A friend and I are taking our two daughters to New York to celebrate their 13th birthdays. We are looking for a restaurant to take the girls that is special, allowing them to dress up a little, but not wildly expensive. We're staying in midtown, but are fine with branching out. The girls are well traveled, and enjoy interesting food, but we're probably safest with Italian or American cuisine. Would really appreciate some suggestions. I just seem overwhelmed with all the choices. Thanks.

Are they girly-girls, sportsy girls, nerdy girls, artsy girls theatre girls or cool girls?

Artsy and/or girly girls might love Cafe des Artistes.
Girly-girls might like tea at Lady Mendls.
Cool girls might like Frank in the East Village (funky student atmosphere, good food, shopping on St. Marks Place).
Nerdy girls might like the history behind Keens Chop House.
Theatre girls might like Orso or Angus McIndoe.
Sportsy girls might like ESPN Zone or Mickey Mantles (not that you'd want to eat there . . )

If you're just looking for someplace that's a little grownup, very New York and has good food, I like Beacon, brasserie 8 1/2, Balthazar, Union Sq. Cafe, Five Points, Pepolino . . .
find menus, addresses and reviews at www.menupages.com and www.nymag.com

PS - ManhattAn

Our kids always liked Becco. Lots of pasta and if they are bold...the antipasta. Of course the desserts. The parents liked the wine.

Thank you so much for your suggestions! MP, you phrased it exactly right -- I am looking for something a little grown up and very New York, so I really appreciate your feedback. And they are athletic, girly girls -- we may hit ESPN and then go for tea on one of our days there. The tea salon looks lovely. Elainee, Becco's also sounds good. I really appreciate the help.

La Sirene is a small French seafood bistro with an open kitchen and a gregarious French chef.

It's a great place to celebrate a birthday -- the friendly crowd will sing "happy birthday" along with the staff.

www.lasirenenyc.com

I wouldn't suggest this for the birthday dinner (it's more casual), but during your trip you might consider Vnyl. It's a funky atmosphere with Thai food - fun bathrooms especially!
http://www.vynl-nyc.com/

If you want to try something different the girls may like to dine in Soho.Mercer Kitchen,Balthazar is great for brunch and a casual dinner if they are the fashionable types.For dinner Spice Market,Megu downtown can be fun,Morimoto,Tao,I assume you will be going out on the early side.if dining around nine these spots may be too trendy and crowded.otherwise they have very nice fun atmospheres.These restaurants are all lively although you do not have to dress up everyone is always stylish..To me Cafe Des Artiste is for older people but the decor is interesting.Oops,I just realized you asked for Italian or Continental,Olives,USC,Mercer Kitchen,I trulli(OK),Blue water grill.Beacon,Bar American,Molyvos,I think the restaurants on the top of my list would be more interesting to a younger person.For a casual good meal i like landmarc in the Time Warner building.It is a nice place to visit and the view is very nice from the center.Hope this helps