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In Murray Hill, a swarming port of entry for recent college grads, Hudson Place is a refreshing refuge for a low-key, grown-up dinner—the kind where you can have a conversation without competing with the music. The nautically themed corner restaurant has large windows, and walls adorned with vintage White Star posters and photographs of ship personnel and the Long Island Sound. Bricks painted the color of sand, V-shaped amber sconces, and a fireplace further the homey aspect. The menu of Italian classics and slightly nouveau American eats is heavy on pastas and seafood, often combined together, though you’ll find every kind of crowd-pleasing dish from flank steak to pizza. Thick rings of crispy calamari, glazed salmon chucks on sticks, and a seafood-and-mushroom-filled risotto—fluffy with just a light cream—are among the best catches. Steer clear of ultra-basic, bland pairings, like roasted chicken with mashed potatoes. — Kate Appleton

Fried calamari, $8.95; seafood risotto, $18.95