One if by Land, Two if by Sea
New York, NY 10014
Phone: (347) 706-3072
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Between Bleecker Street and W 4th Street
- Directions:
- F, V; A, C, E at W 4th St; 1, 9 at Christopher St
- Best of Citysearch:
- Romantic Date Spot 2008, Romantic Dining 2007, Special Occasion Dining 2007
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 5:30pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5:15pm-11:15pm, Sun 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30-9:30pm
Message from One if by Land, Two if by Sea
New York's Premier Destination for Romance
- Wine Spectator Award
- AAA Four Diamond Award
- The Michelin Guide
Paid advertisement by One if by Land, Two if by Sea.
Editorial Review for One if by Land, Two if by Sea – by Dana Bowen
The Scene
Since 1972, this unmarked West Village carriage house has been the setting for some of the city's most romantic meals. The sprawling wood bar, with its blazing fireplaces and a baby grand piano, looks out over a candlelit dining room and formal balcony, where tuxedoed servers pamper the special-occasion crowds with requisite pomp and pretense.
The Food
In recent years, the continental three-course prix fixe has morphed into an exciting--and as expected, indulgent--internationally inspired menu. Start with puffy goat-cheese gnocchi napped in black-truffle butter, pancetta and sweet roasted onions, or pastry-topped seafood gumbo served with aromatic homemade breads. Rosy, sage-streaked duck breast pairs nicely with crispy confit, braised chanterelles and acorn-squash spaetzle, and the signature beef Wellington--a gigantic, buttery seared fillet slathered with foie gras and baked in pastry--is better than ever. The towering chocolate souffle, intensely flavored and light as air, is exemplary.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoThe three- and six-course tastings are great values. Let the server up-charge you into the paired wine flight.
What to DrinkCocktails and wines by the glass are pricy, but pours are generous. The wine list features a reasonably priced international mix: Estancia Cabernet (Napa, $40) is an oaky partner for the Wellington. Fantastic dessert wines, like late-harvest primitivo, pair perfectly with the chocolate-heavy dessert list.
The ExtrasPopping the question? Call ahead: Waiters are famous for accommodating ring-bearing requests.
User Reviews for One if by Land, Two if by Sea
05/03/2008 Posted by osbornerift
I always sort of avoided this place. I've lived here 10yrs and found that institutions like this rely more on their ambience and history as a romantic draw and don't focus on their food as much as I'd like. But I figured I'd give it a shot anyway, and I was instantly and consistently impressed from start to finish. My girlfriend and I tried the buffalo ribeye and gnocchi apps, then the beef wellington and rosemary crusted rabbit. They take some pieces of classic cuisine and really alter them in a new and genuine way, twisting just enough to make it exciting while holding true to the aspects that have made them so prevalent. Our server, (John?), couldn't have been more professional and his service was well-timed and his manner extremely authentic and concientious. He exhibited exactly what I try to instill in my staff ( I've been in this business for years), and it's a rare treat to find a combination of innovation, old-school quality and truly pleasant front-of-the-house demeanor that appeals to young (like me), and old. He definitely "crafted" a great evening for us, and there wasn't a tinge of disappointment throughout, in any area. Perhaps that doesn't sound like a compliment, but it's just about the most valuable sentiment I can give to any restaurant, definitely a great experience and I'll return often.
Pros: The food, service
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful
04/25/2008 Posted by jvan
A superb experience. A truly elegant, relaxed, delicious affair. With so many poor quality establishments at every turn in this city - it's nice to know that some restaurateurs still care to please the customer on every level - food, service, decor, ambiance - these are rare qualities in today's dining out world, which makes One If By Land such a dining delight!
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful
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