Best Date Night Magic Mediterranean Restaurants in Little Italy
3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Antique Garage SoHo
A romantic, antique-filled dining room that turns dinner into an occasion.
Notable Picks
8.4
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Girls Night Out Approved
Instagram Worthy Wonders
A candlelit SoHo room with old-New-York romance and a Mediterranean menu that shines most when you order shareable starters and one strong main. It’s a better pick for ambiance-forward dinners than for speed—linger, keep the order tight, and let the space do the work.
Must-Try Dishes:
Manti, Lamburger, Organic Grilled Chicken
What makes it special: A romantic, antique-filled dining room that turns dinner into an occasion.
#2
19 Cleveland
8
Opened in 2018 by owner Eyal Hen, 19 Cleveland channels Tel Aviv’s café culture into a Nolita space filled with whitewashed walls, greenery, and an always-on soundtrack. Contemporary Mediterranean plates, from hummus and smoked eggplant to a beloved falafel burger, make it a flexible choice for brunch, casual dates, and small-group dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
“Jerusalem-style” focaccia, Falafel burger, Smoked eggplant carpaccio
What makes it special: Tel Aviv–inspired small plates, cocktails, and music in Nolita.
Worthy Picks
7.7
A SoHo room doing a modern Mideast/North Africa/Anatolia mash-up with a menu designed for sharing and late-evening pacing. Go for the bold spreads and a couple of larger plates—this is more about mood, cocktails, and contrast than a traditional Mediterranean “greatest hits” run.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tahini Toast, Smokey Babaganoush, Mideast Chicken Parm
What makes it special: A modern mash-up menu built for cocktails and share plates.