🚕 NYCs Most Romantic Restaurants

Good Morning NY!

This week, we’re covering some major moves in the city’s dining scene.

An iconic German butcher shop is closing its doors, while high-profile diners, including Kamala Harris, were spotted at one of NYC’s most exclusive restaurants.

We’ve also rounded up the city’s most romantic restaurants for your next date night, and the battle between Resy and OpenTable is heating up as more restaurants make the switch.

Plus, a wave of new French spots is bringing Parisian charm to NYC, adding even more depth to the city’s ever-evolving food landscape.

There’s a lot to cover so let’s dive in!

Iconic German Butcher Shop 'Zum Stammtisch Pork Store' to Close After 14 Years

Zum Stammtisch Pork Store, a cherished German butcher shop in Glendale, Queens, is closing its doors on March 1 after 14 years in business.

Co-owner Hans Lehner cited rising costs and a decline in customers as the main reasons for shutting down.

The store opened in 2010 as an extension of Zum Stammtisch, a German restaurant that Lehner’s father founded in 1972.

Despite the pork store’s closure, the restaurant will remain open and continue serving its loyal patrons.

Loyal customers have expressed disappointment, sharing fond memories of the store’s authentic German meats and specialties.

The closure reflects the ongoing struggles of small businesses, particularly family-run specialty shops.

Regulars are encouraged to visit before the final day to stock up on favorites and say goodbye.

The Lehner family has thanked the community for their unwavering support over the years.

Although the pork store is shutting down, the Zum Stammtisch Restaurant will continue to keep German culinary traditions alive.

The family remains hopeful and invites customers to keep the legacy going at the restaurant.

Kamala Harris Dines at Polo Bar

During the Presidents' Day weekend, Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, dined at Ralph Lauren's Polo Bar in New York City.

Their visit coincided with the 50th anniversary celebrations of "Saturday Night Live" (SNL), which attracted numerous celebrities to the city.

At the Polo Bar, Harris and Emhoff were accompanied by six Secret Service agents.

They interacted with fellow diners, including Carson Kressley, who stopped by their table for a photo.

Other notable personalities present included Jerry Seinfeld, Larry David, Jon Hamm, and Peyton Manning.

Seinfeld and his wife, Jessica, were seen dining with Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos and his wife, Nicole Avant.

Larry David shared a corner table with Jon Hamm, known for his guest appearances on David's "Curb Your Enthusiasm."

The city buzzed with excitement as stars gathered for the "SNL50: The Homecoming Concert" at Radio City Music Hall and a special three-hour SNL broadcast.

While Harris and Emhoff did not attend the Sunday special, their presence added to the weekend's star-studded atmosphere.

Reports suggest that Emhoff has been exploring luxury condos on the Upper West Side, indicating that the couple plans to spend more time in New York City.

New York City's Most Romantic Restaurants

Valentine's Day may have just gone by, but that doesn’t mean you can’t plan another romantic night out with your loved one!

If you're looking for the perfect date night spot, these restaurants bring ambiance, elegance, and unforgettable dining experiences:

• Gage and Tollner (Brooklyn) – A beautifully restored 19th-century landmark with vintage charm and an intimate atmosphere.

• Monkey Bar (Midtown Manhattan) – A classic Jazz Age restaurant with iconic murals and an old-school New York vibe.

• Nightly’s (Upper East Side) – A cozy, candlelit neighborhood spot offering a romantic European-inspired experience.

• Bar Birba (Brooklyn) – A small, casual yet charming wine bar known for its warm ambiance and great food.

• Bar Moga (Greenwich Village) – A Tokyo-style cocktail bar transporting guests to 1920s Japan with expertly crafted drinks.

• Restaurant Marc Forgione (Tribeca) – A Michelin-starred spot with dim lighting, rustic elegance, and refined cuisine.

• The River Café (Brooklyn) – A legendary fine-dining destination with breathtaking Manhattan skyline views.

• The Nines (NoHo) – A swanky piano bar with plush seating, live music, and a glamorous old-world feel.

• Hart’s (Crown Heights) – A cozy Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with a relaxed yet intimate setting.

• Maison Premiere (Williamsburg) – A French Quarter-inspired oyster bar with an absinthe-focused cocktail menu.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just planning a romantic night out, these spots set the perfect mood.

Lower East Side, Chinatown & Little Italy Food Tour

Embark on a culinary journey through NYC's rich immigrant history with the Immigrant New York Food Tour by Like A Local Tours.

Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of the Lower East Side, Chinatown, and Little Italy, savoring six diverse tastings that together make up a hearty lunch.

From authentic dumplings to classic Italian pastries, each bite tells a story of the city's multicultural heritage.

Tours run for three hours, covering approximately two miles at a moderate pace, and are both vegetarian and vegan-friendly.

As a special offer for our subscribers, use code NYCBITES12 at checkout to enjoy 12% off your booking.

Competition Heats Up Between Resy and OpenTable

A growing number of New York City restaurants are switching from Resy to OpenTable.

Notable spots like Estela, Raf’s, Altro Paradiso, Scarr’s Pizza, and Win Son have made the move since last summer.

Many restaurateurs cite better customer service, flexible pricing, and new product updates as key reasons for the switch.

OpenTable has also secured strategic partnerships, including one with Visa, offering marketing support and financial incentives.

Some restaurant owners feel Resy has focused too much on elite establishments, leaving smaller but well-loved spots behind.

Resy, owned by American Express, still has strong ties to high-end venues and exclusive perks for Amex cardholders.

OpenTable’s recent improvements are making it a more attractive option for independent restaurants looking for better visibility and support.

This shift highlights the competitive nature of reservation platforms, as restaurants seek the best tools to manage bookings and customer relationships.

For diners, this means keeping an eye on both platforms, as your favorite restaurants may no longer be on the same platform.

France is Making Its Way to NYC

A new wave of French-inspired restaurants is revitalizing New York City's dining scene, blending traditional elegance with modern flair.

Le Petit Village, located in the West Village, offers a cozy ambiance reminiscent of a Parisian bistro, attracting diners seeking an intimate experience.

On the Upper East Side, Café Commerce, helmed by Chef Harold Moore, presents classic French dishes with a contemporary twist, appealing to both traditionalists and newcomers.

The Foulquier brothers have introduced Chez Fifi, a chic establishment where Executive Chef Mehjabin Ahmed crafts a menu that seamlessly combines comfort with sophistication.

This resurgence is further highlighted by esteemed chefs like Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Eric Ripert, and Daniel Humm, who recently gathered to honor the legacy of the legendary Paul Bocuse, underscoring French cuisine's enduring influence in the city.

These establishments, alongside revitalized classics, are redefining New York's culinary landscape, offering diners authentic French experiences infused with contemporary creativity.

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