Hotspot restaurants in the Finical District of New York City

A guide to some delicious and cost effective places near campus to dine with that special someone

Brooke Salamone
4 min readDec 3, 2018

With the crisp fall weather and the holiday’s right around the corner, that romantic feeling is taking over the streets of the city. This season is often accompanied with warm feelings, fun adventures, and plenty gatherings with loved ones.

With all the love in the air, there is no better time to embark on a date night. Whether looking to find a restaurant to try with someone new, or planning a date night with your significant other, the Finical District is the place to be during this time of year.

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Surrounded by a multitude of different cuisine options, there are many places to try. In the city filled with endless possibility, here are three fun restaurants in FiDi that are worth trying out for your next date night plans.

Il Brigante

Located at 214 Front Street, Il Brigante is the definition of an authentic Italian restaurant. The restaurant focuses its menu on traditional Southern Italian Cuisine.

The intimate environment makes the restaurant a perfect place for a night out with that special someone. With a limited number of tables, try to make a reservation beforehand if planning to dine on the weekend.

Open Sunday — Thursday from 4p.m.-10:30p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 4p.m.-11p.m. for dinner, the menu is endless and reasonably priced. Luckily for those that prefer a lunch date, Il Brigante offers lunch options also. The restaurant is open for lunch Monday-Friday from 12p.m.- 4p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 12:30p.m.-4 p.m.

Anyone looking for a true Southern Italian feel, give Il Brigante a try. The menu ranges from traditional Italian appetizers(Antipasti) starting a nine dollars, to delicious pasta dishes(Primi Piatti) and meat dishes(Secondi Piatti) of all different styles. Each day the restaurant also updates their chef specials, which is a plus for anyone looking to try something new.

Ravioli Dish From Il Brigante

If the menu and environment is not already enough, the location is the icing on the cake. Located less than a minute walk from the seaport, you can end your romantic date night overlooking the beautiful East River and Brooklyn Bridge after your authentic Italian meal from Il Brigante.

The Ainsworth Fidi

If you are looking for the best burger in the Finical District on your date night, The Ainsworth Fidi location is the place to be. The Ainsworth sits on 121 Fulton Street less than a minute walk from the Freedom Tower.

But burgers are not the only thing on The Ainsworth’s menu that are great. The restaurant offers a variety of different meals ranging from salad to fish tacos. The menu overall is filled with typical American favorites, so if you are searching for a place with more diverse meal options, the Ainsworth might be a prime choice.

Open Monday- Wednesday from 11a.m.-12p.m., Thursday- Friday from 11a.m.-2a.m., Saturday’s from 10:30a.m.-2a.m., and Sunday’s from 10:30a.m.- 10p.m., the Ainsworth is a perfect location for a brunch, lunch, or dinner date!

Hamburger lovers, must try the Mac and Cheese burger.

The Ainsworth Instagram Account

There’s no better way to say romantic date night than chowing down on this mouthwatering dish.

El Vez NYC

Why not spice up your love life, literally and figuratively, and take your special someone to El Vez NYC. Located at 259 Vesey Street, El Vez is a delicious yet affordable Mexican restaurant perfect for a date night on the town.

El Vez Instagram

Open Monday- Thursday 11:30a.m.-10p.m., Friday from 11:30a.m.-11:00p.m., Saturday from 11a.m.-11p.m., and Sunday from 11a.m.-10p.m., El Vez has a delicious lunch and dinner menu with plenty of options for any lovers of Mexican Cuisine. On top of these two menus, the restaurant is open for brunch on Saturday and Sunday with it’s own unique menu.

With choices ranging from tacos and enchiladas to churros for dessert, there is no better place to take you date if you both are craving a spicy yet savory meal.

El Vez Instagram

El Vez also has a burrito bar open Monday-Friday for breakfast(8a.m.–10a.m.) and lunch(11a.m.–4a.m.)

After your meal at El Vez, you are just steps away from the Battery Park. Walk off your meal with your date, take in the crisp fall air, and overlook the beautiful view of Hudson River. Can not get much more romantic than this.

When on your next date night…

So next time you are planning a restaurant date with that special someone, check out some of these amazing places, they will not disappoint.

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