Does anyone have a wonderful suggestion for Christmas dinner (in the evening) in NYC?? There will be three of us: a couple and 21 year old.....

thank you!!

I've had Thanksgiving dinner at Tavern on the Green. It's a beautiful location & the food was good. However, the restaurant is very crowded (tables are quite close together).

Hi
What's your budget?
One If By Land, Two If By Sea, as well as Gramercy Tavern, and many other relatively pricey places are cozy and inviting for the holidays, and have very good food, much better in most New Yorkers' opinions than Tavern on the Green which does not have a good food reputation among New Yorkers. It is pretty, but it is also huge and hectic and the service is not among the best.

thanks for the suggestion Elaine! We're willing to splurge so recommendations about a place that would be festive for the holidays and have great food sounds wonderful. Tell me more aobut your two choices.

Thanks!

I have not been to One if by Land..., but I have to say that most people I know who have have been quite disappointed with the food and service. Gramercy Tavern would be ideal, but I'm pretty sure it will be closed, as the owner usually closes his restaurants on holidays. Alson on Dominick would be a very nice and elegant choice, even if not for a romantic dinner (they are known for that); see www.alisonondominick.com for an idea of their food and atmosphere. Other good choices would be Park Avenue Cafe (www.parkavenuecafe.com) and Payard Patisserie and Bistro (www.payard.com). These are all smaller places, not so big and bustling and full of tourists, with reputations built on their great food and elegant atmospheres. If they are open on Christmas, they're sure to be lovely.

Many restaurants will be closed and the few that will be open will be booked well in advance. However, major hotel restaurants must remain open and some offer particularly nice dinners. I'd call a couple of the better ones already known for their cuisine and see what they have in mind (be wary of "buffets") -- esp. the Ritz, Plaza, etc.