Romantic Restaurant for an Anniversary Dinner

So its my 15th wedding anniversary (and since I wasn't granted parole) I really wanted to plan a nice romantic evening/weekend with my husband. I have the late night activities covered but I don't know of many good and romantic restaurants. I don't mind traveling to Manhattan or some of the other boroughs. We have done River Cafe and Garden Cafe for many other occasions and would like to try something new. I have never been to Al Di La and was considering it but is it really a "romantic" place?

I wouldn't call Al Di La romantic. Delicious, yes, romantic , no.

I'll put my thinking cap on and try to come up with something romantic.

Congratulations!

I agree with Flexi. Al Di La is delicious, definitely not romantic. Along those lines, you'd be better off with Convivium Osteria, especially one of the tables in the downstairs.

James in Prospect Heights is a great place for this vibe.

http://jamesrestaurantny.com/

Carnivore wrote: I agree with Flexi. Al Di La is delicious, definitely not romantic. Along those lines, you'd be better off with Convivium Osteria, especially one of the tables in the downstairs.

Convivium Osteria? Yeah, but search this forum for reviews of Convivium Osteria. And if you make a reservation, don't be late or you might learn the hard way!
http://www.brooklynian.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=429533&highlight=#429533

When it comes to romantic, ambiance is just as important as food. You might want a dim place with candles and nice flowers on the tables with appealing music playing at a volume that allows conversation. I think you'd be more likely to find that environment in a Thai or Sushi restaurant.

However, since this is an important date, customer service is just as important as the food and environment. You don't want any problems, so you need a restaurant with a good owner who cares about a reputation of providing consistently good service.

I second Convivium. Order a nice bottle or two of wine and sample all their appetizers. I find that all the apps are so much more delicious and fun than the mains. Take your time and eat them like tapas.

Mamacita wrote: I second Convivium. Order a nice bottle or two of wine and sample all their appetizers. I find that all the apps are so much more delicious and fun than the mains. Take your time and eat them like tapas.

The seafood tapas app for two was excellent the last time we went there.

Is Convivium the one near the Key Food on 5th Ave?

Thanks Lo Kee I thought about James since we both want to try it but Im not sure its what I'm looking for this time.

Okay, if it is a really special occasion (an you don't mind paying a bit) I'd recommend One if By Land, Two if By Sea in the Village.

My husband took me there on our first anniversary and I loved both the food and the ambiance.

homeowner wrote: Okay, if it is a really special occasion (an you don't mind paying a bit) I'd recommend One if By Land, Two if By Sea in the Village.

My husband took me there on our first anniversary and I loved both the food and the ambiance.

LOL! That is a wonderful place we actually went there for my husband's 35th birthday.

Per Se, if you have the bucks, make sure you tell them what the occasion is.

How about Giandos on the water in Williamsburg on Kent Ave and Broadway. Onsite free parking, Good food, fantastic view and you can stroll outside and catch great views. Very romantic and they have good music compliments of their piano player. Beautiful day or night. Check out the website.

Tempo on 5th Avenue in Park Slope is a great place. Outstanding service and nice selection of food and wine. Congratulations on reaching 15 years of wedded bliss!

DeeDee wrote: Tempo on 5th Avenue in Park Slope is a great place. Outstanding service and nice selection of food and wine. Congratulations on reaching 15 years of wedded bliss!

I like that place a lot, but from what I've heard (including from my wife, who is actually a better source than me for this stuff, but refuses to post here), it's might be slipping a bit lately.

I knew this would happen - now I can't make up my mind
I am leaning more toward Convivium but Giandos sounds promising.

Thanks DeeDee

Aww, happy anniversary, Stacey!

I am not into One if by Land. To me it is too cliche. Atmosphere is fine, waiters in tuxedos, etc., but the food is not THAT great and it's kind of like only being romantic on Valentine's Day.

The Savoy on Prince and Crosby if they're still open. Maybe Tommasso on 86th between 14th Ave and 15th Ave in Bensonhoist.