Dining and dating go hand-in-hand in New York City. But all it takes is one bad kale salad or a three-hour wait for your romantic life to go down the garbage disposal. Luckily, Chris Stang and Andrew Steinthal, founders of Immaculate Infatuation, a dining blog that handpicks the best restaurants in NYC, have amassed a roster of eateries to successfully wine and dine for every occasion, from the dreaded online date to the anxiety-ridden proposal. Take a look:
1. MEETING YOUR ONLINE CRUSH FOR THE FIRST TIME
La Vara, 268 Clinton St., Brooklyn
“It’s on a picturesque block in Cobble Hill. The restaurant is a small plates, Spanish place with Jewish and Moorish influences,” says Steinthal, adding that the prime real estate is the cozy booth in the front next to the windows, which are perfect for people-watching — especially handy if your date’s a dud.
2. DATE NIGHT
L’Artusi, 228 W. 10th St.
“It’s my standby,” says Stang, whose go-to move is to head straight to the bar and snag the two corner seats facing the rest of the restaurant. It’s less formal than sitting at a table, and it also puts you in closer proximity for sharing the meal — which is the way to dine at the West Village joint, says Stang. His recs? The homemade ricotta and the olive oil cake.
3. SEALING THE DEAL
Prima, 58 E. First St.
It’s scientifically proven: Oysters are aphrodisiacs — which is all the more reason to stop by this East Village den of seduction.
“It has a really simple menu, seafood, oysters — obviously so sexy,” says Steinthal.
Plus the carefully-crafted cocktails, which he says are “insane,” will wash away any inhibitions.
4. PROPOSING
Eleven Madison Park, 11 Madison Ave.
The famously customer-friendly restaurant is known as much for its service as it is for its decadent tasting menus.
“You need to go to a place that has really good service, because you’re going to need to work some things out with the management beforehand,” notes Stang.
“If you give them guidance, they’ll customize experiences for you,” adds Steinthal. (That includes, one presumes, a souffle topped with diamonds.)
5. YOUR ANNIVERSARY
Blue Hill at Stone Barns, 630 Bedford Road, Pocantico Hills, NY
“That is the ultimate special-occasion, once-a-year dining spot,” says Steinthal. “You definitely get an elevated experience, but it’s not stuffy, and they treat everyone so well and you always leave feeing good about yourself — even though you just spent a boatload of money.”
A pro tip? Hire a driver.
“Meals there typically last three to four hours . . . this is the one time a year you book a car service aside from going to the airport. You’re not going to be able to move after this meal, let alone drive,” he warns.
dschuster@nypost.com