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mujd96 Feb 8, 2012 01:49 PM

Child Friendly NYC Restaurants

We're coming to NYC in April and are looking for good restaurants that would also be acceptable for our 11 and 7 year old children. Our children have been to good restaurants before and are generally very well behaved. My wife and I enjoy fine dining and even though we know we won't be able to go to Le Bernardin (darn!) we would love some input about really good restaurants that would be okay with 2 well behaved children. Thanks!

  1. b
    Blumie Feb 9, 2012 11:44 AM

    Pretty much any fine dining establishment (with the exception of the highest end places like Per Se and places that specifically exclude children like Le Bernardin) is perfectly appropriate for well behaved children. I think reservations a little on the early side is best for all involved. Also, preview the menu to make sure there's something for the kids to eat (although most places will be accommodating to special requests).

    1 Reply
    1. re: Blumie
      r
      RGR Feb 9, 2012 01:53 PM

      If per se doesn't have any age restriction for children, why exclude it? Unless, of course, the children are not capable of sitting through a 9-course tasting dinner which is the only dinner option. It isn't any fancier than the other very high end restaurants, but those do offer shorter menu options.

      http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com

    2. u
      ukitali Feb 9, 2012 08:05 AM

      Very useful information in this article which was posted in another thread: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-03...

      1. r
        RGR Feb 8, 2012 05:05 PM

        I agree with Nancy. During one of the times we had dinner at La Grenouille, a couple arrived with their son whom I would guess was around 10 years old. He looked quite the dapper little gentleman in his jacket (which is required there for men) and conducted himself properly throughout the meal. So, if you think your children would like the food at Le Bernardin and are well-behaved, why not take them there (and to any other high end restaurants you are considering)?

        http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com

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        La Grenouille
        3 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022

        2 Replies
        1. re: RGR
          m
          mujd96 Feb 8, 2012 05:41 PM

          Le Bernardin has a no children under 12 policy.

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          Le Bernardin
          155 W. 51st St., New York, NY 10019

          1. re: mujd96
            r
            RGR Feb 8, 2012 11:48 PM

            I had no idea. But considering that Le Bernardin has THE most cold and unwelcoming receptiion staff (to adults) I've ever come across, it doesn't really surprise me,

            http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com

        2. n
          Nancy S. Feb 8, 2012 04:25 PM

          We celebrated our daughter's 10th birthday at Eleven Madison Park. In my experience, if children enjoy a decent range of food, are dressed appropriately and act courteously, they will be welcome at most places.

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          Eleven Madison Park
          11 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10010

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