I went to 11 Madison Park in late August. It was spectacular and quite worth while. Great fish, but that's not really what the restaurant is known for. But it would be a spectacular choice for an anniversary because it does feel special. Great wines, by the way, and if you are careful you can certainly come in at around $250. It's much cheaper than Le Bernardin.

I think MP has recommended very good restaurants, but I'm not sure I'd choose them all for an anniversary. Blue Hill in particular is a bit crowded and too busy for me. As fresh and vibrant as the food is, it just doesn't feel very special to me, nor is it worth the prices they charge. And the wines are outrageously expensive there. But you could certainly eat for your budget.

I also like Tabla, but not everyone does. But a table there by the window can be very romantic, and it's well within the price range.

Gramercy Tavern would be a great choice, too. Instead of Bouley, I might suggest Cafe Boulud, which is a little cheaper, though the room itself is too crowded and has all the charm of a doctor's waiting room.

Doug - you are the one who has made me dream about the duck at EM!

Just a note - on my last vist to Gramercy Tavern, the food was way over salted - and I am not adverse to salt on my food. Maybe we hit a bad day.

Thanks all, and Doug too! I looked at 11 Madison,,,wow...that is some menu. I had thought of Babbo, only because I LOVE Mario Batali. Gramercy Park was on my list too. I am going to show some of these to my DH. His imput is important too!

Can't go wrong with any of these choices:

Le Bernadin-well worth it

Grammercy Tavern

Jean Georges

La Grenouille romantic and beautiful decor http://www.la-grenouille.com/gallery.html

We went to Babbo for our anniversary last year. Would NOT recommend it for a "special occasion".

It's been a few years, but Toqueville was really nice, attractive room and really good food.

~Liz

Thanks for the heads up on Babbo. I read many things about it, and decided a while ago, it would not be a special occasion restaurant. I am really liking the menu at Gramercy and One if. I saw 11 Madison's tasting menu. I probably am not a true foodie, becasue I saw foie gras and sweetbreads as an amuse. I just have major problems with organ meats. BTW elberko, La Grenouille looks fabulous, and with a great menu too!

At 11 Madison Park the sweetbreads are safely hidden inside puff pastry, and anyway, they are just one of several hors d'oeurves served before the meal (but they do taste really good). The foie gras is creamy and delicious, but just another little bite. I believe there are four other bites to choose from, so it's not as if you'd be missing out on an entire course if you choose not to eat them ... but I'd urge anyone to try them.

I don't think Le Bernadin is overrated, but I do think it's overpriced. Still, it's almost an honor to enjoy seafood at its very best there. And, it's one of the few places that's relatively quiet (if you're looking for romantic dining).

I'm always astonished at the noise level in the nicer restaurants. Daniel sounded like a junior high cafeteria. We couldn't wait to get out of there! As it turned out, the lounge area was much quieter. Our waiter suggested enjoying coffee and dessert there. What a difference!

Another relatively peaceful place to dine is Bouley.

Re Le Bernardin: Chacun à son goût!

Re Tocqueville: A very solid choice; excellent food, great staff, beautiful understated room. Not quite the caliber of LeB, however.

Re Babbo: Much, much too noisy. You have to really, really like Batali's choice of bombastic music, played LOUDly.

Re Eleven Madison Park: Haven't been there since Frank Bruni, lately of the Times, awarded it four stars, but it's a great place, if a little noisy because of all the hard surfaces. If you go, try to get a table in one of the alcoves off the main dining room.

Finally, re One if by Land, Two if by Sea: Very, very traditional food (read that as "tired"); perhaps the only place in New York where you can still get Beef Wellington. Many fireplaces, a live pianist, "romantic," but really mediocre food and only passable service.

OIBL TIBS brought in a new chef; it now gets 24 for food from Zagat - not LeB or 11 Mad, but certainly not mediocre. It has become larger than the original carriage house and the other rooms are not as charming imo.

I adore Le Bernardin but would go for lunch when it's a lot less expensive and save your special dinner for some place a bit more romantic. I think La Grenouille is a wonderful romantic room. The food's not the best in NYC but the overall experience is wonderful. Their souffles are magic. I also think the River Cafe can't be beat for overall romance in NYC. Great views, very nice food and good service. Again, not the best food in NYC but just a lovely experience. Rivercafe.com

Centralparkgirl is correct. One if.. doesn't have the best food in the city, but the prices also reflect that. It is miles above mediocre though. It is a charming place with good food, as is River Cafe. Beautiful views, with good food, and service. If you want excellent food with a little less atmosphere, Le Bernardin is an excellent choice.

Slightly off the well beaten path of the places mentioned in previous posts but for top notch food, service, ambience: Del Posto and for just a great meal with very professional service and food to go with that: Capsuoto Freres (and order a souffle for dessert at the beginning of the meal - a must.

Went to River Cafe last year for DD birthday. Beautiful room, pretty decent food, terrible service. Would go with EMP or Le Bernardin if I was going.

LOve,Love, you guys! I used to live in Bergen county, and I loved NY,,but it was always the PATH way. Thanks all! I am still thinking Gramercy.....or?

You might consider Water's Edge in Long Island City. You get there by boat from I think 23rd St and E. River. Beautiful views of Manhattan

Judyrem--

Where did you dine? How was it?

I went to La Grenouille for my 65th birthday (right before my 40th anniversary) for old-times sake and had delicious fish. It is still a beautiful restaurant with flawless service. The fresh flowers and small table lamps make it very romantic. A jacket is required.

What about Per Se? My husband and I will be in NY in early October and are going to try to get reservations. Is it still good?

Per Se is fantastic - but nowhere near the OP's price point. We have been twice and it;s like $700 per couple with wine tax and tip. And neither Grenouille (very pretty and good food) nor Le Barnardin (I think best fish in the city) is within a $250 budget either.

Suggest the OP look at menupages to see actual menus/prices before making any decisions.