My husband and I are celebrating our first anniversary in October and I am trying to decide on a great restaurant in NYC. I was initially thinking about One if by Land... but have read about some unpleasant experiences. Great food a must...can be romantic or trendy/hip - we would just not prefer overly crowded. Thanks in advance.

I have always liked Alison on Dominick. Nice place, good food, and good wine list, the help is attentive without going overboard. The food is French country, and the prices are decent for NYC. I also like Montrachet, which was more expensive.

Be more specific about how much you want to spend.

moving this up!

Hi and congratulations, Kathy,
Maybe not the first tier, but we sure like Chez Josephine on W. 42nd (got four hearts from the "Love Chef"), and the Park Bistro on Park (around 30th I think.) Both French, of course, and small and intimate.

As far as what we are willing to pay - we are pretty flexible. My thinking is that it would be around $200 give or take. Thanks for your help.

Okay, now you have lots of choices!!!
So many, in fact, that I suggest you buy a copy of Zagat's New York restaurant book and read It. I'm serious. There are many, many, many restaurants in NYC that are wonderful and well within your budget.
The previously mentioned Chez Josephine is our favorite. (However, that doesn't mean it's the best. It's just our favorite within our USUAL maximum price range--$50-$60 per person.)
Whatever you decide, make reservations as early as possible as the good ones fill up fast!

No need to buy the zagats, when you can get it on line. For GREAT food I would recommend LeCirque 2000.
For more privacy "hip" appeal and great food try Union Pacific and ask for the "booth" table upstairs(may have to beg bc it seats more than 2) or a banquette. For another place with a deep banquette you could try Cello which has great Italian food.

Hope this helps...you didnt say what type of cuisine.

I would NOT recommend 1 If by Land.

First a correction: Celoo is not Italian food, it's all seafood, with preparation more in a French mode, but innovative. I also wouldn't recommend 1 if by land...many people have told me that basically the food and service sucked, especially for the price. I haven't been to Le Cirque 2000, but have the definite impression it's overrated. JMHO.

A week ago I had a wonderful anniversary meal at Eleven Madison Park which we chose because we'd enjoyed it a lot in January. It's not at all intimate/romantic, but is airy and elegant, with good table spacing (especially if you say it's your anniversary) and does not feel crowded. We had three courses, bottled water, and a few glasses of wine and paid $160 including tax and generous tip. Service is gracious and unobtrusive. BTW, the wild mushroom soup I had there in January (not on the summer menu) was ambrosial--one of the top five things I've ever eaten, I think!

Oh you must do Pomadoro, which is just as you described and has the BEST BREAD in the world. I love to go and sit have a glass of wine and eat the bread.

It is located on Columbus at 70th St and you probably won't need a reservation, but you may have to wait. The food is excellent and not expensive, dinner for 2 under $100.

I would also agree with Cirque 2000 for a VERY special night. It is located at the Palace hotel, and reservations can be hard to come by, but I may be able to help if you need it.

The Palace is so beautiful and if you are looking for a hotel as well, they often run "specials" for the weekend.

Have a great trip and congratulations.

tweedy