Last minute trip to New York: Restaurant for a vacationing couple.
December 16, 2014 1:51 PM Subscribe
I go to New York about once a year, and have been to many restaurants over the years -- both high-end and (more often) not so high end. My favorite restaurant used to be Bellavitae on Minetta Lane, but it's been closed for more than a few years now. Tia Pol in Chelsea is still around, but I was there last time.
We (staying in Midtown) are going to be in the city in early January and I am looking for a nice romantic(ish) -- i.e., not too loud and noisy -- restaurant. I have been reading and looking at all kinds of reviews and frankly I am exhausted. So far I am thinking about Aldea. It looks nice - is it?
We like all kinds of food -- no restrictions. But we're on a bit of budget -- so not looking at the very high end.
My question: Can you suggest any (new maybe?) restaurants in New York that are romantic, not too noisy and have excellent food? And -- if you know -- is Aldea good?
We (staying in Midtown) are going to be in the city in early January and I am looking for a nice romantic(ish) -- i.e., not too loud and noisy -- restaurant. I have been reading and looking at all kinds of reviews and frankly I am exhausted. So far I am thinking about Aldea. It looks nice - is it?
We like all kinds of food -- no restrictions. But we're on a bit of budget -- so not looking at the very high end.
My question: Can you suggest any (new maybe?) restaurants in New York that are romantic, not too noisy and have excellent food? And -- if you know -- is Aldea good?
Barbuto? It may be a little less charming in the winter but my S.O and I always have a great time and great meal there
posted by sarahnicolesays at 2:27 PM on December 16, 2014
posted by sarahnicolesays at 2:27 PM on December 16, 2014
I assume that you are looking for something Mediterranean? Would Italian also work?
Here are my personal favorites- personally tried and true in terms of food quality and atmosphere:
L'Artusi - Great, diverse Italian menu. Excellent food and service. Atmosphere and ambiance is classy without being too stuffy and pretentious. My personal favorite.
Scarpetta - Food is wonderful. I particularly enjoyed the meat entrées. I assume the pasta has to be wonderful because the owner, Scott Conant, is a self professed pasta master. Service was great.
Salinas - A Spanish Tapas place for you. I have never been here personally, but some good friends had a birthday dinner here without me and reported that the food was excellent and the ambiance was superb. Looking at the yelp photos, it should fit the bill for romantic dinner for you.
Malatesta - A budget friendly option with very romantic, candlelit atmosphere. The menu and food is simple but done well and the desserts are wonderful. Owned and run by actual Italians. They don't take reservations but I have never waited more than 20 minutes for a table; go a little earlier to have the best luck.
posted by incolorinred at 2:32 PM on December 16, 2014
Here are my personal favorites- personally tried and true in terms of food quality and atmosphere:
L'Artusi - Great, diverse Italian menu. Excellent food and service. Atmosphere and ambiance is classy without being too stuffy and pretentious. My personal favorite.
Scarpetta - Food is wonderful. I particularly enjoyed the meat entrées. I assume the pasta has to be wonderful because the owner, Scott Conant, is a self professed pasta master. Service was great.
Salinas - A Spanish Tapas place for you. I have never been here personally, but some good friends had a birthday dinner here without me and reported that the food was excellent and the ambiance was superb. Looking at the yelp photos, it should fit the bill for romantic dinner for you.
Malatesta - A budget friendly option with very romantic, candlelit atmosphere. The menu and food is simple but done well and the desserts are wonderful. Owned and run by actual Italians. They don't take reservations but I have never waited more than 20 minutes for a table; go a little earlier to have the best luck.
posted by incolorinred at 2:32 PM on December 16, 2014
I like Aldea! You might also want to check out Dovetail. It's not what I'd call cheap, but the prix fixe and Sunday supper are good values and the food is fantastic.
posted by houseofdanie at 5:51 PM on December 16, 2014
posted by houseofdanie at 5:51 PM on December 16, 2014
Perla, which is where Bellavitae used to be, is actually very good. (Though it's more of a "happening scene" and the wine is kind of overpriced.)
posted by neroli at 8:09 PM on December 16, 2014
posted by neroli at 8:09 PM on December 16, 2014
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posted by Dragonness at 2:25 PM on December 16, 2014