The Most Romantic Restaurants in Chelsea for a Date in New York

El Quijote is a longtime Chelsea institution, recognizable by the red and yellow awning that's welcomed guests since 1930. Reopened in 2022 with a smaller dining room and a greater focus on the bar, it retains the nostalgic charm of old New York without feeling stuffy. Grab a seat at the bar for a relaxed date night with a little history and plenty of character.

The restaurant's signature paella lives on as Paella de Temporada, featuring rabbit, blue prawns, mussels, cockles, and squid served over bomba rice. It's a great dish to share on a date, especially if you're looking to try a little of everything. Save room for dessert, as we recommend finishing the meal with the Basque cheesecake.

Markette is a stylish Chelsea restaurant on 7th Avenue, led by chef India Doris. With cozy banquettes, mirrored walls, and warm lighting, the dining room strikes a balance between polished and relaxed. The lively atmosphere makes it a great choice for a date night that feels special without being overly formal.

Markette's roti lands hot and flaky, with mint chutney, chili yogurt.

Down in a hotel basement, Teruko stays moody and dim even in daylight. Indigo-dyed denim panels, salvaged wood walls and limestone floors frame the room, and the bar is anchored by the original backbar from the Orchid Bar at Tokyo's Hotel Okura.

The cozy room suits a dinner date or special occasion, and the Japanese whiskey list is a strong one.

Da Andrea Chelsea brings traditional Italian cooking to the corner of 8th Avenue and West 18th Street, with recipes inspired by the Bolognese roots of its original Hudson Street location. The intimate dining room features charming antique details and green accents, creating a cozy, romantic setting for a dinner date. It's a lovely choice for couples looking to enjoy Italian cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

We recommend the tigelle with prosciutto to start. Non-wine drinkers get a full cocktail list, beer and zero-proof cocktails.

Anixi is a Chelsea Mediterranean restaurant with dishes from Greece, Turkey, Syria and Lebanon. Brass and copper fittings, 18th-century marble, handmade art and crystal chandeliers fill the room.

The menu is suited to sharing plates, making it a romantic choice for dinner for two. It is part of City Roots Hospitality, a group of vegan restaurants.

Dim lighting and modern styling make da Umberto feel classy. The cozy, dim-lit room has rustic charm and a homey but refined feel that suits a romantic date night.

Fresh pasta is the focus of the menu.

Hav & Mar brings an ocean-inspired dining experience to Chelsea, with striking murals of Black mermaids, a blonde wood bar, and flowing curtains that resemble ocean waves. The imaginative decor creates a memorable setting for a dinner date, while the lively atmosphere works just as well for an intimate evening as it does for a group celebration.

Original paintings and cozy lighting set the tone at Locanda Verde Hudson Yards, an Italian restaurant at 50 Hudson Yards. Private dining spaces leave room for quiet conversation, which makes it a good choice for date night.

The menu includes blue crab crostino, ravioli, lasagna verde and Roman-spiced duck, and we'd start with the crostino.

Dim lighting and an elegant mood make Portale a natural pick for a date in Chelsea. Portale serves contemporary Italian in a renovated carriage house between 6th and 7th Avenue, in a modern room, with a big private space on the floor above.

Chef Alfred Portale's Italian heritage shows in grilled meats and fish, pastas, market salads and roasted vegetables. Dinner snacks include fritto misto and meatball sliders.

Shukette brings the vibrant flavors of the Levant to Chelsea, led by chef Ayesha Nurdjaja, who first made a name for herself at Shuka in SoHo. Part of the Bowery Group, the restaurant takes inspiration from the region's diverse culinary traditions, with a menu designed for sharing. Order the chicken or another large plate to split with your date for a lively, flavorful dinner together.