What’s a Solid Date Night For a Couple on a Paleo Diet?

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Hi Eater,

I’m looking for a paleo, healthy, farm-to-table restaurant that serves alcohol and is good for a casual weekend date. I’m going with my husband, so not really trying to impress, and I’d like to spend $50 per person including tax/tip or $40 without. If it’s near a D train, anywhere in Manhattan, but otherwise I’m willing to travel anywhere downtown. Minimal refined ingredients and preferably pasture-raised / grass-fed organic meat. What I’m looking for is something fancier than Hu Kitchen but not as expensive as Blue Hill. No pretentious hipster vibe, please!

Thanks,

Paleo Date Night

Hi Paleo,

“Healthy” is kind of a subjective term, but dietary restrictions are abound in New York — you’ll have no problem in lots of great restaurants downtown, as I’m sure you’ve already discovered. Sushi restaurants will likely do the job, and places like Hearth and Mas (farmhouse) are great options, too. But have you tried Quality Eats in the West Village yet?

It’s a new-school steakhouse, meaning less rampant masculinity and white tablecloths and more clean lines and white walls. (It’s not anything super fancy, but maybe your husband will be impressed anyway.) The prices are less exuberant, too; you can pick up a bavette cut steak for as little as $19. The restaurant also says the steaks are “natural” — meaning that they do not contain artificial ingredients or added colors, and they go through minimal processing. Eater critic Ryan Sutton particularly likes the filet mignon.

The restaurant’s super popular for even people who eat carbs, though. Make a reservation if you can.

Good luck,

Serena