From Date Nights to Sweet Bites: Valentine’s Day in Lincoln Square

Valentine’s Day is almost here, and Lincoln Square is ready to help you celebrate love in all its forms. Whether you’re planning a romantic date, a creative outing, or simply indulging yourself, this vibrant neighborhood offers a range of experiences to make the day special.

Romantic Dining Experiences
Several Lincoln Square restaurants offer special menus for Valentine’s Day, making it easy to plan a romantic evening. At The Shops at Columbus Circle (10 Columbus Circle) alone, there are plenty of options. Indulge in a luxurious Valentine’s Day Omakase at Masa, featuring Chef Masa’s signature A5 Ohmi Beef Tataki and shaved truffle, with a choice of table seating or hinoki counter seating. For an exclusive and glamorous celebration, Ascent Lounge hosts a VIP Valentine’s Day experience featuring champagne, caviar, and chocolate packages along with romantic shared plates and live music. Porter House Bar and Grill adds special Valentine’s dishes—including Kumamoto Oysters, Scallop Tartare, Maine Lobster Risotto, Surf and Turf, and a Hazelnut Crémeux Tart—from February 14 through 16, starting at 4:30pm. Or, for a more relaxed yet indulgent experience, enjoy Momofuku Noodle Bar’s (10 Columbus Circle) Valentine’s Day menu.

Fill your heart—and appetite—with a four-course tasting dinner at the Mo Lounge in the Mandarin Oriental, New York (80 Columbus Circle) from February 13 through 15, available from 12:00pm to 9:00pm (inquire by email for availability). Over at Nougatine (1 Central Park West), enjoy an elegant Valentine’s Day dining experience to celebrate your love, or head to Robert (2 Columbus Circle) for a stunning view with a special Valentine’s menu. Bar Boulud (1900 Broadway at West 64th Street) serves a French-inspired prix fixe menu perfect for the occasion, but if you prefer to enjoy Chef Daniel Boulud’s cooking in the privacy of your own home, order one of his kits, available through Goldbelly, including options like a Valentine’s Dinner Kit for Two or a French Sweets Box. For a romantic evening filled with live music and Sinatra’s classics, both Atlantic Grill (50 West 65th Street between Columbus Avenue and Central Park West) and Rampoldi (49 West 64th Street between Broadway and Central Park West) offer a three-course meal in an intimate setting, with Atlantic Grill featuring sushi and sashimi and Rampoldi showcasing roasted duck breast.

If Italian cuisine is your love language, Lincoln Ristorante (142 West 65th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue) offers a three-course prix fixe menu featuring burrata, smoked short rib, crab orzo, seafood brodo, and lemon cheesecake. Cafe Fiorello (1900 Broadway between West 62nd and West 63rd Street) and its smaller sister restaurant, Café Paradiso (144 West 65th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue), both promise romantic specials with a menu of classic Italian dishes. Canto NYC (2014 Broadway at West 69th Street) also serves a special prix fixe menu for the holiday, complete with Italian eats and a bottle of wine for two. For something festive with a Mexican twist, Rosa Mexicano (61 Columbus Avenue at West 62nd Street) offers a three-course Valentine's menu, including an entrée to share. Book your table as soon as possible—these special Valentine’s Day menus are in high demand, and reservations tend to fill up quickly!

Music to Set the Mood
Enjoy live music that captures the romance of the season. Jazz at Lincoln Center (10 Columbus Circle) presents Kim Nalley: Time for Love on February 13, 15, and 16, and on February 14, Valentine’s Day with Kim Nalley will take place at Dizzy’s Club, where the performance includes a special three-course prix-fixe dinner. On February 14 and 15, Dianne Reeves: With Love will captivate audiences at the Rose Theater, celebrating the mysterious force known as love. For something truly memorable, head to the New York Philharmonic (David Geffen Hall, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza) on Valentine’s Day, where Renée Fleming and Jean-Yves Thibaudet will perform for one-night only in a magical evening of music featuring songs by Fauré, Messiaen, Hahn, Richard Strauss, and Alan Fletcher. If you’re in the mood for dancing, Fly Love Songs, co-presented by J.PERIOD and Lincoln Center Presents, offers an all-night DJ dance set with modern R&B and classic rap love songs at the David Rubenstein Atrium (1887 Broadway between West 62nd & West 63rd Street), starting at 7:30pm.

Creative Celebrations
Embrace your creative side with Valentine’s-themed activities. On February 9, Color Me Mine (177 Amsterdam Avenue at West 68th Street) hosts a Valentine’s Day Family Paint Date, allowing you to celebrate the holiday with your whole family. Then, on February 13, join the Galentine’s Day Celebration, where you and your BFFs can design ceramics inspired by female artists. For something extra special, sign up for the Valentine’s Day Paint & Sip event on February 14, which includes light refreshments as you unleash your inner artist. Be sure to check out the Color Me Mine calendar and reserve your spot. Over at the Museum of Arts and Design (2 Columbus Circle), join Max Colby for a fun Crafting Valentine’s Day Cards event on February 11. Or, if you’re in the mood for a lively party, attend the PAL-entine’s Day Party on February 13, where art, music, and drinks will set the perfect vibe for celebrating friendship.

Sweet Surprises
For those with a sweet tooth, Lincoln Square offers a range of delicious sweets. At The Shops at Columbus Circle, head to La Maison du Chocolat for exquisite Paris-themed chocolates, or indulge in Ladurée’s famous macarons for Valentine’s Day. Pick up holiday-themed sweets and breads, like rosewater rugelach or heart-stenciled sourdough, at Breads Bakery (1890 Broadway between West 62nd and West 63rd Street), or have a heart-shaped cookie gift box delivered straight from Maman’s (152 Columbus Avenue between West 66th and West 67th Street) oven to your doorstep. Stop by Épicerie Boulud (1900 Broadway at West 64th Street) for a special Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Bundt topped with cream cheese frosting and gold. Rosetta Bakery (1928 Broadway at West 64th Street) is featuring special Valentine’s creations to say “I love you,” and Magnolia Bakery (200 Columbus Avenue at West 69th Street) has a Valentine’s Day Collection, offering sweet treats like their signature cupcakes and banana pudding. For something playful, check out IT’SUGAR (1870 Broadway between West 61st and West 62nd Street), where you’ll find quirky and fun candy options.

Valentine’s Essentials
Sometimes it’s the simple things that matter most, so make sure you get your special someone a card to tell them how much they mean to you. Paper Source (The Shops at Columbus Circle) has a delightful Valentine’s Day collection of stationery and creative goodies, while Target (1863 Broadway at West 61st Street) has everything you need for the occasion, from cards and chocolates to decorations and more. Don’t forget to pick up fresh flowers or sweets for your Valentine from local markets like Whole Foods Market (The Shops at Columbus Circle), Gourmet Garage (155 West 66th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue), or Morton Williams (2015 Broadway between West 68th and West 69th Street), or opt for a luxurious arrangement of long-lasting roses from Venus Et Fleur (The Shops at Columbus Circle).

Dress for the Occasion
Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day outfit or a stylish gift? The Shops at Columbus Circle has several stores where you can get clothes for every date scenario. Wolford’s Valentine’s Day collection offers elegant hosiery and lingerie, perfect for a chic and sophisticated look. At J.Crew, you’ll find a range of romantic and festive pieces, from cozy sweaters to heart-print accessories. Fitness enthusiasts will love the “Everything You’ll Love” collection at Alo Yoga, featuring stylish apparel perfect for a date night out or a girls’ night in. For more activewear options, Lululemon’s Valentine’s Day gift guide includes performance-ready pieces and cozy loungewear, ideal for both workouts and relaxation. Further north, Gap (1988 Broadway at West 68th Street) has an adorable Love Collection for girls, boys, babies, and toddlers, featuring heart-themed outfits and red essentials to make their day festive, too.

Get Your Gift On
Surprise your Valentine with jewelry from Swarovski’s romantic gifts collection or Monica Rich Kosann’s curated gift guide, both at The Shops at Columbus Circle. The Store at MAD (2 Columbus Circle) will hold its first-ever Valentine’s Day Fine Jewelry Trunk Show on Thursday, February 6, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. RSVP to attend so you can enjoy 20% off all purchases. Check out MAD’s Valentine’s Day Edit for even more gift options. The American Folk Art Museum Shop (2 Lincoln Square) offers a selection of handmade gifts, including festive cards, pillows, and jewelry, perfect for someone who enjoys a unique gift. For something truly one-of-a-kind, visit The Emporium Ltd. (20 West 64th Street) for antique jewelry, home furnishings, and art. Those who appreciate a more modern touch might enjoy the festive entertaining essentials in Williams Sonoma’s (The Shops at Columbus Circle) Valentine’s Day collection or Pottery Barn’s (1965 Broadway between West 66th and 67th Street) Valentine’s Day shop.

Tech lovers will appreciate a new pair of AirPods, a phone case, and more from Apple (1981 Broadway at West 67^th Street), or high-tech recovery tools from Therabody (The Shops at Columbus Circle) to help them relax and recharge. For those who love to travel in style, Sunglass Hut (at The Shops) has a stunning collection of designer sunglasses for women and men. Or, help your Valentine practice some self-care with top beauty and skincare essentials from Sephora (1863 Broadway between West 61st and West 62nd Street), neutrals for lips and eyes and other bestsellers from MAC Cosmetics, (elegant fragrances, candles, and bath products from Jo Malone, or beautifully designed candles and perfumes from Diptyque (last three at The Shops).

Lincoln Square has everything you need to make Valentine’s Day memorable, whether celebrating with a partner, family, or friends or treating yourself. Make your reservations and plans early, as this vibrant neighborhood fills up quickly during the season of love. For even more ideas of where to shop or dine, check out our neighborhood guide.

Image Credit:
Photo 1 - Maman
Photo 2 - Venus Et Fleur
Photo 3 - Sunglass Hut