Any ideas on a great place (not too loud, nice atmosphere) for a first date in NYC for a Saturday lunch? Price unimportant.

I suggest Cafe des Artistes at 1 Central Park West...you will be able to talk and actually the decor will give you something to get the conversation going. Good luck...I hope it goes well.

Here's a suggestion for a lunch in NYC that's not actually in NYC:

If the weather is good, go to the NY Waterway terminal on the west side and take the ferry (a 5 minute ride) to Port Imperial, in NJ, and have lunch at Arthur's Landing, which is right by the pier. Arthur's is a very good, upscale restaurant (with a website - arthurslanding.com) that has great food and fantastic views of the New York skyline, on a good day from the George Washington Bridge to the Statue of Liberty. Everyone likes to get to a restaurant by boat, don't they?

P.S. Arthur's will validate your ferry ticket and you'll be refunded the money when you get back to NY.

Check www.nywaterway.com for ferry details.

Brian, How did you meet your date? Through friends, or are you meeting for the first time through an internet connection? I loved Al's idea of a boat ride followed by lunch, but if you've never met her before and don't share mutual friends, I would advice just meeting her at a restaurant there in the city. She'll feel more comfortable and your date will go more smoothly. You can then save the boat ride idea for the 2nd date. Best of luck on the date.

I love the cafe des artistes also but I also think dining outside at the tavern on the green is wonderful the tables are not too close together..Artistes food is better.

In my opinion Cafe des Artistes has the atmosphere but their food is not my cup of tea - very heavy, old school Middle European. And their service was rushed - our 3 course anniversary dinner was over in little over 30 minutes. Tavern on the Green is another high on atmosphere, low on food kind of place, but one which is more interesting at least.

When I read your post, I thought of downtown - Soho or Tribeca. Maybe Chanterelle, Quilty's or Provence - all places I would gladly eat at tomorrow!

Have you inquired as to her food tastes? I wouldn't attempt ethnic food unless you know that she enjoys various food styles. Tavern on the Green has the atmosphere - known as being romantic and offers a wide variety of food.

Once you get past the first date and are looking for a place for dinner, try TAO, on 58th Street near Madison. It has an Asian theme, great food, and an atmosphere that you wouldn't believe. Has become one of the trendier restaurants in New York. Marla Maples was recently written up as having been there.

1st choice - Reggio on MacDougal St corner of 3rd street.
MONA LISA on 7th Avenue South in Greenwich Village.

I agree with the previous poster that Reggio is a great choice but it may be a bit noisy at Saturday lunch. Similar atmosphere, more subdued, very romantic and only a bit pricier (but still moderate by NYC terms) is Il Lanterna Di Vittorio. It's between 3rd and 4th, a block up on MacDougal from Reggio. I have been to Reggio many times and love it but went to Il Lanterna on a first date last week. It was low key and casual and a great place to talk.