Headed to NYC for a show in a few weeks and would like dinner suggestions for the Saturday night. Our men are basically carnivorous but the women would like some menu variety. 
We’re happy to take a taxi for dinner but we’re staying near the Theater District. Suggestions appreciated!
How much are you willing to spend? We had a pre-theater meal at Aureole a few years back that was fabulous. Keep meaning to go back… http://www.charliepalmer.com/aureole-new-york/
There’s also BBQ, but the best places are not in the theater district.
Re location: theater district is not a priority. Never know how to answer the price question! We’re willing to treat ourselves for a great NYC dinner!
Second the recommendation for Aureole - one of my favorites. However will caution that portions are on the smaller side, something I prefer, but some men (especially the carnivores) do not.
A few other thoughts. La Parisien on East 33rd. Very small french cafe with bistro menu. Excellent food at a reasonable price. Wonderful Steak Frites and would also recommend the mussels. They only serve wine.
My other “go to” is Avra in the East 40’s. Mediterranean food in lovely atmosphere.
Lots of visitors to NY really like Barbetta in the Theater District on West 46th. “Old School” italian in a formal setting.
Robataya, Kajitsu and Carnegie Deli.
db Bistro Moderne.
Barbetta! That’s a blast from the past. I remember eating there circa 1978. IIRC, it’s pretty. Do’t recall the food as anything special.
I haven’t been eating out in NYC recently, but I would look for one of Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s restaurants, because I LOVE his food. I’ve only been to the Spice Market. Would love to go to Jean-Georges.
Yep, Barbetta outlived Lutece! (not comparing them by any means.)
Agreed. In fact, that’s an understatement.
It would help if you gave some feedback as to what type of cuisine you like/want. I’m another fan of Jean-Georges’ restaurants, but they are also rather pricey.
OP – could you clarify? Are you looking for a place for a pre-theater meal, or will you have time to linger over a nice meal?
My favorite NYC restaurant for super-yummy bistro food is the old favorite Balthazar. Should satisfy the carnivores. Just really good classic bistro food.
Little out of the way for you but Mas is one of my favorites. In the West Village.
In the theater district, Carmine’s on west 44th (between Broadway and 8th ave) is family style Italian, loud, noisy and crowded, but the food is good. My other recommendation is to wander over to 9th ave, there are a ton of restaurants over there in the 40’s, and you are bound to find something that looks interesting. Much of the theater district is overpriced tourist food. I would avoid Carnegie Deli, it is pretty much a tourist trap these days, they stuff a ton of tables in there, it is very expensive, and the food quality is not what it once was. Though it would be a trip, if you want deli food, Katz Deli on the lower east side still has great food (though while I am happy for them, that they are now doing landoffice business, after seeing it nearly go under in the 1970’s when the lower east side was at its bottom), on the other hand now it tends to get the tourist bus trade, so you have to time when to go there, otherwise forget it.
We have enjoyed Mas ( mentioned above), Babbo ( also in the village) and Gramercy Tavern among others.
Try something more modern, like Minetta Tavern or The Dutch.
Or, try something more modern AND unusual, like:
Mission Chinese Food
Santina
Carbone
Toro
Charlie Bird
Estela
The Breslin
Ma Peche
Empellon Cocina
M. Wells Steakhouse (Long Island City)
Ma Peche is on my “go to” list.
We need more details - age group of the party, do you want “special occasion” dining experience or just good food with nice ambience?
We will have time to linger as our show is a Sunday matinee. As mentioned, we are really open to anything but our guys are happiest with steaks! I’m hesitant to say, “Money isn’t an issue!” But it’s a special occasion, so we’re game to go for something special.
O.K. so forget La Parisien as it is more of a “neighborhood gem” - nothing “special occasion” about it. For steaks you have plenty close to Theater District - Keens, Sparks and Strip House. Don’t think you can go wrong with any of them.
For classic “special occasion” in NYC check out:
La Grenouille - East 52nd
Daniel - East 64th
Jean-Georges - sits at base of Trump International Hotel in West 60’s
Le Bernardin - West 51st.
We ate at MOMA, Museum of Modern Art and found the food there to be delicious and distinctive. Our picky teen kids enjoyed it too–portions aren’t huge but very elegant and they didn’t mind lingering.
Another place we had a fabulous meal - closer to Lincoln Center but not far from the theaters is Telepan - new Amercian, farm to table tiny place. It’s vegetarian friendly and more for meateaters is Bar Boulud right on Broadway across from Lincoln Center. You can see the world go by from their outside tables.