Birthday Italian: Scarpetta, Convivio or ?

[robotcoupe]

I'm trying to determine where to take my fiance for his birthday. I'd appreciate some help deciding.

We loved the food at L'impero, but really have a hard time embracing sterile uptown restaurants and their tendency toward stuffy service and atmosphere and are wondering if Convivio is a bit too precious. Scarpetta seems like it's slightly more casual, perhaps because of its location, but also a bit pricier, since Convivio's got the $59/4 course menu. Scarpetta's website doesn't contain prices -- huge pet peeve of mine. Also, is one harder to get into than the other? This would be for a Wed night in 2 weeks.

Another idea was dell-amina. More casual, louder, but maybe more our style. I'm just wondering if the menu is interesting enough for a celebratory dinner. The online menu I looked at seemed nice enough, if a bit limited. Do they have specials?

Thoughts on any of the above, or other recs, would be great. Thanks.

[owlwoman]

We've been to both, Convivo is more "creative" Italian cooking, more varied menu, Scarpetta was also creative, a lot of dishes from the old "L'imprero, the polenta w/wild mushrooms, capretta....We're not huge eaters, found the four course dinner great, nice portions, at Convivo, at Scarpetta we ordered two apps and two pastas and were full (actually took some pasta home)...so price wise, both places with a bottle of wine came to a little under $200.00.

If I had to choose one to go back to, it would be difficult, both places were great....for a b'day, I'd probably go w/Scarpetta, and I don't think you'll have any trouble getting in on a Wed. night.....

[robotcoupe]

Well, after looking at both menus, the fiance decided he wanted to try Convivio. I think we also could see ourselves eating at Scarpetta on a whim, sooner or later, more so than Convivio. I mean, when are you ever strolling through Tudor City? And we are big eaters, so Convivio is probably the better value. Thanks for your input.

[taboo]

I have been to both restaurants and they are totally different experiences. Service and food at Convivio for the price is wonderful. Scarpetta is on a much higher level overall and the food is a bit more eclectic but amazing. Service and decor are also top notch. Since this is a b-day dinner, I would say go to Scarpetta hands down since the other you can go to any time. Have fun!!!!

[robotcoupe]

Thanks. Are we likely to spend a lot more at Scarpetta?

[taboo]

Yes, you will spend more at Scarpetta. Also it might be very difficult to get a reservation 2 weeks out, but call and try.

[silencespeak]

Part of the Convivio fun is that it is much more of a casual restaurant now than L'Impero.

I'll leave someone else to explain who has more experience with the two restaurants.