9 Valentine’s Day Restaurants In The Nabe Or On The F/G Train
We’ve taken the stress out of finding the perfect Valentine’s Day restaurant. Here is a short list of romantic but casual restaurants perfect for a quiet date.
To find these restaurants, I picked the brains of three Park Slope and South Slope neighbors. These ladies travel to the far reaches of Brooklyn chasing restaurant reviews and delicious cuisine. They enjoy getting to know the chefs in each of their favorite restaurants.
Stay Within Walking Distance of Home
No other cuisine says “I love you” like Italian food. Piccolli (522 6th Avenue) serves high quality, simple Italian-inspired food with an ambiance perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Are you looking for a low key date spot? Brookvin (381 7th Avenue) is “cozy and casual,” says my source. Their menu may be short–and delicious!–but their wine list is extensive. If your date enjoys wine, consider signing her up for a wine class as an extra Valentine’s Day gift.
Slow food restaurant Lot 2 (687 6th Ave) serves up delicious meals in an unassuming atmosphere. One yelp reviewer points out that since it’s just outside Park Slope proper, there is more elbow room.
Want to get out of the neighborhood?
Some couples prefer to enjoy a romantic dinner away from the gossip of their hyper-local neighbors. We’ve brought together a list of easy-to-get-to-but-still-out-of-the-way restaurants easily accessible on the F/G train.
Coney Island Bound
Hamilton’s (2826 Fort Hamilton Parkway) will have a special Valentine’s Day menu, though it hasn’t yet been released. I haven’t been there for dinner, but I still dream of Hamilton’s Ella Fitzgerald sandwich and imagine their dinners just as succulent. They are accepting reservations.
Le Paddock (1235 Prospect Ave) is tucked away in an unassuming but highly accessible section of Windsor Terrace. Chef Greg brought French cuisine from his hometown of La Rochelle, France to share with his Kensington neighbors. The name is a nod to Kensington Stables.
A block down Prospect Avenue is the environmentally and ethically aware Brooklyn Commune (601 Greenwood Avenue) which transforms from cafe in the morning to trattoria in the evening. The Brooklyn Commune will be serving a decadent 6-course tasting menu on Valentine’s Day. Reservations are required.
Manhattan Bound
According to my sources, Battersby (255 Smith Street) “is amazing, very small, hard to get in.” According to their website they will make a “spontaneous tasting menu available upon request.” Although that may be a tall order for Valentine’s Day, I’m sure they’re cooking up something special.
Rucola (190 Dean Street) is close to the G at Hoy-Schermerhorn and not a far walk from the Atlantic Center. My source says, “very neighborhoody. Great menu. Very cozy on a cold night.” On Valentine’s Day they are taking reservations for parties of all sizes and have a special menu in addition to their regular menu. Prepare to be spoiled!
Should you want to stay in but still be pampered restaurant-style, place an online order for pick up at Piccolli’s take-out window (157 Prospect Park Southwest). The window offers the same fresh, wholesome, Italian food as their sit-down restaurant.
What are your favorite restaurants for a romantic date night?