I'm sure this will cause an uproar because I am so vague in my title...so here goes anyway. My husband and I (early 30's) are heading to NYC the weekend of the 13th of Dec. and we are in need of a suggestion for dinner for Friday night. Here's what we are looking for; something not overly trendy, a great atmosphere, open to type of food- we like it all! We are staying near Central Park so something a cab ride away is fine-We'll go across town if we have to! Can't wait to hear the responses!!

check out Chowhound.com and you'll find out about lots of wonderful restaurants from New Yorkers.

Not in any particular order:
Le Bernardin
Gotham Bar and Grill
Grammercy Tavern

Close to Central Park, but making the first cut would also be:
Daniel
Aureole

Those are all great restaurants, but very pricey.

Yes, they are, Jetty. Maybe I missed something, but I didn't see any price restriction from Lisa. I assumed that when people indicate that they're willing to take a taxi ride two ways to dinner and back that price is not the leading factor. But I didn't mention the MOST expensive ones. And some of the really great places I think of that are a little less expensive start falling into that "overly trendy" category that I think Lisa is trying to avoid.

Lisa,

Ok not trendy, well priced and good food here are a few good ones to choose from:

Quarto Gatti - Italian 81st just off 3rd Ave. One of the best Italian in the city.

Docks - 40th and 3rd Ave Seafood at it's best there, nice atmosphere and everything is very fresh.

Pomodoro's - Italian 70th St and Columbus, the fresh focacia there is the best I have ever had. Great pasta and fish and good size menu.

Rio Grande - 37th St and 3rd Ave, fun place and good Mexican. The entire first floor of a condo building, the N. half of the restaurant is Texas and the S. half is Mexico, the Rio Grande goes through the kitchen, lol. GREAT margaritas there.

You might get a Zaggat to carry around, as there are something like 10,000 restaurants just in Manhattan, seems like several restaurants on every single block in the city.

Have a great time while you are here and enjoy all the holiday decorations.

Yes, I am traveling with my girlfriend and I will ask her to marry me while we are in New York...I've heard about Tavern on the Green and the horse driven carriage.. and that sounds romantic..even though we will be freezing...but I wondered if I should take her to the Empire State Building to pop the big question???? Hoping you can help me VERY SOON!!!

JJ:

Check out One If By Land, Two If By Sea (they have a website)....very romantic in my opinion. My husband took me there for my birthday this year and we really enjoyed it.

The Empire State Building idea isn't bad either, as long as it's not too windy. It would be memorable.

Good luck!

Rosa Mexicano in the East 50's
Provence on MacDougal in Soho
Zoe on Prince St in Soho
Rain on 3rd Ave (East side)

Ginos E 60's

Il Mulino, it's in the Village

Several of the suggestions are good. However, for next Friday the chances of getting a table at Le Bernadin, Il Mulino, or even One if By Land..., Gotham Bar and Grill, will probably be pretty slim.

A great restaurant on the Upper West Side, at W. 64th St, is Picholine. It is a bit pricey, but it is probably the best place in that part of town.

If you want something a bit different, Calle Ocho on Columbus and West 81st has really interesting Nuevo Latino.

One of my favorite places, pre two small children, is Rene Pujol on West 51st and 8th Ave. It's a great French restaurant that's about half the price of the better known places several avenues away.

I dont't get to Ny very often because of funds but the time I dined at Bernadin, Provence makes we want more. Cite was not bad for lunch.

two recommendations:

"The View" located on the top level of the Marriot Marquis Hotel in Time Square.

and

"Two if by Land, One if by Sea"

Correction to above: One if by land, two if by sea.

Just returned from NYC--had a lovely lunch at Jean Georges Nougatine Room in Trump International Tower. Three-course lunch for $20.02! Each course was yummy--and a lovely setting across from Central Park. Just don't sit next to the door--it is too chilly!