nyc4nye

I need some good local knowledge for some recommendations .. we will be in NYC for new years and would like to go for a nice dinner, but not really high end. We have 2 kids (7 and 8), and were planning a dinner out .. trying to stay away from Times Sq ..

We are staying 52nd/Madison, but were also planning on going to the fireworks in Central Park, so somewhere in the vicinity of the park - within easy walking distance. Maybe a nice neighborhood restaurant? Something with some ambiance - and not too exotic. I have a picky eater, so maybe italian would work - can't go wrong with pasta! I've looked at a place called Isabella's - any reviews? I've also looked lots on Opentable.com, and although they have all kinds of optionns/menus, I really need some local feedback and opinions!!

Any/all suggestions would be welcomed .. I know it might be a bit late, but I thought I'd better start thinking about this. We arrive on 30th and would like to have something booked.

Many tks
G

emcash

Osteria del circo is a nice place that i think is very family friendly. It was opened by the owners of le Cirque, and it has sort of a circus theme to it, but nicely done and the food is very good (italian). It's on 55th between 6th and 7th. That's what I would choose for a night out with my DD.

Cries_Van_Notebook

See if you can get a table at San Domenico on Central Park South, close to Columbus Circle. You will be right across the street from Central Park.

Good friends always book this restaurant for NYE.

Thin

mp

You could try Arte Cafe on W. 73rd St. - I just checked on opentable, they have tables available at 8:00 and 8:30, it is a good reliable local place, you can walk to the park from there . . but really, I can't imagine standing in the park for several hours waiting for the fireworks at midnight with two young kids.
maybe if you put it to them as an adventure . . . and they take an afternoon nap.

A bit more $$$ but good food, very friendly and accommodating is Beacon on W. 56th St. also on opentable. We've been taking our son there since he was 4. It has the advantage of being closer to your hotel if you decide to bag the fireworks idea.

mp

thin San domenico on CPS has closed and is moving to the Madison Square neighborhood in 2009.

Egg ravioli will continue - just downtown.

And really - do you think that place is appropriate for someone who is looking for "not too exotic . . a picky eater . . . not really high end"?

Cries_Van_Notebook

Sorry, I did not notice the "not high end" qualifier.

I can't believe San Domenico is moving. That seems like such an ideal location, and those windows are soooooo beautiful.

The rent must be astronomical, however.

Thin

mp

i think they are going to use it as an event space . . but who knows with this economy . . .

HowardR

First of all, give us a price range.
Next, when you say "within easy walking distance," do mean someplace close to where you are staying? If so, then Isabella's would be out, since it's at least a mile and a half from there.
You are staying east of Central Park, so it would seem to make sense to dine on that side, rather than going to the west side.

mclaurie

Isabella's is a very popular place on the UWS. It's kid friendly normally. Not sure about NYE. Their NYE menu is rather limited and a bit pricey imo http://www.brguestrestaurants.com/re...A_NYE_2008.pdf but they do have a kids' menu http://www.brguestrestaurants.com/re...ids_9.08PC.pdf
I don't know whether they'll offer it for NYE. You should phone and ask.

You've gotten some other solid recos here. I wonder though what time you're thinking of eating and what you'll do inbetween dinner and the fireworks which don't start til midnight? I'd assume the kids are used to eating sometime before 7.

The Big Apple Circus is on (near Lincoln Center so good location for fireworks) and has a 9:30 performance that night. O'Neal's is a good restaurant near there that has both good grownup food and a kids' menu in a somewhat casual setting. Their NYE menu looks good and they're also serving a la carte.
http://www.onealsny.com/1-menus.htm

nyc4nye

Thank you all very much for your input.
My criteria for pricing is preferable not more than 50-75 per adult, and what ever kids menu they have ..
I've looked at Osteria del circo, and that looks fantastic .. that might fit the bill -

Another option would be a good value steakhouse restaurant - any feed back on some options there?

The vareity of choices are really overwhelming!

mp

With kids, you could try Landmarc, a reasonably priced Steak house in the Time Warner Center - convenient to the park, in an upscale mall, easygoing, pretty good food if you keep it simple.
Mclaurie's (always) great suggestion of the Big Apple Circus before the fire works is really smart - that would make an unforgettable experience for the kids. I see they have mezzanine seating ($50. adult $25 for kids) - the cheapest, but which are still good seats. You could do a 7:30 dinner, the circus at 9;30 and then walk to the outside of the park and see the fireworks from around 65th St. at midnight. You might even be able to catch a cab home . . .

Centralparkgirl

nyc4nye - please be aware that many restaurants do not offer their regular dinner menus on NYE. Instead they may have more expensive price fixed menus and might want a credit card guarantee. It's a good idea, when making your reservation, to confirm what they are offering and serving that evening (although they will probably volunteer that info first). That way you won't be in for a surprise.

DancingBearMD

We didn't make it there during our recent visit, but on chowhound.com there were many recommendations for La Bonne Soupe on 55th (in the block between Fifth and Sixth Aves) as a kid-friendly but good food destination. French might not sound kid-friendly but they have a kids' menu plus crepes and such. Not sure what they're doing on NYE.

http://www.labonnesoupe.com/

DebitNM

Recently, had a really nice lunch at Rosa Mexicana on 62nd and Columbus Ave. I think the kids would love watching the guacamole being made tableside [it had a bit too much salt for my taste, FWIW

http://www.rosamexicano.info/servlet/locations].

Deb

DebitNM

I meant to include this link which describes how they let the kids help making the guac and get free aprons:

http://www.rosamexicano.info/servlet...us/chefscorner

nyc4nye

Thanks DancingBear and Deb - both are great options .. I think we will definately try La Bonne soupe on another night - and do the Osteria del circo on NYE ..
I appreciate all suggestions - thanks to everyone ..

So many restaurants, so little time -

Keep those suggestions coming .. we still have other nights to fill!!