My boss travels to NYC frequently, and I would like to get him a gift certificate to a very nice restaurant (price range $150-$200). He is partial to Italian food, but I am not limited to that. Any advice on a nice place with great food, not too ostentatious would be appreciated. Thanks.

Il Mulino is supposed to have the best Italian food in the city. Babbo is also very good. These are in the village area. ANy particular neighborhood you are interested in?

I agree with the previous poster. Since there are literally hundreds of restaurants that would fill the bill, an idea of what area of areas would help narrow the field.

You might look into the BR Guest gift certificates. They can be used at any of the group's restaurants (Fiamma, Blue Fin, Atlantic Grill, etc.). That way, he can choose depending on his location and preferences. While I would not consider them the best restaurants in the city, they are all attractive, consistent, and appealing.

Thanks for the quick responses... There is no preferred neighborhood, but something close to the Lincoln Center may be more convenient.

If you get him an AmEx gift certificate he can use at whatever restaurant he likes.

The Fireman Hospitality Group would be a good choice. They own Brooklyn Diner, Cafe Fiorello, Shelly's New York, Redeye Grill, and Trattoria Dell 'Arte. Not in Columbus Circle but certainly not far on West 57th in Upper Midtown West.

Josephina, which is right across the street from Lincoln Center, would be an excellent choice. Or, if he likes Chinese food, you can't do any better than Shun Lee West (or its companion operation on the East Side, Sun Lee Palace).

How about Cafe Des Artistes or Picholine? Both within reach of Lincoln center and quite nice.

I also noticed that open tableis offering gift certificates - check out www.opentable.com - it's a fairly extensive list.

Thanks again everyone... I'll look into all of them.