This Michelin-Starred NYC Restaurant Is Led By A James Beard Semifinalist — And Hosting NYC’s Most Romantic Valentine’s Dinner This Year

New York City doesn’t lack Valentine’s Day dinner options — but once a year, a handful of restaurants quietly separate themselves from the rest. This February, that list includes Essential by Christophe , the Michelin-starred Upper West Side restaurant that’s hosting what we’re calling the most romantic Valentine’s Day dinner in NYC — just as its chef earns one of the highest honors in American dining. Chef Christophe Bellanca , the mind behind Essential, was just named a **2026 James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: New York State**, placing the restaurant firmly in the national spotlight ahead of Valentine’s Day weekend. And instead of business as usual, Essential is going all in to celebrate. For three nights only (February 13–15) , the restaurant will serve an exclusive four-course Valentine’s tasting menu designed specifically for the holiday — candlelit, indulgent, and unapologetically romantic. A Michelin-starred Valentine’s menu — and nothing else ------------------------------------------------------ During Valentine’s Day weekend, Essential isn’t offering à la carte options or its usual tasting menus. This $280 prix fixe will be the *only* menu available — a rare, tightly curated experience built for slow pacing, shared moments, and serious culinary flexing. The evening opens with refined starters like Tarbouriech oysters with fennel and sunchoke and a silky mushroom cappuccino with sweet potato and Madeira , setting the tone before guests move into their chosen courses. From there, diners select from dishes that feel tailor-made for the occasion: * Sea urchin chawanmushi with citrus and nori * Foie gras royale paired with red king crab * Toro saku with tamarind and mandarinquat The middle courses lean even deeper into luxury, with options like langoustine with green curry , lightly smoked scallop topped with gold osetra caviar , and mains ranging from wild turbot with white asparagus to lobster cooked over embers or wagyu beef cap with juniper reduction . Dessert doesn’t rush the ending either — expect ruby red grapefruit textures, chocolate-raspberry rose compositions, petit fours for the table, and optional wine or non-alcoholic pairings curated to match each course. In other words: this isn’t a rushed Valentine’s reservation you squeeze in after work. It’s the whole night. Led by a James Beard semifinalist with serious pedigree ------------------------------------------------------- Chef Christophe Bellanca’s résumé reads like a greatest-hits list of French fine dining. Before opening Essential in late 2022, Bellanca spent more than three decades training in elite kitchens, including Maison Pic in France and L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon , where he later served as Culinary Director for Robuchon’s U.S. restaurants. Since opening on West 77th Street, Essential has quickly become one of the Upper West Side’s most celebrated dining rooms — earning a Michelin star in 2023 , maintaining it ever since, and now landing Bellanca a James Beard semifinalist nod for 2026 . The recognition arrives at a perfect moment, reinforcing what many diners already know: this is one of NYC’s most quietly impressive restaurants. Why Essential feels tailor-made for Valentine’s Day --------------------------------------------------- Beyond the accolades, Essential’s atmosphere is what makes it such a strong Valentine’s pick. The townhouse-style space is elegant without being stiff — warm leather, soft lighting, brass details, and enough space between tables to actually have a conversation . It feels intimate without being hushed and special without being intimidating. Service is polished but personal , the kind that reads the room instead of performing for it. And the food leans refined rather than heavy, which makes a multi-course dinner feel indulgent instead of overwhelming. 📍 Essential by Christophe — 103 W 77th St, Upper West Side 📅 Valentine’s Day Weekend: February 13–15 💰 $280 prix fixe 🍷 Optional wine, reserve wine, or non-alcoholic pairings available 🍽️ Reservations strongly recommended , see full menu and book here Source: https://secretnyc.co/essential-by-christophe-valentines-day-dinner-2026-james-beard-award-semifinalist-michelin-star/