"Traditional" Restaurant Recommendation for NYC
Jan 7, 2018, 11:11 am
#1
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"Traditional" Restaurant Recommendation for NYC
I need FT's help! In order to celebrate the birth of our first grandchild, I want to take my wife somewhere special in Manhattan. But here's the catch: we're not really Michelin star types. IOW, we favor outstanding execution of traditional dishes over "inventive" constructs. On the other hand, neither of us regards a steakhouse as sufficiently special for this occasion.
In an ideal world, we'd find a place able to execute classic French or even northern Italian cuisine flawlessly, accompanied by really fine wine (but less than $400 a bottle fine). Any ideas?
In an ideal world, we'd find a place able to execute classic French or even northern Italian cuisine flawlessly, accompanied by really fine wine (but less than $400 a bottle fine). Any ideas?
Jan 7, 2018, 11:40 am
#2
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC (Primarily EWR)
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I need FT's help! In order to celebrate the birth of our first grandchild, I want to take my wife somewhere special in Manhattan. But here's the catch: we're not really Michelin star types. IOW, we favor outstanding execution of traditional dishes over "inventive" constructs. On the other hand, neither of us regards a steakhouse as sufficiently special for this occasion.
In an ideal world, we'd find a place able to execute classic French or even northern Italian cuisine flawlessly, accompanied by really fine wine (but less than $400 a bottle fine). Any ideas?
In an ideal world, we'd find a place able to execute classic French or even northern Italian cuisine flawlessly, accompanied by really fine wine (but less than $400 a bottle fine). Any ideas?
Italian - there are lots of good choices in the city. Northern Italian cuisine can be a bit broad (i.e. are we speaking Tuscan here, or something more Ladin, a la South Tyrol?), but for spots that are upscale (and yes, some of these are Michelin-starred) but are delicious without being too ostentatious, I would suggest Lupa, Babbo, or Carbone. ETA: L'Artusi is another great moderately upscale casual Italian spot to eat.
Last edited by PsiFighter37; Jan 7, 2018 at 11:59 am
Jan 7, 2018, 11:52 am
#3
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Jan 7, 2018, 5:02 pm
#4
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I love Ai Fiori, a northern Italian restaurant in the Langham hotel. Housemade everything, elegant but not fussy. But still a decidedly fine dining vibe. They have a Michelin star, I think.
I also really like Locanda Verde, in Tribeca. Excellent food in a more neighborhoody kind of place.
http://aifiorinyc.com/menus/dinner_menu
http://www.locandaverdenyc.com/menus/
I also really like Locanda Verde, in Tribeca. Excellent food in a more neighborhoody kind of place.
http://aifiorinyc.com/menus/dinner_menu
http://www.locandaverdenyc.com/menus/
Jan 7, 2018, 6:51 pm
#5
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Meh I'm mixed in Locanda Verde. I recall it being good but not memorable.
We're big fans of Mailano (don't live in NYC but family does and it's been a birthday selection multiple times).
We're big fans of Mailano (don't live in NYC but family does and it's been a birthday selection multiple times).
Jan 8, 2018, 5:39 am
#6
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Love both of these spots (although I have only been to Locanda Verde for brunch / lunch, not dinner). I enjoyed my one time at Ai Fiori, although my wife thinks the quality has dipped the past couple times she has been there. For a 1-Star Michelin, it always has a lot of availability.
Jan 9, 2018, 1:26 pm
#10
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I don't think I'd call Le Bernardin classic or traditional. It's traditional in terms of the decorum: men must wear jackets, the sommeliers (yes, plural) wear tastevins on chains around their necks, etc. And I wouldn't call the food avant garde, either, but you won't find traditional dishes on the menu.
For truly classic French, I'd put in another vote for La Grenouille.
For truly classic French, I'd put in another vote for La Grenouille.
Jan 9, 2018, 2:30 pm
#11
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I don't think I'd call Le Bernardin classic or traditional. It's traditional in terms of the decorum: men must wear jackets, the sommeliers (yes, plural) wear tastevins on chains around their necks, etc. And I wouldn't call the food avant garde, either, but you won't find traditional dishes on the menu.
For truly classic French, I'd put in another vote for La Grenouille.
For truly classic French, I'd put in another vote for La Grenouille.
Fair enough. I was really thinking more in terms of "not avant garde".
Jan 10, 2018, 5:15 pm
#14
Join Date: Jan 2014
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Recently read a TERRIBLE report on La Grenouille: https://ny.eater.com/2017/12/28/1682...estaurants-nyc.
French:
Benoit
Vaucluse
Le Coq Rico (for French roasted chicken specifically)
The NoMad (slightly less traditional than the above, but absolutely wonderful and in a beautiful space)
Italian:
Marea
Maialino
If I had to pick top two of the above it would be The NoMad and Marea.
French:
Benoit
Vaucluse
Le Coq Rico (for French roasted chicken specifically)
The NoMad (slightly less traditional than the above, but absolutely wonderful and in a beautiful space)
Italian:
Marea
Maialino
If I had to pick top two of the above it would be The NoMad and Marea.
Jan 10, 2018, 8:19 pm
#15
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Many restaurants allow you to BYO (bring your own) wine. The corkage charges vary, but even if you pay $75 corkage, all you have to do is go to a good wine store ie Chambers Street, 
and buy a good bottle. A $100 bottle of wine will set you back $250 - $300 if you were to buy off the list.
$100 bottle of wine + $75 corkage (varies, so call the restaurant) = $175 outlay. You'll drink better wine, and save a few bucks.
and buy a good bottle. A $100 bottle of wine will set you back $250 - $300 if you were to buy off the list.$100 bottle of wine + $75 corkage (varies, so call the restaurant) = $175 outlay. You'll drink better wine, and save a few bucks.