French cuisine – Downtown Magazine

With so many options in NYC, choosing the best restaurant for Valentine’s Day can be challenging. But we made this choice easier for you. Check out our list of restaurants that are offering special dishes for a romantic dinner.

Bell Book & Candle

This West Village subterranean restaurant is offering a prix fixe menu for $75 a person or $200 a couple with a bottle of champagne. It includes choices of starters, like Garlic Bread Soup, entrees, like Butter Poached Lobster with black truffle and assorted sweet endings to share. A vegetarian menu will also be offered for $75 a person with Caramelized Tofu, Roasted Cauliflower Soup, grilled and roasted vegetables enveloped in rainbow chard with romesco sauce and a Stuffed Baby Pumpkin with coconut curry, mixed roots, squash and crispy chickpeas.

Reservations: http://bbandcnyc.com

Address: 141 West 10th St, New York, NY 10014

Nerai

Spend a romantic evening at this sophisticated Greek restaurant. Nerai is offering a five-course prix fixe menu for $125 per person. For wine lovers, there’s also a Valentine’s Day special wine pairing for $60 per person. The menu features dishes like Black Truffle Spaghettoni, a 28 day dry aged ribeye and two choices of dessert to share.

Reservations: https://nerainyc.com/

Address: 55 East 54th St New York, NY 10022

The River Cafe

Probably one of the most romantic restaurants in NYC right under the Brooklyn Bridge, with amazing views of Manhattan. The Michelin-starred restaurant will be offering a four course Prix Fixe dinner for $215 per person. Guests will start with a caviar and smoked salmon amuse paired with a glass of rosé champagne, followed by a choice of appetizer and main course. Dessert will be a tasting of three classic River Café desserts.

Reservations: https://rivercafe.com

Address: 1 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Le Privé

Enjoy harpist live music at this neighborhood bistro while tasting delicious french dishes. Valentine’s Day specials at Le Privé include Côte de Boeuf for two (prime rib, whipped potatoes, asparagus hollandaise) or Poussin Farci for two (pork and mushroom stuffed boneless cornish hen, potato brabant and english pea ragout ). Plus, a Complimentary Veuve Clicquot tasting will be offered.

Reservations: https://www.lepriveny.com

Address: 626 10th Ave, New York, NY 10036

Haven Rooftop

Having dinner with a view is a romantic choice for Valentine’s Day. At Haven Rooftop, on top of Sanctuary Hotel, you can enjoy a three course prix fixe meal for two, including a glass of prosecco for $105 per person. The menu is very diverse with choices of meat, chicken, seafood and pasta. There are two options of dessert: cheesecake and chocolate covered strawberries.

Reservations: http://www.havenrooftop.com

Address: 32 West 47th St, New York, NY 10036

Palma

This cozy italian restaurant in West Village will make you feel warm on this Valentine’s Day. Palma will be offering a four-course chef’s tasting for $150 per person. Each guest will choose one of the four Antipasti options to start. Then, one Primi to share, with three pasta options. Followed by a choice of Carne & Pesce per guest and ending with a chef’s dessert tasting. Check out the menu:

Reservations: http://www.palmanyc.com

Address: 28 Cornelia St, New York, NY 10014

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You’ve stood in the two-hour line at the Louvre, you’ve sampled the vineyards in Bordeaux and you’ve even ridden a scooter from Nice to Monaco. What else is left for France? Francophiles seeking a constantly-booming art scene, a good bit of fun and all of the benefits of a classic French city without the pretension may be missing the best part. Here are five good reasons to pencil Nantes in next on your travel list:

The Art

On top of containing a mind-blowing number of galleries, showrooms and community art spaces, the city of Nantes is often turned into a piece of art itself, featuring some of the most groundbreaking street artists in the world. From classic to post-modern to contemporary, there’s art to suit any taste in Nantes.

2. The Fun

Nantes is a vibrant, youthful city full of quirks and tongue-in-cheek references to both its past and the world around it. Visit a nearly-unbelievable world of imagination and mechanical mastery in the famed Machines de l’île or take in the newest art installation while shopping for souvenirs at the trendy Hangar À Bananes.

3. The Food

Although Nantes is not a particularly decorated city by the Michelin board, it contains a cuisine that instead focuses on simplicity, local ingredients and the more whimsical aspects of the culinary world. Take in a high-brow meal at the century-old La Cigale or catch up with a friend over a plate of their regionally-concocted crepes – your taste buds will thank you.

The Culture

While the thought of French culture may evoke images of cafes, cigarettes, all-black attire and a fierce dedication to fashion, this city offers a more relaxed and multi-cultural atmosphere, in part due to its several universities. Let your guard down in a Spanish taverna, head to an Aussie-themed watering hole or punch your tourist ticket and indulge in all of the classic French cuisines and activities you like.

The Views

If it’s stunning vistas you’re after, Nantes has something for you as well. From historic castles and cathedrals to modern architecture, classically covered shopping streets and the city’s own island, Nantes does anything but fall short on eye-candy. Be sure to bring your camera!

For more destinations and vacation tips, head to our Travel section.