The best restaurants in NYC?

[Phoenix]

Hello New Yorkers, or anyone else who knows NY!

A friend of ours is organising a brunch to celebrate someone''s 50th birthday in a couple of weeks time. The location is NY City. I gather about 10 people will attend.

Would love to hear from anyone who may be able to recommend some upscale restaurants? Food-type wise, I don''t think they''re fussy, as long as the food is fabulous and service excellent. I don''t think they have a budget. I think they''re looking for an experience to rememeber for a long time to come.

Thanks.

 

[JulieN]

cafe boulud.

 

[FrekeChild]

What kind of restaurant? Big, loud and over the top? Quite and subdued?

I don''t think Cafe Boulud is really what you''re looking for.

Harriet would be a good person to get feedback from. She knows NYC restaurants.

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 1/31/2010 2:31:02 AM
Author: JulieN
cafe boulud.

Thank you, Julie. I googled this and it looks really FAB. I''ll send the details to my friend.

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 1/31/2010 3:04:56 AM
Author: FrekeChild
What kind of restaurant? Big, loud and over the top? Quite and subdued?

I don't think Cafe Boulud is really what you're looking for.

Harriet would be a good person to get feedback from. She knows NYC restaurants.

Thanks, Freke. The restaurant is not for us, it's for a friend and his friends. I must say I don't know for sure, though I should ask him if his friends who are coming to the brunch are all males or mixed. That might make a difference. However, I would guess that they're looking for some place elegant and high-end, from our discussion last night. Also, our friend is from Harvard law school and apparently used to be in the same class as President Obama and the late JFK Junior, and we've only ever seen him behave in an impeccable manner. I can only hazard a guess that he mixes in similar company (such as us, ha ha!!

).

I'm also hoping Harriet would chime in.

 

[whitby_2773]

hi phoenix

i''m a member of zagat and eat out regularly in manhattan, both at zagat functions and also with friends met through zagat. as everyone knows, there''s some of the best restaurants in the world in NY. but for me, the choice would be easy...

private dining room, Per Se.

it''s a gorgeous dining room, perfect for 10, and the food, modern french cuisine, is second to none. it''s regularly ranked in the top 3 ''best restaurants in the US'' by zagat. it''s the sister restaurant to The French Laundry in CA. the head chef is the legendary Thomas Keller, and the service is UNBELIEVABLE. the food is out of this world; i mean - i''m a real ''foodie'', and the food at per se is the best i''ve ever eaten. i was there for a 9 course, prix fixe, lunch in december, and course after course was absolutely faultless. they also included 4 extra courses....''just because''.

the view is also gorgeous - from the time warner building at columbus circle over central park. gorgeous.

also rans - also wonderful...

jean georges
blue hills
le bernardin
craft

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 1/31/2010 3:36:05 AM
Author: whitby_2773
hi phoenix

i'm a member of zagat and eat out regularly in manhattan, both at zagat functions and also with friends met through zagat. as everyone knows, there's some of the best restaurants in the world in NY. but for me, the choice would be easy...

private dining room, Per Se.

it's a gorgeous dining room, perfect for 10, and the food, modern french cuisine, is second to none. it's regularly ranked in the top 3 'best restaurants in the US' by zagat. it's the sister restaurant to The French Laundry in CA. the head chef is the legendary Thomas Keller, and the service is UNBELIEVABLE. the food is out of this world; i mean - i'm a real 'foodie', and the food at per se is the best i've ever eaten. i was there for a 9 course, prix fixe, lunch in december, and course after course was absolutely faultless. they also included 4 extra courses....'just because'.

the view is also gorgeous - from the time warner building at columbus circle over central park. gorgeous.

also rans - also wonderful...

jean georges
blue hills
le bernardin
craft

Hey there Whitby!

It's good to "see" you.

Thank you so much for your wonderful suggestion and amazing review!! I must say I've never heard of "zagat" and googled it just now. All I can say is WOWZA!

Per Se sounds absolutely FABULOUS!! I'm for sure forwarding the restaurant's name and your review to my friend, if you don't mind? I think he and his friends would have a wonderful time there. The food sounds absolutely delicious. Everything abt it seems amazing!! I'm soooo jealous now, I wish DH and I could just hop on a plane and fly straight to NYC now, LOL!

I'll also tell my friend about the other choices too.

Thanks again.

 

[whitby_2773]

Date: 1/31/2010 3:48:52 AM
Author: Phoenix

Hey there Whitby!

It's good to 'see' you.

Thank you so much for your wonderful suggestion and amazing review!! I must say I've never heard of 'zagat' and googled it just now. All I can say is WOWZA!

Per Se sounds absolutely FABULOUS!! I'm for sure forwarding the restaurant's name and your review to my friend, if you don't mind? I think he and his friends would have a wonderful time there. The food sounds absolutely delicious. Everything abt it seems amazing!! I'm soooo jealous now, I wish DH and I could just hop on a plane and fly straight to NYC now, LOL!

I'll also tell my friend about the other choices too.

Thanks again.

hi phoenix - nice to see you too

and yes - pls do send it to your friend. i'd been hearing about per se for a few years before i went, and it was truly the best i've had in NY. but then again, if you're ranked and rated so highly (3 michelin hats), i suppose you're going to be this good.

just a note tho - per se only has 16 tables and two private dining rooms, one for much larger numbers - so your friend would need to book as far ahead as he can. also - prices will range between $275 (no wine) per head, anything up to $500+. just a head's up.

 

[Brown.Eyed.Girl]

Ooh I wanted to go to Per Se this summer, but alas, a law student''s budget does not call for $300 meals

If you and your friends like fusion food, one of my favorite restaurants is Le Colonial, which is Vietnamese-French fusion. I''ve eaten at both the NYC and Chicago locations and both are superb. I also liked The Modern a lot as well.

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 1/31/2010 4:32:12 AM
Author: whitby_2773


hi phoenix - nice to see you too

and yes - pls do send it to your friend. i''d been hearing about per se for a few years before i went, and it was truly the best i''ve had in NY. but then again, if you''re ranked and rated so highly (3 michelin hats), i suppose you''re going to be this good.

just a note tho - per se only has 16 tables and two private dining rooms, one for much larger numbers - so your friend would need to book as far ahead as he can. also - prices will range between $275 (no wine) per head, anything up to $500+. just a head''s up.

He he, I guess exclusitivity does come at a price!

. I suspect though that this wouldn''t be a problem for our friend and his friends. It *is* also for someone''s 50th, so I can''t think of a better place to celebrate (or commiserate, as the case might be, LOL!

). They can in any case have a look and decide for themselves.

*I* wouldn''t mind going there for my 50th. ''suppose I have a few years to plan and save up for it!

Cheers.

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 1/31/2010 4:32:17 AM
Author: Brown.Eyed.Girl
Ooh I wanted to go to Per Se this summer, but alas, a law student''s budget does not call for $300 meals

If you and your friends like fusion food, one of my favorite restaurants is Le Colonial, which is Vietnamese-French fusion. I''ve eaten at both the NYC and Chicago locations and both are superb. I also liked The Modern a lot as well.

Thanks, BEG. I''ll forward the name to my friend too. Not for us though, for other people. I''m getting really jealous though. NYC does seem to have a lot of really FAB restaurants!

 

[pennquaker09]

I like Minetta Tavern quite a bit. Also, Jean George''s and Babbo (a Mario Batali restaurant) are favorites. If I''m in the mood for French, I don''t think there is anything better than Daniel (some people will prefer Per Se, I don''t). By the way, Daniel is a Boulud restaurant.

 

[gardengloves]

When I think brunch in NYC, I think Upper West Side. Amsterdam and Columbus Avenue are lively streets with restaurants, shops, books stores and loads of people strolling. Ocean Grill and Isabella's have beautiful atmospheres and great brunch. They are right near the Museum of Natural History and the place is hopping. Another great restaurant in Union Square, another hot spot for brunch and great strolling is Blue Water Grill.

Tribeca is another good place for great restaurants and loads of atmosphere.

 

[LadyBlue]

I love Craft. The food, the service and the restaurant are just great

 

[Loves Vintage]

I'm really enjoying this thread. DH has always wanted to go to French Laundry, but we have no plans to be on the West Coast in the near future. Per Se looks wonderful. I love that they offer a vegetable tasting, as I do not eat meat or fish. As much as I love the idea of taking him to Per Se, I really don't want to spend $550 on one dinner for two, even if it is worth it.

Sorry for the thread-jack, but for those of you familiar with NYC restaurants, does anyone know of a great restaurant that also offers a vegetable tasting menu, but is perhaps a bit less expensive?

Phoenix - It sounds like your friends will have an amazing party. Please let us know where they decide to go.

ETA: Whitby - Blue Hill at Stone Barns!

Have you been? Is it fabulous?

 

[LadyBlue]

Date: 1/31/2010 11:59:52 AM
Author: Loves Vintage
I''m really enjoying this thread. DH has always wanted to go to French Laundry, but we have no plans to be on the West Coast in the near future. Per Se looks wonderful. I love that they offer a vegetable tasting, as I do not eat meat or fish. As much as I love the idea of taking him to Per Se, I really don''t want to spend $550 on one dinner for two, even if it is worth it.


Sorry for the thread-jack, but for those of you familiar with NYC restaurants, does anyone know of a great restaurant that also offers a vegetable tasting menu, but is perhaps a bit less expensive?


Phoenix - It sounds like your friends will have an amazing party. Please let us know where they decide to go.


ETA: Whitby - Blue Hill at Stone Barns!

Have you been? Is it fabulous?

My husband is vegetarian and he loves Candle 79

 

[megumic]

I''m not sure of their brunch menu, but Artisanal is DELISH! Also, probably not suited to the event, but Freeman''s has a delish brunch as well! Mmmmmmmm!

 

[sba771]

For brunch- Perry Street, also a Jean Georges restaurant and awesome. River Cafe is also really good.

 

[taovandel]

River Cafe

For nice but not expensive Italian...I always go to Osteria al Doge and Maria Pia. Both in Midtown--so kinda touristy at times.

 

[wyndham]

Hi Phoenix,
I would have to ditto Whitby and PennQuaker on Per Se or Daniel -- both have really excellent food and superb service. I think you''ve gotten some other really good suggestions (love craft, too), but if you want something a bit more casual than Daniel or Per Se, I might also suggest:

Grammercy Tavern (their private room is beautiful; food is great and somewhat rustic)

Olana - A bit more casual still, but the food is delicious and the atmosphere is very refined. Not sure if they have a private room or not, but if you want something less fancy than Per Se or Daniel, I would look into this.

You''re nice to help your friend...I''m sure the party will be fabulous!

 

[chiapet]

My favorite restaurant in NYC is Dovetail www.dovetailnyc.com. Excellent food and they throw in extras like amuse bouche and mini desserts.
Bar Boulud and Vento are nice and trendy. Do you guys have a location in mind?

 

[JulieN]

I don't think Per Se and Daniel offer brunch?

Dinner hours, I would throw Le Bernardin into the mix... definitely.

I was also thinking maybe Spotted Pig, which does serve brunch.

 

[JulieN]

Date: 1/31/2010 11:59:52 AM
Author: Loves Vintage
I'm really enjoying this thread. DH has always wanted to go to French Laundry, but we have no plans to be on the West Coast in the near future. Per Se looks wonderful. I love that they offer a vegetable tasting, as I do not eat meat or fish. As much as I love the idea of taking him to Per Se, I really don't want to spend $550 on one dinner for two, even if it is worth it.


Sorry for the thread-jack, but for those of you familiar with NYC restaurants, does anyone know of a great restaurant that also offers a vegetable tasting menu, but is perhaps a bit less expensive?


Phoenix - It sounds like your friends will have an amazing party. Please let us know where they decide to go.


ETA: Whitby - Blue Hill at Stone Barns!

Have you been? Is it fabulous?

Daniel offers a lot of vegetarian. Ask ahead if they'll do a veg tasting menu.

 

[whitby_2773]

Date: 1/31/2010 3:18:35 PM
Author: JulieN
I don't think Per Se and Daniel offer brunch?


Dinner hours, I would throw Le Bernardin into the mix... definitely.


I was also thinking maybe Spotted Pig, which does serve brunch.

no - per se doesnt offer brunch. but they do offer lunch, which might be close enough....

i LOVE le bernardin. i went to their vintage tasting menu night last march and it was unreal. it was around 11 courses for about 60 people in their private dining room, based on the sorts of food which might have been eaten in the 1800's. they provided AMAZING entertainment also - period burlesque and jazz singers - it was unbelievable. eric ripert came out at the end and the whole night had a bit of a 'bacchanalian party' feel. amazing.


here is the menu...

 

[whitby_2773]

Date: 1/31/2010 11:59:52 AM
Author: Loves Vintage
I'm really enjoying this thread. DH has always wanted to go to French Laundry, but we have no plans to be on the West Coast in the near future. Per Se looks wonderful. I love that they offer a vegetable tasting, as I do not eat meat or fish. As much as I love the idea of taking him to Per Se, I really don't want to spend $550 on one dinner for two, even if it is worth it.


Sorry for the thread-jack, but for those of you familiar with NYC restaurants, does anyone know of a great restaurant that also offers a vegetable tasting menu, but is perhaps a bit less expensive?


Phoenix - It sounds like your friends will have an amazing party. Please let us know where they decide to go.


ETA: Whitby - Blue Hill at Stone Barns!

Have you been? Is it fabulous?

sorry for the threadjack, phoenix - tho this *is* a restaurant to consider. blue hill at stone barns is a restaurant serving all organic food, mostly grown on their own property. their meats all come from their other property which is in upstate NY i believe. blue hill won US restaurant of the year last year, in a fairly serious nod to self sufficiency and organic produce.

Loves Vintage - no - i havent been yet, but i have a booking to go in late march with some friends when i get home. i'm really looking forward to it. also - it's in westchester co. where i live - so it'll be an easy commute. there's 4 of us going, and i think we're going to book a car, so nobody has to be the 'designated driver'.

and blue hill at stone barns *is* open for lunch (not sure if all days). not brunch - altho they do have a cafe which is open pretty much all day as i recall. blue hill new york in manhattan (greenwich) is only open for dinner.

 

[Loves Vintage]

Whitby - Blue Hill at Stone Barns it is!! I will take my DH there for his birthday in April. When I call to make reservations, I will confirm that they will make me a veggie only serving. I don't expect that will be a problem. Now, I will look for some nice dog-friendly accommodations in the area and perhaps make a weekend out of it!

Gaby06 - Thank you for the Candle79 info. It looks like it's exactly our type of place!! It's on my list for our next visit to the city!!

Phoenix - Sorry for the continued thread jack, and thank you again for starting this thread. Now, I have my DH's birthday plans made well in advance!

 

[KimberlyH]

Bouley (www.davidbouley.com) is the one restaurant we go to every trip we make to Manhattan. Our first time there service was a bit stiff and uncomfortable, but the food has been simply amazing every time and service has straightened out.

I prefer Cafe Boulod (they do serve brunch) to Daniel.

Fish is usually not what I opt for when we eat out, but our experience at Le Bernardin was wonderful and the food was delicious.

We had a wonderful meal at Craft, but my understanding is that the overall quality of Mr. Collichio's restaurants have declined since his venture into TVLand. Cradt was his only restaurant with a Michelin Star and it was taken away in either 2007 or 2008, I can't recall.

Per Se is on our list of places to eat. I can't wait for that experience!

 

[iluvcarats]

You can''t go wrong with Il Molino or Babbo

 

[pennquaker09]

For brunch, I like Telepan and if you can deal with the volume, Balthazar. It''s a bit too trendy and loud for me, however.

 

[Harriet]

For brunch, I suggest BLT Country at the Ritz-Carlton Central Park South. The menu is unique and the atmosphere lively. I also second megumic's suggestion of Artisanal. Blue Ribbon Brasserie in Soho is a strong contender, especially if you have adventurous eaters in the party. There are the usual suspects -- the Four Seasons, the Peninsula -- but your friend has probably had business meals there.

Per Se doesn't serve brunch, but does a leisurely (read "long") lunch. The prices are high, but they include tips.