Date on the Upper East Side

[Marginwalker]

Need a first date dinner spot on the Upper East Side, specifically the 70s or 80s. Cuisine not that important. Would like to keep the cost around $150 orless, if possible, was considering etats-unis? Thanks

[coachof2]

http://www.perleinyc.com

We also like Per Lei.

Lovely setting, great food, no rush.
Definitely a place to go back to

[Marginwalker]

Thanks for all the help...I have reservations for Spigolo tonight...Any recommendations what's good to order?

[Carrunde]

We went in Oct and I had a fish entree (not on the menu this month) and it was cooked PERFECTLY. It's such a warm, cozy spot and the service is timed correctly but not always the warmest. Everything we've had there over the last year has been very tasty.

If you want to get a drink before or after, there is an unmarked wine bar 2 doors down. It's to the left of the Etas Unis BAR. The bartender, Vanessa, is very knowledge and by the end of the night we had a wine we never would have tried on our own.
Enjoy!

[Beerio]

Hope the date went well!
I would have suggested UVA or Spigolo myself. UVA is cheaper and a bit of a funkier atmosphere in my opinion, great wine list too. Spigolo is pricey but excellent. Make sure to leave room for the fabulous desserts.
Etats Units I feel is a bit over priced and over rated. Do try the bar across the street though, same menu available, plus a bar menu which I actually prefer. Fun atmosphere, but no reservations and can be crowded.

[eddieandhismommy]

Sfoglia....you may be able to get in on the later side

[liztish]

My favorite spots for dates - Elio's, Etats Unis, Paola's, Beyoglu, Scalinatella, Shalizar, T Bar, Atlantic Grill

[Marginwalker]

Thanks for the tips...My date is scheduled for Thursday @ 8:30. Spigolo has an oening at 9 :00, so i'm considering changing the time of the date That's really where I want to go. I checked out the menu at Etats Unis, it seems a little on the pricey side. What's Elio's like?

[erica]

First thing you should know about Elio's is that is can be very noisy, so not sure this is a good first-date bet. I have always found the food to be excellent--a cut above the usual UES Italian spots. When I've been there, the crowd has been on the flashy side--I think the bar area is a local hangout. Try to get a table towards the back away from the bar activity..

Food at Elio's is more traditional than Spigolo, which I think is excellent as well. In fact those two are the best I've experienced on the UES. Spigolo is cozy and more winning as far as atmosphere..

[MMRuth]

I've only been to Spigolo once, but we had an excellent meal and it's a nice room. It's been years since I've been to Elio, but I agree with the other poster that Spigolo is a better choice. If you felt like it, you could have a quick (though expensive) drink at 8:30 at the Carlyle - Bemelman's - and then walk over to Spigolo.

[UES Mayor]

You picked the best one!!! Elio's too big and noisey and the food at Spigollo done with much more care-you will love-it's a small intimate place.

[Lettucepray]

Maruzzella's is a good idea. Have you considered Elio's - on Second betwn 84th and 85th

[mch]

i've never been to EU but my bf wanted to take me for one of our first dates. schedules never permitted then we both moved out of ues. he suggested drinks after at bar vespa or vero. goodluck.

[Marginwalker]

Thanks....Couldn't get reservation at Spigolo

[Marginwalker]

Any thoughts on Maruzzella Ristorante?

[TryThis]

I have eaten a Maruzzella's at least a dozen times and the food is consistently very good. Service is good and never feel rushed. Enjoy!

[MsAlyp]

Try Mia Dona- nice place, reasonable prices, great food. I'd be happy if someone took me there!

[bastet212]

mia dona is on 58th.... It is great, but its not on the UES. Spigolo would work, as would UVA. Ive heard great things about etats-uns but i havent been there

[Marginwalker]

Thanks so much...Mia Done might not be far enough uptown for me, but I will keep it in mind...Any thoughts on Bandol Bistro?