You don't need to pick up Zagat's. Go onto the AMEX site and find it there. I know you said American or Italian, but I can vaouch for "Firebird" in a lovely town house in the theatre district. It is Russian food, with Czarist Decor, and I am quite fond of it!

It is probably something you have not tried very often, and they are used to pre-theatre dinners, but make sure that they know that!!!!