One if by Land, Two if by Sea

We went there with the highest of expecations for a special night with friends.

Upon arrival the hostess treated us like yesterday's garbage. They had listed us for an earlier reservation and snidely told us that we had lost our table, although the reservation had been confirmed earlier that day.

She reluctantly told us that she would seat us at the bar. We go out to Zagat rated restaurants on a regular basis, but apparently the hostest was not impressed with our last name, or perhaps our age bracket, (what's wrong w/being thirty something?) Regardless, McDonalds has better quality service than this tired establishment that is coasting on it's reputation for service, and no longer provides it. I know that many have built memories here, lots of engagements, etc. But if you want to build yours, I'd strongly suggest that you keep looking.

Posted 01/24/07

the waiter came by once the whole night to ask how things were, the bus boys kinda tossed our silverware on the table and ran away, i dunno if they treated us like this because we looked young or because we were there for restaurant week and they knew they wouldn't make much money off of us,,,,, WILL NOT GO BACK!!! SERVICE SUCKED!!!

Pros: romantic

Cons: SERVICE, parking, SERVice, expensive, SERVICE

Posted 01/11/07

I am shocked at some of the reviews here. OK, first of all, I am 26 years old and a 9-year NYC resident who likes fine dining. So not only am I young, I am also quite aware of what a good restaurant should be and can be in this city... and this is hands down my favorite restaurant in Manhattan. I have eaten here scores of times now and have always had the special, warm, romantic experience (with fantastic food, by the way) that I come for. Yes, if you want trendy this isn't it. But if you want to eat amazing food in a cozy place with old-school charm, rush to 1IBL.

Posted 12/21/06

Where to begin! Went here for a romantic dinner and was seated in the back, near the air conditioner, where it felt very cold and damp. The service was attentive, the atmosphere is nice, but the food is truly terrible. My fish was bland, the pasta was cold and tasteless. The only good thing about the meal was the creme brulee, it was pretty good. All in all it's very overpriced for what it is, and not to be an ageist it really IS not for the younger crowd. Save your money and go somewhere else.

Pros: Ambience, location

Cons: everything else!

Posted 11/30/06

We went here for our 5 year anniversary. Our bill was $250ish after tips. Food was NOT good. We like fine dining but this quality of food is NOT fine dinning material. Service was good so I have to give them credit for that. Fine dining type of service but not the food itself. I wouldn't mind paying more for good food but the food here was not a fine dinining material.

Pros: cozy, attentitive service

Cons: bad food quality

Posted 11/29/06

Pricey, but wonderful food and ambience. This is fantastic place for a special occasion. Would return in a heartbeat.

Posted 11/21/06

The most romantic restaurant in New York City - nestled on a cobblestone street in a colonial building that Aaron Burr used as a carriage house. You can almost imagine 18th century figures moving about the area. We went there for a special 1 year anniversary and it was beyond! Fine dining - classy without being stuffy. The decor is amazing as you enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail at the piano bar. The hosts are professional and friendly ... You feel warm and comfortable inside these walls. The food is perfection - try the Beef Wellington! They were very accomodating and we will definately return!

Posted 11/15/06

I've heard about One if by Land, Two if by Sea forever. My parents and grandparents have always raved about it. I've always considered myself more of a "Jean George" aficionado so I was skeptical when my boyfriend suggested going there for dinner. I have to say it was so nice to walk into such a historic New York City landmark. In this day and age when decor is either cold, minimalist or over the top mod, it was a comforting feeling to walk into a room with so much character, color and warmth. The staff could not have been friendlier or more educated on the menu. The tuna tartar with seared fois gros served over a grilled pineapple blew me away. I had an delicious halibut dish and my boyfriend had the beef wellington. The desserts were wonderful. Being an interior decorator the only thing I could suggest is new carpeting.

Pros: Great experience

Posted 11/15/06

This place is so overrated. The interior is nice, but food is average (at best) and the hostess?? Maria is rude. They charge way too much for average food. There are better restaurants in NY

Pros: interior setting

Cons: rude hostess, below average food

Posted 09/29/06

"Nice" Sums up my dining experience at One if by land. Everyting about the place leads to a special evening. The food, the service,the most romantic restuarant I have ever seen. It seems like the quintessential romantic experience. I recommend it highly to all who want to experience what New York is all about.

Pros: Ambience

Cons: a bit stodgy

Posted 09/16/06

I took my sister here to celebrate her birthday and I felt a little out of place as the restaurant ambience was very romantic. I think the seating on the 1st or 2nd floor is equally nice and there was a live piano player. We ordered food from the restaurant week menu and the risotto was amazing. The bread was not too good but the pork was also delicious. My fish was excellent and the desserts were okay. The crumble was disappointing.

Pros: good food, ambience

Cons: very pricey

Posted 09/14/06

Went for my birthday and it was the perfect place to celebrate! The waitstaff was very attentive, the atmosphere and piano music very romantic, and we weren't rushed. We chose from the limited Restaurant Week Menu, and nothing was new or innovative. However, each course was served promptly, displayed beautifully, and prepared wonderfully. Cocktails were $15 each, but my chocolate martini was served in an oversized martini glass. We were even given two $20 off discount cards to use for next time. Well worth the price!!

Pros: Ambience, Service, Romantic Seating

Cons: Price, Menu Lacks Originality

Posted 08/25/06

I brought my girlfriend here for her birthday and was immediately put off by the hostess's attitude. She was very impatient when seating us, and promptly led us to the very back and offered us a table in the far corner in an otherwise empty restaurant. After being seated at a different table, the waiter gave us a very in-depth description of the specials as well as everything on the menu. The food was delicious as was the wine, but the atmosphere was a bit too pretentious for my comfort, and the food really doesn't stand out as one of a kind in my mind.

Pros: Great spot of impress a date, good food

Cons: Unhappy hostess, unnecessarily pretentious atmosphere

Posted 08/21/06

Three of the four in my party arrived before our 6:30 reservation, but were not permitted to sit at our table to enjoy a cocktail until our fourth arrived - despite the fact that the restaurant was virtually empty at that hour. The server was surly and inattentive. Food was mediocre at best. Don't see why this place is considered "romantic" either. Very disappointing. Won't be going back.

Posted 08/17/06

This place is a colossal waste of money. Went there last night for our 1 year anniversary. I agree with the previous reviewer that compared the place to a Old Folks Home. This is definitely a holdover from a previous generation. The oak, dark carpeting, and brass are all fine. But that kind of old school taste is in the food too. That's where I draw the line. The lamb tasted like something I could've fried up at home. My wife's beef wellington might as well have been pulled out of the freezer at Gristede's. If you under 50, and appreciate good food, STAY AWAY!!! If you over that age, perhaps the Sinatra, old school ambiance might be the thing that draws you. But that's the only thing I can think of that is of any substance.

Posted 08/07/06

I brought my father to OIBL TIBS when he came to visit from out of town. The ambience is a mix of Tavern on the Green and a retirement home dining room. The wait staff were polite and professional. Our first course and dessert were good, but our entrees were all below average. The restaurant was so loud that one couldn't even hear the piano and had to speak quite loudly to have a conversation. Definitely too loud to be "romantic."

Cons: Loud, Poor Value

Posted 07/19/06

Just went to this past Friday for my Birthday. The service was fine...courteous and polite. Food, was good as well, if a bit oily.

Their "Jackets Required" policy must be on a relaxed summer schedule as we saw a few jeans in the restaurant and very few jackets.

So romanitc? Not really, but it is a great place to take your parents when they come in from out of town...

Pros: Good Service, Quiet Conversation Atmosphere

Cons: Dress Code, Average Age of Patrons, Decor

Posted 07/16/06

I finally got to go to One If By Land after years of living in NY. And I was not at all disappointed. The place is cozy and classy and refined. The food is elegantly prepared and the service is impeccable. I actually avoided the Beef Wellington and tried the monkfish instead, which was moist and flaky and delicious. My dinner companion had the roasted lobster, which I highly recommend. We both had the Lichido Coladas, which we're both already craving. And, of course, the chocolate souffle for dessert, which was delish. But then again, I have yet to meet a chocolate souffle I didn't like.

Pros: Classy, Great Martinis

Cons: Expensive

Posted 07/11/06

I came here with my boyfriend for a special occasion and boy, is it ROMANTIC! It's a little snooty and everyone is around 40-ish of age, so we were the youngest couple in the whole restaurant. We didn't order any drinks but we felt pressured to because EVERYONE had champagne and wine, etc. We ordered the Parmesan Gnocchi, but I didn't really like it. He had the Foie Gras which was very good and very smooth! Entree: BEEF WELLINGTON was sooo delicious. I recommend getting it rare because I didn't think my medium-rare was rare enough, he had the duck but I thought my beef tasted much better. For dessert, I had the chocolat fondant which was good because it was light and not-too-sweet and melted in my mouth. He had the Creve Blueberry Cheesecake, but again I liked mine better. It is a little pricey, but worth it for special occasions. I would def. recommend going there at least once!

Pros: Cozy, romantic, fabulous American food

Cons: Price, a little snotty, everyone's old

Posted 06/12/06

My son just took me to One If By Land for Mother's Day and I had one of the best meals of my life there!! The Beef Wellington and the Smoked Duck are absolutely divine!!!! And the Lichido (Lychee?) Margaritas they made us were like nothing I've ever had before. A must try.

Posted 05/18/06

After our lovely dining experience at one if by land two if by sea last saturday, my fiance and I felt obligated to post a review. The food was as excellent and the service was great too! I was also impressed by their the selection of wines offered. Overall a great romantic evening and it was worth every dollar.
Roger Clemon

Posted 05/02/06

I went here for my birthday with my boyfriend, and everything you've heard is true - the food is excellent (most people told me that only the beef wellington was, but I think it was ALL very good), it's very romantic, and the waitstaff is very professional. The only drawback is the price. Don't be fooled by the $69 per person - you add drinks/wine and you order one or two of the extra-cost courses, and it quickly becomes a $350 dinner for two. But if your pockets are deep - go there now!!

Pros: waitstaff, food, romantic

Cons: pricey

Posted 05/01/06

My boyfriend and I came here to celebrate my birthday and it really exceeded my expectations. Our waiter was amazing and his recommendations were great. Perfect for a nice date. Beautiful restaurant!

Posted 04/24/06

From the moment we walked in the door, my co-workers and I were totally enchanted by the ambience and hospitality we were met with. We had drinks by the bar before dinner (there's a great piano player). The bar is large, lively with two great fireplaces and friendly bartenders. Dinner was wonderful. Three courses with lots of great choices. Our server was most helpful in our wine selections. I would highly recommend this restaurant. Although a lot of people were there for romantic reasons, just as many business people were dining and it was a totally comfortable atmosphere.

Pros: great bar, beautiful setting, delicious food

Cons: hard to find

Posted 04/07/06

Soup brought before wine, each plate slapped down in front of us the second the prior was lifted. Made for an overall frustrating dining experience. Although rated most romantic, I wasn't impressed. My table faced a mirror, kind of a cheesy accessory to a supposedly classy decor. Appetizer and dessert was good, I don't recommend the gnocchi. Overall overpriced for the quality of the food, the decor and especially the poor service. Go to one of the other great NYC restaurants!

Pros: Location

Cons: Felt rushed, Decor not that great, Poor value

Posted 01/28/06

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Posted 12/12/05

My wife and I celbrated our anniversary at OIBL on a weeknight in Oct. When we arrived, we were seated immediately and soon after greeted by our waiter. He was courteous and professional and really knew the menu. I like to ask the waiter/waitress their opinion and our waiter was very helpful. The appetizer and entree were very good (not amazing) , the desert was fantastic. Our dinner (fixed price) plus a cocktail each was $180. A good price for a high end rest. in Manhattan.

Posted 11/14/05

Went there for a birthday and it was glorious despite the $120/person tab. We had the table for the entire evening, the service was excellent and the food unsurpassed by anything I've had in awhile. Obviously, at this price it is not a regular dining experience for most people. But was it worth the price. I thought so.

Pros: food, service, ambience

Cons: price

Posted 11/11/05

After hearing wonderful things, I decided to have my birthday dinner here.
First, the place was SWELTERING - my boyfriend was SWEATING.
We get our menus and order drinks. The waitress comes back and takes our order. 3 minutes and we get appetizers. We then get drinks when we are almost done.
After apps, 5 minutes and there's our entrees! My salmon was RAW. My boyfriend's pork was the saltiest thing. We barely touched our food - the waitress came over to ask what was wrong, and we said we felt extremely rushed.
They take our food and plop dessert menus down. We sat at 7:00 and this was 7:25.
We don't open the menus until 8PM. I ordered the souffle. Well, when it came out (3 minutes), it had FALLEN.
Are you kidding me?
NEVER AGAIN. The service was terrible, we were rushed, and the food was subpar.

Pros: Nice looking place

Cons: Bad Service, Bad Food, Rushed

Posted 11/07/05

Tables are too close together, nothing romantic about, and the food is below average. I just don't know why this is the #1 romantic place to dine.

Posted 11/03/05

One if by Land, Two by Sea is not all that it is cracked up to be. Yes, I agree that is a very romantic ambiance with the piano player by the window, the fireplaces, and candlelit dinners. However, the food is very bland & I was extremely dissapointed. I have been to the restaurant before & was not overly impressed with the food. But, the romantic old-world ambiance brought me back.

Pros: Romantic

Cons: Bland Food

Posted 10/15/05

Fantastic food... Fantastic service... I highly recommend this fine establishment! *****

Pros: Ambience, Cuisine, Service

Cons: None

Posted 10/15/05

Perfect place to dine when celebrating special occasions. It's not cheap, but you definitely get what you pay for. Great ambience, not too dark, not too bright, good music and good service. Their lamb chops and the beef wellington were excellent, and for dessert - chocolate fondant and the goat cheese mascarpone to die for. Overall, we enjoyed the place and would highly recommend it.

Pros: Ambience, Food, Service

Cons: Can't think of any.

Posted 09/10/05

My husband and I went there last night to celebrate our 2nd anniversary. We had 7 oclock reservation and we were seated promptly. We ordered from the Restaurant Week menu. We both had the crab-scallop cake for the appetizer which was incredible, then for our entree, I had chicken and he had the salmon. Then dessert. We sat there for a long time wondering where our dessert was. He had ordered the Chocolate fondant cake and I ordered the Creme Brulee. They finally brought it out with candles on our plates and in chocolate was written Happy Anniversary on each of our plates. Too bad we didn't bring our camera. All in all, the experience was phenomenal. The food was delicious and the service was impecible. I'd go there again. Definitely what all the hype was about.

Pros: service, food, ambience

Cons: nothing

Posted 08/12/05

After reading the few complaints it seemed that the writers of those complaints must have been in a different establishment than the one I know. The food, ambiance and service are all top notch. The prices were comparable to other NYC restaurants and the portions were more than adequate. I guess the disgruntled writers either wanted fast food prices for lobster or just were upset because their dates didnt end up back at their aparttments like they hoped they would.

Pros: romantic, beautiful, exquisite

Cons: none

Posted 08/08/05

This was one of the worst dinners that my fiance and I have had in Manhattan in years. The food was flavorless and tasted and looked more like a TV dinner than top rated cuisine. We were seated upstairs and could barely hear each other due to the noise level. Bread was disappointing and wine is very over priced. Don't waste your time or money.

Posted 07/30/05

Upon arrival, you immediately notice the piano by the bar. There were sofas next to several fireplaces and an elegant dining room with a balconey dining area as well. Our host seated us promptly and gave us a table where we can hear the piano but not distracted by it. The food was great, especially the crab-scallop cake and the smoke duck w/ foie gras. Also, desserts like the chocolate fondant were delicious too. All the negativity I seen lately is probably due to their restaurant week offerings, which by no means had small portions compared to some other high-end dining spots. I strongly recommand the 7 course tasting menu which includes tuna tatar w/ foie gras, lobster appetizer, beef wellington, and lamb chops for only $79.

Pros: Decor, Food, Service

Cons: none

Posted 07/12/05

Don't come for food, and don't come for fine-dining service, because OIBL offers neither. We men pay outrageous sums for a romantic place, and that's what this joint goes over-the-top to deliver. The restaurant ran out of chicken from the restaurant week menu and refused to substitute another dish. My foursome all had to settle for the salmon--how boring when the tab comes to $85/person! The waiter had limited fine-dining experience; he needlessly embarassed me when I asked a wine question. (Note to the guys: it doesn't impress our lady when the waiter says bluntly that our wine selection is inappropriate.) I won't be back.

Pros: cassanova

Cons: inexperienced waiter, uninspired food, poor value

Posted 07/08/05

My husband and I went out with a group of friends last night to One if by Land, Two if by Sea eagerly anticipating an amazing experience via Restaurant Week. While our dinner reservation was for 9 p.m., we were not seated until after 9:30 p.m. Drinks were steep ($10 for well drink, $12 for wine), the beautiful ambience was ruined by the loud chatter and lack of air conditioning, and too close for comfort seating. The portion sizes are tiny so don't go there hungry. My husband and I thought the food was very average considering its reputation and acclaimed high caliber. There are certainly other restaurants to consider for great food and environment, with better prices.

Pros: carriage house

Cons: noisy, hot, crowded

Posted 07/02/05

Finally got the chance to go to OIBL and was disappointed. Table for 3 was right in the corner near the hostess in an small alcove. Decor was fancy but not enough to carry the place. Portions were TINY. Don't go on an empty stomache. When the crab cake appetizer came out it was so tiny I assumed it was a tart that many restaurants provide w/ the meal. The pork was good but 3 small medalians and 2 tablespoons of mashed potatos does not make a meal. Figuring I had calories to spare for dessert I had the chocolate fondrant but it was too bitter. Stay away from the berries soup. Tasted like an ice pop in the microwave with a few berries for garnish. When the check came we were rushed to leave. Was still hungry! Glad I went so I know not to go again.

Pros: Prompt seating, Bread is expectional, Lots of pretty roses

Cons: Tiny tiny portions, expensive drinks, Rushed service

Posted 07/01/05

I was disappointed by the food at One if By Land. I know this place is known for being romantic, but I would naturally assume that flavorful food would be encompassed in it's "romantic" allure. Not so much. For an $80 prix fixe menu, I received only $40 worth of food. The food wasn't anything stellar -- nothing that couldn't be found at a less hyped restaurant. The servers were very helpful and attentive, though. I wouldn't exert the effort to dine here -- similar restaurants can be found at half the hype and without the hassle.

Pros: Ambience, Servers

Cons: Food

Posted 07/01/05

This restaurant has been touted as one of the most romantic restaurants and one of the best but it is far from it. Yes it has a piano (but stuck near the door and bar so it was barely audible for most tables). Yes they have candles on the tables but the decor is very old fashion. If you want a place that your grandmother would love then this is the place. I did not like the place because:
-it took the waiter over 20 min to take our order and then over an hour until we got our food.
-the bread served was cold
-the choices for restaurant week was very slim (no meat dish except pork)
-there were no chef's treats or delights
-the food was ok but not up to the quality expected
There are more exciting, romantic restaurants in the city to visit.

Pros: sat quickly, staff was polite

Cons: food

Posted 06/25/05

Went with my husband for our anniversary and I am so disappointed we wasted a special evening there. The food was terrible--one of the all time worst meals I've ever had in Manhattan. My husband ordered the smoked pork which was basically 3 slices of Virginia Ham. My sea bass was boring & bland. My soup tasted like it was out of a can. The creme brulee was one of the most flavorless I've ever had. Although the restaurant has some old world charm and is pretty--it is tired and worn.

Posted 06/24/05

Went to OIBL/TIBS for my wife's 30th birthday primarily based on the reputation for being romantic and terrific food. First the ambiance - definitely the place to go if you want that old world charm. If you are looking to impress someone with something fancy shmantzy, this is the place. In terms of food - we both felt that with some minor exceptions, the food was not quite at the level expected for a restaurant of this caliber and cost. It was just simply too salty for our taste. However, the shining spot in the experience was the exemplary service. Bottom line - go for the experience, not for food.

Pros: Service, Ambience, Yummy almonds at bar

Cons: Food too salty, Price

Posted 05/16/05

Everything that can be said about this restaurant has been said. It is beautiful and romantic, and the service and food was incredible. We had an 8pm reservation, were seated promptly, and were not rushed out-we stayed for almost 2 hours. Everything about this place is just amazing.

Pros: Romantic, Quality of food

Posted 04/27/05

this place is for the b&t crowd that goes out once a year. stay away!

Posted 03/24/05

My husband and I went to One if By Land to celebrate his birthday. We had been looking forward to visiting this restaurant for years after hearing how it is the most romantic restaurant in New York. While the food was decent and the ambiance nice the service was horrendous. Our waiter was pretty much non-existent and when he did come to our table he practically tossed our plates and wine glasses in front of us. When he saw that we were unsatisfied he asked what's the problem is the service too slow or too fast. Shortly after that we got up and walked out, something we have never done in a restaurant before. I would assume that other waiters in the restaurant have better attitudes, but our waiter completely ruined the experience.

Posted 03/09/05

the food was GREAT and they have a great selection of wines. But the service was just so so which was a great disappointment because the food and ambience deserve better. service wasn't AWFUL - just not really on their toes. basically, my reservation was at 9:15, they seated us at 9:50, then there was just all this 'non-activity' going on so we didn't order for another 20 minutes - and I was hungry! this 'non-activity' lasted through the night. But overall - worth going to for a good, romantic date - but maybe not worth going to again..

Pros: pretty space, good food

Cons: service

Posted 02/22/05

Words can't even begin to describe it. The only thing that matters is that it was perfect and she said yes!

Posted 02/22/05

We came here expecting the typical choice of Salmon or Chicken for dinner during Restaurant Week, hoping it would not be a bland version for this basic prix fixe meal. We were pleasantly surprised by also having the choice of pork loin which was "melt in your mouth" delicious. The Gnocchi appetizer was excellent, too. Quantity is small, but quality is great! The Creme Brulee was average, I did not even finish it. Drinks are pricey ($10 for a Stoli O on the rocks, $12 glass of Merlot). The restaurant was beautiful, the staff was very nice, and we got a great seat near one of the fireplaces. Tables were spaced nicely too, and we were not sitting too close to other diners. I would recommend taking out of town family to this restaurant for a nice dinner out.

Pros: Romantic, Great Tasting Food, Nice Staff

Cons: , Small Bar area, Small Portions

Posted 01/25/05