esca or guastavino's
 

Hello foodies.....I live in NY but budget constraints have kept me from sampling the gustatory virtues of these 2 restaurants...but my cousin from LA who's visiting next weekend seem to know people who have been and have suggested both. On a basis of 60% food and 40% ambiance....which one should I call? Can only afford to go to one. Thank you!!

I would give Esca the nod in the food category and Guastavino's would win in ambiance. So based on your percentages I'd go with Esca.

I have not eaten in either, but Guastavinos is a sight to see, carved right into the bridge! You should at least stop for a drink there.

I am one of the few who did not like Esca. We both ordered fish and it was cooked to death!!! Rare tuna should not be well done through and through.
We also had horrible service and thought about trying to leave in order to get our check after asking three times in over half an hour and still getting nothing!
Gustavino's was decent food, not spectacular, but what a beautiful setting! I'd opt for that of the two choices, but they would not be in my top 20 or even 50 in NYC.

Thank you very much for your opinions. In the end, I chose Esca because of it's proximity to Times Square...we're watching Hairspray after dinner...she's a big fan of John Waters.

I had an amazing dinner at Esca's. I think you two will really enjoy it.