NYC Fine Dining for Small Group
 

Hello, everyone!

Can you help me choose a restaurant with superior atmosphere and service and good food that would efficiently accommodate a party of 10 on Columbus Day weekend? I prefer something in the Financial District or Soho, but up to Midtown is okay. Food preference is Mediterranean (seafood and steaks, Greek or Italian style). Price range about $50 per person. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Is $50 for the entree (it will probably need to be for steak or seafood) or is that for the whole meal?

(For us a casual dinner in a neighborhood restaurant is $90 to $100 per couple. For fine dining - esp steak or seafood- I would expect to pay at least double that.)

OK, $50 for the entree. Whacha got?

For Greek, in TriBeCa, check out Thalassa on Franklin Street in TriBeCa, specializing in seafood.

For Greek check out Ammos Estiatorio on Vanderbilt Avenue in midtown. You can get away for about $50 per person on the pre-fix dinner with a glass of wine, tip and tax. If you go for the regular menu probably more like $75. Beautiful restaurant with entertainment later in the evening.

http://ammosnewyork.com/

For lunch Tocqueville and Gotham Bar. They offer wonderful food with professional service.

Or one of the great Greek restaurants is Pylos. For some reason it is not well-known out of the neighborhood but deserves a greater reputation. Take a look at some of the reviews on-line.

http://www.pylosrestaurant.com/

For Italian Cacio e Pepe, romano style with the signature dish cacio e pepe. Homemade pasta tossed in a hollowed wheel of pecorino with pepper. Addictive.

http://www.cacioepepe.com

Have you checked in with chowhound.com?

I do not like any of the on-line reviews. Half the people know not of what they speak. Yelp and TA are probably the worst, especially when it comes to ethnic food.

I know French wasn't on your list, but since it's Downtown (TriBeCa), I wanted to throw Capsouto Freres into the mix. We had a small group dinner there a year or two ago and the staff couldn't have been more accommodating (especially since our group size kept changing!). Great space and food as well. They have a $42 fixed price, 3-course menu at dinner - plus many more options a la carte, of course.

http://www.capsoutofreres.com/

Yes Capsouto Freres makes one of the best souffles in town.

Thanks, everyone! Great suggestions!

Does anyone know anything about the Red Cat or Harrisons?

Love the idea of entertainment at Ammos Estitorios and this Cacio e Pepe! The prix fixe at Capsouto Freres also sounds great. I appreciate your suggestions.

Red Cat is one of our favorites, but their largest table is a six-top. If you're OK splitting up, six and four, it's a fine choice. We've never been disappointed there.

Can you stretch to $75 per person for a full meal before tax, drinks and tip?

I have had several fantastic meals at Thalassa in Tribecca including one which was a group meal where I ordered a steak that was excellent.

I like Thalassa better than Ammos Estiatorio. just as an aside.

if you want Greek what about Pylos in the East Village. It's on the smaller side but should be able to accomodate 10. I'd go there over Cacio e Pepe, though I really like Cacio e Pepe as well. It's just a little more rustic of an atmosphere.

Red Cat is one of our favorites but you would be very crowded there. Thalassa has private dining rooms and we had a special birthday celebration there.

"I like Thalassa better than Ammos Estiatorio. just as an aside."

I always find it interesting when someone feels compelled to say their recommendation is better than another (mine). I guess they don't understand that opinions on restaurants are subjective. Check out the reviews of Thalassa on menupages and yelp and you'll see what I mean they run the full gamut. Let your recommendation stand on it's own.

As an aside, any restaurant that doesn't post prices on it's dinner menu on their website is suspect in my opinion.

I didn't mean to slam your recommendation and actually don't think I did, I'm just saying in my opinion I would rather go to Thalassa than Ammos Estiatorio. As someone who has been to both restaurants, that makes me able to state my opinion about what I personally would prefer.

Hey all,
I think we are going to go with Mercer Kitchen. Thanks for your help!

There's a wonderful litle restauran I found in the Village last week called Gusto's. 61 Greenwich St.. The food is Italian and EXCELLNT food and service. Authentic Italian, I was told by a friend who had come back from Italy recently.

The prices are right on your target, and there is a private room that would work for your party in the wine cellar.

Call for reservations and if you need the number let me know and I will find it for you.