One if by Land, Two if by Sea

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17 Barrow Street
New York, NY 10014

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1 (212) 255-8649
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Reviews
( 114 )
( 66 )
( 26 )
( 33 )
( 20 )

Best

Love the food and the romatic atmosphere. Excellent place !!

Worst

The food is rich but not outstanding. The menu is somewhat dated. The winelist is outrageously expensive. And if you aren't getting engaged here you are out of place. OIBLTIBS...

Even the restaurant menu isn't a good value 7/7/2005

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 more
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Seriously Disappointed 7/1/2005

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 more
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User review by gothamite 6/30/2005

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 more
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Not up to our expectations 6/30/2005

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 more
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User review by dwinig 6/24/2005

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 more
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Don't waste your time or money 6/23/2005

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. more
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Time for Reality Check 5/16/2005

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 more
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Just Amazing 4/27/2005

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 more
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what a stinker 3/23/2005

this place is for the b&t crowd that goes out once a year. stay away! more
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Awful Experience 3/8/2005

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. more
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so so service 2/22/2005

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 more
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Most Romantic Meal Ever 2/21/2005

Words can't even begin to describe it. The only thing that matters is that it was perfect and she said yes! more
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Nice for Restaurant Week 1/24/2005

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 more
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so-so but bad bar service 1/20/2005

Last night I was invited by friends to this restaurant. The food was good but overpriced and the decor was a little stodgy. Our waiter was very prompt and friendly, but the worst part of the experience was actually after the meal when I was leaving. I needed change to give the woman at coat check a tip. I stood at the bar waiting patiently for change. The female bartender completely ignored me helping other customers standing next to me and those who came up after me. Finally, after waiting so long my friend lent me money to give the coat check woman. Pros: food Cons: , decor, overpriced more
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Beautiful restaurant with excellent food 1/4/2005

I went to this restaurant last night expecting a romantic setting with above average food. However, I was very pleasantly suprised. Although I didn't have the tasting menu, the food on the prix fixe was excellent. The service was superb, without being pretentious, and the room was goregous. Pros: Romantic, Quiet, Delicious food more
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My Favorite NYC Restaurant 12/27/2004

Must try the seven-course tastings are great values. The food and service was excellent. The prices are very reasonable. The portions are not huge but filling, and leave enough room for desert. The food was excellent! Pros: Romantic, Great Services, Ambience more
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great! 11/20/2004

i took my boyfriend their for his 24th birthday and we had the greatest night! It was very romantic and beautiful...The service and food was INCREDIBLE and the wine was amazing also! I can't wait to go back! more
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Birthday Romance 11/4/2004

My b/f took me here last night for my birthday. We had a table in the corner w/candle light. Our waiter was great in suggesting what specials we should have. They also have a nice selection of wines. Dessert (my favorte part) was AMAZING. Thanks honey the night was memorable. more
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Birthday Blast 10/21/2004

I went here for my birthday with my boyfriend, and we are pretty tough critics. I love good food and so does he and none of us mind paying for it as long as it is worth it. In this place it was all worth it. It was amazing decor and service. The food one of the best dishes I have had in NYC. I would suggest this restaurant for anyone that can make it. Great spot for special occasions. more
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Landmark 9/21/2004

A classic Village restaurant (one of the oldest in the city..the building has been their FOREVER).. great for a romantic dinner for two. Excellent service and ambiance. more
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Menu for One if by Land, Two if by Sea


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Owner Message

  • One if by Land, Two if by Sea has been recognized for its classic menu, long history, and beautiful decor. It is often cited as the most romantic restaurant in New York City.

Editorial

  • 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,...

  • 9/19/2006 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: tuesday: 05:00PM-09:30PM, wednesday: 05:00PM-09:30PM, thursday: 05:00PM-09:30PM, friday: 05:00PM-10:30PM, saturday: 05:00PM-10:30PM, sunday: 05:00PM-09:30PM
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