Anne

Will be meeting some friends in NYC, some of whom are going to a show at Lincoln Center, others planning just to go to a movie nearby. We're looking for some restaurant suggestions in the area. Nothing too expensive (less than $75 for 2 for dinner), open to various types of food other than seafood.Thanks in advance for your help.

John G

When I go to the Met, I always eat at Picholine, which is directly across the street. (I think that is W. 63rd St.?) Picholine serves glorious food, however, it is very expensive. They may have a prix fixe menu available for dinner, though. There is also O'Neill's, which is next door. They are both owned by the same person. The food there is also very good and has a huge LC crowd. Check www.zagat.com for addresses.

TEMA

THERE ARE TWO RESTAURANTS IN ALICE TULLY HALL. ONE YOU HAVE TO MAKE A RESERVATION FOR, PROBABLY VERY EXPENSIVE, BUT CHECK LINCOLN CENTER WEBSITE. THE OTHER IS A CAFETERIA STYLE, BUT THE FOOD IS NOT ORDINARY CAFETERIA STUFF. THEY HAVE GREAT PANINI, SALADS, SOMEWHAT SOPHISTICATED. YOU CAN EAT FOR 15 DOLLARS. ITS CONVENIENT AND FAST

TEMA

sorry, the restaurants are in avery fisher hall

humblejohn

Usually restaurants around a large facility like this are rip-offs.I would go to local library and get nyt ratings on restaurants or the Mobil travel guide. There are many fine places to eat but not right on top of lincoln center. Never eat in the facility. Good luck.

NYer

Humblejohn-in this instance -your info is not quite correct-the restaurants in Avery Fisher Hall are good.They are always busy and if the weather is bad or too cold, it is an excellent way to have a nice little bite before a performance.

klam

All I can say is plan ahead! Our first visit to NYC was during Christmas week. We saw Contact (loved it!) at LC and thought we'd grab a bite before the show, anticipating a lot of choices. To the tourist's eye, it appeared to be only two across the street. An awning (I think it had "Saloon" on it)--the place looked great but was jam packed. And a little place next door that was also busy. The food was okay and very affordable, but there was only 1 waitress serving everyone who was going to one of the performances across the street. A lot of jittery people wanting to place their order, get their food, etc. Service was VERY slow, some patrons ended up walking out. Can't blame her she was just frayed. So give yourself plenty of time or make a reservation at one of the more-familiar-with-NYC posters' suggestions. Have fun.

e

Ollies chinese is really good & is opp. the movies; Sante Fe is good on W69--a ten min walk for you and 5 for your friends. Lots of places on Columbus in the 70s--good Chinese, Japanese etc.

Parrot Mom

While waiting to see Contact we struck up a conversation with two NewYorkers out walking their dog..they highly recommended a "whole in the wall".. Ralph at 862 9th, Corner of 57th. What a great "hidden" secret in a city of overpriced and touristy restaurants.. It's well worth taking a taxi to. Oh yes, food was fabulous.

Howard

Despite what some previous posters have written, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from in the Lincoln Center area....and at all prices.
In your price range, you might try O'Neal's on West 64th Street (212-787-4663); Santa Fe on West 69th Street (212-724-0822); Josephina, on Broadway across from Lincoln Center (212-799-1000). It's always best to make reservations for pre-theater dining.

Michelle

How about Agean (if you like Greek)? Columbus at 70th St. Or Fiorello's (Italian), Broadway at 66th St. They have very yummy antipasti.

Michelle

Agean should be spelled Aegean. Sorry for the typo.

Howard

I would have added Cafe Fiorello, but that would cost more than she wants to spend.

Ellen

You could also try Shun Lee Cafe for the best Chinese. Right next door to the more fancy Shun Lee Restaurant on W. 65th between Columbus & CPW (sort of diagonally across teh street from Lincoln Center). If you order individual orders of dim sum when they come around with the cart it can really add up at $5.50 per order, but if you order straight off the menu you should be fine. Incidentally, the food is the same fine quality served in the beautiful restaurant next door, this is just more casual of a setting for "in and out" Lincoln Center diners and the prices are lower. Hint: If you go to the restrooms you will get to see the adjoining Shun Lee as they share facilities. You MUST make reservations for the cafe: 212-769-3888.

John G

Anne, I totally forgot Cafe des Artistes on W. 67th St. This restaurant is on the expensive side, but, you will be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful environment in which to dine. The murals are ethereal, and the food is quite good.

Judy

I definitely second Cafe des Artistes. Although it can be on the pricey side, they often have price-fixed promotions, such as $20.00 for a 3-course lunch. And the service is lovely. They treat you royally whether you are ordering from the regular menu or a special promotion.

jill

DEFINITELY La Fenice italian right across from Lincoln Center (bway and 67th??) not to be confused with Fiorello (which others have recommended). It's a great place and reasonably priced.

ee

La Fenice is just ok; Fiorello is old hat; Cafe des Artistes and Shun Lee are way out of the price range suggested.

steve

Cafe Luxembourg is a good choice before or after a show at Lincoln Center.

ee

How can peo recommend Cafe Lux and Des Artistes to someone who doesnt want to exceed $75 a couple? You add 20% tip, 8% tx and that leaves you approx. $30 pp. That is the price of a cheap entre at any of these places. Appetizers are $10 and up and a coke is about $3.
There are plenty of good esp. ethnic restaurants in that area.