Romantic Restaurants on Long Island, NY

- Where to spend intimate evenings at restaurants in Nassau and Suffolk

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Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, Valentine's Day, or simply an intimate evening with that special someone, there are a number of restaurants where soft lighting, excellent food and a cozy atmosphere bring an aura of romance to you and your loved one.

Here are some suggestions for restaurants where you and that special someone can enjoy food and a chance to reconnect over the flicker of candlelight.

1. Prime

Photo © Linda Tagliaferro

With an expansive view of the harbor, this upscale restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating in warm weather, and in winter, the roaring fire of the fireplace casts a romantic glow over its surroundings. The seafood and steak at this eatery are superb, and the large wine list is impressive. Reservations are highly recommended.

Prime
117 New York Avenue (Note: If you're using a GPS, type in 117 NORTH New York Avenue. I found this out the hard way.)
Huntington, NY
(631) 385-1515.

2. Limani

Photo © Limani restaurant

The decor in this expansive setting features marble columns, tall ceilings and decorations inspired by the art of ancient Greece. The restaurant is perfect for those who enjoy Mediterranean seafood at its best along with a romantic ambience.

Limani is the Greek word for "seaport," and what's featured here is the bounty of the sea. Expect to be impressed by their seafood display of fresh fish and other marine delicacies on ice, so you can choose your own dinner. The service is impeccable and the food is excellent, from the ample appetizers to the hearty entrees and the luscious desserts.

Limani
1043 Northern Boulevard
Roslyn, NY
(516) 869-8989
Reservations are highly recommended.

3. Barney's

Located in a former country inn, Barneys features a blend of traditional French and New American cuisine against a backdrop of soft lighting, cozy tables and a stone fireplace which warms customers while providing an intimate atmosphere. Whether enjoying their prix fixe menu or a la carte delicacies, visitors to this eatery can choose from appetizers like the Prince Edward Island mussels with kaffir lime leaf, garlic, jalapeno, foccacia and ginger sauce or the portobello Napoleon, with roasted peppers and mozzarella topped with a basil balsamic vinaigrette. Main courses include Barney's Long Island Ducking, Butterfly Grilled Salmon, Filet Mignon and more.

Barney's
315 Buckram Road
Locust Valley, NY
(516) 671-6300

4. View

Photo © View restaurant

Once part of the former estate of William K. Vanderbilt, and later the Riverview, the current View restaurant features tall windows that showcase stunning vistas of the Great South Bay. In warmer weather, you can dine out on the deck. Enjoy seasonal menus which highlight local resources, and in addition to Contemporary American cuisine and seafood, you can also enjoy the sushi bar.

View's nautical elegance draws families as well as couples, but the outdoor panoramas and soft lighting create a romantic ambiance. When I visited, as I was on my way out after dinner, I saw a young man get down on bended knee to propose to his sweetheart. His surprised girlfriend beamed with love as she said yes, and everyone nearby smiled at the happy couple.

View
3 Consuelo Place
Oakdale, NY
(631) 589-2694

5. Mill Pond House

Linda Tagliaferro

With tranquil views of the pond just outside, the soft lighting, flickering candles and cloth-covered tables exude an air of elegance as well as romance. Come here for a dinner of steak, seafood or enjoy the raw bar with that special someone at your side.

During the warmer months, you can dine at a table on their outdoor patio as swans slowly glide by in the pond below.

Mill Pond House
437 East Main Street
Centerport, NY
(631) 261-7663

6. Georgica Restaurant & Lounge

Photo © Georgic Restaurant & Lounge

In the tony Hamptons, Georgica Restaurant & Lounge sets the mood for an intimate date or other special occasion with your loved one. Ask for a table near the window so you can view Georgica Pond just outside. Enjoy contemporary American comfort cuisine with an upscale twist. The menu includes grilled prime meats, an array of seafood, excellent pasta dishes and a sublime variety of desserts.

Georgica Restaurant & Lounge
108 Wainscott Stone Road
Wainscott, NY
(631) 537-6255. Reservations suggested.

7. Tellers Restaurant

Photo © Jim Lennon

Housed in a former bank that resembles a soaring Greek temple, this distinctive eatery features a wine cellar in the former financial institution's vault. Tall ceilings, high windows and a copper colored bar complete the look of luxury at Tellers.

In addition to the American chophouse menu, plus seafood and American cuisine, you'll find elegance and romance. Some prefer to be seated on the second floor for a more intimate dining experience.

Tellers Restaurant
605 Main Street
Islip, NY
(631) 277-7070. Reservations are recommended.

8. Rein at the Garden City Hotel

Located within Long Island's legendary Garden City Hotel, Rein features an intimate setting with soft lighting, plush banquettes and stylish tables and chairs. Colorful paintings adorn the walls and cool jazz plays in the background. During the colder months, a working fireplace will keep you warm and adds to the ambiance.

You'll enjoy gourmet meals with an innovative touch, including entrees like wild king salmon, NY strip steak, herb roasted free-range chicken breast and more.

Why not make a night of it and stay at the Garden City Hotel after your dinner?

Rein at the Garden City Hotel
45 Seventh Street
Garden City, NY
(516)877-9385

9. The American Hotel Restaurant

This historic hotel in Sag Harbor dates from 1846. Its restaurant, which features four separate dining rooms, is adorned with Victorian antiques and furniture. The inventive American-French cuisine offered at the restaurant includes creative flavors from France, Italy, Asia and the U.S., and the menu changes with the seasons.

In addition, their wine list offers more than 2500 selections, and was awarded Wine Spectator's Grand Award. James

The American Hotel Restaurant
Main Street
Sag Harbor, NY
(631) 725-3535

10. Jamesport Manor Inn

This charming reproduction of a Victorian inn graces the North Fork of Long Island, The cozy surroundings are filled with soft lighting, elegant wooden molding and fireplaces, as well as a wooden bar. The menu features New American cuiseine with a Mediterranean flair, cooked to perfection from local Long Island produce.

Jamesport Manor Inn
370 Manor Lane
Jamesport, NY
(631) 722-0500

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