Romantic Restaurants in Brooklyn

The mother of all romantic Brooklyn restaurants, Dumbo's River Café sits beneath the Brooklyn Bridge, offering what may be the best views in (and of) the city. Take in the stunning Manhattan skyline as piano music plays in the background. An elegant menu boasts classic dishes like wild rock lobster and sautéed Hudson Valley foie gras, rounding out the experience.

Blink and you'll miss this Park Slope gem. Located in the bottom floor of a tucked-away rowhouse, Palo Santo is an intimate, candlelit spot that's perfect for date night. Sit at the bar, which overlooks a tiny open kitchen, and order the tasting menu with wine pairings for an unforgettable meal. Chef Jacques Gautier dishes out Latin American-inspired dishes that are as rewarding as the restaurant's atmosphere.

This Japanese eatery in Williamsburg promises to provide "an authentic dining experience of popular Tokyo establishments." What does that mean? Dine here, and you'll be able to enjoy delicious, shareable small plates and private seating in a beautifully-decorated space. While you can summon your waitress with the push of a button (located in your private booth), there's plenty of opportunity for you and your date to get close without anyone watching.

Enter this romantic, rustic restaurant, and you'll instantly be transported to the Mediterranean: Feast on to-die-for dishes like braised Berkshire pork baby back ribs and roasted pinenut crusted rack of lamb while sipping vino from an extensive wine list. Soft lighting and candles illuminate a space that's warm and intimate. If at all possible, sit in the brick-walled wine cellar.

Warm, simple decor and an informal atmosphere make this Williamsburg wine bar a go-to for romance. Pair a fine bottle of wine with antipasti or a cheese plate at this charming Sardinian spot, then end the night by sharing something sweet -- a dish of the bar's phenomenal tiramisu.

If you're dating a vegetarian you should spend a romantic night at this cafe, which was once the former home of the beloved and romantic Cafe Moto. The spot is still charming and it doesn't take many people to fill up this little out-of-the-way café, but that's part of the charm. Live jazz music and a quirky but cozy decor give the restaurant are perfect for a "date night." Don't forget to order the Velo date cake with ice cream. 

While the food at Alma (standard Mexican fare like enchilada platters and poblano rellenos) is perfectly fine, it's the one-in-a-million view from the restaurant's rooftop that makes it a romantic hotspot. Order a pitcher of homemade sangria, and cozy up to your date as you look out upon the breathtaking Manhattan skyline from the restaurant's terrace.

Note: Lucali doesn't take reservations, and the wait can be a long one. Your best bet is to dine here on the early side of a weeknight.