It's my father's 80th B'day in March - looking for a special restaurant for 15 family members on a sunday in the city- sort of on the sophisticated end...approx. $50pp. Any suggestions? Thanks

Are you looking for dinner or lunch? What cuisines are in or out? Does the $40 includes a drink? Wine?

($50 is quite moderate - so some details would help find a place.)

Sunday brunch at Eleven Madison Park is wonderful! They have a brunch market menu which falls within your price range as well as an ala carte menu. Everything we ate was well-prepared and beautifully presented. They also have a great wine selection and scrumptious peach bellinis!

The restaurant's 30 foot ceiling, large windows, and decor certainly contribute to its sophisticated atmosphere. The space can accomodate large parties -- this is a hot place, I suggest calling early for reservations.

http://tinyurl.com/8u5kw

Whatever you decide, have a wonderful celebration!

The Gramercy Tavern has a wonderful private room for a group that size - they did a wonderful anniversary lunch for my inlaws' 50th last year. $50 per person is just about the range, if I remember correctly - it was excellent - the food, the staff everything was lovely.

I know Gramercy Tavern - that's a possibility. We're looking for dinner, not brunch. The $50 could be without drinks - there are some teens (underage) included. We're somewhat flexible on the price, if it's the right place. Thanks again - open to different cuisines, but perhaps Italian.

There was a great thread on this topic a few weeks ago. I don't know the official way to link to another thread, but it's at
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34743463

Good luck!

Trattoria Dell 'Arte, a very good Italian restaurant has a private room that would fit 15 on the main floor. Their food is very good.

The 21 Club has some good private rooms and also a nice dining room. Park Ave. Cafe and L'Impero are other ideas for both private rooms or just nice place.

These are all good ideas; I think Eleven Madison Park would be great, because of the space itself, the service, and the excellent food. L'Impero, I believe, is closed on Sundays.