Head-to-Head
BAD ROMAN vs Don Angie
BAD ROMAN for the value; Don Angie for the kitchen.
The Verdict
BAD ROMAN for the value; Don Angie for the kitchen.
BAD ROMAN runs the stronger kitchen — food at 9.7 vs 9 on our scoring. BAD ROMAN takes the room (9.7 vs 9); the verdict is between a kitchen-first room and a room-first kitchen. Value reads better at BAD ROMAN (9.7 vs 8) — worth knowing if the bill matters.
Both kitchens cook Italian-American in New York, but the rooms read differently. BAD ROMAN works for impress clients, first date; Don Angie works for first date, birthday.
Both sit at $$$ ($120–250 per person). At identical price tiers, the choice is about format, not budget.
Which One for Which Occasion
| Occasion | Editorial Pick |
|---|---|
| First Date | BAD ROMANambience scores higher (9.7 vs 9). |
| Close a Deal | BAD ROMANedges on the combined kitchen + room read that closing-the-deal demands. |
| Birthday | BAD ROMANambience scores higher (9.7 vs 9). |
| Impress Clients | BAD ROMANtagged for this occasion in our editorial; the other isn't. |
| Proposal | BAD ROMANambience scores higher (9.7 vs 9). |
| Solo Dining | BAD ROMANthe kitchen reads stronger for the bar-seat / counter intent. |
| Team Dinner | Don Angietagged for this occasion in our editorial; the other isn't. |
The Numbers
Our scoring puts BAD ROMAN at 9.7/9.7/9.7 (food / ambience / value) and Don Angie at 9/9/8. Pick the dimension that matters most to your evening and follow it.
How to Book
Both restaurants sit in New York's top scoring tier — neither takes same-week walk-ins for prime weekend slots. Set booking alerts on the platform each uses (check the practical-info card on the linked detail pages above). Weekday and earlier-seating windows are the realistic targets.