Date night on the Upper West Side

[dberrent]

We'll venture down to Hell's Kitchen too. Something not too pricey, but really good food. Ethnic trumps American, with the exception of funky "New American", which we like, if that makes any sense

[ballulah]

Maybe Italian isn't adventurous enough, but I think Basilica on 9th Ave around 46th/47th Streets is a great date restaurant. A little small, but great food and hospitable service. Also very very affordable.

[nativeNYer]

Yes, we went to Metsovo just last week. Although I live two blocks away, I've never tried Metsovo before then. I'll be curious to hear what you think if you do wind up trying it again. Since the place was on the empty side when we arrived, we were very concerned despite the lovely setting. We began with the hot mezedes platter for two and then shared the grill platter for one. I enjoyed everything and, my friend, whose sister is a chef, decided she'd bring her sis and parents to metsovo for their anniversary in Feb. She's very hard to impress so either it was a great night for them, they've improved or we were just very hungry. BTW, we've both been to Greece and I grew up with a Greek best friend whose mom cooked for me countless times. This isn't the best Greek food I ever had but I thought it was better then most.I'm curious to hear what you think if you decide to return. Perhaps I need to return to Greece to refresh my memory.

[jdmetz]

Telepan and Compass are not cheap, but I find them both to be reasonable and excellent. Compass has a very reasonable prix fixe that you can get at all times.

[foodie4life]

I agree Hell's Kitchen restaurant is really fun and delicious food. I would also like to add Aix- delicious French if you really want to WOW your date, a little pricier.

[nativeNYer]

try earthen oven on w72 and columbus. it has gotten rave reviews on menupages. i've been there three time already. great indian food.

betolla (amsterdam bet. 79 and 80) is very good italian and a nice date place as well as metsovo on w70 (cpw and columbus) which is excellent greek food in a beautiful setting - brick walls and real fireplace. pomodoro (on columbus bet 71 and 70) is another cute italian place and definitely good for a date with great food. there's always lots of people trying to get in there. have fun!

[JoanN]

Used to go to Metsovo all the time and agree it's a lovely, and quite romantic, setting. But the last time I was there, perhaps six months ago, I thought the food had gone seriously downhill. Have you been there recently, nativeNYer? Perhaps my experience was an aberration? It's just a few blocks from me and I'd love to be able to put it back in rotation if the food is still as good as it used to be.

[JeremyEG]

Hey there,
Since you said you might venture down to Hell's Kitchen, I'd recommend the restaurant of the same name. Very good Mexican and reasonably priced too. Enjoy!
Jeremy

[Daniel76]

Yeh, for me the atmosphere is hectic, loud, and I dont like the staff there.. They want to get you in and get you out. The food has absolutely no soul or care put into it..

[Daniel76]

Nice Matin is loud, hectic, and completely average. Your best option on the UWS would be Telepan for Funky American, Land is a sleek Thai place.. If you like spice Land is a good decision. On like 106 you have Sun Chan which is a fun Yakitorri/Sushi Place.. Sit at the counter.. Onera is also a nice spot. Greek food with a modern twist to it. Indian I would tell you to go to Indus Valley. Besides Celeste which is too hectic for a date IMO I would try Spiga. Very funky, check pricing.

[NAtiveNewYorker]

Nice Matin has a fantastic burger. One of the best in the city. Also, Nice Matin will please a number of picky guests since there is: variety (e.g. burgers in a French Restaurant), atmosphere, and good food (try the Pistou Soup too...better than France, IMHO).

[swarttav]

I've been to Nice Matin and it was good but not great. For a good and reasonable option try Arte Cafe on 73rd and Colombus (maybe) around 100 73rd. Food is quite good and very reasonable - their early bird special (4-6) is down right cheap especially for what you get. It is far less pricey than Nice Matin

[Tal]

I haven't been, but have heard great things about Nice Matin. If you don't want to spend that much, try Celeste- a cash only Italian joint on Amsterdam at 84th. Betolla (Italian as well) is also delicious- Amsterdam at 78th. Hell's Kitchen (the restaurant, mexican flavor, I believe) is also pretty good. REALLY CHEAP- go for Saigon Grill- great Vietnamese on 90th and amsterdam.