What makes an evening romantic? There’s a recipe for this and it’s probably exactly what you imagine. For some it’s candle light, a decent wine list, ambiance and soft music. For others its spontaneity, BYOB, intimate seating and really memorable food. Cliche? Maybe. Here we’ll be covering the needs of both. So go on, take your date out somewhere nice. But we’ll be leaving the rest of the date planning to you. We believe in you.
1. Ops
Once a garage, Ops specializes on the one dish everyone can get on-board with: pizza. Theirs is naturally leavened, giving it a delightful tang, as we previously reported here. What makes this spot particularly romantic? Candles, check. Dim lighting, check. And let’s not forget the wine, Ops serves the natural variety, an exquisite and less invasive production of everyone’s favorite fermented grape juice and natural aphrodisiac. Big check. Seating is intimate, prepare to be up close and personal. Pizza pies range from $15 to $28.
346 Himrod St
Monday – Friday 5 pm – 12 am, Sat – Sun 12 pm – 12 am
2. Otis
If a seasonal vegetable forward menu doesn’t entice you, maybe their drink menu will. Otis offers a drool worthy list of artisanal cocktails that scream summer nights, sparkling wine, whites, reds, draught beer and non-alcoholic beverages. Linger here in peace and watch the kitchen work some magic, poetry in motion with a side of dinner and drinks: a true urban oasis. Entrees range from $20 to $28.
18 Harrison Pl
Tuesday – Thursday 5 pm – 11 pm, Friday 5 pm – 1 am, Saturday 12 – 4, 6 pm – 1 am, Sunday 12 pm – 4 pm, 6 pm – 11 pm
3. Faro
This farm-to-table new American restaurant sources their ingredients locally for their eight-course seasonal tasting menu with a focus on handmade pasta. Treat your date to what is sure to be a memorable dinner at this one star Michelin spot. À la carte entrees range from $17 – $24, eight course menu is $115 and wine pairing is $65 per person.
436 Jefferson St
Mon- Sat 6 – 11, Sun 5 – 10
4. Mominette
Escape to the French country-side for a romantic evening at Mominette. The lighting is dim and sultry, glowing in soft candle light. But skip the dining room and visit their patio, a secret garden that will instantly take you out of Brooklyn and into your own personal paradise. Mominette’s menu is a classic take on French cuisine, with an upgraded touch: vegan and vegetarian options. Charm your date on their jazz and absinthe nights on Tuesday evenings, or go for happy hour and indulge in their dollar oysters. Entrees run from $14 to $30.
221 Knickerbocker Ave
Monday – Thursday 12 pm – 10:30 pm, Saturday 10:30 am – 11:30 pm, Sunday 10:30 am – 10:30 pm
5. Nicandra’s (BYOB!)
The scene of lady and the tramp where they’re each holding opposite ends of the pasta leading up to a kiss can be recreated at Nicandra’s. This self proclaimed “mami and papi” shop focuses on fresh handmade pasta, and their instagram is a good example of it. Surprise your date with good taste in wine because this joint is BYOB, baby! Pasta dishes start at $18 and appetizers at $14.
264 Irving Ave
Tues 6 pm – 11 pm, Wed – Thursday 4 pm – 11pm, Friday 4 pm – 1130 pm, Saturday 12 pm – 3 pm, 5:30 pm to 1130 pm, Sunday 12 pm – 3 pm, 5:30 pm -10 pm
6. Santa Panza
Anchored by their wood-fired oven, Santa Panza is the perfect cozy and rustic date night spot. And yet, another pizza place. Because what’s more romantic than sharing a pie and washing it down with italian wine? The chef and bartender share the main stage, entertaining patrons and titillating their appetite. This place has good eats, good ambiance and a lot of hearth. And hot tip: it’s cash only. Pies go from $7 to $17 and entrees from $12 to $20.
1079 Broadway
Monday – Friday 5:30 pm – 11:30 pm, Saturday – Sunday 12 pm – 11:30 pm
7. Le Garage
Amuse your bouche with this seasonal french menu that highlights both the best of France and New York. The beautifully designed restaurant bathes in sunlight during the day, but expect warm lighting in the evening. Expect small portions to tease you and your date from dish to dish and exciting cocktails like the cosette: mezcal with pineau des charentes, lemon, white tea tincture and sparkling wine. Small dishes range from $10 to $18 and entrees run from $22 to $37.
157 Suydam St
Tuesday – Thursday 6 – 10:30, Friday 6pm – 11pm, Saturday 11-3pm, 6-11pm, Sunday 11 am – 3pm, 6 – 10pm
8. Bombay Kitchen (BYOB!)
This one is a hidden jewel in Bushwick. Try the gobi manchurian, a fried cauliflower dish drenched in a sweet and spicy sauce that is so tender it falls apart bite after bite. Let yourself be carried away with their showings of mesmerizing Bollywood films, low lighting, intoxicating aromas and BYOB policy –– where your knowledge of pairings can shine. This Indian spot’s dishes range from $1.99 to $13.99.
733 Knickerbocker Ave
Monday – Saturday 12pm – 2 am, Sunday 12pm – 10 pm
Cover image courtesy of Alonzo Maciel for Bushwick Daily from Ops.
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