Le Bernardin and Cite
 

Going to New York City for the weekend of my birthday and have chosen the above restaurants. Any comments on these choices??

If you don't already, get reservations. i hope your doing the prix fix wine menu at cite. it's great.

Definitely Le Bernardin. And, better than that, I'd say: Cello. Sublime, superb and blessed. http://www.cello.com/

I've eaten at Le Bernardin several times--IMHO its the best food in NYC. While Cello is very good, it still falls short of the old master. I've never eaten at Cite, but I know that if you dine after 8:00 pm the price of dinner includes unlimited wine from a choice of three or four different labels.

Depends on whether you prefer seafood or steak. Both restaurants are both based on French cuisine but L.B.'s specialty is seafood and Cite is more like a French steakhouse. I've eaten at both places. L.B. is truly elegant in its decor and, although Cite is also very elegant, I think it falls short compared to L.B. Cite's unlimited wine dinner is truly a New York bargain.

They are both fine restaurants. If really great food is the primary consideration, L.B. is the better choice. The setting/atmosphere is more elegant and formal than Cite's. I've gone to L.B. 4 times, and twice the service was great. The other two times it was polished (as always) but bordered on snooty. Cite's has a livelier atmosphere, a simpler menu (food is very good, but not in L.B.'s class) and the prix fixe wine menu is a great experience IF that is what you like in a restaurant. I've also been to Cite on numerous occasions - the service has been less polished and very friendly. Hope that helps, and have a happy birthday.

What kinds of price ranges are you talking about at these restaurants? How should one dress? Jackets for men?

Do not know when you are planning for the trip but if it is between June 25-29 it is NYC Restaurant Week. There is an impressive selection of restaurants that are offering fixed price $20 three course lunches. Check out www.nycvisit.com for a list of the places that are participating. Maybe you can treat yourself to two good meals.