Quiet, low key restaurant for parents in midtown east, UES

[bsw]

Hi,

I'm looking for a nice but low key, quiet restaurant to take my parents to in either midtown east or the upper east side this weekend. My initial thought was JoJo, but given that the weather is going to be so cold, I am concerned that jeans and sweaters may not be proper attire? Any thoughts?
Thanks!

[MMRuth]

Is this for dinner? And how far up on the UES would you be able to go?

[bsw]

Yes, this is for dinner. We would probably not want to go further up than the 80s. The mid 60's are perfect b/c their hotel is on 57th and lex, and I live on 71 & 1 ...

[MMRuth]

Any budget preferences? Then, I promise, no more questions, and I'll come up with some suggestions!

[bsw]

hmm. not a strict rule, but if we could do a nice dinner for 4 for around $300, i would be happy. thanks!

[Jane A.]

Check out Teodora - it's less than a block away, and I've had some good meals there. It's a place hardly anyone remembers, but it's been there a while. 141 East 57 bet Lex & 3rd. Menu on menupages.com No matter how cold it is, it's a close walk. At lunch time it's full of people in the design business, at dinner, it's actually rather neighborhood.

[MmmCheeseBlog]

I've had pretty good luck at Les Halles in lower midtown east with parents. Nothing ridiculously fancy or mind-blowing, but decent and you can def get away with jeans/sweater

[gutsofsteel]

Les Halles is too loud and the tables are too close together - not right for this particular request.

[erica]

BSW: I think Ze Cafe would be a good choice. This is a beautiful place opened by one of the city's celebrity florists and not well known outside the neighborhood. It is quiet and cozy and the food is excellent. On East 52nd east of First Avenue--there is no sign. Take a look at the prices on the menu below and see if they would fit your budget..

http://www.zecafe.com/

[jycnyc]

I can't remember the name of the restaurant (before my morning coffee). There is a good Italian restaurant on E 60th Street between 3rd and 2nd Ave on the South Side.

[egit]

Take a look at Jubilee, on E54th st. It's a known parent pleaser.

[mch]

Mia Dona is a good option.

[preppie foodie]

Two more votes for Theodora or Jubilee. Both are very good and reliable for parents (mine have been to both) . I might lean more towards Theodora as its a bit quieter than Jubilee--my father is a bit hard of hearing though he won't admit it--and he found it easier to hear everyone. If you do go to Jubilee, great moules, steak au poivre and the profiteroles are fantastic. save room! For the future, JoJo is perfect parent dress up place.

[erica]

Also, you might want to check out La Mangeorie on 2nd AVenue and 53rd St. I was surprised to see this decades-old restaurant packed today at lunchtime. The crowd is mostly older and the place is very pretty. I now have it on my list but have not been in many years.

[RGR]

I suspect what is packing them in at La Mangeoire these days is the fact that Chef Christian Delouvrier, who was formerly executive chef at such 4-star restaurants as Lespinasse and Alain Ducasse NY, is now cooking there.

[Gelaine]

Any chance they'd be interested in refined Indian food? Dawat between 2nd and 3rd on 58th has good food and a very pleasant atmosphere. We like JoJo but my husband always frets that he's the only man in the joint wearing a tie -:) I've never noticed anyone really "dressed up."

[Blondbluey]

A low-key UES neighborhood stalwart is 'Sel & Poivre' on Lexington Avenue between 65th and 64th Street. It has bistro classics and is presided over by a very charming Austrian owner and his wife. About $65 per person. They have several prix fixe options, too. This is the sort of place you'd expect to see Morley Safer dining in- wait a minute: that is Morley Safer in the corner!