Where to eat on “V” day?

Courtyard Greenwich Hotel / Locanda Verde, NYC

Valentines day is quickly approaching, which for some means scrambling to get roses, chocolates & candy and for others means getting the last reservation at the “it” romantic restaurant. We [by which we mean DH] really don’t rejoice in this hallmark holiday but we thought it was a great opportunity to list our favorite picks for romantic restaurants. Included are also top picks from some of our favorite foodie friends.

DH & CA:

• Blue Hill at Stone Barns Tarrytown, NY One of our FAVORITE restaurants ever! World-renowned chef Dan Barber makes everything from what he farms on Blue Hill Farm.
• Il Buco NYC Northern Italian specialties served in a cosy & intimate atmosphere. Most of the sublime and delicate dishes are from organic or local farmers which is why the menu changes daily. Our standout favorite is the raw Tuscan black kale caesar in anchovy vinaigrette with croutons and Reggiano parmesan
• Jewel Bako 239 E. 5th St, NY, NY The best omakase and freshest sushi we’ve ever had – complex, authentic, and delicious. A small serene room made even more delightful by Jack the owner’s incredible hospitality
• Four Seasons Istanbul Istanbul, Turkey The most incredible courtyard setting to have dinner beneath the walls of a former palace, with views of the Bosphorus on the roof-top terrace, best use of Turkish recipes by an Italian chef, second most incredible Molten chocolate cake, best pistachio ice cream EVER
• Silenus Barcelona, Spain Our first date on a leafy side street in Barcelona, great food, great wine, discreet service.

Our very fashionable darling friend Carolyn:

• Mas Farmhouse NYC Is extremely romantic for a tete-a-tete!!
• Pastis NYC Eating oysters & champagne after a night of dancing with your honey is also so romantic!
• Smith & Mills NYC Housed in a beautiful old carriage house this is still my favorite spot for drinks
• The one, Siem Reap, Cambodia The “Cambodian bbq” for 2 (a mixed grill dish – never has river snake been so sexy) served in your private, rose petal-strewn roof deck over the streets of Siem Reap in Cambodia, by the staff at The One hotel.

Our uptown glam gal Paulina:

• Casa Tua South Beach, Miami is sleek, chic & has a beautiful garden
• El Bulli, Sevilla, Spain Simply stunning!

Our favorite jet-setter Lou:

• Locanda Verde NYC The outdoor terrace is lovely & so is the food
• Megu NYC The 2nd floor booth at Megu is pretty sexy!
• The Galley Beach Natucket MA, Gorgeous sunsets, beautiful views, great food!
• Les maisons de Baumaniere, Les Baux de Provence, France Sumptuous food and beautiful surroundings!
• The Fat Duck, United Kingdom, Just love this restaurant: the incredible food, wine & setting make this an unforgettable experience

Our downtown foodie, Cathy:

• The little owl NYC Wonderful tiny american bistro with a gorgeous antique stamped & gold painted ceiling!
• Raouls NYC The original French bistro in Soho, has a great bohemian atmosphere so if you can’t make it to Paris come here instead!
• Peasant NYC Rustic Italian that features superb open-fire cooking, but it’s the downstairs candle lit cave that’s the real romantic draw here

Our resident chef/entrepreneur Kimmy:

• Pierre du Calvet (Les Filles du Roy), Montreal, CA Set in a romantic inn whose dining room is renowned for its fine classic French & Quebec cuisine
• Il Cortile, Montreal, CA Has a beautiful hidden outdoor courtyard that makes a summer meal memorable!
• Le Club Chasse et Peche, Montreal, CA The crowd is trendy, the service friendly and the interior moody, dark and surreal
• Barroco, Montreal, CA Has a cosy warm dinning room, relaxed atmosphere and boasts an impressive wine list & delicious food
• The Ritz, Paris France Its Paris, it’s the Ritz, what’s not to love!

Our new to the city girlfriend Amelie:

• Gandhi, Montreal, CA If Indian doesn’t strike you as very romantic, that’s because you haven’t eaten at the chic, refined and alluring Gandhi restaurant!
• August, NYC, Located in the heart of the West Village the regional European food is lovely but the real draw is the beautiful heated atrium & wood-fired oven
• Roc, NYC Sorrento cuisine in a romantic Tribeca corner that’s beautifully lit with gracious service
• Cafe Olivier, Lisbon, Portugal Wonderful tasting menu, trendy decor with a delicate touch of Marie-Antoinette makes this somewhere we could spend hours
• Comme a la maison, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Amazing food in a peaceful and serene environment & the desserts are extraordinary!