Whenever someone asks me, “We’re going to a Broadway show; where should we eat?” I always have the answer: Sardi’s. Go to the famous restaurant you’ve seen in the movies, and on TV in a recent episode of Mad Men. You can have cocktails in the beautiful new lounge upstairs, and gaze out at The Great White Way. Before you eat dinner, look around at the caricatures on the walls. Anyone who’s made it in New York City show business is up there.

As you walk into the main room, whomever is the star of the hottest new show will be smiling down at you from a picture near the entrance. If you’re lucky, you’ll be greeted by the movie star handsome Sean Ricketts, great-grandson of the founder, Vincent Sardi, Sr. Hospitality is a tradition in this family, and rest assured that you are in good hands.

My personal recommendation for the best dining experience possible is to order from the Prix Fixe Dinner Menu. At $48.50, there’s not a sweeter deal in New York.

For your appetizer, go with the spinach cannelloni. This is a delicate crepe chock full of chopped spinach and Ricotta cheese, topped with a delicious crème sauce rich with Parmesan. If you’re with a friend, have her order the finest quality smoked salmon, served with capers, raw onion, parsley, lemon, and multi grain bread. The portions at Sardi’s are generous, and there’s always plenty to share.

One warning here: the bread, especially the raisin nut, is delicious; resist the temptation to say “yes” every time the gracious staff offers you more. They are used to dealing with celebrities here (I ate dinner one night next to Grey Gardens star John McMartin), and the excellent service reflects this; rarely will you have to ask for a water glass to be refilled, and you will most certainly be fed in time to see your show.

For your main course, the jumbo lump crabcakes are divine. Crispy on the outside, tender and succulent on the inside, you hardly even need the accompanying chipotle pepper flavored sauce, but who could resist? I’m a big fan of the vegetable slaw, which is course cut and hearty; this bears no resemblance at all to the tiny strands of anemic cabbage soaked with mayo which we’ve gotten used to receiving in tiny paper cups at less exalted tables.

Take a moment before dessert to relax and enjoy the ambience. The pendant lights are turned down low, and the burgundy walls look like velvet. Unlike most New York eateries, there is ample elbow room to eat, and you will not be jammed up against the next table.

And then, dessert. For me, the boccone dolce is sheer heavenly perfection. Meringue, light as air; laced with strawberries; kissed with whipped cream; and gently caressed with chocolate; absolute paradise. If I’ve been very, very good, when I die, I will eat this every day. Be aware that the coffee, even the decaf, is strong here.
You will leave Sardi’s well fed, having seen and been seen by others in the know about the best place to dine in the Theater District. I just hope the show you see will be equally enjoyable.

Sardi’s
Type of Food: American

Romantic-4                           Child Friendly–3
Girls’ Night Out-4                Solo Dining—2
Business Dining—4            Visitors Welcome—4
Dress Code—Business         Budget—Expensive
Casual
234 West 44th Street
212-221-8440
www.sardis.com

Michall Jeffers is a longtime theater critic, and active member of Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, American Theatre Critics Association, International Association of Theatre Critics, and Dance Critics Association. Her reviews, commentary, and celebrity interviews are read in print and online. Her eponymous cable TV show is syndicated throughout the tri-state area.