I'm visiting NYC next week and I want to take my girlfriend to a classic restaurant, with dim lighting, soft background music, very elegant. Just like the 90s movies.
My idea is to propose there.
I have a reservation in Manhatta restaurant, but I'm realizing that the atmosphere there is very informal (I'm not sure)
I told my girlfriend she has to wear a very elegant dress with heels…. so I don't want us to not fit in…
I have already look one by land two by sea, but I'm not sure because it is very expensive, and maybe for the money there are better restaurants. My idea is to not spend more than 400-500$ including taxes for the two.
What about BRASS ?
Any ideas? thank you from Spain
by mardibero
27 Comments
You are looking for the Grill – although the background music is not soft but it is Jazz. It’s one of the last glamorous places around with tables spaced apart and a beautiful setting.
You should try the river cafe. Very romantic. Manhatta though is fancy and dramatic. You might try peak too for the same dramatic vibe.
River Cafe for classic NYC.
Le Coucou for more modern take.
Remember to budget for tips!
We went to Manhatta for our anniversary this year. It’s not formal, but you can wear what you want. The view is so pretty. There were rainbows at sunset and then we saw the city light up as night fell.
River cafe. Good luck amigo!
Bemelman’s Bar might be closer to what you’re looking for, sometimes has a piano or band going. The Nines same vibe. Harry’s is a steakhouse in lower Manhattan that has this vibe. I went for my bday and saw a few proposals. St. Mazie’s is a nice jazz club but it is a little more causal.
The River Cafe is the go-to for romance.
If that’s the vibe you’re going for, you should definitely try *Caviar Kaspia at The Mark*
It’s amazing & we LOVED it! But it is caviar, so you would have to love that!
[The Leopard at des Artistes](https://www.theleopardnyc.com)
[Dowlings at the Carlyle](https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/the-carlyle-new-york/dining/dowlings-at-the-carlyle?utm_medium=sem&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=rwcar&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21671810117&gbraid=0AAAAACg5VVBd1GIFUycICGa4SBlqEZvjq&gclid=CjwKCAiA24XJBhBXEiwAXElO34Wr4ElC78PyRuOACFTy-LLB3RuI7TJ8AB81nLf_zFDdh4Vts9hySBoCAOoQAvD_BwE).
Both very nice, romantic, atmospheric. Expensive but worth it.
Maison Premiere is very beautiful. It feels very 1920s in there. However it can definitely get crowded, I think certain tables are better/more private than others for a proposal.
late seating at Le Rock
I wouldn’t describe Manhatta as “informal” on the restaurant side – and the perch/views are spectacular, especially for a visitor who’s never seen the city at night from that specific vantage point downtown. If you’re able, don’t reveal anything about the view beforehand so it’s a surprise for her to behold when first stepping off the elevators and into that room. And I’d call beforehand to tell them the occasion and request a good table. Good instincts to choose this and good luck with your proposal!
Definitely, the River Cafe, it’s beautiful. Try to get a table by the window that has a view of the water. Simply marvelous!
I went there for Valentine’s Day and my birthday. Great place for special occasions.
Just to offer a counterpoint: Manhatta feels like an excellent choice for what you’re looking for, just in case you don’t wanna change your reservation. You shouldn’t look out of place dressed up, and the views are amazing. I think it’d be a great proposal spot. And if you let them know they might be able to help make it special.
River Cafe hands down.
I got engaged and then we went to the river cafe! It’s mostly couples and they put you at a table facing the view of the Brooklyn bridge. Men have to wear a dinner jacket so it is definitely fancy.
One if by land, two if by Sea if you’re not East Asian
You are going to propose in the restaurant?
Smithereens
Bridges
Cafe kestrel
Zimmi’s
The nines
These are all places my boyfriend and I have gone on date nights and are certifiably romantic and are definitely in your price range!
Manhattan is gorgeous. So is Gramercy Tavern.
* Manhatta and Gramercy Park.
Patent Pending is close by.
Casa la feme. I know it’s a different vibe but romantic and fun and memorable
Whenever you decide call them ahead of time!
Le Coucou
Crane Club
The Nines
Drinks:
Nubeluz
Manhatta
Ophelia Lounge
One if by Land Two if By Sea is the classic engagement factory
The river cafe view is outstanding. It’s a top pick just for that view. Especially for a proposal. Food is whatever. And I dislike their service. Immensely .
Do not do one if by land, two if by sea. It’s very expensive and has objectively okay food….but the vibes there are atrocious. It’s very stuffy and has an older and more conservative clientele. It’s a classic restaurant that hasn’t aged well and feels more like a haunted relic than a place that has aged with elegance. It almost feels like a really bad set of what a “nice” restaurant should feel like.
Le Coucou would be a great option
I’d recommend Babbo in Greenwich Village. They just reopened and it’s very classic NYC. You can also reach out to them directly and coordinate your proposal plan. The team there is amazing- enjoy!