Post Theatre Restaurant in NYC
 

In November, my best friend and I are going to NYC to see a matinee of Mamma Mia! What would you recommend for a fun restaurant that you could enjoy with your best friend that has great food and when you think of it, it screams NYC? We love, sushi, italian, mexican, chinese, japanese, thai, american - well, I guess we love it all! Also, should we make reservations? Thanks!

and if you could advise of price range so we won't be surprised, I would appreciate that as well. Thanks again!

Since you are talking about eating at an "off time" -- after a matinee -- and since you want great food and since four of the types of food you mention are Asian, I'd call now and get a reservation at Spice Market in the meatpacking district and take a taxi down there.
Not outrageous in price, but you can spend a couple wonderful hours sampling various dishes and having great drinks, surrounded by a "to be seen" crowd.

Patrick's idea is good.

Another way to go is the Sea Grill at Rockefeller Center which has great food and screams NYC because you will have a view of the ice skating rink from your table. But it's seafood (not a cuisine you mentioned). It's "serious" good food so maybe not "fun" unless you decide to go skating before or after. Go to restaurantassociates.com to see photos, menu etc. I think they have a prix fixe dinner (still expensive maybe $40/person). The same people own the Rock Center Cafe which also has views of the skating and is less expensive but food not as good. There'll be info on that website. You should definitely make reservations. Nov. is a busy time and I'm assuming you mean a weekend matinee.

Tao is another oriental, a cab ride away from the theater district. Very trendy and fun (althought not sure how active it will be after a matinee as Patrick points out.) You could also have a drink somehwere first and then go to dinner. What about a drink with a view at the View at the Marriott Marquis and then head to dinner?

I agree that you may find restaurants are not quite open for dinner by the time the matinee lets out. Most don't start serving until about 5:30 pm. I agree with the suggestion above to have drinks first. The Marriott does have great views and is convenient for most theatres. The bar at the Royalton hotel is very cool and fun. (44 West 44th Street), which is walk able from the theatre district. A drink at the bar on top of the Peninsula (700 Fifth Avenue at 55th Street) is also a nice small bar with good views.

For dinner I also like Tao, mentioned above. They have a bar which you could go to first if the restaurant is not serving.

Tao
42 East 58th Street
(Between Park and Madison)
Tel: 212-888-2288.
www.taorestaurant.com

Try all their different martinis.

A perennial favorite French bistro is:
Café Un Deux Trois
123 West 44th St
(Between 6th Ave & Broadway)
Tel: 212-354-4148
www.cafeundeuxtrois.biz/pages/831018/index.htm

A bit further downtown (near Lord & Taylor) but a great restaurant:
Asia de Cuba
237 Madison Avenue (between 37th and 38th St)
tel: 212-7267755

Fusion Asian and Cuban (sounds weird but isn't). They have large portions, so a few appetizers and a few entrees shared by all will be plenty of food. Deserts are enormous. They also have a cool bar.

The Rainbow Room probably screams New York more than anything, but I am not sure I would describe it as fun. Certainly has great views. You could also try the bar there. Take a look at http://www.cipriani.com/rainbowgrill.html

Thanks to all! And if anyone has any other ideas, I would greatly appreciate. I'm going to email this thread to her so she can pick what restaurant she wants to go to - thanks!

Haven't tried Spice Market, but know it is an excellent recommendation. I also love eating at the bar at Union Square Cafe and Babbo, usually a pretty friendly group at the bar, if you're into that. In Times Square Blue Fin has some great offerings and a very trendy yet comfortable scene. I suggest you look up the websites, compare menus and then kickback and enjoy!