Need a romantic restaurant for college kids

[karen24]

Posted: 9/13/12 at 4:46pm

Hi,

I could use some NYC restaurant advice. My son is a freshman in college in NYC and he wants to take his girlfriend out for dinner for her birthday next month. Both of them are 18. He had decided to take her to One if By Land, Two if By Sea, but I talked him out of it - it's 'way too expensive, and I think is geared for a much older diner - in addition to the cost, I'd be afraid of the reception they'd get. (I've never been there, so I'm just basing this on their Web menus and what I've read on-line.)

Can anyone recommend a nice, romantic restaurant in Manhattan or Brooklyn that would be friendly to kids of that age? I think he could reasonably spend about $100 for the two of them (obviously they won't be drinking.)

Thanks!

[WestVillage]

Posted: 9/13/12 at 5:35pm

The Water Club on the East River is very nice and romantic. A bit pricey, but without drinks, and not ordering the most expensive items on the menu, it might fit the bill.

River Cafe (same owner) in Brooklyn is excellent, but pricier.

[karen24]

Posted: 9/13/12 at 6:09pm

Thanks! It just occurred to me that I probably should have posted this on the Student board. Sorry!

[StockardFan]

Posted: 9/13/12 at 6:22pm

Awwww, he sounds like a good boyfriend!

[supportivemom]

Posted: 9/13/12 at 8:43pm

You wouldn't have gotten a response if you posted on the student board. How nice that you are helping your son research this. Hope you get some great ideas from posters here too!

[SNAFU]

Posted: 9/13/12 at 9:01pm

Tell him to venture to Brooklyn Heights. There are a couple very nice small restaraunts that I am sure 18 year olds would find romantic, Cafe Boun Gusto comes to mind. Great Italian food moderately priced. Can have a 3 course meal for 2 for under $100 bucks then afterward a slow stroll down the Promanade! A little necking under a moon lit sky with Manhattan twinkling across the river!

[StockardFan]

Posted: 9/13/12 at 9:02pm

Awww, Snafu! I didn't know you were such a romantic!

[thetinymagic2]

Posted: 9/13/12 at 10:18pm

I love "In Vino", on E4th st, between A and B. Cozy, romantic, good wine list, very good food. Great nabe.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 9/13/12 at 10:31pm

Stockard, I am a big P*ssy when it comes to stuff like that!

[karen24]

Posted: 9/14/12 at 9:56am

Thanks, everyone! Yes, he is a good boyfriend He and his girlfriend (she goes to Pace, he goes to Wagner) are really enjoying exploring the city (we live upstate). Hopefully they are doing a little studying, too...

[SNAFU]

Posted: 9/14/12 at 10:35am

Yeah, anatomy!

[PalJoey]

Posted: 9/14/12 at 2:33pm

He might have to raise his budget a little bit.

But tell him to make the reservation by phone, in advance, and ask for a quiet table for a romantic dinner. He can ask if coming earlier or later would get a better table. He can call again that afternoon to confirm and ask again. If he's nice about it, the people handling the reservations will usually try to help.

How about The House near Gramercy Park?

http://thehousenyc.com/

[AC126748]

Posted: 9/14/12 at 2:57pm

Maria Pia on 51st between 8th and 9th is one of my favorite places in my neighborhood (and the city in general), and I'd highly recommend it for your son. It's very romantic (lots of candlelight) and very reasonable (pretty much everything on the menu is under $25). They could easily eat there and get out for under $100, especially if they won't be drinking. Have them check out the link below.

I'd recommend calling a few days in advance for a reservation--the restaurant is medium-sized and tends to fill up.
http://nycrg.com/maria-pia/