Destination Guidebook for New York, New York
|
|
| |
| Dining Overview | Top  |
At fine restaurants in New York City, it's often possible to enjoy the same divine cuisine at lunch as at dinnertime—for much less money. At the hot spots you've heard or read about, it's advisable to make dinner reservations one or two months in advance, particularly for weekend nights. Many restaurants now allow you to make reservations through their Web sites or through http://www.opentable.com for no additional charge. Some restaurants require you to confirm a reservation a day in advance or they will release it—ask about this when you make the reservation. Other dining spots secure the reservation with a credit card and will charge a fee if you don't show.
Some of New York's most interesting culinary options are low cost—serving everything from Vietnamese sandwiches to Jamaican meat pies. Opportunities for a good quick bite at reasonable prices are abundant. Nearly every street in Manhattan seems to have either a Greek diner or a hole-in-the-wall pizza joint, and many street corners are presided over by pushcart vendors selling hot dogs, chicken kebabs, potato knishes, pretzels and sugary-sweet roasted peanuts.
If you're fortunate enough to travel to New York during Restaurant Week, you'll have the opportunity to sample some of the city's top restaurants such as Gotham Bar and Grill or Union Square Cafe. Special three-course prix-fixe menus at more than 100 restaurants are offered for US$24 at lunch and US$35 at dinner (plus beverages, tax and gratuities). This is your chance to savor the cuisine of the city's most talented chefs and to experience the quality, variety and hospitality that make New York the best restaurant city in the world. This event is now offered two to three times each year for a two-week period (usually late January-early February, and again in mid-July). It's advisable to make reservations as soon as Restaurant Week is announced—which is generally one month prior to the event. Visit http://www.nycvisit.com for more information.
Dining times are generally 6-10 am for breakfast, 11 am-2 pm for lunch and 5-10 pm (or later) for dinner. However, New York is the city that never sleeps. You can always find a place to eat at any hour of the day or night. Manhattan restaurants are considerably more expensive than those in other U.S. cities. Be prepared to pay almost double your normal price for a meal. Expect to pay within these general guidelines, based on the cost of a dinner for one, excluding drinks, tax and tip: $ = less than US$30; $$ = US$31-$75; $$$ = US$76-$100; $$$$ = more than US$100. | Local & Regional | Top |
This urbane Village restaurant may look sophisticated, but its heart is out on the farm. Locally sourced and seasonal delicacies—mostly from the rich agricultural regions of the Hudson River Valley—are the focus of the menu there, prepared with a contemporary American touch. Daily for dinner 5:30-11 pm (Sunday till 10 pm). Reservations recommended. $$$. Tasting menu US$68 per person. Most major credit cards. 75 Washington Place, between Sixth Avenue and Macdougal Street (subway line A, B, C, D, E, F or V to West Fourth Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-539-1776. http://www.bluehillnyc.com. One of the best-known New York delis, with brisk (and brusque) waiters, movie-star photos, close-packed tables and, best of all, towering corned-beef and pastrami sandwiches. Round things out with blintzes, some matzo-ball soup and a piece of cheesecake or a black-and-white cookie for dessert. Daily 6:30 am-4 am for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations not accepted. $. There's a US$13 minimum, with an extra charge for sharing. No credit cards. 854 Seventh Ave., between 54th and 55th streets (subway line N or R to 57th Street; B, D or E to Seventh Avenue), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-757-2245. Toll-free 800-334-5606. http://www.carnegiedeli.com. A rite of passage for locals and tourists—this 24/7 joint is said to serve the best slim and snappy hot dog in the city, still for only US$1.25. It's also known for its frothy tropical fruit drinks. No seating, which is part of the scene. There are two other locations—on Eighth Avenue at 37th Street and in Greenwich Village—but the one on Broadway is the original. After spending a fortune on opera tickets at the Met, this is a good budget bite before the curtain goes up—it's a walkable six blocks from Lincoln Center. Daily 24 hours. $. No credit cards. 2090 Broadway, at 71st Street (subway line 1, 2 or 3 to 72nd Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-799-0243. Katz's is massive and chaotic, with occasionally caustic service, but expect more food than you can possibly eat. This New York staple still turns out legendary hot-pastrami sandwiches, all-beef hot dogs and egg creams—just as it has since 1888 (with plenty of hype). Daily 8 am-10 pm, Wednesday and Thursday till 11 pm, Friday and Saturday till 3 am. $. Most major credit cards. 205 E. Houston St., between First Avenue and Avenue A (subway line F or V to Second Avenue; J, M or Z to Delancey Street-Essex Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-254-2246. http://www.katzdeli.com. The classic Park Avenue Cafe has reinvented itself as a seasonal restaurant in every possible way. Not only does the menu change but the lighting and decor do as well: tall foxtail lilies and shells on yellow wall panels in the summer give way to ochre panels and copper balloon lamps in autumn. Peekytoe crab with silken avocado, or ravioli with yellow tomato coulis are characteristic of its refreshing summer fare. Daily for lunch and dinner. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 100 E. 63rd St. (subway line F to 63rd Street & Lexington; 4, 5 or 6 to Lexington Avenue-59th Street; N, R or W to Fifth Avenue-59th Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-644-1900. The modern interiors of this classic New York restaurant, designed by Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson in 1959, have remained as the architects conceived. In 1989, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission added the restaurant's interior to its list. The Four Seasons has retained its glamour, elegance and refined cuisine since its inception. Traditionally, The Four Seasons is a power-lunch place. We recommend the stunning Pool Room. Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner. Reservations highly recommended. Jackets required. $$$-$$$$. Most major credit cards. 99 E. 52nd St., between Park and Lexington avenues (subway line E, V or 6 to 53rd & Lexington Avenue), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-754-9494. http://www.fourseasonsrestaurant.com. Beloved for huge portions of soul food, including golden-fried chicken and baked spareribs. Great waffles any time of day, too. Sunday-Thursday 7 am-11 pm, Friday and Saturday 24 hours. $. Most major credit cards. 113 W. 116th St., between Lenox and Seventh avenues (subway line 2 or 3 to 116th Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-280-8779. A Charlie Palmer new-American original. Set in a lovely East Side town house, it remains in the Top 10 year after year. Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday for dinner only. Reservations required and are taken up to two months in advance. Jackets required. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 34 E. 61st St., between Madison and Park (subway line F to Lexington Avenue-63rd Street; N, R, W, 4, 5 or 6 to Lexington Avenue-59th Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-319-1660. http://www.charliepalmer.com/aureole_ny. This creative haute-barbecue stop is lined with red-vinyl booths. The salt-and-pepper beef ribs are sublime, as are the accompanying dishes and desserts. There's a hot jazz club, Jazz Standard, downstairs that has performances nightly. Daily for lunch and dinner (Thursday-Saturday till 1 am). Reservations recommended, but you can often get a table as a walk-in. $$. Most major credit cards. 116 E. 27th St., between Park and Lexington (subway line 6 to 28th Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-447-7733. http://www.bluesmoke.com. Dine on the water's edge year-round, overlooking the 22-acre/9-hectare lake and its bird's-eye view of the Bethesda Fountain. This bucolic retreat offers a magical landscape of country charm set against the city's stunning skyline, as rowboats and an occasional gondola drift by. The food is as good as the view, and Sunday brunch is excellent. Less-expensive fare in Express Cafe right next door. To get there, hop on the complimentary red-and-green trolley at 72nd Street and Fifth Avenue (call to see if the trolley is running) or, for the ultimate entrance, hire a horse-drawn carriage. Daily for lunch, Saturday and Sunday for brunch year-round. Dinner served daily April-November. Reservations required for lunch and dinner, not taken for brunch. $$$. Most major credit cards. Central Park Drive North, near East 72nd Street (subway line 6 to 68th Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-517-2233. http://www.thecentralparkboathouse.com. Beef, turkey or veggie—just order your own version at the counter, and they'll bring it to your table. Hand-cut fries, milk shakes and chocolate chip cookies round out the menu. Daily 11 am-11 pm. $. Most major credit cards. 287 Seventh Ave., between 26th and 27th streets (subway line 1 to 28th Street; C or E to 23rd Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-488-7500. The menu is seasonal, but the tuna tartar, the short ribs and the hot chocolate upside-down souffle get raves. Prix fixe offered at US$98 for three courses. Vegetarian menus are available. A la carte menu now offered in the bar and lounge. Monday-Saturday for dinner only. Reservations required (and accepted up to a month in advance). Jackets required. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 60 E. 65th St., between Madison and Park avenues (subway line 6 to 68th Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-288-0033. http://www.danielnyc.com. Steak, seafood, lamb, venison and pasta are prepared with great style—chef Alfred Portale is known for his "tall food." The restaurant, in a converted warehouse, is airy and spacious. Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for dinner only. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. 12 E. 12th St., between Fifth Avenue and University Place (subway line L, N, Q, R, W, 4, 5 or 6 to 14th Street-Union Square), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-620-4020. http://www.gothambarandgrill.com. The food at this casual restaurant tastes so good you'd hardly know it is so healthy—free-range poultry, organic grains, dairy-free pastas, even filtered water. The fish tastes like it's just off the boat, which they say it is. In warmer months, the gazpacho adds fire to a gray city day. The Upper West Side location is on Amsterdam Avenue at West 74th Street (phone 212-769-1212; subway line 1, 2, 3 or 9 to 72nd Street). Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner. Reservations available. $. Most major credit cards. 565 Third Ave., at 37th Street (subway line S, 4, 5, 6 or 7 to Grand Central), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-490-1558. http://www.josiesnyc.com. Located on the ground floor of the Lever building, this futuristic—but not at all cold—podlike restaurant is the setting for many power lunches. Former presidents, models and fashion and editorial gurus count Dan Silverman's exquisite New American food as one of their favorites. The lobby features rotating exhibits of modern and contemporary art. Try the kumamoto oysters, Maine lobster tails or the juicy Berkshire pork chop. Monday-Thursday for lunch and dinner, Friday and Saturday for dinner only. Reservations highly recommended. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 390 Park Ave., at 53rd Street (subway line 6, E or V to 53rd Street & Lexington Avenue), New York City. Phone 212-888-2700. http://www.leverhouse.com. This is a good place to feast on all the comfort foods—meat loaf, fried chicken, and mac-and-cheese. There's also an adjacent cocktail bar. Monday-Saturday 11 am-10 pm. $. No credit cards. 200 E. Third St., between avenues A and B (subway line F or V to Second Avenue), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-777-4425. http://www.mamasfoodshop.com. Dozens of peanut-butter sandwiches: Try the Elvis—grilled, and crammed with sliced bananas and drizzled with honey—or the Peanut Butter BLT. White chocolate and cinnamon-raisin-swirl varieties of peanut butter are also popular. You can also buy a jar of peanut butter to take home. Daily 11 am-9 pm, Friday and Saturday till 10 pm. Reservations not accepted. $. Most major credit cards. 240 Sullivan St., between Bleecker and West Third streets (subway line A, B, C, D, E, F or V to West Fourth Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-677-3995. http://www.ilovepeanutbutter.com. Jean-Georges Vongerichten's latest venture hosts the fabulous crowd of the West Village and any other mortals who manage to get a reservation. The restaurant is located on the ground floor of the Richard Meier building, overlooking the Hudson River. The interiors are harmonious and minimalist with off-white leather upholstered booths faintly lit by Prouve lamps. The rice-cracker-crusted tuna and the roasted chicken with white beans are refined and comforting at once. Daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations highly recommended. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 176 Perry St., at West Street (subway line 1 to Christopher Street-Sheridan Square), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-352-9100. http://www.jean-georges.com. This Brooklyn restaurant is popular with tourists for its spectacular views of Manhattan. The evening menu is prix fixe (US$95-$115 without beverage, tax or gratuity), as is the Sunday brunch. Unfortunately, there's an extra charge (US$10) for the outstanding desserts at brunch. It's a bit of a walk from the subway; you may want to take a taxi. Daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations highly recommended. Jackets required after 5 pm. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 1 Water St., at Old Fulton Street (subway line A or C to High Street; 2 or 3 to Clark Street), Brooklyn, New York City. Phone 718-522-5200. http://www.rivercafe.com. This modern, spacious restaurant continues to be at the top of most "best burger" lists. The 7-ounce burgers are served in a brioche roll with a zesty sauce or onion marmalade. Il Laboratorio del Gelato provides a new twist to the classic milkshake. Try the ricotta-pistachio or toasted marshmallow flavors. Daily from noon-midnight. $$. Most major credit cards. 24 E. 12th St., between University Place and Fith Avenue (subway line 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R or W to 14th Street/Union Square), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-488-5900. This loftlike restaurant has an ornate mahogany bar and serves smart fare that never disappoints. Try the seared scallops with sweet-potato-and-chanterelle risotto. You may spot a neighborhood celebrity (Robert DeNiro is a co-owner), but don't get your hopes up—the food is the star. Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday for dinner only, Sunday for brunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. 375 Greenwich St., at Franklin Street (subway line 1 to Franklin Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-941-3900. http://www.myriadrestaurantgroup.com/tribecagrill/index.html. Dine on innovative American cuisine in this large, airy setting with consistently excellent food and service. You can count on pastas made in-house, and the crispy lemon-pepper duck and the tuna with wasabi mashed potatoes are big hits. Daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $$. Most major credit cards. 21 E. 16th St., between Fifth Avenue and Union Square (subway line L, N, Q, R, W, 4, 5 or 6 to 14th Street-Union Square), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-243-4020. http://www.unionsquarecafe.com. Try the prix fixe for US$76, which can include roasted saddle of lamb or wild striped bass. A perfectly paired wine with dinner is a must—choose from among 3,000 vintages on the list. Open daily for dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 43 E. 20th St., between Fifth Avenue and Park Avenue South (subway line 6, L, N, R or W to 23rd Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-353-3700. http://www.veritas-nyc.com. You may wonder if Wylie Dufresne is a chef or a mad scientist, but his quirky new-American flavors get people talking—pickled beef tongue with fried mayonnaise cubes and pork belly with smoked yucca are just two of his creations. For a variety of surprises, try the nine-course tasting menu (US$115). Daily for dinner. Reservations recommended, but you can occasionally get a table as a walk-in. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 50 Clinton St., at Rivington Street (subway line F, J, M or Z to Delancey-Essex), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-477-2900. http://www.wd-50.com. Jean-Georges Vongerichten redefines Chinese food with his unique interpretation of such dishes as crispy tofu and scallion pancakes. The stunning minimalist atmosphere is unlike that of any Chinese restaurant you've ever been in. Daily for dinner (Thursday-Saturday until midnight). Reservations recommended. $$. Most major credit cards. 241 Church St., at Leonard Street (subway line A, C or E to Canal or Chambers; 1 to Franklin Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-925-0202. http://www.jean-georges.com. This Asian fusion restaurant is set in an awe-inspiring 16,000 sq ft/1,486 sq m of space. The large baroque dining room downstairs, with large chandeliers and large communal tables seems right out of a Dickensian dream sequence. The dim sum is excellent, and the noodle and rice dishes are a great deal. Daily for dinner. Reservations recommended. $$-$$$. 75 Ninth Ave., between 15th and 16th streets (subway line A, E or C to 14th Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-989-6699. http://www.buddakannyc.com. Splurge on the US$60 tasting menu (US$100 with wine pairings) at this deliciously sophisticated Indian restaurant, headed by cookbook author Suvir Saran and specializing in Indian home-cooking. You'll never think of okra in the same way again. Open Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner; Sunday for dinner only. Reservations recommended. $$. Most major credit cards. 8 E. 18th St., between Fifth Avenue and Broadway (subway line L, N, Q, R, 4, 5 or 6 to 14th Street-Union Square; 1 to 18th Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-691-1300. http://www.devinyc.com. Once you dine there, you'll know why the line always stretches out the door. Unless you order a whole fish (enough to serve two people), most entrees are less than US$10. Don't miss the Shanghai-style soup dumplings. There are four other locations, but this one is the best. Daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations not accepted. $. No credit cards. 9 Pell St., between Mott Street and Bowery (subway line J, M, N, Q, R, W, Z or 6 to Canal Street; F to East Broadway), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-233-8888. Serving exquisitely refined Japanese food you otherwise won't find outside of Tokyo, Chef Masa presides over the sushi bar, creating a multitude of complex, original dishes for 10 seated at the sushi bar and 16 other patrons at four tables. The prix fixe has a pricey ticket: US$300-$500, depending on ingredients, not including beverages. The sake and wine lists are extensive. Bar Masa, next door, has a few more seats and an a la carte menu. Monday for dinner, Tuesday-Saturday for lunch and dinner. Lunch noon-1:30 pm; dinner 6-9:30 pm. Reservations required for Masa (you will be charged US$150 per person if you don't show). No reservations are accepted for Bar Masa. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 10 Columbus Circle, on the fourth floor of the Time-Warner Center (subway line A, B, C, D, 1 to 59th Street-Columbus Circle), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-823-9800. http://www.masanyc.com. The well-heeled crowd clamors for the Japanese food—with a Peruvian twist—at this offshoot of the famous TriBeCa restaurant Nobu. The food's just as good; the difference is that you can actually get a reservation. Try the signature dish of black cod marinated in miso. Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for dinner only. Reservations required and are taken up to one month in advance. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 40 W. 57th St., between Fifth and Sixth avenues (subway line E or V to Fifth Avenue-53rd Street; N, R or W to Fifth Avenue-59th Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-757-3000. http://www.myriadrestaurantgroup.com/nobu57/index.html. The golden dragons that wrap around this dining room tell you the place is special. The service does, too. High-quality, beautifully presented Chinese dishes, including Grand Marnier prawns and Sichuan alligator, are worth the price. The restaurant, and the more reasonably priced cafe next door, are a short walk from Lincoln Center. Daily noon to midnight. Reservations accepted. $$$. Most major credit cards. 43 W. 65th St., at Broadway (subway line 1 to 66th Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-595-8895. http://www.shunleewest.com. Chef Floyd Cardoz offers an interesting take on new Indian cuisine in a beautiful setting. It's actually two restaurants: Tabla, upstairs, serves American-style dishes with Indian spices. Three-course prix fixe US$64; five-course prix fixe US$79; and seven-course prix-fixe US$92. The Bread Bar at Tabla, downstairs, offers Indian home cooking a la carte. The variety of chutneys will surprise you. Service is top-notch. Open Monday-Friday for lunch, daily for dinner. Reservations recommended. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 11 Madison Ave., at 25th Street (subway line N, R or 6 to 23rd Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-889-0667. http://www.tablany.com. This striking destination, where celebs are dwarfed by the 16-ft-/5-m-tall Buddha, offers almost any Asian culinary delight, including beautifully presented Kobe-style beef and sophisticated noodle dishes. The bars can be jammed and noisy, but they're good stops if you want food and don't want to drop a fortune on dinner. Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for dinner only. Reservations required on Friday and Saturday. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 42 E. 58th St., between Madison and Park (subway line N, R, W, 4, 5 or 6 to Lexington Avenue-59th Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-888-2288. http://www.taorestaurant.com. This tiny, below-sidewalk-level Chinatown gem is very cheap and open all night. We like the flavorful wonton soups, chicken in black-bean sauce and the chow-fun noodles. More adventurous palates will enjoy the Cantonese crab. Daily 24 hours. $. No credit cards. 17 Mott St., between Canal Street and Park Row (subway line F to East Broadway), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-267-2536. If you're a cheese lover, this is the place to go. Famous for its fondues, Artisanal offers great wine selections by the glass and more cheese than you've ever seen in your lifetime. The rest of the menu is filled with good, honest bistro cooking. Check out the prix-fixe offerings for US$35, and on your way out, buy a wedge of cheese at the fromagerie to take back to your hotel. Daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations required. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 2 Park Ave., at East 32nd Street (subway line 6 to 33rd Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-725-8585. http://www.artisanalbistro.com. This traditional French brasserie in SoHo remains one of New York's best. Offers one of the largest oyster and shellfish bars in the city and boasts a selection of more than 300 French wines. Try the signature salad. Monday-Friday for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $$. Most major credit cards. 80 Spring St., between Broadway and Crosby Street (subway line N or R to Prince Street; 6 to Spring Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-965-1414. http://www.balthazarny.com. Though considered one of the city's best, it still has a neighborhood feel. Great French-inspired cuisine. Daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. Jacket required for men. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 120 W. Broadway, at Duane Street (subway line A, C, 1, 2 or 3 to Chambers Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-964-2525. http://www.bouley.net. Excellent brasserie food at very reasonable prices, right off Tompkins Square Park in the heart of the East Village. Try the pan-roasted chicken and anything with goat cheese. The often-long wait for a table in the charmingly busy and loud dining room is alleviated by the excellent and creative cocktails in the adjoining lounge. Daily for dinner, Saturday and Sunday for brunch. $-$$. Takes American Express. 103-105 Ave. B, between Sixth and Seventh streets (subway line 6 to Astor Place), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-358-9683. The contemporary French cuisine changes monthly, but the food, wine list and service are always first-rate. The US$42 prix fixe at lunch is a good option. Open Thursday-Saturday for lunch, daily for dinner. Reservations required, usually a month in advance. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 2 Harrison St., at Hudson Street (subway line 1 to Franklin Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-966-6960. http://www.chanterellenyc.com. This bistro is a slightly less expensive way to taste renowned chef Daniel Boulud's wonderful cuisine. It also offers what many say is the best burger in town—sirloin stuffed with foie gras and truffles. The wine list is extensive, with a number of selections available by the glass. Daily for breakfast, Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner, Sunday for dinner only. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. 55 W. 44th St., between Fifth and Sixth avenues (subway line 1, 2, 3, 9, A, B, C, D, F, N, R, Q or W to 42nd Street; 7 to Fifth Avenue), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-391-2400. http://www.danielnyc.com. This sweet spot in Chelsea offers traditional French fare, with an emphasis on cuisine from the southwestern Gascony region. Warm and intimate atmosphere. Prix-fixe menus available for lunch and dinner. Open Monday for dinner only, Tuesday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 158 Eighth Ave., between 17th and 18th streets (subway line A, C, E or L to 14th Street; 1 to 18th Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-675-6564. http://www.gascognenyc.com. Perfection from beginning to end, this restaurant offers the best French dining experience in town and a very well-priced seasonal prix-fixe menu. The wait staff is impeccable, and the decor is elegant without being stiff. Don't miss the chocolate or berry-tasting desserts. Monday-Saturday for dinner, Sunday for lunch. Reservations highly recommended. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 1 Central Park West, at Columbus Circle (subway line 1, A, B, C or D to Columbus Circle), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-299-3900. http://www.jean-georges.com. The impeccable design and menu are a mix of French method and Japanese style. Red lacquered chests with large lotus-leaf arrangements decorate the main restaurant and pear-wood bar overlooking the kitchen. Try amadai fish in a Japanese citrus broth with lily bulb, it is otherworldly. Daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations required. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 57 E. 57th St. (subway line N, R or W to Fifth Avenue-59th Street; 4, 5 or 6 to Lexington Avenue-59th Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-758-5700. Think 1930s Paris, celebrity elbow-rubbing and seasonal bistro fare. It's crowded and cramped, but no one seems to mind. After all, this is the trendy Meatpacking District. The wine list is impressive, and the food is wonderful. Daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for brunch, late-night supper starting at midnight. Reservations recommended. $$. Most major credit cards. 9 Ninth Ave., at Little West 12th Street (subway line L to Eighth Avenue; A, C, E, 1, 2 or 3 to 14th Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-929-4844. http://www.pastisny.com. Chef Michael Psilakis is responsible for this New Aegean cuisine hot spot. Psilakis is a self-taught cook unafraid to break the conventional rules of haute dining. He serves an orange-infused charred octopus that could have come right out of his Greek grandmother's kitchen. Pair any dish with a delicious white wine from Santorini. Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday for dinner only. Reservations recommended. $$$-$$$$. Most major credit cards. 36 W. 52nd St. (subway line E or V to Fifth Avenue & 53rd Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-582-6900. Try some of the best Greek food around in this bright, airy setting. Its hallmark is whole charcoal-grilled fish that's flown in daily from overseas. For brunch, the fig-and-walnut pancakes with mint-flavored maple syrup will exceed your expectations. Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $$. Most major credit cards. 141 E. 48th St., between Lexington and Park avenues (subway line E or V to Lexington Avenue-53rd Street; 6 to 51st Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-759-8550. http://www.avrany.com. The atmosphere is one of hominess, from the main dining room to the kitchen. Some of chef Emiliano Coppola's classic dishes includ cod in a butter sauce with grilled polenta, pea tortelli, and calf liver alla Veneziana. Daily except Tuesday for dinner only. Reservations not accepted. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 248 Fifth Ave., at Carroll Street (subway line M or R to Union Street), Brooklyn, New York City. Phone 718-783-4565. http://www.aldilatrattoria.com. This place feels like New York: Tables are elbow to elbow, and everyone's talking at the same time—probably about the good Italian food. Expect traditional Roman trattoria fare, with some New York twists. Daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $$. Most major credit cards. 170 Thompson St., between Houston and Bleecker streets (subway line 1 to Houston Street; 6 to Lafayette Street; A, B, C, D, E, F or V to West Fourth Street; R to Prince Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-982-5089. http://www.luparestaurant.com. Famous for its pasta, Novita's inventive Italian menu is seasonal, but it almost always has a truffle dish and a sea-bass dish. Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for dinner only. Reservations recommended. $$. Most major credit cards. 102 E. 22nd St., between Lexington Avenue and Park Avenue South (subway line N, R or 6 to 23rd Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-677-2222. http://www.novitanyc.com. Excellent Italian cuisine—the mushroom ravioli tastes like a relative made it—and old-school service. Daily for dinner and late supper. Reservations required. Jackets suggested. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 1578 First Ave., at 82nd Street (subway line 4, 5 or 6 to 86th Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-861-8608. http://www.primaveranyc.com. The Coney Island location is Brooklyn's oldest pizza parlor, which has served up brick-oven-baked pies with fresh mozzarella since 1924. Definitely worth a stop if you go to Coney Island. There are two locations in Manhattan, but they are not the same experience. Wednesday-Sunday for lunch and dinner—but note that it closes at 8 pm. $. No credit cards at the Coney Island location. 1524 Neptune Ave. (subway line D, F or Q to Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue), Brooklyn, New York City. Phone 718-372-8606. | Latin American | Top  |
Even if you don't speak Spanish (which everybody in the restaurant does), you will feel right at home in this tiny, welcoming Puerto Rican restaurant in the East Village. And you really won't need a translator for the menu, because it is hard to go wrong, or for that matter to spend less. Try the pernil asado (fragrant roast pork) or the pollo guisado, a hearty chicken stew. Daily 7 am-8 pm. $. Cash only. 66 Ave. C, at East Fifth Street (subway line F, J, M or Z to Delancey Street-Essex Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-473-1882. This Brazilian restaurant in the Theater District is lively, especially later in the evening. But don't go if you don't like meat, because that's what it serves—every kind and in huge quantities. Live music Wednesday-Saturday. There is a second location at 221 W. Broadway. Daily noon-midnight. Reservations highly recommended, especially before or after the theater. All meals are prix fixe. Lunch is US$32.95; dinner is US$54.95. Most major credit cards. 316 W. 49th St., between Eighth and Ninth avenues (subway line 1, C or E to 50th Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-245-0505. http://www.churrascariaplataforma.com. A definite Mexican hot spot in the Flatiron district, this restaurant mixes old-world Mexico with a few modern touches. Enjoy some guacamole made tableside or have a guava margarita after hours. Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 373 Park Ave. S., between 26th and 27th streets (subway line R or 6 to 28th Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-294-1000. http://www.brguestrestaurants.com. You'll feel like you walked into a city in Mexico when you step into this restaurant. Dim lights and Mexican music add to the atmosphere. Order a pitcher of sangria and some enchiladas in an outside dining area upstairs or dine incognito downstairs. A bar is also located upstairs. Daily for lunch and dinner, till 3 am on weekends. Reservations are a must for groups. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 86 University Place, between 11th and 12th streets (subway line L, N, Q, R, W, 4, 5 or 6 to 14th Street-Union Square), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-255-9378. This Theater District eatery does wonders with pork and fish, offering creative twists on traditional Mexican dishes in generous proportions. Tuesday-Friday for lunch, daily for dinner. Reservations for six or more only. $$. Most major credit cards. 679 Ninth Ave., at 47th Street (subway line 1, C or E to 50th Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-977-1588. http://www.hellskitchen-nyc.com. This absolutely tiny East Village restaurant (with an uptown branch at 1575 Lexington Ave., at 101st Street) serves Mexican delicacies—and purposely keeps its distance from Tex-Mex. Try the duck in rioja sauce or sauteed shrimp with aged tequila. Desserts are also excellent. Daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended—there are only a few tables, but the quality makes it well worth the difficulty of getting a seat. $-$$. No credit cards. 438 E. Ninth St., between First Avenue and Avenue A (subway line L to First Avenue-14th Street; 6 to Astor Place; N or R to Eighth Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-677-5856. The deadly pomegranate margaritas and guacamole prepared tableside have helped establish this Mexican restaurant as a city favorite. Soak up the margaritas with a hefty portion of pork chops marinated with a paste of ground chiles and spices or with enchiladas with mole poblano. Daily for dinner. Reservations recommended. $$. Most major credit cards. 1063 First Ave., at 58th Street (subway line N, R, W, 4, 5 or 6 to Lexington Avenue-59th Street), New York City. Phone 212-753-7407. http://www.rosamexicano.info. | Middle Eastern | Top |
This colorful, funky space features specialties from various Middle Eastern nations. A good bet is the six-course prix-fixe meal for US$40, which may include a variety of breads and appetizers, kebabs, moussaka and more. The staff will prepare a vegetarian version if you ask. The teas are nice. Daily except Monday for dinner. Reservations highly recommended. $$. Most major credit cards. 221 E. 4th St., between avenues A and B (subway line L to Second Avenue), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-529-3477. Syrian cuisine is the specialty, but there's a good range of Moroccan and Indian fare, too. You can make an entire meal out of the appetizers. Try one of the phyllo dishes. Service can be slow, but if you can kick back and relax, you'll have a great time. Daily for dinner. Reservations available. $$. Most major credit cards. 104 W. 13th St., at Sixth Avenue (subway line 1, 2, 3, 9, F, L or V to 14th Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-741-0277. Food Network star Mario Batali made his name with Italian food, but his restaurant empire now includes this standout tapas bar, whose small-plate offerings include pumpkin-and-goat-cheese croquettes, fried duck eggs and silky crema Catalana. If you can't get a seat there, try Bar Jamon, the tiny sister wine bar around the corner, named for Spain's favorite food (that's ham to you). Daily noon-midnight. Reservations highly recommended. $$. Most major credit cards. 52 Irving Place, between 17th and 18th streets (subway line 1 to 18th Street; N, R, Q, W, 4, 5 or 6 to 14th Street-Union Square), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-253-2773. This rustic-baroque tiny tapas place with a curved marble bar and dimmed light has quickly become a favorite neighborhood restaurant. Alexandra Raij from Tia Pol conceived this place as a drinks-before-dinner bar, in the traditional Spanish sense. Try the uni panino or the pork cracklings. Daily from 5 pm. Reservations not accepted. $$. Most major credit cards. 401 W. 24th St., at Ninth Avenue (subway line E or C to 23rd Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-206-6900. A narrow alley that attracts dinner crowds spilling over onto the sidewalk, serves best tapas. This is also a great place for a lunch over a glass of cava and a few small plates after seeing art galleries on Saturday morning. Try the croquettes of the day, chorizo finished with sherry, or the Galician-style octopus terrine. Daily for lunch and dinner, except Monday lunch. Reservations for six-eight only. $$. Most major credit cards. 205 10th Ave., between 22nd and 23rd streets (subway line E or C to 23rd Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-675-8805. http://www.tiapol.com. This laid-back and friendly East Village eatery is a standard for vegetarians and vegans. Daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations not accepted. $$. No credit cards. 300 E. 12th St., at Second Avenue (subway line N, Q, R, W, 4, 5 or 6 to 14th Street-Union Square; L to First Avenue), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-228-2909. http://www.angelicakitchen.com. This cozy vegetarian joint in Little Korea has a warm, peaceful atmosphere. You'll be asked (gently) to remove your shoes and have a seat on a comfy floor cushion beside a low wooden table. Try the Emperor's Meal for a multicourse sampling of the restaurant's dishes, including pumpkin soup and fried noodles. In the fall, it features dishes made with rare matsutake mushrooms. While you're there, check out the tea shop, Franchia. Daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. 12 E. 32nd St., between Fifth and Madison avenues (subway line 4 or 6 to 33rd Street-Park Avenue South; B, D, F, N, Q, R, V or W to 34th Street-Herald Square), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-213-0077. http://www.hangawirestaurant.com. Is it their way with tofu? Or is it the famous peanut sauce? Whatever the answer, this place draws crowds. This Asian experiment turned out to be a success—at four locations. If you go, be certain to try something with the famous peanut sauce. Daily for lunch and dinner. $. Most major credit cards. 34 Union Square E., at 16th Street, with additional locations at 663 Ninth Ave., at 46th Street, and at 2170 Broadway, between 76th and 77th streets (subway line N, R, Q, W, 4, 5 or 6 to 14th Street-Union Square), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-614-9345. http://www.zenpalate.com. | Breakfast & Brunch | Top |
A perennial best-brunch spot, Blue Ribbon serves a mix of creative and classic American food. Monday-Thursday noon-midnight, Friday noon-2 am, Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner (till 2 am on Saturday). Reservations for five or more only. $-$$$. Most major credit cards. 33 Downing St., at Bedford Street (subway line 1 to Houston Street; A, B, C, D, E, F or V to West Fourth Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-337-0404. http://www.blueribbonrestaurants.com. People go in droves to this brunch favorite for the French toast, special omelettes, frittatas, tasty granola and potent Bloody Marys. The small tables and fireplace also make for a romantic date spot. Monday-Friday for dinner only, Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner. Reservations recommended for dinner. $$. Most major credit cards. 99 Bank St., at the corner of Greenwich Street (subway line A, C, E, 1, 2 or 3 to 14th Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-929-0509. http://www.pariscommune.net. Weekend crowds flock to this homey Upper West Side eatery and no wonder. The thoughtful offerings range from scrambled eggs with chives to pumpkin waffles with a generous dollop of sour cream. The homemade preserves are always fresh (you can buy a jar at the bakery to take home), and the baked goods are delicious. There are also restaurants on the Upper East Side, at the Whitney Museum, in Chelsea and on Central Park South. Monday-Friday for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner. No reservations, so for Sunday brunch, get there early to put your name on the waiting list. $$. Most major credit cards. 423 Amsterdam Ave., between 80th and 81st streets (subway line 1 to 79th Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-496-6280. http://www.sarabeth.com. | | |