Restaurants for a First Date in New York City

One would think that it would be easy to pick the perfect restaurant for a first date in New York City, but the task can be mind boggling. It should be a place where you can be alone enough to really get to know each other, a place that is refined, but not that romantic - that comes later. Also, the menu should have enough of a variety to suit anyone.

These are three of my top New York City restaurant favorites of all time. They all fill the bill for a first date restaurant on all accounts, the only differences being in the location and the prices, but whichever one you choose for your first date restaurant, the food will be great and who knows, maybe it will be a favorite of yours for a long time to come.

Fraunce's Tavern Restaurant
54 Pearl Street, corner of Broad Street
New York, New York
Restaurant 212-968-1776
http://www.frauncestavern.com/index2.htm

Open until 9:30 Monday through Saturday, closed on Sunday. The best time for a first date is about 7, just after the business crowd is gone. They close relatively early, so any later and it would be a rush. But dinner at 7 followed by slow walk to the jazz clubs of the Village or a walk by the river, just two blocks away would make for a perfect first date evening.

This is one of the most historic places in New York. George Washington did eat, and probably sleep here when he bid farewell to his troops. Reservations are suggested for dinner, but they are required for lunch. Being in the financial district, it is one of the most popular lunch spots for the Wall Street crowd. The restaurant is true to its roots in American history, much like you would expect a tavern to be in the 1700's, but with a modern touch. The service excellent and there is plenty of space where you can be by yourself and really get acquainted.

My favorites here are the steaks, particularly, the prime rib. It is always done the way I like it, but for those who are not steak people, the Tavern Chicken is great, with a little bit of spice to it and the Sea Scallops are perfect for the sea food lover. For dessert, there is the Key Lime pie, which is just right or the Mixed Berry Cobbler, equally as good.

Water's Edge Restaurant
The East River at 44th Drive,
L.I.C., New York
Restaurant (718) 482-0033
http://www.watersedgenyc.com/

Open for dinner 6 days a week, Monday through Saturday 5:30-11:30 PM. Lunch weekdays starting at noon
Prices are high for Queens, moderate when compared to Manhattan

Located right on the waterfront in Queens, Water's Edge has one of the most spectacular views of Manhattan from anywhere. It is the perfect place for a first date. They have a valet parking service, so there is no need to hunt for space.

If you are coming from Manhattan, start the evening off in a special way by arriving at the restaurant in style on the restaurant's own ship. A great way to get a first date off to a good start. And make sure to make a reservation. The place is busy at lunch and busier at dinner. Try to time your first date dinner for when the sun is going down. It is the best time to get the best view.

The restaurant itself is big enough not to be cramped, but still small enough to be intimate enough for a first date. And the staff is attentive, without being pushy. The atmosphere is classy, with the white table cloths and the sound of live piano music setting a relaxed mode. During the warmer months, there is an outside deck, or veranda right on the river and in the evening, when the lights come on in the Manhattan skyscrapers, it is just magical, but there can be a brisk wind at times.

The menu changes with the season. It is not very large, but there is something for everyone with fish, beef, lamb, chicken and duck to name a few. The fish is my favorite. It is not always the same, it depends on the season, but if they have the Rhode Island Sole, give it a try. It has always been done just right, coming out flaky and tender. The wine list is really good and they will give you the right suggestion. All of the desserts, even the ice cream, are made right here and the chocolate molten lava cake is something to remember.

Just want to sit and talk after dinner? There is a little park right outside the front door, with benches facing the river. End your first date here by making plans for the second. Your car will be ready and waiting.

'21' Club, Restaurant
21 West 52nd Street,
New York, New York 10019
Restaurant Reservations (212) 582 7200
http://www.21club.com/web/onyc/onyc_a2a_home.jsp

The world famous 21 is the place to make an impression on a first date. For a first date, make reservations for the upstairs dining room. It is for a dressy first date, with Dinner Tue through Sat - 5.30pm to 10pm.

The restaurant atmosphere is very continental, with the service to match. The prices are on the high end of the scale for a first date, entrees alone average in the $40's, but that is to be expected on the West Side. There is a great variety to choose from. Try the crab cake for an appetizer. It is done in their own style and the main course gives you a choice of everything from lobster to wild boar. I do love sea food and this is one of my favorites, Seared Black Bass, Scallop, Gulf Shrimp, saffron potatoes, zucchini, shellfish reduction and the Filet Mignon, parsnip purée, roasted root vegetables, Cabernet reduction is also a top choice.