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.
