A short list of places we love.
These are the restaurants we send our members to. Quiet enough to talk. Generous with time. Run by people who care about hospitality.
We don’t take a cut of your check, and these restaurants don’t pay us. They don’t endorse us, and they aren’t affiliated with us, not yet, and maybe not ever. We just like them, we know they’re good, and we launched with them getting some free love. When we actually need money, we’ll figure out which partners make the most sense.
Lilia
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Pasta you'll remember, not because of what it cost but because of how careful it was. Tables close enough that you have to lean in.
Good for A first night when you want to know whether they take care.
pastaintimatefirst dateVisit →Via Carota
West Village, Manhattan
The platonic ideal of a small Italian room. Lit gently. The kind of menu that makes the decision for you and you're glad.
Good for A second date where you want to slow down on purpose.
italiancandlelitfirst dateVisit →Frenchette
Tribeca, Manhattan
Loud enough to be alive, quiet enough to talk. French in the way that doesn't try to perform French. Order the duck frites.
Good for A date where you're both showing up dressed and ready.
frenchlivelydinnerVisit →Cervo's
Lower East Side, Manhattan
Portuguese-leaning small plates and a wine list run by people who actually like wine. Counter seats are the best in the city for a first date.
Good for When you want to share food and not commit to a four-hour table.
small plateswinecounterVisit →Diner
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
A diner car that became one of the best restaurants in New York and never made a thing of it. The menu is written on the paper tablecloth.
Good for A Tuesday-night date that ends up lasting hours.
seasonallow-keyweekdayVisit →The Long Island Bar
Cobble Hill, Brooklyn
A neighborhood bar that just happens to make perfect martinis. Burgers are excellent. Stools are uncomfortable enough to keep the conversation honest.
Good for Drinks-only when you don't want to commit to dinner.
cocktailsburgerscasualVisit →
Help us land more spots
Share a recent date receipt. Voluntary, anonymous. We use the totals to show restaurants the kind of evenings that happen on Loveletter, which is how we keep landing partners. The more receipts, the more restaurants want in, the better our list gets for everyone.
No coupon. No credit. No nudge later. Just helps the community grow.
Sign in to share →New York for now. Other cities follow as we curate them properly. If you’d like to nominate a restaurant, or you’re a restaurant owner reading this, write to [email protected].