While Eataly has become a staple destination when hitting up the Flatiron District, there’s more to be seen and done in this neighborhood named for the iconic wedge-shaped building next to Madison Square Park. It’s true, Eataly is amazing—it’s an ideal date destination for locals and tourists alike. From Serra Alpina, a winter rooftop restaurant to fresh pasta from Il Pastaio di Eataly and seafood at Il Pesce, there are so many experiences housed in one place. And while sipping cappuccinos and scoping out Italian goods is a cute activity for two, there’s so much more to explore in the area. Keep the romance alive and check out these ten date night spots.
01
Park Avenue Spring/Summer/Autumn/Winter
360 Park Avenue South, Manhattan
01
Like Eataly's rotating rooftop spot, the beautiful Park Avenue transforms seasonally. The menu and the decor reflect the time of year in an impeccable dining space. In its current iteration—Winter—enjoy seasonal New American fare items like butternut soup with lobster crouton, brussel sprouts with goat cheese and pumpkin seeds, and pumpkin ravioli. You can order off the a la carte menu or get the three-course wine dinner with unlimited pairings. It’s a classy spot for a special occasion and an upscale night out.
02
Cosme
35 East 21st Street, Manhattan
Cosme
For another Flatiron spot with a lot of hype, head to Cosme for some upscale, contemporary Mexican food. It’s helmed by Enrique Olvera of Mexico City’s Pujol, making it a buzzworthy destination restaurant. Olvera brings the taste of Mexico City to New York with locally-sourced, shared plates that are inventive and spectacular, with well-executed, rich flavors and dynamic textures. You’ll want to try the duck for two and definitely save room for dessert. Along with the food, there are handcrafted mezcal and tequila cocktails.
03
Maman
22 West 25th Street, Manhattan
Maman
22 West 25th Street, Manhattan
This sleek, modern restaurant definitely delivers. Maman is a cute, counter-service French cafe serving brunch items, coffee, and pastries. It’s friendly and warm with rustic French, farmhouse decor that will have you snapping pics of your plates before you dig in. Come for a pastry and coffee or grab something a little heartier. The eggs ratatouille, smoked salmon hash, and Nutella beignets are lovely especially when paired with a lavender hot chocolate or chai latte. There’s even a secret garden in the back to enjoy on warmers days.
04
The Little Beet Table
333 Park Avenue South, Manhattan
04
Head to Little Beet Table for a fresh, healthy meal with simple flavors done right. You’ll find standard bistro fare, but with a vegetable-forward focus. It’s an especially thoughtful menu for those with dietary restrictions and while most items are vegetarian or vegan, they don’t shy away from meat items. You can always add-on a protein to most dishes or opt for the pork carnitas tacos or crispy salmon. They also apply this concept to their cocktails by including fresh fruit and vegetables, like the basil strawberry cocktail.
05
Vin Sur Vingt Wine Bar
1140 Broadway, Manhattan
Vin Sur Vingt Wine Bar
Head to Vin Sur Vingt Wine Bar, a little bistro and wine bar, for a little flavor of France. It’s a tiny hidden gem you’ll be happy to stumble upon. One of four NYC destinations, the Flatiron location is tiny and intimate, with warm, knowledgeable servers—it’s an ideal date destination. There’s a wide selection of reds and whites, all exclusively from France, with over 50 different wines by the glass. But for something special, go for the wine flight and cheese pairing. It’s a charming spot for a charming night out.
06
Obicà Mozzarella Bar Pizza e Cucina
928 Broadway, Manhattan
Obicà Mozzarella Bar Pizza e Cucina
928 Broadway, Manhattan
While Eataly has a number of Italian spots to choose from, don’t let it limit you from other restaurants in the area. Obicà Mozzarella Bar Pizza e Cucina is a reasonably priced Italian chain with international locations in the US, the UK and Japan. The New York Flatiron location brings with it a taste of Italy with local flare. It’s mozzarella and burrata galore, along with pizza, pastas, and smaller shared plates. The real star though is their cheese, so consider going for a tasting from the mozzarella bar.
07
Trattoria Italienne
19th West 24th Street, Manhattan
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For another taste of Italian fare, check out Trattoria Italienne specializing in regional Northern Italian and Southern French cuisine—the best flavors of both worlds. The dining room is covered in beautiful dark wood on the floor and has a ceiling with lamps hanging on thick rope with Edison bulbs, giving it a modern, industrial feel. It's a romantic setting for handmade pastas, cured meats and cheeses, and fresh seafood dishes. With regional wines to pair with your dishes, it will be a dinner date to remember.
08
George Washington Bar Freehand New York Hotel
23 Lexington Avenue, 2nd Floor, Manhattan
George Washington Bar Freehand New York Hotel
Located in the Freehand New York hotel is the George Washington Bar. It is housed in the former library room of the original George Washington Hotel and maintains some of its historic feel with a dark mahogany bar with a modern twist. The cocktails are a classy affair and carefully handcrafted. The For Sarah, a concoction of gin, rose, cardamom, pomegranate, egg white, and soda, is one of the most beautiful cocktails you’ll find. While the drinks are of a high caliber, the vibe is surprisingly chill—there’s even shuffleboard for class bar entertainment.
09
Bo's Kitchen & Bar Room
6 West 24th Street, Manhattan
Bo's Kitchen & Bar Room
6 West 24th Street, Manhattan
Just a few steps from Madison Square Park, enjoy a casual dining experience of good food and solid drinks at Bo’s Kitchen & Bar Room. In a cozy, intimate space, the owners are bringing in their personal roots to the cuisine with inspiration from New York, Montauk, and New Orleans. With small plates of crispy alligator and shishito peppers to larger portioned fried chicken and Canadian salmon, it’s a great spot to grab a late night bite. They’re also serving seasonal specialty and classic cocktails with a focus on dark liquors and gin.
10
Flatiron Hall
38 West 26th Street, Manhattan
10
For an evening of loud, boisterous drinks and bites, check out Flatiron Hall Restaurant and Beer Hall. This two-story classic beer hall has house-brewed beers served by the liter and elevated bar bites like giant pretzels, charcuterie boards, and an ahi tuna burger. While the focus is on the drinks, the food is better than your average pub. It’s an energetic place with an old-school feel where you’re bound to share some space with your neighbors and might make some friends along the way. Come for happy hour, but stay and drink into the night.
