10 Valentine’s Day Date Spots In Sheepshead Bay

The inside of Cipura.
The inside of Cipura. (Photo: Alex Ellefson / Sheepshead Bites)

While the glittering lights of Manhattan are often alluring to star-crossed lovers looking to schedule a romantic rendezvous, those who aren’t keen to make the trek to city on Valentine’s Day can find plenty of date spots right here in Sheepshead Bay. Emmons Avenue has more than a few eateries that offer fantastic views of the bay — not to mention the lily white swans. We also have great ethnic restaurants where you can sample unique cuisines from around the world. And there are a few places that offer music and dancing to entertain your more than just your tastebuds.

Here are our top picks for date spots on Valentine’s Day. Make sure to reserve a table fast, some of these places expect to fill up.

Cipura Restaurant
1901 Emmons Avenue, open 12pm – 11pm, 718-758-5353
This Mediterranean seafood restaurant, located in the historic Lundy’s building, offers all the mainstays for a romantic evening: Beautiful wooden tables, cushy chairs, and sunlight that streams in through the large windows during the end of the day. It also opened recently, so if your date is a foodie, perhaps this is one restaurant they haven’t tried. Cipura will be offering a complimentary glass of wine with every meal on Valentine’s Day.

Yiasou
2003 Emmons Avenue, open 12pm – 11pm, 718-332-6064
This Greek restaurant will surely impress your date: Flaming cheese platters, oyster plates, and the staff will even let you select your own fish from an ice tray near the kitchen. Yiasou landed on the Village Voice’s list of the 10 Best Bargain Seafood Restaurants in New York City and is worth a visit. The manager told us they will have Valentine’s Day in mind when they select the chef’s specials, which will likely include a surf and turf and lobster option.

Azerbaijan House
2612 E 14th Street, open 11:30am – 11:30pm,718-646-2345
I had a great time when I first discovered this Azeri restaurant’s cozy, homespun cuisine. And indeed, I brought a date here for a second visit. Azerbaijan House said they will have live music at the restaurant on Valentine’s Day.

Opera Cafe & Lounge
2255 Emmons Avenue, open 8am – 2am, 718-676-2992
You can’t go wrong at this Turkish eatery. For those who want a rich and luxurious dinner, you’ll find it in Opera’s elegantly decorated dining room. Try to reserve a table near the window so you can catch a view of the bay.

Liman Restaurant
2710 Emmons Avenue, open 12pm – 11pm, 718-769-3322
Also on the list of 10 Best Bargain Seafood Restaurants, this Mediterranean grill sits right up against the waterfront. Enjoy the bounty of the ocean right beside the sea.

1001 Nights
35 Neptune Avenue, open 12pm – 12am, 718-646-1001
Want a dazzling evening? 1001 nights hosts belly dancing and music to go along with your meal. The restaurant offers cuisine from across Central Asia and has a little something for everyone.

Coney Island Taste
2580 Coney Island Ave, open 11am – 10pm, 718-339-8371
This Peruvian eatery is great for those looking for some food with flare. It’s a casual dining experience, so come for the fun food. But if your date is a seafood fanatic, they will surely be pleased by the fresh ceviche stocked with fish, shrimp, squid and octopus. Yum!

il Fornetto
2902 Emmons Avenue, open 11am – 10pm, 718-332-8494
Enjoy a stunning view of the water at this Italian eatery. Il Fornetto is offering a special three-course Valentine’s Day menu for $44.95. Check it out here.

Village Cafe
1968 Coney Island Avenue, open 11am – 12am, 718-975-3373
This Azeri restaurant cooks up dazzlingly colored dishes that are as delicious as they appear. And unlike some of the other Middle Asian/Eastern European restaurants in the neighborhood, they have some really flavorful vegetarian options. So if one of you likes the green stuff while the other is a total carnivore, this could be your spot.

Istanbul Restaurant
1715 Emmons Avenue, open 11am – 11pm, 718-368-3587
This Turkish eatery puts out some really tasty seafood.  Chill out by the bay inside this comfy restaurant for great company and food.