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New Yorkers 1st Choice
The Heights' best

Food spots for dates

Made for those who view dining out as the essential foundation of a successful evening with a partner.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Sushi Makoto image 1
Sushi Makoto image 2
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Japanese restaurant

Large dining room offers a BYOB policy and features a family-owned, clean environment with a hilarious mural outside. Atmosphere stays quiet and suitable for date nights with culturally inspired background music. Sushi and dishes are consistently fresh, high quality, and affordably priced.

Food features freshness and light, distinct flavors with many options. Every dish tastes delicious and well-prepared.

Very nice atmosphere creates a relaxed setting for a casual date or date night. The vibe suits both quick lunches and longer evenings out.

People are saying

"The sushi here is unbelievably fresh and melts in your mouth."

"The food here is unbelievably fresh and flavorful."

"The sushi here is delicious and fresh for a great date spot."

Good to know

1

Sushi Makoto is BYOB, so bring your own alcohol.

2

The lunch special offers the best price in the area.

3

Expect quick service; food comes out fast during dine-in visits.

02
La Bodega Latin Cuisine image 1
Dominican restaurant

Old-fashioned bodega style blends with modern decor and Dominican family history murals on the walls. Warm, family-friendly atmosphere fills the clean, newly renovated space. Low merengue music plays softly while a small market offers authentic Dominican products.

Dominican food here is fresh and delicious, prepared by an actual Dominican woman. Meals offer excellent flavors and a strong focus on uplifting the community.

Authentic flavors shine in every dish, impressing guests with genuine taste. The owner shares the family history, adding a personal touch to the experience.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

"It's a gorgeous and cozy restaurant with a warm, vibrant atmosphere."

"The Dominican food here is fantastic and so fresh."

Good to know

1

La Bodega Latin Cuisine has been a community staple for over 30 years.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of authentic Dominican dishes.

3

Reservations are recommended for private events to ensure availability.

03
yakitame bento & katsu image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small space with cozy wood flooring and intimate seating creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Calm and casual vibe suits easy conversation. Simple presentation and large portions make dining feel satisfying and comfortable.

Food comes in large portions and looks very pretty when served. Dishes are delicious and prepared with care, arriving quickly and maintaining excellent quality.

Small spot offers a cozy vibe for couples. Options include chicken teriyaki bento box and rice bowls that suit shared meals.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the ramen and katsu, is delicious."

"The food here is delicious, especially the fresh ramen and katsu."

"The Date Spots here are delicious and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait during peak times, especially during lunch and dinner hours.

2

Street parking is difficult; the nearest lot is a 10-minute walk away.

3

The restaurant has only four small tables for dine-in.

04
Irma’s Café image 1
Restaurant

Small, cozy restaurant with homey atmosphere and art on the walls. Serves fresh Salvadorian and Mexican food, including highly regarded tacos and pupusas. Limited indoor seating encourages takeout, with daily specials and affordable prices on some items.

Food features authentic Mexican and Salvadorian dishes with a homemade taste. Items like milanesa sandwiches and flautas stand out for their flavor and quality.

Dinner offers a delicious and satisfying experience. Couples find it a good spot to dine together.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and tastes homemade."

"I loved the birria tacos; they did not disappoint."

"The carne guisada and birria tacos are excellent."

Good to know

1

The café offers a 4 for $10 taco deal on Tuesdays.

2

Expect limited indoor seating, so arrive early for dine-in.

3

Takeout and delivery options are available for convenience.

05
Island Central image 1
Filipino restaurant

Filipino restaurant with live music and karaoke creates a warm, cozy atmosphere that recalls the Philippines. Decor and ambiance offer a family-friendly, chill vibe where guests often sing along. Affordable prices and authentic Filipino dishes with generous portions define the experience.

Fresh Filipino food cooks on site to ensure quality and flavor. The dishes offer authentic Filipino flavors that many find delicious and satisfying.

A cute spot with authentic Filipino vibes creates a cozy setting for date nights. The perfectly cooked vegetables and warm hospitality add to the inviting atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic Filipino, just like I was craving."

"You can sing along with the live music band."

"The hospitality here makes it a great spot for dates."

Good to know

1

Karaoke nights are on Fridays and Saturdays and are BYOB.

2

Daily specials are available, offering affordable meal options.

3

The restaurant is BYOB, allowing guests to bring their own drinks.

06
Carol Ann's Table image 1

Backyard dining and soft lighting create a relaxed, intimate atmosphere with neo soul music enhancing the vibe. Cozy seating invites quiet dinners or casual gatherings, while BYOB policy adds a personal touch. The space balances warmth and style with thoughtful decor and plans for an outdoor patio.

Food here is consistently fresh and well-prepared, showing clear skill in the kitchen. Appetizers stand out as very good, and the overall menu impresses at both brunch and dinner.

Juicy burgers with great quality meat and toasted buns stand out here. The spot feels like a hidden gem perfect for a casual date.

People are saying

"The crispy shrimp here is perfect, just like my grandfather used to make."

"I thought the food here was really delicious."

"The food here is unforgettable, especially the steak frites."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYOB, allowing guests to bring their own alcohol.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for popular dishes like ragu.

3

They serve brunch all day, making it a flexible dining option.

07
The Alps image 1

Bar combines chalet-like design with stylish, light decor and comfortable seating including cozy lounge areas. Atmosphere balances elegant and relaxed vibes, creating an intimate yet spacious feel. Crowd enjoys creative cocktails, extensive wine selection, and a friendly, neighborhood energy.

Small bites come with interesting flavors and careful preparation. The panzanella salad stands out, paired with amazing cocktails for a balanced food and drink experience.

Casual nights out work well here with a bar area and high chairs for intimate conversations. Plenty of seating in the back suits group dates or relaxed hangouts.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great cocktails; they tasted amazing."

"The food and cocktails here are delicious and fantastic."

"The vibe here is pretty cool for date spots."

Good to know

1

Pop-up kitchens are featured on special event nights.

2

Reservations are recommended for busy weekend nights.

3

Happy hour specials are available from 4-6pm on weekdays.

08
Marty's image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Small hamburger restaurant with cozy booths and an energetic 80s rock soundtrack creates a vibrant diner vibe. Outdoor seating adds to the casual atmosphere. Known for fresh, tasty burgers and a standout veggie option.

Food features fresh chicken breast tenders and poutine with warm cheese curds in gravy. Burgers and spicy chicken tenders stand out as high-quality fast food that satisfies cravings quickly and affordably.

Frequent visits since last summer show it as a steady spot for couples. The regular cheeseburger stands out as a simple, reliable choice for lunch dates.

People are saying

"I thought Marty's burgers were the best in the neighborhood."

"I thought the food here was amazing and delicious."

"I loved the savory burgers and cheese fries here."

Good to know

1

Marty's is not open on Mondays.

2

The pickup option is convenient as they are around the corner.

3

Ordering in-store instead of online offers a special that includes fries and a drink.

09
Griot Cafe image 1

Spacious cafe with artsy decor and calming blue hues offers a kid-friendly corner stocked with books and toys. The atmosphere stays chill and welcoming, supporting work and relaxed conversation. Outlets and wifi are available at each seat, creating a practical yet cozy environment.

Food includes vegan Griot sandwich, samosa, and matcha latte. Dishes like griots, beignets, omelettes, and home fries come out cooked deliciously and fill you up without a premium price.

Offers options for both vegan and non-vegan diets, making it easy for couples with different preferences to enjoy. Atmosphere suits a relaxed, shared dining experience.

People are saying

"I had one of the best cups of coffee I ever had."

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"The food here is delicious, especially the beignets."

Good to know

1

Griot Cafe is open until 8 pm daily, while most cafes close around 3 or 4 pm.

2

Parking might be challenging, but there is parking about a block away.

3

Be careful with parking meters in the area—they’re closely monitored.

10
Dulce De Leche Bakery image 1

Bakery offers a cozy, bright atmosphere with a bustling, friendly vibe reminiscent of an Argentine pastry shop. It draws a steady crowd for fresh, flavorful pastries and has seating with free Wi-Fi for casual work or dining.

Freshly baked goods stand out with delicious pastries and tart desserts. Food offers great value alongside a wide range of quality options.

Sweet treats like the DDL Chantilly cake create a memorable experience. The bakery offers a variety of desserts that appeal to couples looking for a cozy spot.

People are saying

"The tres leches cake was soft, moist, and creamy."

"I found the food here to be delicious and of excellent quality."

"You have to try the DDL Chantilly cake; it's a chocolate cake with dulce de leche."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult; plan to arrive early.

2

Order custom cakes at least 3-4 days in advance.

11
La Milpa Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Colorful indoor and outdoor spaces create a welcoming atmosphere with a dog-friendly backyard that feels cozy and authentic. The vibe is pleasant and family-friendly, with a focus on traditional Mexican decor and a spacious patio. Energy stays relaxed, making it a comfortable spot to enjoy casual dining.

Traditional Mexican dishes arrive quickly, usually within 10 minutes, featuring authentic flavors and great sauces. The food quality stands out as very good and often surpasses the atmosphere and service.

Large, flavorful carnitas tacos offer a satisfying meal for two. The food tastes authentic, making it a solid choice for a casual date.

People are saying

"You have to try the tacos; they're a 10 out of 10."

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and delicious."

"The carnitas nachos and chicharrones con guacamole are delicious."

Good to know

1

La Milpa Taqueria is BYOB, allowing guests to bring their own alcohol.

2

The restaurant is open daily until midnight.

3

Expect to pay around $5 for each taco after service charge and tax.

12
The Franklin image 1
Restaurant

Cozy interior with low lighting creates a relaxed, friendly atmosphere suited for quiet evenings and small gatherings. Outdoor seating on the sidewalk offers a casual spot to bring pets and enjoy fresh air. BYOB policy and a varied menu including vegetarian options add to the local, lowkey vibe.

Food features fresh ingredients with perfect portions and a seasonal touch. Dishes like French toast and pork carnitas benedict show strong flavor and quality.

A beautiful spot for a date with wonderful food like the octopus appetizer and wild mushrooms omelette with goat cheese. Its convenient location makes it easy to walk to for a night out.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The brunch chilaquiles and chicken and waffles were great."

"The food here is fantastic and wonderful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is a BYOB, which is a huge plus.

2

Brunch is served at 1:00 pm on Thursdays.

3

There was no parking around The Franklin.

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The Heights, Jersey City

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