This is our third trip to New York and previously we have not dined anywhere special just run of the mill New York restaurants. This time we would like to try somewere better. Would you recommend the following three restaurants

Le Bernardin
Patsys
One if by Land Two if by Sea

Thank you

One if by Land gets mixed reviews here on Fodors, but my husband and I absolutely loved it for a special birthday dinner. The food was wonderful, the service was impeccable, and the atmosphere was elegant and romantic. At least in our opinion.

Of course, this was a couple of years ago so maybe someone else can give a more recent review.

Of the three, Le Bernardin, hands down. No contest. Don't miss. And in all honesty we have enjoyed the lunch as much as the dinner -- at nearly half the price.

Le Bernadin is one of the finest seafood restaurants in the entire country, if not the world. It's been around for 20 years and consistantly gets high marks. Food is absolutely fabulous, service is impecable and the ambiance is perfect. In short, if you like seafood, don't miss going to this place.

I may be shot for this, but I really don't like Patsys. I would pick Posto, Arturo's or Otto for pizza any day. OIBL,TIBS is mediocre. You're definitely paying for the atmosphere vs. the food. Le Bernardin is one of the best restaurants in North America. No question you should definitely go!

One if by land is completely not in the same league as Le Bernardin. What is Patsys? If you're referring to the pizza place it's not in the same league, not even the same planet. Definitely Le B.

If you're considering Le Bernardin, other comparable restaurants worth considering are:
Jean Georges (I have not been)

Bouley (I have been and highly recommend)

Per Se (I really enjoyed but thought it too expensive for the experience)

Gramercy Tavern (slightly lower league but it's all relative, it's quite a bit cheaper and it's everyone's favorite)

WD-50 (Adam Platt ranked it one of top 5 in NYC last year, I really enjoyed it but would rank it lower, very inventive menu)

These 5 I would consider "special" as you said and quinessential NYC dining experience. The place to go is supposed to be Masa (I've not been) but that's inhumanly expensive.

Sounds like I will have to try Le Bernardin on a future trip.

I hear a lot about Patsy's, but can't comment on it personally.

None of the above.

Right now I think Picholine & Le Cirque are hitting on all cylinders & have the best overall dining experience in town.

ALso check menupages.com for more comments on these and other restaurants.

Do you mean Patsy's Italian (which is high end) or Patsy's pizzeria (which is low end)?

Gekko, really? Am very curious. Please elaborate, esp le cirque. Thanks.

we loooove One if by Land. It's really romantic and the food is wonderful. The building has an incredibly history.

Interesting to finally hear a positive about the new Le Cirque (opened about a year now). Here are what others say:

From New York Magazine: “The latest incarnation of Sirio Maccioni’s famed restaurant is missing the joie de vivre.”
From the New York Times: “But the restaurant itself is no longer an especially exciting one, at least not in its current incarnation. The new Le Cirque, in the Bloomberg Tower in Midtown, seems to be coasting on its myth. . . .”

And don’t even bother with all the slams on menu-pages, posted by commoners rather than the true restaurant critics. My favorite one was “for a high end place it wasn’t bad”.

Nearly all the reviews did say a lot about how it is the place to spot celebrities and the rich and famous, so . . .

It would help to know what type of food/atmosphere you want - as well as budget.

The 3 places you've listed are completely diferent.

Le Bernardine is superb sea food in an elegant setting - and the prices match.

One if by Land is supposed to be very romantic - I have;t been for several yeaars - but thought the food only OK. Friends who went there recently were underwhelmed.

And Patsy's is good but kind of old-fashioned Italian.

So - what type food are you looking for? What atmophere? And what budget?

If you want somplace truly fantastic head for Per Se.

The "new" Picholine recently reopened and is simply fantastic. Try the tasting menu with wine pairings for a truly memorable evening.

The "new" Le Cirque, in the Bloomberg building, features amazing, inventive cuisine & service that is second-to-none.

Le Cirque's chocolate stove dessert, with raspberry sauce "spilled" on its "burners," is pure art.

http://www.lecirque.com/index2.htm

http://www.picholinenyc.com/

Enjoy!

I should add, Picholine's & Le Cirque's popularity means very tough reservations. Call well in advance.

Also, the last time I enjoyed Picholine's tasting menu (2 wks ago, party of 4), the incredible meal lasted almost 4 hours. Yes, we took our time. Service was flawless, not slow.