Best Date Night Restaurants in Beekman
5 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Restaurant Nippon
New York’s original Edo-style sushi house, credited with inventing beef negimayaki.
Notable Picks
8.8
Since 1963, Restaurant Nippon has been Midtown East’s classic Edo-style dining room, pairing pristine sushi and sashimi with signatures like beef negimayaki and hand-cut soba. Guests come for precise, traditional fish work and a serene, old-school room that still draws business regulars and Japanese expatriates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Negimayaki (scallion and prime beef roll), Sushi deluxe combination, Sashimi over sushi rice
What Makes it Special: New York’s original Edo-style sushi house, credited with inventing beef negimayaki.
8.5
Set atop the historic Beekman Tower in Turtle Bay, Ophelia is a glass-enclosed rooftop lounge with 360-degree views over the East River and Midtown skyline. Opened in 2018 and recommended by Michelin, it leans into moody, Art Deco cocktails, seasonal décor and a tight menu of shareable plates that justify the premium pricing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ahi Tuna Tartare with Chili Honey, Duck Confit Spring Rolls, Spinach & Artichoke Dip
What Makes it Special: Art Deco greenhouse rooftop with 360-degree river and skyline views.
8.3
Sushi Hayashi is a lively omakase spot known for its all-you-can-eat nigiri format with included beer and sake, keeping the room loud and celebratory. The 14-course progression leans on fatty cuts, salmon, and shellfish, drawing enthusiastic repeaters who value quantity without sacrificing fish quality.
Must-Try Dishes:
AYCE Omakase Nigiri (14-course), Toro Nigiri, Wagyu Beef Nigiri
What Makes it Special: An unusually value-forward omakase where AYCE nigiri and free-flow sake make it feel like a party rather than a ceremony.
#4
Da Raffaele
8.1
Owner-chef Raffaele brings genuine Southern Italian warmth to this intimate Turtle Bay gem, where regulars are greeted by name and specials change daily. The grilled octopus with eggplant puree and handmade pastas reflect decades of culinary experience including cooking for Frank Sinatra.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Octopus with Eggplant Puree, Linguine with Baby Octopus, Veal Milanese
What Makes it Special: Owner-chef Raffaele's personal hospitality and Southern Italian cooking legacy
Worthy Picks
#5
Yakiniku Gen
7.8
Yakiniku Gen is a long-running Japanese BBQ restaurant in Midtown East, serving classic yakiniku cuts, wagyu-focused platters, and bento sets in a modest, grill-centered dining room. Diners come for carefully sliced meats, A5 wagyu touches, and a more traditional yakiniku experience than the flashier KBBQ spots nearby.
Must-Try Dishes:
A5 Wagyu Sushi, Jo-Yakiniku Bento, Nakaochi Kalbi (rib finger)
What Makes it Special: A seasoned Japanese BBQ spot focused on premium wagyu and classic yakiniku cuts.