What do you guys think of Wallse?

[PeteM]

Let's say you have to entertain a foodie (chowhound, indeed) couple, you want nice / classy atmosphere, and you want to stay below midtown, where would you go?

Food over atmosphere, if you have to choose. And price is no object.

Is Wallse a good choice? What other choices do I have?

[dkstar1]

Wallse is an excellent restaurant. I'd go there over Annisa everytime.

I loved the rabbit and spaetzle dish, the lobster app, wild game (Scottish partridge was great...watch out for the occasional buckshot) and the salzburg nockerl for dessert is great.

[PeteM]

Hi everyone!
Any other thoughts?

So my choices are just Annisa, Wallse or Bouley? Of these, which one should I choose?
Anyone has other suggestions (20th street or below)?

Thanks so much chowhounds!

[idia]

Blue Hill all the way!!!

[ellenost]

I haven't been to Annisa, but between Bouley and Wallse, I'd go to Bouley. Wallse is excellent, but a much more casual dining experience than Bouley.

[MMRuth]

I've not been to Bouley (must rectify) but from what I've read, I agree with ellenost, and would add that Anissa would be a step up from Wallse.

[thegreekone]

I can't say anything disparaging about either Wallse or Annisa. If it were me I would decide after checking out the menus. Given the season and dealing with out of towners....Wallse would be my choice

[PeteM]

Thanks!
Just out of curiosity, what about dealing with out of towners that made you choose Wallse?

[thegreekone]

There are very few places swimming in Austrian fare. The best compliment I can give Wallse is that I always ask myself why I don't eat there more often when I leave.

[MMRuth]

Yes - I say the same thing!

[MMRuth]

Do see this review of Annisa from a frequent poster - from last night - disappointing meal:

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/457828

[PeteM]

Thanks!!!

[rrems]

Wallse is nice, but if price is not a problem, I think you can do much better. If you want something in the village, I would choose Annisa or Cru. The food at Annisa is interesting and the atmosphere is cozier, Cru is more formal but I find Cru more exciting because they give you more canapes and amuses and between course tastes that make the meal more special. Great wine list too.

[ellenost]

Wallse is an excellent choice. For a bit more upscale, you might also try Bouley.

[PeteM]

So everyone thinks that Annisa is a better choice?

[financialdistrictresident]

Have not been to Wallse. Just tried Danube (it's atmosphere/service over food).

Allen & Delancey just opened. I have not received any responses to my inquiry on this board re: food, etc. I hope to go soon.

Degustation (the open kitchen/bar seating is best for one or two so if you are entertaining this might not be a good choice). There are several threads. We really enjoyed our meals.

Blue Hill? I have not been. Bouley (I have not been in ages).

[MMRuth]

I very much like Wallse and enjoy the Austrian wine list. Annisa is another option.

Old review of Wallse - http://www.chowhound.com/topics/227674

There was a recent nice piece about it in the NYT as well - not a Bruni review, though.