Parents in NYC - restuarant near Times Square

[suzanne0115]

Taking parents into the city for their first (!) visit - any recommendations on a good restaurant where we can talk without overwhelming them?

[tbear]

I went to Keen's Chophouse again last night and had one of the best Porterhouse steaks I have ever eaten. I love the cozy bar room and the old NYC ambiance is nice for out-of-towners. $60.00/head may be a little tight, however.

[mrnyc]

my standby for something like this is VICTOR'S cuban. solid as a rock since castro came to power. they will like it & so will you. mojitos!

[fschil]

Blue Fin or Josephine's (Josephine's is very cozy and sometimes has a piano player)

[RGR]

Marseille is a good suggestion. Excellent French/Mediterranean cuisine served in an attractive brasserie setting.

http://www.marseillenyc.com

Rene Pujol has been a Theater District fixture in the same townhouse location for more than 50 years. Very well-prepared French bistro classics, as well as some modern dishes. It can be somewhat noisy pre-theater, so it's best to reserve after 8 p.m. when the ambiance is much quieter.

http://www.renepujol.com

Roberto Passon serves very good Italian food in pleasant surroundings.

http://www.robertopasson.com

[akp]

When my parents were in town, we had a wonderful lunch at Scarlatto. I notice that the chef is Roberto Passon there - will have to check out his other restaurant...

[haleyjen]

I like Marseille, and Bello on 56th Street.

[RGR]

Since there are literally hundreds of restaurants in the Times Square vicinity, you need to help narrow things down by providing some specifics.

1. What cuisines do you prefer?

2. Do you want casual or fancy?

3. What is your per person budget? And tell us if that figure includes drinks (wine, liquor), tax (nearly 9%), & tip (20%).

[suzanne0115]

1) American, Italian, French, Japanese
2) Casual-ish: pub/bar okay but no bodega/stand/fast foodie
3) $60/person including drink, tip

THANKS!