any ideas for a romantic birthday dinner for my girlfriend, kinda picky

[daveproper]

Hello all. I'm hoping that someone out there can help me figure out a few options. In general my girlfriend isn't a fan of eating out. She loves diner food and doesn't like anything too stuffy or expensive.

However, for her 28th birthday she has expressed interest in having me take her out to a romantic dinner. I have a few parameters I have to follow. It has to be french or italian, dimly lit w. a romantic ambience, around 50pp, and they should have several options for those that don't eat red meat (chicken and fish are ok).

i know there are a lot of great modern italian places but i'm really looking for something more traditional that would suit a diner that isn't that adventurous. Lastly, I'm willing to travel but would prefer to go somewhere downtown that takes reservations for 2.

Thanks a million for any advice.

[Beau711]

Gascogne, 158 Eighth Avenue (between 17th and 18th Streets)
[phone]

This French restaurant serves good moderately priced food. The dining room is intimate and if it's a warm evening, you might like the pretty garden. Since your g/f loves diner food, I believe this place won't overwhelm her with being pompous or stuffy.

[ezeddie]

Il Mulino. Your gf and mine should get together...she is extremely picky and it is where we go for her birthday every year. It meets all of your criteria listed above...traditional italian, in a small dimly lit room and located in the village.

[tpigeon]

Il Mullino does not meet 50pp unless you drink water and order 1 dish each.

[CTCajun]

You may want to lok at Cosette on 33rd (I believe) ,little French Bistro, the owner and wife do all the serving...