Best Romantic Restaurants in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn (11201)
6 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
The River Café
Iconic waterfront fine dining with skyline views and formal romance.
Essential Picks
9.0
The River Cafe is a landmark fine-dining destination cantilevered over the East River with floor-to-ceiling views of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge. A jacket-required room, live piano, and a polished tasting-style menu make it one of the city’s classic special-occasion restaurants. Couples come here for once-a-year celebrations where the setting, service, and composed plates all feel deliberately theatrical.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seared Foie Gras, Rack of Lamb, Chocolate Brooklyn Bridge Dessert
What makes it special: Iconic waterfront fine dining with skyline views and formal romance.
Notable Picks
#2
Henry's End
8.6
Henry's End is a long-running Brooklyn Heights bistro known for wild game, pepper steaks and hearty, sauce-driven plates in a cozy brick-walled space. Neighborhood regulars treat it as a reliable spot for carnivorous date nights and old-school comfort that predates the current restaurant boom.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak au poivre, Duckling in honey-soy, Walnut-crusted chicken breast
What makes it special: Decades-old Brooklyn Heights institution for game-focused plates and peppery steaks.
8.6
Tucked on a cobblestoned block near the waterfront, Vinegar Hill House pairs a wood-burning oven and seasonal, New American plates with one of Brooklyn’s coziest dining rooms and a leafy back garden. It reads more like a country inn than a city restaurant, which makes it especially appealing for low-key dates. Regulars treat it as a go-to for celebratory brunches, fireside dinners, and intimate parties in the carriage house.
Must-Try Dishes:
Red Wattle Pork Chop, Chicken Liver Mousse, Pear Sourdough Pancakes
What makes it special: Rustic townhouse dining with a wood-fired menu and romantic garden.
#4
Celestine
8.5
Celestine is a Mediterranean-leaning restaurant at the base of the Manhattan Bridge with wraparound windows framing the skyline and river. Its mezze, lamb, and seafood skew slightly upscale without feeling formal, making it a favorite for date nights that hinge on both flavor and views. The terrace and soft, candlelit interior tilt romantic whether you’re sharing a bottle of wine or a family-style spread.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal Mezze Platter, Harissa Roasted Chicken, Whole Branzino
What makes it special: Riverfront Mediterranean plates with dramatic bridge views and soft lighting.
#5
Inga's Bar
8.4
Inga’s Bar is a modern neighborhood tavern just off the promenade where candlelight, framed art, and a tight menu of bistro-ish comfort food create an unexpectedly romantic backdrop. It feels casual enough for a Wednesday burger date but special enough for anniversaries if you snag one of the more tucked-away tables. The bar is equally appealing for solo glasses of wine and snacky first dates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Inga's Burger, Steak Frites, Deviled Eggs
What makes it special: Candlelit tavern-style dining with bistro-level cooking and a real neighborhood feel.
8.2
Felice Montague brings a Tuscan-inspired wine bar and trattoria to a 1930s art deco building in the heart of Brooklyn Heights. Plush banquettes, candlelight, and a long list of Italian wines make it feel built for dates, from first glasses of Chianti to celebratory dinners. The menu focuses on pastas, crudo, and grilled mains that are approachable but polished enough for a dressed-up night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tagliatelle al Ragu Toscano, Cacio e Pepe, Branzino alla Griglia
What makes it special: Tuscan wine-focused dining room with art deco details and candlelit tables.