need one more dinner in nyc, pre theater

[Mel]

finishing up our plans for our visit to the east coast and realized I am still missing one dinner before we go to see The Lion King. Hubby and I have booked Babbo and Gacyone for our dinners in NYC. We plan on a NYC pizza and some street food for lunches, with a possible trip to the shake shack or PJ Clarks. I have looked at previous posts and feel a little stumped on what to do for pre-theater. Hubby and I love all cuisines. My hang up is that after NYC, we head off to Atlantic City to visit his parents and eat nothing but fried, italian or possibly steak. So I need some thoughts to help me make reservations before it is too late.

possible thoughts have been: Piccolo Argola, Crispo, Victor's Cafe.
what didn't appeal to me for some reason was: Marseille, Robrto Passon

Thanks for the help.

[Villeny]

Esca (my favorite!!) or Becco. Also Sushi of Gari 46 if you like upscale sushi.

[clembeauchamp]

How about Chez Josephine? OK, the food is far from great but you can't beat the decor or the staff - or the live piano! It's been around for about 25 years and is a rare gem among the anonymous new/chain restaurants in the neighborhood. I love this place after a show.

[nuxvomica]

you know, some of the dishes at Chez Josephine are quite good (like the goat cheese ravioli and more than decent tuna tartar) and the decor and atmosphere are quite unique.

Esca is good but might be tough to get into - but they also have a lovely outdoor area in the summer.

Tintol - Portuguese tapas - very good, actually andreasonable - it's on w. 46th st.

Kyotofu on 9th Ave (48th - 49th) is lovely too but while they have cheese and some savories, it may be better for dessert or light snack or srinks

Casellula cheese & wine bar - 52nd St. just off 9th Ave - lovely for dinner or snack, the Pig's Ass sandwich is great, so is mac & cheese and the asparagus with egg. very good and interesting cheeses and wines.

[financialdistrictresident]

We went to Victor's recently. You might want to do a search of this site. Some feel it's past its prime and a bit overpriced. We had a delicious dinner (not overly inventive) there with excellent service. Only caution, I believe Sunday is family night and it may be crowded and noisy.

As noted below West Bank Cafe and Pongrsi Thai are good theater district restaurants. Nothing extraordinary, but good, moderately priced (by NYC standards) and consistent. I usually go to the Pongrsi Thai in Chinatown which has totally different vibe than midtown location.

We are going to Marseille for the first time tomorrow night. Love Meditteranean food, so hopefully will not be disappointed.

[RGR]

How long since you've been to West Bank Cafe? There was a change of chefs about two years ago, and Bill Telepan consulted on the complete overhaul of the menu. While I would agree that the cuisine is not extraordinary, it is much better than good. I would say it's excellent -- on the same level, in my view, as the food you will be having at Marseille, which is one of my favs. I would be interested to hear what you think, so I hope you'll report back. Enjoy!

[hmp2z]

We went to the Nook last week (9th Ave between 50th & 51st) and enjoyed it very, very much. In fact, we thought the food quality was outstanding, if you don't mind putting up with the quirks of the owner - he is very laid back. I posted a review of this on my blog: http://hpandaw.wordpress.com with some photos. It was, without a doubt, our best dinner in Manhattan, Per Se not excepted.

Cheers!
Heather W

[Mel]

oh...both west bank cafe and nook look great and seem to be more of what I am looking for

[financialdistrictresident]

RGR, thanks for your thoughts. Haven't been to West Bank in awhile (it was good, nothing exceptional) and it sounds like I need to check it out given your comments above.

[Bob Martinez]

I've only been to Roberto Passon once for lunch but it was pretty good, I do understand what your saying about overdosing on Italian restaurants and steak places. There's only so much of that I can take.

If you're open to Asian food there are 2 very good choices.

Szechuan Gourmet on 39th St. near 6th Ave. is one of the best Chinese restaurants in the city. Menu and address here -
http://www.menupages.com/restaurantdetails.asp?areaid=0&restaurantid=5718&neighborhoodid=0&cuisineid=0

Pongsri Thai on 48th and 8th is also a very good choice. Well made Thai food in an atmosphere a couple of notches up from standard Thai places.
http://www.menupages.com/restaurantde...

[steve h.]

esca.

[Mel]

i have looked at these... esca is a possibility. I am just looking for something other than fried, italian or steah house....

[timmy]

go with Esca absolutely amazing sicilian fish stew

[RGR]

As steve h. knows all too well, I am not a fan of Esca.

I presume the other restaurant, in addition to Babbo, that you've reserved is Gascogne? If so, French is taken care of. :-)

I would suggest West Bank Cafe, on 42nd St., b/t 9th & 10th Avs., which happens to be one block from your theater. The New American cuisine served there is delicious. Service is friendly and efficient. The space has attractive decor, nicely-spaced tables, and a conversation-friendly noise level.

http://www.westbankcafe.com

Note: They are on OpenTable if you prefer to reserve that way

Have a great visit to NYC, enjoy the show and Bon Appetit!

[steve h.]

three stars from nytimes (april), three stars from me. only downside is that all the positive publicity makes getting a reservation there that much more difficult (resourceful folk will get their crudo fix at the tiny bar).

next thing rgr will tell me is that she doesn't like le bernardin.

...mercy.

[HickTownBarnaby]

Le Bernardin
The Modern