Really Good Italian for 13 people?
This July will be my parents 50th Wedding Anniversary and we want to take them for a special dinner in the City. My Dad has been wanting to try Babbo, but they don't take reservations for more than 6 people, so that's out.
Anyone have any clever ideas for where to take this large group (13-15 people)? We want great food, a warm atmosphere and the ability to talk and take our time on this special occasion,
Scarpetta? Peasant?
Any ideas .. even non-Italian .. would be greatly appreciated.
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Scarpetta or Maialino would both work, w/ an edge to Scarpetta...
for non-Italian, Keens Chophouse is a great place for groups: historic building, yummy steaks/chops/oysters, good wine and bourbon, good service...
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Keens
72 West 36th St., New York, NY 10018Scarpetta
355 West 14th Street, New York, NY 10014Maialino
2 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10010 -
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sgordon
Mar 31, 2011 08:11 AM
If you want to keep a Batali connection, go with Del Posto, Esca or the new Batali/Bastianich meat-palace, Manzo. DP is slightly pricier than Babbo, but the other two are in the same neighborhood. I'm a little wary on recommending DP since their recent price increase - I thought the meal was a good deal at $95, but at $115 - basically adding the cost of an antipasti or primi, but not actually adding anything to the meal - I'm not entirely sure anymore.
Then there's Michael "Midtown Mario" White's places - Marea and Ai Fiori would be the higher end ones. Personally I'm 50/50 on Marea - loved most of it but could skip the Secondi. Ai Fiori I haven't hit yet, but everyone's saying it's fantastic.
Scarpetta is excellent - I find Conant a little more subtle, while Babbo tends to smack you upside the head with (admittedly awesome) flavors.
Peasant is also fantastic. Much more rustic, very good for groups. Was just recommending it in another thread a minute ago.
I recommend Falai as well - an underrated gem IMHO - with the caveat that it would only work if they'll book you the outdoor table. I'm not entirely sure they'll do that or if they save it for walk-ins, given the whims of summer weather. The inside room might be too tight for a group that large.
Other names popping to mind: Locanda Verde, Maialino. I know some people are fond of Lincoln, but I find them frighteningly overpriced. Also the vibe there is very cold, not the boisterous fun of a Babbo.
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Babbo
110 Waverly Pl, New York, NY 10011Del Posto
85 10th Avenue, New York, NY 10011Esca
402 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036Falai
68 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002Peasant
194 Elizabeth Street, New York, NY 10012Scarpetta
355 West 14th Street, New York, NY 10014Marea
240 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019Locanda Verde
377 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013Maialino
2 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10010Manzo
200 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010Ai Fiori
400 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018›1 Reply
