Romantic Manhattan Dinner
Mar 27th, 2007, 08:56 AM
#21
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Two thoughts...the Tribeca Grill is great, but not super romantic or hugely memorable. The most memorable meal I've had in New York is at Blue Hill. The service, food, atmosphere, etc. were phenomenal. Their website is www.bluehillnyc.com. And my mother-in-law really likes the River Cafe, but I haven't been.
Mar 28th, 2007, 05:09 PM
#23
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Not Italian, but if you want to experience the most romantic NYC restaurant, go to One if By Land, Two if by Sea. It expensive, but not insane. You can probably spend less than $100 per person if you don't have booze or an appetizer or something. I think they have a Prixe Fix for $75 or less. But for your first trip to NY, it is something you should experience. The food is amazing, the ambiance is beyond romantic.
Mar 29th, 2007, 05:40 AM
#26
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Check some of the reviews of OIBL. I've never gone because of the mixed reviews I always hear. The people I know who have been there are split 50/50. They either love it or really, really hate it. The reviews on Citysearch are the same. Read some of the bad ones and if the worst is stuff that won't bother you, go for it. http://tinyurl.com/39z6ma
Mar 29th, 2007, 05:50 AM
#27
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Well, I did just read through those CitySearch reviews and I sure wouldn't call them 50/50. More like 95/5 with the 95 being the raves. The only two really negative overall reviews were from posters who have never posted any other ones (always kind of "suspicious" in my mind). After reading all those reviews with a tiny grain of salt, I'd rush to the place. The only consistent thing I saw was that if you are under 30 and looking for the "in crowd" this isn't it.
Mar 29th, 2007, 07:17 AM
#28
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Thanks for that info, Patrick. We personally found the ambience, staff and food to be superb, yet I see OIBL dissed by some here on Fodors at times, so those statistics are interesting.
I suppose some people might catch it on an off night or have different expectations, as well. Different strokes for different folks, as they say.
I suppose some people might catch it on an off night or have different expectations, as well. Different strokes for different folks, as they say.
Mar 29th, 2007, 07:30 AM
#29
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Well, the real bottom line is -- just try to find any restaurant that isn't dissed by some. I read a couple reviews on LeBernardin once which indicated the food was just plain "lousy", and another that said it was noisy and crowded (could the people have possibly even been there to say that?)-- sorry, I'd just have to ignore such claims. And frankly "overpriced" is such a meaningless term. If lots of people love to go there and return, then it really can't be called "overpriced". Granted some don't appreciate paying more for the ambiance, or the music, or the fresh flowers, or the extra service personel, so it isn't worth the price to them, but for others it is all part of the "deal".
Meanwhile I have no stake in this and have never even been to One if by Land. I'm just pointing out that the reviews surely wouldn't keep me away. In fact, they'd encourage me to go.
Meanwhile I have no stake in this and have never even been to One if by Land. I'm just pointing out that the reviews surely wouldn't keep me away. In fact, they'd encourage me to go.
Mar 29th, 2007, 07:37 AM
#30
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When is your trip? You'll want to make reservations as soon as possible. Check out opentable.com. Quite a few restaurants have online reservations.
Where will you be staying? That would help determine restaurant recommendations.
A meal at Picholine would be excellent, however, it is a bit of an older crowd and isn't in the most interesting area of the city.
Some of the best restaurants for romantic but not ridiculously expensive don't take reservations or are difficult to get into. Po, Lupa, Babbo are all excellent.
If you like French, Jean Georges was one of my favorite meals. The tasting menu is a pretty good deal by New York standards.
For trendier and more fun options, maybe check out restaurants in Soho, West Village or Meatpacking. 5 Ninth is excellent and you'll love the Meatpacking District. It's also an interesting space - an entire brownstone formerly owned by RuPaul of all people. We've never been disappointed by the food there - always interesting and always good.
Where will you be staying? That would help determine restaurant recommendations.
A meal at Picholine would be excellent, however, it is a bit of an older crowd and isn't in the most interesting area of the city.
Some of the best restaurants for romantic but not ridiculously expensive don't take reservations or are difficult to get into. Po, Lupa, Babbo are all excellent.
If you like French, Jean Georges was one of my favorite meals. The tasting menu is a pretty good deal by New York standards.
For trendier and more fun options, maybe check out restaurants in Soho, West Village or Meatpacking. 5 Ninth is excellent and you'll love the Meatpacking District. It's also an interesting space - an entire brownstone formerly owned by RuPaul of all people. We've never been disappointed by the food there - always interesting and always good.
Mar 29th, 2007, 08:44 AM
#32
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L'Impero might fit what you're looking for - it's Italian and on the higher end of your range. The ambience and food sound like what you're looking for. Tudor City is an area you might not visit otherwise, but interesting to see in that it's almost its own quiet little village, but right there in Midtown by the UN.
You can view the menu (with prices) here:
http://www.limpero.com/htm/menu.htm#
You can view the menu (with prices) here:
http://www.limpero.com/htm/menu.htm#
Mar 29th, 2007, 07:49 PM
#35
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Gilt has a new chef and the food and atmosphere are wonderful.Dinner will cost close to or more than 200 per couple.The other restaurants of this calibur will cost the same.Picholine,Daniel,Bouley,etc.
Mar 30th, 2007, 07:06 AM
#36
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I am compelled to chime in with my thoughts on a few of the places recommended above. So many options in NYC!
For a romantic Italian restaurant - L'Impero is first on my list. You will not be disappointed with the food or ambiance. Has superb food, elegant decor, roomy tables and stellar service. I'm sure it will be a memorable experience.
I also vote for Blue Hill which is opposite Washington Square Park. It's a smaller place in a brownstone, a little bit more chic and fantastic (american) food. Limitted menu (in case you're picky).
One if By Land is in a much livelier location in Greenwich Village and has been there for many, many years. It is located in an old carriage house and is dripping with romance. Would not qualify as an Italian restaurant though and perhaps a little staid. A good choice, nevertheless.
Another very romantic choice is Bouley in Tribeca for French food. Gorgeous and memorable place. The food will also blow you away (as will the prices).
I happen to love Po (also in the Village), but it's quaint, not romantic, in my opinion. Excellent food too. But small and has bland decor.
I wouldn't recommend Tribeca Grill if you're looking for romantic atomosphere, although the food (American) is generally pretty good.
In my opinion, Candela is NOT the right place if you have one night for romantic dinner in NYC. They have lots of candles, but sorry - so does Pier One...
Babbo is probably one of - if not the - best Italian restaurants in NYC. But impossible to get in. Suppose you could give it a try.
You may also want to consider Del Posto, which is a Lidia Bastianich place. A beatuiful space with excellent Italian food. Not as good as L'Impero though.
Plenty of other options, but not enough space here!
For a romantic Italian restaurant - L'Impero is first on my list. You will not be disappointed with the food or ambiance. Has superb food, elegant decor, roomy tables and stellar service. I'm sure it will be a memorable experience.
I also vote for Blue Hill which is opposite Washington Square Park. It's a smaller place in a brownstone, a little bit more chic and fantastic (american) food. Limitted menu (in case you're picky).
One if By Land is in a much livelier location in Greenwich Village and has been there for many, many years. It is located in an old carriage house and is dripping with romance. Would not qualify as an Italian restaurant though and perhaps a little staid. A good choice, nevertheless.
Another very romantic choice is Bouley in Tribeca for French food. Gorgeous and memorable place. The food will also blow you away (as will the prices).
I happen to love Po (also in the Village), but it's quaint, not romantic, in my opinion. Excellent food too. But small and has bland decor.
I wouldn't recommend Tribeca Grill if you're looking for romantic atomosphere, although the food (American) is generally pretty good.
In my opinion, Candela is NOT the right place if you have one night for romantic dinner in NYC. They have lots of candles, but sorry - so does Pier One...
Babbo is probably one of - if not the - best Italian restaurants in NYC. But impossible to get in. Suppose you could give it a try.
You may also want to consider Del Posto, which is a Lidia Bastianich place. A beatuiful space with excellent Italian food. Not as good as L'Impero though.
Plenty of other options, but not enough space here!
Mar 30th, 2007, 07:31 AM
#37
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"In my opinion, Candela is NOT the right place if you have one night for romantic dinner in NYC. They have lots of candles, but sorry - so does Pier One.."
My vote for best line of this thread!!!
My vote for best line of this thread!!!
Mar 30th, 2007, 08:09 AM
#39
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I still think the most romantic restaurant in NYC is Erminia. www.erminiarestaurant.com
There are only 12 tables in the place, very intimate, candle lit, quiet, just adorable. You must make a reservation.
Food is great, but they only serve wine, no hard liquor.
visit menupages.com to see what they have to offer.
There are only 12 tables in the place, very intimate, candle lit, quiet, just adorable. You must make a reservation.
Food is great, but they only serve wine, no hard liquor.
visit menupages.com to see what they have to offer.
