One if by Land, Two if by Sea is simply magical. Tucked away on a quiet West Village street, this historic carriage house turned restaurant consistently ranks as one of NYC’s most romantic spots, and for good reason.

The ambiance alone is worth the visit—original brick walls, working fireplaces, candlelit tables, and a baby grand piano playing softly in the background. It’s no wonder the place sees more marriage proposals than perhaps any other restaurant in the city. But what keeps One if by Land from being just a pretty face is the food that lives up to the setting.

Their beef Wellington has achieved legendary status, with a perfect medium-rare tenderloin wrapped in mushroom duxelles and golden puff pastry. The seasonal tasting menu showcases sophisticated American cuisine with French influences, and their attentive sommeliers can guide you through an impressive wine list.

What makes this place truly special is how it balances being a special occasion destination without feeling stuffy. The service strikes that perfect New York note—professional yet warm, formal but never pretentious. Sure, it’s splurge-worthy, but unlike many high-end Manhattan restaurants, you’re paying for genuine history and atmosphere, not just hype.

If you’re looking to impress someone special or celebrate a milestone, One if by Land delivers an experience that feels quintessentially New York in all the best ways.