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

Le Coucou is an upscale French restaurant inside the 11 Howard hotel in SoHo, where white tablecloths cover the tables. High ceilings, chandeliers, and an open kitchen give the dining room a dressed-up feel that suits a special occasion or a date night. Great wine is a big part of the draw, so plan the evening around a bottle or a glass or two.

Charlie Bird is a modern Italian-American restaurant in SoHo with candlelit tables and a minimalist look that fits a romantic evening. For a date, you can't go wrong with pinot and a handful of small plates. The wine list is large, and a half bottle can unofficially be ordered if you pick a bottle from the pricier end. Black truffle purée comes with the roasted chicken, and cacio e pepe is on the menu too.

Old-world glamour is the draw at Raoul's, a French-American bistro that makes a romantic pick for date night. The low lighting also makes it a good fit for a first date. At dinner the Burger Au Poivre comes only at the bar, so if you want it, take a stool there instead of a table.

Balthazar is a classic New York brasserie with a buzzy, scene-heavy energy, which keeps a first date lively. Low lighting gives the room a cozy feel, and the duck confit and seafood platters suit splitting. Want a calmer night? Request a red leather banquette, set apart from the busy main room.

Blue Ribbon Brasserie is an American restaurant in SoHo with a raw bar, open since 1992. The dining room is small and dimly lit, which makes it a good match for date night. It is a New York classic that keeps late hours, so the evening can run long if the date goes well.

La Sirène is a French restaurant in SoHo that has been open since 2008, with an intimate, softly lit room and homemade cooking. The feel is bistro, charming and a little funky, and it is a date-night pick. Get the baked goat cheese tart, and know the profiteroles earn praise too.

Lure Fishbar is a SoHo seafood restaurant that also serves sushi and prime steaks. Its sleek, polished energy gives it a date-night feel without a rowdy crowd. We recommend sharing the crispy rice with spicy tuna, a lobster roll, or a sushi spread. A table suits a bigger meal, while the sushi bar lets you taste the fish side by side.

Cipriani Downtown is a SoHo restaurant and the more casual spinoff of Harry's Bar, with a festive atmosphere and a somewhat younger crowd. The decor follows the classic Cipriani look, and a first date here feels like an occasion. Pair a Bellini with the carpaccio alla Cipriani, follow with baked tagliolini and ham, and finish on the vanilla meringue cake.

Roscioli is a Roman restaurant in SoHo, and its downstairs Wine Cellar feels intimate and Old World. Beyond its Roman pastas, Roscioli keeps a deli case stocked with Italian products. Only wine is poured here, with no cocktails, so a bottle to share is the way to go.

Fanelli Cafe brings a little old-school New York charm to SoHo, with dark wood, vintage tile floors and a historic bar that's been serving the neighborhood since 1847. It's a laid-back choice for a first or second date, with plenty of character and a casual menu of bar food and Italian favorites. Grab a table outside for some SoHo people-watching, or settle into the cozy dining room for drinks and conversation.