Here’s one way to take the pressure off Valentine’s Day planning in New York: let the data nerds handle it.
OpenTable has released its list of the Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in America for 2026 and two New York spots made the cut—one a Brooklyn icon with skyline views as part of its DNA and the other a polished North Shore newcomer that’s well worth the train ride. The list is based on more than 9 million diner reviews, reservation trends and the percentage of five-star ratings tagged “romantic,” so this isn’t just about vibes.
First up: The River Café, which will surprise absolutely no one. The waterside institution has long been the gold standard for special-occasion dining and the kind of place where jackets aren’t optional and proposals feel inevitable.
Set directly on the East River, the restaurant could coast on its postcard-perfect Manhattan views alone, but the kitchen has never phoned it in. Over the years, River Café has helped launch the careers of chefs like Charlie Palmer and David Burke, among others, and its menu remains unapologetically luxe. Think pristine oysters with smoked salmon and caviar, elegant lamb and lobster entrées and the show-stopping chocolate marquise shaped like the Brooklyn Bridge, which still remains one of the city’s most romantic desserts.
The second New York pick skews quieter and more destination-worthy. The Northport Hotel is a 26-room boutique hotel and restaurant in the heart of Northport Village on Long Island’s North Shore.
Led by executive chef Michael Ross, the restaurant serves classics like steaks, seafood and seasonal dishes executed with polish rather than flash. The menu ranges from blue claw crab bisque and tuna tartare to butter-poached lobster and dry-aged prime steaks. Add craft cocktails, a deep wine list and an elegant dining room and it’s easy to see why diners are flagging it for romance, especially if your idea of a great date includes lingering over dessert instead of fighting for a late subway.
Beyond the restaurants themselves, OpenTable’s broader research suggests Valentine’s Day dining is evolving. More Americans are celebrating with friends, in groups or solo, while younger diners in particular are redefining what “romantic” even means. Still, whether you’re planning a proposal, a milestone anniversary or just a candlelit excuse to splurge, these two New York restaurants prove that romance—classic or modern—still plays very well at the table.
