Restaurants With A View
The infamous New York skyline offers some of the most breathtaking views in the world, so share them with the one who takes your breath away this Valentine's Day. These venues provide feasts for the eyes as well as the stomach, and will help ensure your Valentine's celebration is romantic, memorable and most importantly, delicious.
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There is no place in New York City more romantic than a snow-covered Central Park, and no better view than from the iconic Boathouse, located in the middle of the park. Almost every seat in the restaurant (and at the small freestanding bar) has a view across The Lake, framed by the Central Park South skyline. If possible, reserve a seat down on the "front row" alongside the floor-to-ceiling glass wall. Muscovy duck breast is served atop a wild rice-and-apple pancake, while signature Boathouse burgers include house-made tater tots.
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Three "circles" of dining on two levels at NYC's only rotating revolving restaurant means plenty of excellent views of Times Square and the Theater District below. High above the fray, the amber-hued restaurant is also an excellent place to begin your romantic day with breakfast or end it with drinks. While "dress jeans" are acceptable, it is a romantic dinner so you might want to take things up a notch.
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Perched atop the Museum of Art & Design on the southwest corner of Central Park, Robert offers an ideal blend of feminine floral touches and sleek, gender-neutral Modernist design from Philip Michael Wolfson. Part of the New Wave of the city's museum restaurants, food and drink are excellent and elegantly presented and fresh flowers adorn each table. You want a window-side table at this stylish museum restaurant for the best views across Central Park and Columbus Circle (also an excellent vantage for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade).
This comfortably luxe New American restaurant on the top floor of the Ritz Carlton hotel overlooks Battery Park and New York Harbor. Reserve window seats if you're able, both for the best views and to avoid being surrounded by expense account business travelers. New executive chef James Dangler is bringing his take to classic dishes like Atlantic salmon, Maine lobster bisque, and braised short ribs. In the past, this restaurant has featured a special Valentine's menu.
Waterfront property in Manhattan looks out over Queens or New Jersey. Diners at this Queens New American restaurant, on the other hand, take in stunning Manhattan skyline views. Located at the base of one of the few high-rise luxury buildings in trend-forward LIC, RiverView boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, a strong wine list and a casual attitude, despite its white tablecloth, low-light ambiance. An $85 per person fixed-price Valentine's menu includes delectable options like roasted rack of lamb and Long Island duck.
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Robert Haynes-Peterson is an editor and freelance writer living in New York. He is certified by the American Sommelier Association through its 24-week Vinification and Viticulture program, and the government of Mexico through its Master Mezcalier program (continuing). His work can be found at Examiner.com.
