Best Spots for a Romantic Dinner in New York City

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and if you're in New York City, you know that dining out is a competition sport as well as a private pastime. If you want to impress that special someone with a great dinner out-or need to convince your special someone that the corner burger bar is not acceptable courtship fare-start taking notes. Here's the best that New York City has to offer for a romantic dinner.

Masa - 10 Columbus Circle

Might as well start with the cream of the crop. Selected by New York magazine itself as the best romantic dinner to be had, Masa does Japanese food in a manner only slightly less expensive than a trip to Japan itself, but if you're looking to make an impression, you can't go wrong with the ambience, the performance, the location or the food. If you've got an international palate and a thick wallet, here's your option.

21 Club - 21 West 52^nd St

An ample serving of history and fame accompany the classic American cuisine here. Boasting a bar and a sophisticated cocktail room in addition to a celebrated restaurant, this place has so many A-list celebrity patrons that they devote a section of the Web site to the list. Why, Humphrey Bogart proposed to Lauren Bacall at this very location, and if it's romantic enough for them, it's romantic enough for you. (Table 30, if you're wondering.)

Serendipity 3 - 225 East 60^th St

On the other hand, maybe all this ostentation isn't for you and you'd rather kick back and enjoy yourself. Serendipity 3's famously fun atmosphere is just right for a date where romance is more about kicking back than putting on the dog. You'll love the legendary ice cream confections and the good old-fashioned grub. Be warned, while the place itself isn't particularly hoity-toity, its well-deserved reputation is quite high, and thus reservations are definitely required well in advance. Very, very well in advance.

Danube - 30 Hudson St