My first NYC trip, his 3rd or 4th. We are looking for the stereotypical romantic dining experience, preferably Italian, with the low lighting, bend-over-backwards service, beautiful ambiance, and wonderful food. Prefer around the $$$ range ($$$$ not an option here). We know there have to be hundreds of places, but prefer to go off of referals. Any ideas? Thanks!

What does "$$$ range" mean to you in actual dollars? $150-200 per person?

If so, look no further than the "new" Picholine. The cuisine & ambiance are amazing, but the service is what makes Picholine transcend its competitors.

Le Cirque is also extraordinary, but the large open room is not the most romantic.

How about Daniel? Although it's getting a bit long in the tooth in my opinion, it's still an exemplary dining experience.

I second PICHOLINE, and would choose it over Le Bernardin any day! Don't miss the cheese course.

I'm going off of the Fodor's "$$$" key, $28 - $35 for entree. A little higher is ok. We've already got one "$$$$" booked, so looking for something more moderate. Thanks!

Suggest you check menupages.com for actual meus before reserving anyplace - since I'm not sure that Fodor's key is valid for Manhattan.

My most romantic and not outrageous is River Cafe - which has incrdible view of Manhattan - esp if you get window talbe. Fodd is excellent, but not THE best in nthe city. Prix fixe dinner is about $85.

Not sure the "Fodor's key" is applicable in the city.

If "$$$$" is the "most expensive," then in Manhattan that would mean places like Masa & Per Se, at about $400 per person.

"$$$" to me would mean top restaurants like Picholine, the Four Seasons, etc.

"$$" is what I'd call a normal night out, $60-150 per person depending on wine choice(s).

"$" .. less than $60 per person total (alcohol, tip, tax).

But that's just one New Yorker's opinion.

I'd suggest you read these reviews of Picholine.
http://menupages.com/restaurantdetai...=0&cuisineid=0

I don't know you'll find bend over backwards service for $$$. ViceVersa is nice and romantic with good food, low lighting and a prix fixe dinner.
http://menupages.com/restaurantdetai...=0&cuisineid=0

I just love the River Cafe. I know there are newer, more expensive, trendier restaurants in NY, but the River Cafe always seems like a classic to me. As for a table at the window and you'll have the best view of Manhattan ever.

Those reviews of the "new" Picholine are interesting. It was before the renovation we last ate there and we had a spectacular meal -- but I must say, although we're both seniors we felt like the youngsters in the place. The only ones younger were a couple of "trophy wives" or were they "escorts" for a couple of very elderly retired exec. types?

I don't know your age, but frankly as good as the meal was at Picholine, I'd take Le Bernardin for the same cost any day.

How about Asiate in the Mandarin Oriental?

All very good info (re teh "$$$$"). We're there for 2 nights, so we want to do one fun "$ or $$" one, and one "$$$ to $$$$" one. Picholine is my favorite so far.

Has anyone heard of Il Bastardo or 21 Club or Tribeca Grille? Someone recommended those to us, too.

Thanks for the great advice! Let me know when you're in Atlanta - I can help out there.

PS - We're mid 30s.

Ok I will stop after this! Just re-read my last post. We're more looking for $$ to the $$$ range Gekko mentioned. All this time, I was thinking the prices were without wine/alcohol; was just thinking entree only. Sorry. Thanks!

I wouldn't call 21 romantic. A NYC institution but not romantic.

Actual dollar amounts would be more helpful than the dollar signs; they are confusing!

I like I Coppi for Italian or Gnocci Cafe.

Tribeca Grille is good - not sure I'd label it as super romantic, although it's really nice.

One if by Land, Two if by Sea is probably the most "romantic" place we've eaten at in the city. The food was amazing and we really enjoyed it.

21 Club has been around isnce the ice age and is primarily a meeting place for businesss types during the day. Food is not bad, not really good - and atmosphere not at all romantic. There are much better choices in that areas for those $.

Anyone been to Candela lately? I don't remember how the food was as it was ages ago, but the decor stayed with me.

I agree that Tribeca Grill is not romantic - good food but not romantic.

Not sure when you are coming, but I was always partial to garden seating at Barolo in Soho.

I suggest that you look up
Bouley (www.bouley.net),
Eleven Madison Park (http://www.elevenmadisonpark.com/) or Hearth (www.restauranthearth.com).

nycgirl1 I think hit it on the head. One if by Land is wonderful. We went there last year for our anniversary and loved it. Food, atmosphere, everything was just excellent. The only one of your parameters that it misses is that it isn't Italian.

You've got quite a diverse set of suggestions here. For me a dinner that is upto $100 pp is expensive enough. i.e. for a special dinner, I'd spend around that much and for a very special dinner (once a year etc) I'll got up to $150-200.
Try Po on Cornelia Street for excellent romantic italian that's reasonably priced. Very small & cozy (tables are close to each other like almost all other places in the city, big or small) and bling factor's absent. You can easily eat there for less than $75 pp.
A Voce is more expensive ($100 or little more pp), tables are more spacious in a modern-ish setting. Service is good & food is amazing.