Best Restaurants for Quiet Conversation in Gowanus

Lovely small Sicilian Restaurant. Food Excellent, Service Superb, reasonable price given what we ate. We stayed at the restaurant for 2.5 hours. Never did they try to hurry us despite long line outside.. Thank you!

Excellent as ever. I have been going to La Ripaille for more than 20 years and it never disappoints, especially in the holiday time. It's a West Village legend for a reason: apart from the amazing food, the staff is always warm and inviting, and that has no doubt a lot to do with Alain, who has been the captain of this gem of a ship for decades. Word is its days are numbered and I will be sad to see it go. Its continued presence in an ever-changing NY was, and for now, is a comfort.

The food was delicious (our party had a Caesar, & mozzarella app to start, veal, chicken and two pasta dishes, then tiramisu). The service was impeccable. We love the old school vibe of the place with black tie waiters, white tablecloths, coat check girl, and pics of celebs lining the halls. Lovely Christmas decorations made for a warm and festive time. I was just sorry we weren’t there on a night with the piano player because I know from past visits that really brings the dining room alive and makes everything lively and festive. This place is reliably good and a standby for us in the city.

Hands down, Sushi Ryeusi consistently offers the finest omakase outside Tokyo! Once you sit at the counter, you will become a regular, like me. The fish is the freshest, the preparation is meticulous, the variety of textures and flavors memorable. Also an excellent accompanying sake menu.

such a lovely dining experience! a cool ambiance and very sweet & attentive team. we had luke chin tod, mama e-la, and khao pad rod fai gai — all 3 were cooked to perfection but the mama e-la was my favorite. cocktail menu has a creative selection and tasted nice. we will for sure be visiting again!