len

We need some help. What is the nicest place to dine in NYC- We wanted to get a couple a gift certificate for a present. I know there are tons of great places but do any stand out as the premier NYC spot?
Thanks

Livesincali

len, Could you give an idea of the types of food the recipients of the gift certificates prefer?

len

I know they enjoy Italian, but Italian food seems to be subjective. I think continental is safe.

HowardR

I assume you would want to give them a gift certificate that would cover the cost of the meals. With that in mind, approximately how much do you want to spend?

len

Its a special gift so lets not worry about amounts.

HowardR

I only ask, because you asked for the best place to eat in New York....and that could mean hundreds of dollars for two people! Is the sky the limit?

Livesincali

For some great Italian restaurants I would look to Little Italy. I have been to IL Cortile and it was very good. I have also heard good things about La Mela. The link below has information on others in the area.

http://www.littleitalynyc.com/restaurants.asp

len

Lets say sky's the limit

HowardR

OK, Len, if you want Italian, I'd select from the top of Zagat's list:

Il Mulino, 86 West 3rd Street
Scalini Fedeli, 165 Duane Street
Babbo, 110 Waverly Place
Felidia, 243 East 58th Street
Il Giglio, 81 Warren Street

Il Mulino has been Zagat's top-rated Italian restaurant in the city for 18 years.

For any of the five, a $150-170 gift certificate should cover an evening for two.

LilMsFoodie

I'll vote for Babbo. LMF

Pumpy

I vote for Il Mulino

wendyj

nobu ranks as one of the hottest restaurants in the city. still takes a while to get a reservation. another good one: gramercy tavern. always excellent. Of course, Babbo would make the top list, too. Daniel is supposed to be good, as is danube. these aren't necessarily restaurants i've been too (can't afford to eat like that), but they consistently rank at the top of the list. you can find good reviews of the best restaurants at newyork.citysearch.com.

good luck.

and honestly...i wouldn't look for a grand meal in little italy. it's a fun place...but not "sky's the limit"

Patrick

Il Mulino was probably the worst dining experience I've ever had in NYC -- do a search and you'll find my posts of why that is so.
But I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't be happy with a gift certificate from Grammercy Tavern, or Le Bernadin.

wantsomesun

I'm surprised no one mentioned Crique 2000 at the Palace Hotel. It would be a spectacular gift. Maybe add on a night at the hotel, for a second honeymoon.

Cirque 2000 is one of the best in the city and breathtaking atmosphere, great service and food.

mclaurie

Len,
I think you should consider how old this couple is, if they're used to eating in fancy restaurants & what neighborhhood they live in. Some of these places could be intimidating, loud & geographically undesirable for some as they're so "hot" not to mention difficult to get reservations.

Some restaurants that would not be so difficult for reservations but good quality food & good for a special (romantic) occasion are Aureole (fancy American),Cafe Des Artistes (french), Barbetta (Italian)-this one is in the theater district on restaurant row. The food is not rated as good as some of the others listed here but the setting is amazing in an old townhouse & they have an outdoor patio for warmer weather. March is also in a townhouse & very romantic on eats 58th (American). Felidia, which Howard mentions, is very good Italian (the chef/owner is on TV all the time). IMO these places would be good for any age. However, if your couple is younger & are used to eating out in NYC a lot, the newer, trendier Babbo might be better. Scalini Fedeli on Howard's list also sounds really great in Zagats (it's in the old Bouley space downtown) but I don't know anyone who's been.
I agree with Wendy that Little Italy may not be special enough. While Il Cortile is good, it can be very noisy.

methinks

I have to say, I don't think it is really worth spending alot of money for Italian food. Most of the italian restaurants listed are good, but they are way overpriced and you can get simpler italian which tastes just as good for less than half the price. If the gift is for a couple who are celebrating something "romantic" then I agree with Le Bernadin or consider One if by Land in the village.

Loki

Another vote for Il Mulino. You can't miss with Gramercy Tavern, though if you wanted to give them a "deluxe" meal (i.e. appetizers, wine, desert), I'd go $300 for a couple. I think the tasting menu is like $90pp so if you wanted to do that and add wine or cocktails, tax and tip, you can figure it out.

sleepycali07

I would personally say peter lugars steak house in brooklyn. Amazing! If you need NYC, sparks steak house. I know neither are italian but i felt like you said italian just to say something. I live here and I find steak here to be better meals than "italian." If you are going to Il mulino than I might as well mention Rao's b/c that's amazing food but reservations barely exist.

Tango

My sister (who lives in NYC) recently went to a restaurant called "One If By Land" (I think that's the name). Al Roker featured in on a show on the food channel - because not only is the food delicious and the atmosphere beautiful, there is a ghost! I don't think it is very expensive by NYC standards (maybe $250 for dinner) but I am sure you could make it more with the right bottle of wine.

foodiern

One If By Land may be pretty but food is not good. Fair warning.