< $150 Romantic Birthday Dinner for Two?

[mrnas]

Generally looking in East Village, Union Square, LES.

Tasting menu would be nice, but definitely not necessary.

Tapas/Small Plates style is generally enjoyed as well, but not necessary.

Does Degustation fit?

[JMJD]

My pick would be Devi -- very romantic space and I've never known it to be noisy, and excellent service. I just looked at their website and it looks like they've changed their menu around a little, but not drastically. It also looks like they are now offering a few different "make your own" tasting menu options that would fit well with your price range.

[jdream]

Agreed about Bacaro. But if you're looking at Degustation, maybe check out Jack's Luxury Oyster bar... $50 tasting menu (I believe) and includes oysters...

[mch]

gradisca is romantic if you sit in the front room.

[chow_gal]

How about apizz?

[erin07nyc]

Alta has a great atmosphere, and you could definitely afford more food in that price range than you would at Degustation. I highly recommend it.

If you like sushi, Le Miu has 2 tasting menus ($55, $75), that don't include drinks, but could be worked into your budget. On saturday night my husband and I shared one of each tasting menu plus 2 big bottles of sapporo, and I think the check was $160 + tip. It was a huge amount of food with a great variety of excellent sushi plus a cooked entree and soup.

I just read a nice thread on Terrior, which is a wine bar in the east village. The food sounded great and it looks very cozy inside.

[kathryn]

I wouldn't consider Terroir romantic as the tables/seating are all counter height with stools. Its sister restaurant, Hearth, however, would be a good fit for a birthday dinner, and it is quite reasonably priced.

[Hurner]

How about Annisa in the West Village? Creative, eclectic cuisine in a peaceful, romantic atmosphere.

www.annisarestaurant.com

[thew]

degustation is perfect

[mrnas]

Thanks.

Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

I can't find many pictures of Degustation online, but I assume its pretty romantic from the reviews.

[RGR]

I haven't been to Degustation, but I do know that it's bar seating only. While the lighting may be dim -- see photo here : http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/... -- I, for one, do not consider counter seating romantic.

[mrnas]

Yeah, someone else told me its good, but not romantic.

Any other suggestions?

[RGR]

Is that $150 just for food?

[mrnas]

$150 all in. Food + 2 drinks each (or a reasonably priced bottle of wine).

[RGR]

If it's "all in," you also have to include nearly 9% tax + tip (15-20%). Deducting the cost of a bottle of wine brings your food budget down considerably.

Giorgio's of Gramercy might be a good option. The food's very good, prices are moderate, and the ambiance has something of a romantic feel.

http://www.giorgiosofgramercy.com

Sonia Rose, a French restaurant. just opened on the LES. Actually, it's a re-opening because the chef/owner used to have a restaurant with the same name on Lex in the 20's. The food was excellent, and reports are that it's just as good now. He's offering a prix-fixe dinner for $27.50.

http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/...

I don't know about the romance, but it's certainly worth checking out.

[mrnas]

I've been to Giorgio's. Fantastic recommendation. Though I think its nice to go somewhere thats a new experience for both of us. So it's back to thr drawing board for me.

If you can think of any others feel free to keep posting. Thanks for your help.

[mrnas]

How about Bacaro on the LES?

http://www.bacaronyc.com

[RGR]

Or how about Gascogne? Delicious food. Cozy, charming, and romantic.

http://www.gascognenyc.com

[Saldb]

I was going to suggest Gascogne. I went there for valentine's and it seems like a nice date place and I think fits in your budget. The food was good too. The faux graux dish was very big!

[chow_gal]

"faux graux " = foie gras?

[Chinon00]

Read from the site that they do a "3 Course Pre-Theater Dinner ". So is it a place that many people go before going someplace else (like the theater). If so I'm afraid that it might effect the ambiance (i.e. rushed)? What's been your experience?

Thanks

[AimeeD]

Another vote for Bacaro. It fits your needs perfectly. The food is delicious and the plates are meant to be shared. Make sure you sit downstairs- it's more romantic.

[thew]

i have to disagree with RGR, and mrnas' somebody. i had an incredibly romantic birthday dinner there last year. (and if my life hadn't turned to an awful soap opera i might've been going there again this year) the decor, the design, the food, the intimacy of the kitchen and space, the quality of the food wine and service all make for a very intimate romantic experience.