NYC: Restaurant suggestion near 52nd between 7th and 8th ave
 

An old friend is coming to town with her 20 year old daughter. Want to invite them to a quick lunch before they go to see Jersey boys. Heard lots of restaurants in the theatre district are closed or have no business(this can lead to food poisoning). I don't need anything ultra fancy but good decent food and a calm peaceful atmosphere are prerequisites.

i am thinking of asian-sharing since there will be five of us.

Any suggestion is welcone.

Has anyone been to Blue chili? The pix look good but the review on yelp is so mixed.

Thanks in advance.

I used to go there when it was Siam Inn but menupages reviews say it's not as good. Vynl which has things other than Asian is a good idea. If you want Thai, try Wondee Siam.

I was not impressed with Blue Chili. How about Japanese? Natsumi on 50 between 8th and Broadway?
http://www.natsuminyc.com/media/natsumi.html

Or Saigon 48 just off 8th on 48th. Busy but relatively quiet, good food, really great prices at lunch.

I was going to suggest the ever popular Roberto Passon at 50th and 9th, which has a great and bargain lunch menu (Italian), but it can be pretty noisy especially on matinee days.

mclaurie's suggestion of Vynl is great -- younger, sort of trendy, and very good food, but I always wish they'd turn the music down -- so I'm no sure about the "calm, peaceful atmosphere" there either.

At the corner of 50h and 8th is Thalia, very popular for good lunch and much quieter atmosphere than most places.
http://www.restaurantthalia.com/

Thanks mclaurie and NeoPatrick.

Siam Inn looks too basic. The review on food is great but not this time.

Vynl's decor looks interesting and young. Her daughter would like it.

Thalia looks inviting as least the website is.

I meant to try Roberto Passon for a long time but never get to it. Can't go wrong with Italian, can it? That would be my choice. I will email all of these to my friends. See which one strikes their fancy.

Thanks again.

Molyvos
Red Eye Grill
Trattoria del Arte
All 7th near 57th

I've never had a bad meal at Cara Mia (46th and 9th). Tiny place, neighborhood restaurant, good food.