birthday dinner date

[sickelka]

Hi,
I am looking for a restaurant to take my boyfriend for his birthday Dec 9th. He likes restaurants that are not too hyped, not a scene at all. He loves French and Italian, but is also open to others (American, Med., etc.). I am hoping to keep the bill under $150 including alcohol (even lower, if possible.) Also, I would like to stay below 14th street (or a little north of there. He loves Irving Place, the road. So any good restaurants there would be great, too.) I called Little Owl, but they are having a private event that day. These are the restaurants I have been considering based on my brief research:

Grape and Grain
Po
In Vino
Hundred Acres
Zucco
Frank's Restaurant
Perilla
Three of Cups

Any insight into these restaurants or what might be a better pick would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks.

[taboo]

A little above 14th, but try Giorgios of Grammercy. GREAT food, ambiance and pricing.

[small h]

Of your list, I've been to Three of Cups, which is no great shakes. It's regular ol' Italian, nothing special. Have you considered Perbacco? I had a lovely meal there, and if you order carefully you can stay within your budget.

http://www.perbaccosf.com/menus.html

[sickelka]

Is the Perbacco in NYC associated with the one in San Fran?

[small h]

Ack! Apologies. I linked to the wrong site. No, I don't think there's any connection. Here's the correct link:

http://www.perbacconyc.com/

[sickelka]

Thanks for the updated link!

[smokeandapancake]

apiary
the red head

[sickelka]

Is the prix fixe at apiary only available until a certain hour?

[Rmis32]

The Menu on Apiary's website shows that a $35 prix fixe menu is available Sun thru Thurs. No mention of any time slot, but, to be safe, I'd call first.

[sickelka]

I am also now considering Peasant after having been to Bacaro last night. Any thoughts on Peasant versus Apiary versus Perbacco?

[small h]

Haven't been to Apiary, but I like Peasant quite a bit. I prefer the food at Perbacco (but just slightly) and the atmosphere at Peasant, which is more date-y.

[Nicolle]

I haven't tried Perbacco or Peasant and do want to. I walk by Apiary all the time and it never seems to have much energy...

My boyfriend also likes low key restaurants, solid food, nice ambiance but not scenes. We both love Grape & Grain - romantic, yummy food, decently priced wine - and he LOVED their soundtrack.

Supper would be one to consider - it's dark, comfortable & cozy, inexpensive - you could split two delish appetizers, an entree, dessert and reasonably priced wine - and have enough left for an after dinner drink.

[egit]

I would also add Apizz to this list. The interior isn't quite as good looking as Peasant, but the food is very good. I just went there for the first time about a month ago and loved it. It was on my "i'll try it eventually list" for a number of years. I'm sorry I didn't get around to it sooner.

[sickelka]

Apizz definitely looks romantic! Thanks, guys, for your help. Lots of websites and menus to peruse!

[sickelka]

Ok. So I have it narrowed down to Apizz, Dell Anima, or Perbacco.