While dating in the city can sometimes feel like you're looking for love in a hopeless place, we're here to say that just ain't the case. 

Sometimes a romantic date night is all that's necessary to spark that newfound love connection or rekindle an old one. 

 Whether it's your first date or your 500th, there are plenty of places in New York City to woo your honey over some sexy, delicious food. 

We have no idea why some people believe that a big bill equates to romantic gestures when the best way to our hearts is through our bellies.

That's why we put together this list of budget-friendly, belly-pleasing date night (or morning after) spots. 

Beware, you may fall more in love with the restaurant than your significant other, but we won't tell anyone. 

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1. Uva (1486 Second Avenue) 

If you have an anniversary or first date coming up, reserve a spot on their enclosed outdoor patio. This cozy little spot is the perfect place to sip on a wine flight while learning each others' quirks. 

Ready to bail on this first date? The generous pours of the flights are the way to go. At least enjoy some wine before your friend makes the bff-required escape call, though it'd be a crime to leave before tasting some of the incredible food at Uva.

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Stick out the bad company, and get the Gnocchi di Ricotta ( homemade ricotta gnocchi in a creamy black truffle and chive sauce). Excuse us while we wipe the drool off of our keyboards.

Not feeling the homemade ricotta gnocchi (we can't be friends)? Go for the Coste di Manzo Brasate (braised short ribs of beef with pan seared potatoes and rosemary cake).

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2. Ichabod's (15 Irving Place)

This tiny restaurant is the perfect place if you're looking to get cozy with your significant other. 

We'd start off with some small plates to share over some drinks. Our favorites are the Squash Dumplings or the Oysters. We're not so certain oysters are an aphrodisiac, but it's worth a shot...especially when they're as delicious as these.

For dinner, we're big fans of both the Squid Ink Spaccatelli (accompanied with clams, bacon, and soffritto), and the Crispy Duck Breast (with fennel, orange, and barley). 

If you're just looking for a quick happy hour for some pre-dinner drinks, Ichabod's has happy hour every Monday-Friday from 5pm-7pm. It's a great spot to meet up with your date and down some liquid courage before grabbing your table. 

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3. Black Mountain Wine House (415 Union Street - Brooklyn)

Looking for some smaller plates to enjoy with some wine or beer by a fire? This is the place to hit up. With an extensive list of wines and beers, this is a great place to break the ice in a cozy setting. 

If you're feeling ravenous for more than just your date, try their Goat Cheese Tart (roasted beets, potato, and balsamic vinegar) or the Charcuterie Plate ( cured meats and olives). 

They also have Fondue Tuesdays where their classic swiss fondue can be had for $16. We're mad jelly if you get asked on a date to Black Mountain Wine House this Tuesday.

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4. Vinegar Hill House (72 Hudson Avenue - Brooklyn) 

Lets say you had a successful date night that has rolled over to a date brunch... in which case, good on ya, you lucky duck, you!

If you're still looking to impress your date (or are trying to make up for whatever happened between dinner and breakfast), head on over to Vinegar Hill House. 

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This is a casual, country-gourmet restaurant with some pretty delicious brunch options. 

With a wood-fired oven and an emphasis on sustainably farmed ingredients, this place is a surefire hit. Order the Egg Sandwich (with brisket and cheddar on an English muffin) or the Plum Sourdough Pancake.

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5. Lanterna di Vittorio (129 MacDougal Street)

This cute Italian joint is perfect for a date night. Try and make a reservation for the garden room. It's a glass-enclosed indoor garden with gorgeous glass lanterns and is the perfect place to enjoy Lanterna's Lasagne. 

Can't get a reservation in the garden room? Try their Bar Next Door, which is their downstairs room where you and your date can enjoy dining fireside while listening to some live jazz (after 8pm). 

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6. El Quinto Pino (401 West 24th Street)

Sometimes all you need is a little Spanish flare to spice up your date night. This little tapas joint is perfect to test out your date's tastes.

This cozy spot has a mix of colorful and muted decor that will surely add romance to your meal.

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Order the Lengua Llumacanes (Menorcan style braised tongue), the Croquetas (Serrano ham croquettes), and the Pinchos Moruno (Moorish spiced lam skewers). 

Then make sure to order an Uni Panini to share, as it is their signature dish. But make sure to ask your date first, because some people aren't into sea urchin sandwiches. 

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7. Mesa Coyoacan (372 Graham Avenue, Brooklyn)

This is a hot spot for a fun date night. We tend to feel that any place that offers a variety of margaritas and tequilas is the place to hit up for an awesomely entertaining date night.

Because, for realz, the only way to tell whether or not you and your date are meant to be is after a couple of margs and some chips and guac. 

If you can get over the tasty tequila drinks, be sure to try a couple of plates. 

We're fans of the De Pescado tacos (grilled marinated tilapia topped with homemade pickled cabbage and avocado salsa) or the Carne Asada (grass fed grilled marinated skirt steak, served with rajas con crema, black beans, and enchilada de mole). 

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8. Nomad (78 2nd Avenue) 

We're fans of North African cuisine. Our bet? Your date will be too. Especially when its served in such a cute little restaurant like Nomad. 

Their Nomad Trio Dip (a choice of dips served with crispy pitas) or Goat Cheese Raisin Pizza (Spanish goat cheese, preserved raisins, arugula, and pumpkin seeds) are great ways to ease your date into the meal.

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Make sure to try the Grilled Beef Skewers (with grilled scallions, roasted yellow beets, and seasoned yogurt dip) and the Lamb Tajine (which is braised lamb with prunes, caramelized onions and almonds served with couscous. 

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9. Birds & Bubbles (100B Forsyth Street)

There is something about champagne that is just romantic. We're a bit biased here (we looooove the champ), but when you combine champagne with fried chicken? We melt into a pool of giddy, smitten girlish putty. 

Say you've been dating someone for a couple years (2...5... or 8), you'd be a-okay with splitting their Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner with a bottle of Pascal Doquet Rose on the outdoor patio for your special occasion dinner. 

At least, that's what our perfect anniversary dinner or birthday would comprise of. 

Check out 7 Unique Date Ideas in NYC for more ways to impress your partner.

[via Instagram]