As the weather gets colder, couples want to cozy up at romantic restaurants. Whether it’s a first date or a night out with your boyfriend or girlfriend, the perfect restaurant can make any date special. Here are the top five spots to take your significant other for an intimate dinner or romantic brunch.
PepeGiallo
253 10th Ave.
Located in the heart of Chelsea, this gem of a restaurant offers simple, flavorful, classic Italian dishes like spaghetti bolognese, chicken Milanese and penne with tomato and basil. PepeGiallo is extremely cozy and candlelit, not to mention affordable — dishes range from $6 to $18. The restaurant is also conveniently close to the High Line, so you can enjoy a romantic stroll after your delicious Italian meal.
Soy and Sake
47 Seventh Avenue South
Soy and Sake is a delicious West Village spot known for exquisite vegan and vegetarian Japanese, Chinese, Thai and Malaysian cuisine. With a chic and classy décor, complete with a beautiful fish tank, this restaurant is an ideal date night spot for your significant other. Whether you are craving soy chicken pad thai or a soy chicken katsu bento box, Soy and Sake offers a swanky, scrumptious meal at a fair price, ranging from $9 to $15.
S’Mac
345 E. 12th St.
Want to take your guy or gal out for a great meal? S’Mac, a cozy little restaurant in the East Village, specializes in maraconi and cheese — the ultimate all-American comfort food. With gluten-free, vegan and meat options, this place will make your date night one to remember. Price ranges from $4.75 to $15.
Meskerem
124 MacDougal St.
Meskerem, a romantic Ethiopian restaurant on MacDougal Street provides an intimate setting for your date. Be prepared to have fun with your food, as there are no forks to be found; you eat your meal with Injera, a flatbread with a slightly spongy texture. Whether you are a meat eater or a vegetarian, you are bound to have fun at Meskerem. Price ranges from $9.75 to $15.45.
Penelope
159 Lexington Ave.
Looking for a spot for a classy and romantic Saturday or Sunday brunch beyond the Palladium dining hall? Try Penelope, a slice of comfy goodness in Murray Hill. The restaurant has a prix-fixe menu for $15 on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. that includes coffee or tea and juice. Penelope has great options for everyone including Nutella French toast, omelettes, à la carte eggs and bacon and a great vegetarian bacon BLT.
A version of this article appeared in the Thursday, Nov. 8 print edition. Paige Brott is a staff writer. Email her at [email protected].