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People&Culture

New York City's Most Romantic Restaurants

Bellini Restaurant

Business diners and cocktail crowds converge at this stylish midtown spot for upscale Italian.

The Scene

A fiercely loyal clientele--a stylish set of urban professionals--takes to the small, dark-wooded front bar after work to sip cocktails. Most eventually sneak back to the large dining room for a meal, where an army of pampering servers tends to each linen-draped table. Lined with heavily upholstered banquettes, white brick walls and oversized faux floral arrangements, it's timelessly elegant, if a bit timeworn.

The Food

The lengthy, upscale menu features Italy's greatest hits--and a few mediocre misses. From the north, there's risotto studded with sweet, occasionally overcooked shrimp, slicked with ultra-rich tomato cream. From the south, a mild slab of fried buffalo-milk ricotta with lemon-dressed arugula. Homemade pastas are boldly seasoned: flat, chewy malfatti (misshapen pasta) tangled with piquant caper-artichoke is a good bet. Entrees range from hearty pine nut-spinach braciole stewed in spicy tomato sauce, to simple (if bland) grilled fish, de-boned tableside.

Wine Woes

The bottle list is comprehensive and reasonably priced, but wines by the glass are limited. The fruit-forward, slightly spicy Primitivo or dry Pinot Grigio are fine options.

Special Occasions

The spacious private dining room downstairs accommodates up to 30 people, and the semi-private space seats more than 100. Call ahead to reserve for parties.

Half Portions, Full Price

The kitchen will serve a half portion pasta and split risottos, but don't expect to pay half price. Smaller sizes end up costing a bit more.

208 E 52nd St
New York, NY 10022
Phone: (212) 308-0830
Fax: (212) 308-9190