Need rec for great birthday spot, garden space would be ideal...

[jkeers]

I am taking my boyfriend out for his birthday in a couple of weeks and want something really fabulous - intimate but youthful and friendly atmosphere, garden space would be a huge perk, and, most importantly, fantastic food and wine. We love all types of food but I am looking for Italian, French, or American/Ecclectic for this evening, I think. Some of my ideas are Crispo, Felidia, Gascogne, Anissa, Babbo, Chanterelle and Blue Hill.... I am also happy to go with something smaller, lesser known, and less expensive but really great... Any suggestions?

[jdream]

After a second dinner at Barbone tonight I would definitely recommend that for solid Italian food with an interesting menu, great wine list, and nice spacious garden.

[jinet12]

I personally like "Home" in the Village for intimate, American Eclectic, and a nice little garden area....It is a bit less expensive as well....They have a great selection of wine...Check out their website at www.recipesfromhome.com I have always had a great dining experience there....

[jkeers]

Funny that you recommended this because we planned on trying everything on Cornelia about a year ago since it has such fantastic restaurants on that entire block - we tried most of them but never made it to Home and then sort of forgot about it. The menu looks great - thanks for the rec!

[Beau711]

Gascogne has a nice garden and the food is very good and not as costly as the other restaurants on your list.

Il Coppi on East 9th Street has a pretty garden and good Italian food.

Gnocco has a large garden and (when I went about a year ago) tasty Italian food. Gnocco is also in the East Village.

[jkeers]

Thanks a lot - those are all great recs. Which would you go to out of the three for atmosphere and food (not considering price)?

[RGR]

Gascogne has been one of our favorite French bistros for a long time. The food is delicious, there's a very good wine list, and the garden is truly charming and romantic. If the weather does not permit outdoor dining, the small interior also has charm and a romantic feel.

I Coppi's food is very good, and the garden is very nice although the last time we had dinner there in the garden, there were a couple of very large groups which made it a bit noisy.

I've never been to Gnocco.