Good chow East 50's

[gwk222]

Meeting some friends on 2nd & 51st for a year end gathering. We do this every year but we never find anything really good to eat in that neighborhood. What would please a chow hound? Not looking for fancy or expensive. Italian or French bistro would work. We can certainly walk a few blocks if we have to.

[Jane A.]

Have you tried Luna Piena on 53rd bet. 2nd & 3rd? They've closed in the back garden to make it year-round. And Anthos has a new outpost at 1st Ave and 51st St. I haven't been yet. Les Deux Amis is on the same block (51st) just off 1st toward 2nd. Haven't been there in a long time. Menus all on menupages.com

[umai]

Le Bateau Ivre is a solid choice on 51st between 2nd and 3rd. It is French bistro fare with a nice wine selection and what seems to be a predominantly French-speaking clientele. Convivio a good Italian choice, if you're willing to walk 10 blocks down to Tudor City. It's a bit more on the fancy side, though. If you are up for something quick and very casual, Caffe Martier, on 2nd between 53rd and 54th has great coffee and sandwiches. I believe their bread all comes from Balthazar.

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Le Bateau Ivre
230 E 51st St, New York, NY 10022

Caffe Martier
1012 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10022

Convivio
45 Tudor City Place, New York, NY 10017

[xigua]

Its nothing fancy but I really like the solid, satisfying pastas at Caffe Linda. For something more chowish, perhaps Aquavit Cafe?

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Aquavit
65 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022

Caffe Linda
145 E 49th St, New York, NY 10017

[RGR]

One more French bistro to consider: Montparnasse, on 51st, b/t 2nd & 3rd.

http://www.montparnasseny.com

[gwk222]

RGR - Thanks for suggesting Montparnasse. It was spot on. Had the escargots app and lamb shank. All very nice. Friendly service. Happy New Year to ya.

[BratleFoodie]

This ain't european, but if you guys like Indian, there are a bunch of nice choices on 58th between Lex and Third. My fave is Chola, also Dawat. No matter what, have fun.

[eameyer]

bar.vetro on 58th is good too. Haven't been in years, but don't remember it being too pricey.