Best Restaurants for a First Date

More fair than foul, this East Village spot is from the same folks behind the late Blanca and Roberta's. From the open kitchen and wood-burning oven to the exposed brick and glass chandeliers, this restaurant has a cozy charm. Its look may lean vintage, but its menu skews contemporary.

Inspector notes: "The fire and ice dish, with house-made 'nduja topped with stracciatella and served with toasted bread bears an Italian influence, while roasted mushrooms in a rutabaga-based broth is soul satisfying."

Dreamed up by Patricia Howard and Ed Szymanski, this pop-up turned brick-and-mortar is all the rage, so reservations are a must. It's a quaint space, dressed with white and blue hues as well as wood accents.

Inspector notes: "The seafood-focused menu spins to the season, although fish and chips is the dish that catapulted it to fame. Featuring a massive piece of hake with a lacy batter and sprinkling of salt flakes, this cult classic arrives with fries and tartar sauce."

Named after the Bronx street that his father grew up on, Loring Place is where Chef Dan Kluger serves up delicious, stylistic, and locally sourced Californian cuisine to a downtown crowd. And yet, none of this comes as a surprise as the chef has showcased his talents for years and been the recipient of much acclaim in the city.

Inspector notes: "His skillfully made, vegetable-centric American fare served here is unique and spirited, beginning with caramelized cauliflower served with chilies and Meyer lemon jam. The wood-oven pizzas, made with house-milled whole wheat flour, are a hit at any time."

This Korean spot has a cool, vintage vibe that comes complete with wood paneling and banquette seating. Framed artwork highlights a maritime theme which comes as no surprise since this contemporary, shared plates-style menu zeroes in on the seaport city of Busan. Seafood specialties span every section and even include a bibimbap made with uni cream.

Inspector notes: "Be sure to try the scallop DIY gimbap, with thinly sliced raw scallops served alongside squid jeotgal, scallion mayo, apple kimchi and crispy gim/seaweed squares for assembling."

This quaint and adorable nook—with small tables set shoulder-to-shoulder—is poised on the waterfront and overlooks the river. Inside, the space is homey and scattered with patrons perusing the limited yet tempting menu. Italian leanings dominate most dishes turned out of the adept kitchen, including pappardelle floating in a parmesan broth with tender ham hock and collards, as well as hearty arancini finished with saffron honey.

Inspector notes: "Highlights like hot chicken milanese served with crunchy radicchio, and hake with a vibrant green garlic sauce showcase a delightful union of flavors and textures."

This high dining, hyper-sustainable operation is proudly unbound by tradition. The space is quaint and deviates from the blonde-wood minimalism so prevalent these days. Instead, find hues of cerulean blue and a counter made from a tree. À la carte is available but go for the tasting menu to really understand this restaurant's sourcing philosophy.

Inspector notes\: "In terms of cuisine, it's pure contemporary elegance, as seen in shrimp nigiri that's first cured, then seared until it curls into the rice and finished with shrimp head-chili oil."

Mari, which means “roll” in Korean, is Hell’s Kitchen’s latest destination from the talented Sungchul Shim, who made a name for himself at his tasting counter (Kochi) just down the street. Those familiar with casual Japanese handroll counters are in for a surprise as Chef Shim reimagines the genre as a tasting menu, primed with top-notch ingredients and Korean flavors.

Inspector notes: "Glistening planks of Ora King salmon; tender strips of cured mackerel; and melting slabs of pork belly marinated with ssamjang are placed on beds of rice cradled in seaweed."

Temaki or hand rolls—don't miss the fantastic vegan options—are front-and-center, along with other items like a vegetable miso soup with fried tofu and shishito. Hungry diners will revel in the chef's set, which may uncover such delectable combos as salmon, onion cream, and tomato in toasted nori.

Inspector notes: "Topped with scallions, chopped toro on wasabi rice is hard to resist; not unlike the broiled crab with spicy mayo that arrives in a nori shell studded with Rice Crispies for a delightfully inventive treat."

Far from the stuffiness of typical steakhouses, the candlelit dining room has its charms, and neighbors are sure to crowd around the bar and order the off-menu burger. As for on-menu, the kitchen showcases surprising creativity in winners like “leek a la wedge” or hash brown with smoked trout roe.

Inspector notes: "Pork porterhouse is the main attraction, though all proteins from lamb loin to the NY strip are finished with a compelling brown butter sauce. Sides like sweet potato pave are equally thoughtful."

This long-time neighborhood favorite comes courtesy of Chefs Alex Raij and Eder Montero, who also run next-door La Vara. The narrow space does not at all match the kitchen’s outsized talents and imaginative plates, which put seafood front and center.

Inspector notes: "Consider starting with spiced Puerto Rican hushpuppies or shiso steak tartare tacos before diving into the likes of seared scallop tostadas with black garlic and olive agrodolce or mussel toast with fermented cucumber and dill."

Often packed and quintessentially SoHo, this beloved charmer from Chef Ignacio Mattos is as welcoming as ever. Far from predictable, the menu is a thoughtful, creative curation based on the seasons and on regional specialties. Pastas like the strozzapreti with Meyer lemon or the capellini with tuna and Calabrian chili are made in-house and rotate frequently. Entrees like the roasted half chicken or bronzed Milanese feed groups with ease.

Inspector notes: "From winter citrus topped with Formaggio di Fossa to abundant chicories spiked with a sharp vinaigrette, the salads are worthy complements to any meal."

As further proof that big things often come in small packages, watch this narrow nook make a regular out of you in no time. On busy Orchard Street, this neighborhood gem hides in plain sight, anchored by a kitchen that doesn’t even have a proper gas stove. Seasonal, bright and unfussy, the menu is small but endlessly tempting as it roams the Middle East for inspiration. Simple, familiar things like tabbouleh chock full of fresh mint and sweet corn spark instant summer joy.

Inspector notes: "Order anything with lamb, whether it’s wrapped in soft cabbage leaves or stuffed into squash blossoms, delicately fried and paired with creamy tzatziki."

Go ahead and pinch yourself—you’re not dreaming. Pinch Chinese is really that good. The décor, with red metal chairs and birch countertops, is straight-up SoHo, but the food is all Flushing. The glass-paneled kitchen with mask-wearing chefs can veer a bit lab-like, but don’t worry, as they’re busy making soup dumplings.

Inspector notes: "Pork soup dumplings are a bite-sized explosion of savory goodness, with fresh ginger, black vinegar and soy sauce; while perfectly crispy duck slices are served with wraps, hoisin, and cucumber for a deliciously classic rendition."

Wine bars are rarely known for their food, and sometimes we have to make the most out of a small bowl of popcorn. Thankfully, compromise isn’t on the table at this popular Clinton Hill hangout, courtesy of the talented team behind Oxalis.

Inspector notes: "This casual second act cooks as great as it pours, and both the food and the wines lean Spanish. Simple seafood preparations, thick blocks of grilled toast and thoughtful vegetable courses form the heart of the menu."

Flatiron favorite Cosme may be doted on by diners, but nobody puts Atla in a corner. The delightful little sibling on Lafayette Street stands proudly on its own two feet; and if the dazzling design—defined by black-and-white tiles, tiny wood tables, and a bustling, cosmopolitan scene—makes it feel like a contemporary Mexican terrace, well that’s the point.

Inspector notes: "First things first: order a mezcal from the massive selection, then settle in to peruse the list of small plates. Arctic char tostada is a classic, but the scallop ceviche with cherry tomato is sure to garner a serious following."

Chef/owners Clare de Boer and Jess Shadbolt met working at London's esteemed River Café, then banded together with Annie Shi to open King. The popular bar area leads to an intimate rear dining space lined with bright artwork and gleaming mirrors—the overall effect is a sense of ease that restaurants can take ages to acquire. The kitchen brings a deft touch to their small, daily-changing menu, with ingredients pulled straight from the greenmarket.

Inspector notes: "A tangle of warm tagliarini has gratifying bite, paired with a textured tomato sauce; while perfectly cooked lombatello (Italian for hanger steak) arrives chargrilled over twigs of rosemary, with braised rainbow chard and a lovely anchovy and oregano salsa."

Korean-born Simon Kim opened Cote as a joyful celebration of his home country’s love for beef allied with his admiration for the great American steakhouse. Just head downstairs and admire the meats hanging in the aging room. The space also breaks the norm in its mien—dark, moody and atmospheric. There’s a comprehensive wine list too, which, if you look close enough, offers nuggets of value. (Downstairs is their ersatz speakeasy, Undercote.)

Inspector notes: "First-timers should go for the “Butcher’s Feast” featuring different cuts of beef, an egg soufflé, and enough banchan to cover your table. Meats are first presented raw for you to admire; your server then oils the grill and expertly cooks them. A supporting cast of kimchi and ssamjang merely elevate their flavor."