Soho/Tribeca anything great?

[Papaya]

Have clients in town staying at the SoHo Grand. As a lifelong NYer and current Union Sq resident, was excited to check out a new place in SoHo or TriBeCa since I just don't really get down there for dinner. After some research am surprisingly having a tough time deciding on a place.

I'm looking for something relatively high end, but relaxed (so no Bouley or Chanterelle type resto). Would also love something that has a bit of life, which is what worries me about many of the places in Soho/Tribeca. For example, Matsugen sounds interesting but I have a vision of sitting in a relatively empty room with the sushi chefs looking bored.

Have already been and don't love: Balthazar, Lure, Hundred Acres, Zoe, City Hall and such.

I've seen some of the renewed interest in The Harrison because of their new chef, so may go with that but wish I could check out a new place. Also Blue Ribbon Brasserie seems like fun. Any other places I'm just not thinking of?

[financialdistrictresident]

Papaya, where did you end up? How was it?

[sebastianxx]

Have you been to Landmarc? Solid and delicious, never had a bad meal there, and usually lively but not noisy on my visits.

[financialdistrictresident]

sebastianxx would you describe Landmarc as great? Is it a family place (is atmosphere Ghee Whiz-ish?)? What do you like there? I have not been, usually go to Duane Park. I'll also do a search of this Board.

[rrems]

I posted about Locanda Verde on another thread. You may find it if you do a search. The food was superb, service excellent, and prices lower than you would expect. It's a bit noisy and crowded, but we could hear ourselves talk.

[financialdistrictresident]

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/624886

[financialdistrictresident]

The Harrison has been receiving some good reports. We were underwhelmed the last time we went . To be fair the new chef was just starting then. It's not high end/upscale like Bouley or Chanterelle. Here is a fairly recent thread:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/618413

We like Duane Park (American). It's not a destination, upscale place. Local, relaxed. It's not lively or happening. My SO hosted a business dinner there recently and it was well received.

Corton? Not laid back but upscale and new. Locanda Verde? Scalini Fedeli (in old Bouley space)? I have only been to Corton and it may be too close to a Bouley or Chanterelle.

[financialdistrictresident]

Some recent threads/review on Locanda Verde:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/623060
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/622213
http://www.insatiable-critic.com/Arti...

[taboo]

I second Nobu. Also ate at Mr. Chow down there and there are mixed reviews on it, but still a classic. Macao Trading is not so high end, but has a lively atmosphere and good food. It is accross from Tribeca Grand Hotel so you can go there after. Also what about Kittachai in the Thompson Hotel.

[Simon]

Mr Chow is a "classic"??...Classic Vile Scam, maybe...reviews are not "mixed"...reviews are overwhelmingly, vehemently negative...

i do like Macau though, but more for fun drinks/vibe than for food...

[goodhealthgourmet]

Blue Ribbon is probably a good bet. have you considered Nobu in Tribeca as well?