One if by land is nice but soooo overpriced.
JoJo on the upper east is amazing, elegant and very down to earth. The least snobby NYC "nice" place by far.I live here, I know about the snob factor.

I don't know about the "front room" at Gramercy Tavern, but if you want to be totally ripped off by mediocre food an indifferent service, and pay through the nose for it, by all means go for the prix fix experience in their main dining room.

I took my husband to Daniel on his 40th a few months ago. We were very pleased with everything - food, service and a surprise birthday dessert.(Make sure to mention the birthday). I requested a tent table and it was very intimate. I felt they went out of their way to accommodate us. Have a great time in NY.

Fresco by Scotto on 52nd Street near Madison Avenue. It's truly good eating. On a weekday during lunch, you'll see it filled with business people. It's not a tourist trap. If you get lucky, you may see Rosanna Scotto table hopping. She's a news anchor on Fox 5 in New York. Her family runs this restaurant.

Oh, take her to Baldario. The owner Frank is the son of owner of Rao's, which is the most impossible-to-get-into restaurant in town. Frank brought over some of Rao's best recipes and his father's gift of hospitality. The food at Baldario is Italian and wonderful and the atmosphere is so FUN. After dinner, go upstairs and dance cheek-to-cheek to whatever band is playing. You'll have a ball.

What is the story on Allison on Dominick closing? I have never been there, but it was on my short-list for my next visit!

Just a counter opinion against the negative re: Gramercy Tavern--I've found it wonderful and never heard anything bad aobut it.

In midtown I do love Aquavit.

Non touristy, great food, romantic atmosphere, no attitude - try Vince and Eddies on the West Side - 70 W. 68th St. (between Central Park W and Columbus Ave. My mouth is just watering as I think of Vince & Eddie's lamb shank with Michigan cherry sauce -not to mention that they make the best Cosmopolitan in town.