I’m going on a college visit to NYC with my HS junior in a few weeks (mid February), and meeting up with a friend who will also be doing college visits with her HS senior. We have one night free to get dinner, and are staying near NYU/Washington Square Park. My friend’s daughter is not an adventurous eater, so we can’t do anything ethnic (beyond Italian/Mexican), but both girls would love to go somewhere in a neat neighborhood, or that has a great view, or with cool or fancy decor. Any recommendations? It doesn’t have to be in the West Village.
Babbo. Haven’t been in years but liked it when we went, and very tasty but not too crazy for picky eaters. Chef may be “canceled” though if I travel correctly, so please don’t take this recommendation as an endorsement of Molto Mario’s past behavior…
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“remember” not “travel”…can’t fix my typo because I don’t k is how to do an edit post, sorry!
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My kids’ favorite place to eat in the city is in Chelsea market, in conjunction with a walk on the high line park. Plenty of options.
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My D’s faves:
- Quality Italian (on 57th - Midtown near Central Park)
- Chelsea Market (and walk on High Line) as mentioned by @Mjkacmom
- For something different and not the atmosphere you are asking for - The “dollar dumpling” spots in China Town… The eat at your own risk factor makes it an adventure.
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I havent been there in ages but this was always a fun place for mexican near NYU
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Look up Eataly - walking distance from where you are staying. Several different options across price range within the space and need reservations. Varies from hip instagram worthy rooftop space (Serra) to pizza and pasta more casual main floor space.
Also, as mentioned Chelsea Market is fun and my teens liked for lunch, as everyone can find something across all the different food stalls.
More expensive and very hip too is ABC Cocina. A bit more adventurous spin on Mexican and part of Jean Georges group. My college kid was planning to go with friends on her own when she was in NYC and then realized the cost - since we paid last visit 
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+1 for Eataly
But it can get pretty crowded and hard to get seating space sometimes
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I keep adding also look at a long term fav - Friend of the Farmer and don’t forget a stop by Levain Cookies. All in your same area.
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Remembered another good meal right next to Washington Square: Blue Hill. Very expensive. If you’re up for going there, kids and parents might want to watch Chef’s Table episode about Dan Barber before going.
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Nobu 57 or Tao.
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I’ll happy to take the place of the non adventurous teen eater for these 2 restaurants and will be good company
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Wow, these all sound amazing! And, some of the more “adventurous” places are helpful too, as my daughter and I have an evening where we’ll be on our own, and not limited by the other friend. It’s going to be hard to just pick one or two of these. Guess we’ll have to come back!
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if you have the time, buy tickets and take the 1 hour tour of the Tenement Museum - an excellent way to understand some history of NYC plus short and sweet lesson and also n the area you will be staying.
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The restaurants have come back in NYC (I am glad to report). Make your reservations. The rooftop restaurant at Eataly. https://www.eataly.com/us_en/stores/nyc-flatiron/serra-by-birreria/. Great seasonal decor.
Check out the rooftop at Pier 17. Food mediocre, great views.https://thegreens.pier17ny.com/
Babbo is still great.
Catch in Meat Market is still great, as is RH rooftop RH.
Walk across Brooklyn Bridge. Have a drink (or maybe not!) in Tribeca.
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A couple more choices in the area if you want to branch out a bit:
https://www.rosamexicano.com/location/union-square-nyc-rosa-mexicano/
and
Junoon is a Michelin star restaurant, so it’s expensive. But definitely worth a visit - not your typical Indian fare!
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I don’t love Rosa Mexicano (maybe it’s over familiarity as we used to live on top of one). The guacamole is great, though. I am informed that the margaritas are as well. Junoon is very good - if you are looking for nouveau $$$ Indian, I suggest Indian Accent as well. https://indianaccent.com/newyork/
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Ah, I was about to suggest Tao. There are 2. The original midtown and downtown as well. Downtown has a better vibe. Maybe the moms/dads can go hang out afterwards at the bar!
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There are obviously a ton of fantastic restaurants in Manhattan. I can think of 30+ off the top of my head to recommend. For you, the first place that comes to mind is Buddakan.
Just look up pictures - it fits what you are looking for. The food is great. They filmed Sex In The City in the restaurant.
Hope you have a great trip!
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Ha! Ha! 
I can see how that would make a restaurant drop off your list. But yes, the fresh guac they make at your table is great!
Yes, another great choice. Been there a couple of times.
Not Michelin rated (yet) but I heard they’re vying for a star.
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