Triomphe New York
This French American bistro is intimate. With only 11 tables, this is a classically elegant setting for a refined dining experience. Located inside the renovated Iroquois Hotel, Triomphe is great for a morning crepe or pre-theater dinner. The cuisine--like the restaurant itself--is understated, but top-notch, so don't expect the menu to confuse you with anything too complicated. The breakfast selection isn't as diverse as their dinner or lunch menu (which is also worth trying) but you have the essentials and more including a unique twist on French toast, crepes of course, eggs Benedict, and a full continental breakfast buffet. Because of a minimalist approach to an elegant dining experience, unlike most over the top hotel restaurants and bars, Triomphe succeeds as a fantastic place for couples looking for a quiet and somewhat secluded place to enjoy a conversation over a good meal.
Triomphe New York
49 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10036
(212) 453-4233
triomphe-newyork.com/
Public
Public is the kind of restaurant that encompasses everything that makes New York dining so unique. The atmosphere is casually elegant, bringing art deco design into a deconstructed Nolita loft space to create a sophisticated and romantic café. Imagine yourself on an episode of Mad Men and ordering a Glenlivet on the rocks with Don Draper. Candle lights, earth tones and exposed brick create a warm and comfortable setting that is perfect for a first date.
Their weekend brunch begins at 11a.m.; at brunch an experimental menu they call "free-spirited fusion" will satisfy entertain even the most discriminating palate. Featuring tea-smoked salmon and poached eggs on sourdough bread with yuzu hollandaise, Turkish eggs over Greek yogurt and their well renowned coconut pancakes with ricotta and mangos, the food at this Michelin starred inventive bistro is creative and exceptionally tasty. Sneak a date behind the host stand to enjoy the Monday Room, a secluded lounge with black leather banquettes, sexy crimson red tabletops and a personal wine steward instead of a bartender to bring you half glasses for tasting, or full bottles to share from 60 varieties. Yes, they will be impressed.
Public
210 Elizabeth Street
New York, NY 10012
(212) 343-7011
public-nyc.com/
Epistrophy
Epistrophy is a reminder of the days when you could find an eclectic, independently run coffee shop with furniture so perfectly worn the place could have been your grandmother's house (if she smoked funny cigarettes and spent a semester in France one year). Outside, tiny wooden tables decorated with flowers are perfect spots to people watch over a cup of coffee during the summer; but walk indoors and choose from a large cushioned window seat, a fluffy couch or several quaint tables with mismatched furniture. There is a comfortable, European ambience to Epistrophy, and the menu is a mixture of Italian American cuisine with croissants and a variety of egg dishes such as Uova Prosciutto Crudo e Asparagi (fried eggs with prosciutto and asparagus) and Uova Strapazzate al Salmone (scrambled eggs with salmon). The wine list is also extensive if you want to indulge. Epistrophy is a great place to have an intimate and unassuming meal with someone close before venturing out for an afternoon in downtown Manhattan.
Epistrophy
200 Mott Street
(between Kenmare St & Spring St)
New York, NY 10012
(212) 966-0904
epistrophycafe.com/
