I need a ticket to have dinner on Valentine's Day?

A list of some gems that still have reservations open + avoiding pre-fix menus and tickets

Feb 01, 2025

Valentines day is my least favorite night to dine out in New York- all of my favorite restaurants randomly throw away all of their good menu options and put out these weird expensive pre-fix menus and tickets.

Just because it’s funny to me, here are some of the most absurd ticketed pre-fix menus circulating rn:

Torrisi is $320 PER PERSON for a pre-fix line up of none of their famously good menu items
The Nines which is always a special/intimate choice for a romantic vibe is literally charging $300 PER PERSON for a non disclosed menu that likely doesn’t include caviar
Corner Store with the $250 ticket JUST to get their normal a la carte menu -like we have to be joking with that

The only pre-fix ticket I approve of is the $250 menu from The River Cafe because it’s the most exquisite restaurant I’ve ever been to and you’re bound to spend way more than $250 a person on their normal menu, so in this case it feels like an ok price.

My top 10 picks that still have reservations:

Went ahead and linked all the resy/opentable links to make it easy because I love u and love is in the air

Libertine, L'Apero, Ma-De, Recreate, Have and Meyer

Libertine, my top French restaurant in NYC, still has tables open and is the perfect candle-lit ambience with menu options written on a chalkboard (followed by the best chocolate mousse of your life) combination
Ma-de, one of my favorite restaurants for natural wine and raw seafood (crudo selection is insane), has an optional pre-fix for only $50 per person.
L’Apero is L’Appartment 4f’s gorgeous wine bar that transforms their bakery space in Brooklyn. The simple but perfect menu, wine list, and desserts to be enjoyed in their tiny loft space amongst only a few other parties of 2 would be oh so impressive and special.
Recreate collective is doing a solo night focused around cake decorating and friendships. I think this is a perfect third space to come to and be creative amongst others.
Have and Meyer in Williamsburg embodies the feel of a private wine cellar surrounded by candles, florals, and of course- hundreds of bottles of wine. Perfect for a charcuterie and beverages level stage of a relationship- maybe not a significant other but a person of interest.
Rosella, Mari Vanna, Falansai, Gator, Turks and Frogs
Falansai in Bushwish is so special- Mexican x Thai fusion with vibrant and colorful dishes, art, wine, and even an incredible book case you can browse.
Mari Vanna is perfect for a group galentines because it looks like it’s out of a literal storybook. For all of my fairy-core people, this is such a whimsical and cozy spot with Eastern European fare and lots of group tables open.
Plado tasting bar is a gem tucked away on a quiet side street in Alphabet City and somewhere I know you haven’t heard of. I sent my dear friends here last year and they loved every bit of the tapas, wine, and cozy atmosphere.
Gator is another place that has tables open and I have never understood why this place never blew up. It has a top 5 burger and the best adult mac and cheese money could buy. Would be great with friends or a partner that just wants a good meal and is unserious about the theatrics of Vday.
Turks and Frogs is also perfect for a casual glass of wine and cheese board in a space so tiny it feels like a private room. You’ll find jazz playing in the background and a very personable wait staff that likes to crack jokes- could be good for a situationship.
BONUS: Rosella does not have tables currently, but has resy notifications popping up left and right, and is by far my top pick on this list. There is nowhere I’d want to spend Valentine’s day more than here eating scallop nigiri and splitting a bottle of orange, but couldn’t put it further up because it’s currently booked. (Try your luck with notifications PLEASE).