This restaurant is closed at its present location. Look for a late 2009 reopening at its new location; 1 Bryant Park. Owned by Charlie Palmer, Aureole specializes in the kind of stylish yet comfortable fine-dining experience completely devoid of pretention—here, it really is about the food and not a celebrity chef. Orson Welles once lived in the two-story brownstone that houses Aureole, and now diners receive star treatment from courteous staff doling out hearty dishes like pork tenderloin wrapped in country ham with shrimp and porcini grits. A wine list heavy on European and California labels also includes the restaurant’s own sparkling wine, Aureole Cuvée—no doubt a popular choice for the marrying kind of guests that you frequently see here on bended knee, popping the question before dessert.

Aureole (CLOSED) Information:

• Contemporary American menu. Dinner. Closed Sunday.