We take our daughters and nieces to New York once a year and try and take them to a restaurant they will enjoy. We've gone to Tao, Buddakan and Asia de Cuba. All were great with lots of atmosphere. Do you have any suggestions along those lines? We will be a party of 7.

Spice Market? and visit the Highline while you are there.

Stanton Social could be fun. It's small plates -- great for a group. It has a young, trendy-ish crowd.

Spice Market, for sure.

Public in Nolita

One of my favorites - going years back - is Peasant in Nolita. And - lo and behold - in Frank Bruni's last column as the NY Times restaurant critic he was asked where he would go if he were paying for it - and one of his responses was: Peasant.

All the following are in the East Village and have a younger crowd:

Flea Market it is a quirky French Bistro where the help and the patrons are often French themselves-
http://www.fleamarketcafe.com/

Xunta (pronounced SHOON-ta) is a tapas place with a wide menu and flamenco on certain nights. It feels like Spanish tasca.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/xunta-tapas-bar-new-york

Esperanto-an eclectic Latino menu with a mellow feel
http://www.yelp.com/biz/esperanto-new-york

And have desert at Veniero's.