Will be in NYC in two weeks. We would like to eat a Becco one night and possibly Joe Allens another night before we head for our shows. Both of our shows (one is actually the Met opera) start at 8. What time should we make our dinner reservations in order to have enough time to enjoy our meal and make it to the show in plenty of time?

6 p.m. is fine for the night you're going to a show in the theater district. Both restaurants are old pros at getting you there on time.
For the night that you're going to the Met. I'd suggest 5:30 to play after. Just tell them you're waiter where you'll be going and the time.

Thanks for the reply. I have a couple of other questions if you don't mind. We are staying at the Omni on 53rd (?)and Madison. Do you know if we would be able to easily walk to these restaurants and the rest of the theater district. Where is the Met relative to these restaurants?

Bebe: Becco and Joe Allen are on West 46th Street between 8th and Ninth Avenue, not an easy walk (about a mile) from 53rd and Madison, especially during Winter. I would recommend a Taxi.

The Metropolitan Opera is also not an easy walk from 46th Street, Lincoln Center is about a mile North of the Restaurants. I would recommend you research a restaurant around Lincoln Center and then walk to the Opera, much more leisurely.

We had a 6 PM reservation at Becco before seeing The Producers in September; it was perfect timing. I'll be interested to know how you like Becco, and hope you will post a report when you return.

It's about 3/4 of a mile from your hotel to the restaurants. If the weather cooperates, it's not a bad walk. However, as a previous poster said, if it's cold, take a cab!
Also as a previous poster wrote, you might be wise to make dinner reservations nearer the Met on that night. If you want suggestions, give us a price range.

We were considering Gabriel's, Josephina's, or Cafe Fiorello. Any opinions on these or recommendations for others. Looking for a mid-price range $35-50 per person including a couple of drinks.

To the top - Howard - any suggestions?

Actually, Gabriel's, Fiorella's or Josephina's is what I would have suggested. All may be a tight squeeze for your budget, depending on how much (or if) you drink.

You might also consider Merlot (beautiful decor, yummy food and great wines), directly across from the Met or Rosa Mexicano's new West Side branch (yummy, authentic mexican and made-at-your-table guacamole). Rosa's will definitely be in your budget.

Bebe, the three you suggested are all good. I'd also recommend Nick & Toni's Cafe on West 67th, a short walk to Lincoln Center.

Correction on one of the restaurant's names: It's Cafe Fiorello.

I think Picholine is the best restaurant in the Lincoln Center area so I'd go there even though they may be more expensive than the other choices. I've always liked Fiorello's, Josephine's and Nick & Toni's (my favorite for lunch alone) and would add Cafe Luxembourg and Vince & Eddie's to the list. (And someday I'll go to Gabriel's and Rosa Mexicano! If you like at-your-table guacamole Lisa, come uptown to Mama Mexico sometime!)