Union Square Café Danny
Meyer’s first restaurant has been one of New York’s most popular since
1985, loved for delicious fare served by friendly staff in comfortable
surroundings. Chef Michael Romano’s new takes on American standards
include the freshest ingredients from the neighboring Union Square
Greenmarket .
Union Square Café
Gotham Bar and Grill A
perennial favorite. Alfred Portale was one of the first with “vertical
food,” delicious layers so artfully stacked you can hardly bear to
disturb them. The new American fare is elegant, and the lofty, columned
space is sophisticated and casual. The $31 three-course lunch is a great
buy.
Gotham Bar
Nobu Reservations
are hard to come by for Nobu Matsuhisa’s Japanese/Peruvian fusion that
produces inspired dishes. Say “Omakase” (“I leave it to you”) and let
the chef choose among the surprising and always sublime offerings. David
Rockwell’s whimsical setting adds to the experience. Casual Nobu Next Door needs no reservations.
Nobu
Jean Georges Already
a culinary star from his earlier Jo Jo and Vong restaurants,
Jean-Georges Vongerichten in his namesake restaurant turns out food that
is among the very best in New York, transformed by the French master’s
delicate sauces and creative combinations. Designer Adam Tihany has
created a polished, almost austere, setting that does not upstage the
four-star chef . Daniel Another
luminary of the food world, Daniel Boulud now has a flower-filled,
Venetian Renaissance-inspired dining room worthy of his extraordinary
talents. Seasonal menus with choices such as roasted squab with spiced
pineapple or black truffle-crusted cod are divine. Lunch is a less
expensive opportunity to sample the master . Momofuku Ssäm Bar Wunderkind
David Chang brings serious humor (and lots of pork products) to this
extremely inventive restaurant. The steamed pork buns are legendary, and
one can always count on some unusual seafood and market vegetables to
appear as well . Per Se You
need to call two months in advance to get a seat in Thomas Keller’s
expensive restaurant. One of a handful of eateries to receive four stars
from The New York Times, diners come for the food, service, and views of Central Park. Patrons can also visit the kitchen. Le Bernardin Seafood
doesn’t come any better than at this quietly luxurious French
restaurant lauded for revolutionizing the way fish is served in New
York. Chef Eric Ripert seems to have no critics. Of course, perfection
has its price and you’ll pay dearly, but the meal will be memorable . Gramercy Tavern Another
Danny Meyer success, this rustic room is perhaps New York’s most
unpretentious fine dining. Chef Michael Anthony has maintained the high
standard here. No reservations needed for the Tavern area. Four Seasons This
New York institution with landmark decor by Philip Johnson seems to go
on forever, and it is always among the top-rated for Continental food.
The Grill Room is still the prime place for power lunches, and the Pool
Room is a perfect setting for special occasion dinners .
Four Seasons Spring Pool Room
Top 10 Cheap Eats
Lombardi’s Pizza On everybody’s list of best-in-town for its thin-crust, coal-oven pizza . Salaam Bombay A top-ranked Indian restaurant with bargain lunch and brunch. 319 Greenwich St 212 226 9400
Porchetta Phenomenal slow-cooked pork sandwiches. 110 East 7th St 212 777 2151
Nyonya Good Malaysian fast food. Saigon Grill Top Vietnamese fare in two convenient locations. Flor de Mayo A mix of Peruvian, Cuban, and Chinese cuisine; Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken is a specialty. 2651 Broadway 212 595 2525
Republic Lots of noodle dishes and noise at this Pan-Asian. 37 Union Square West 212 627 7168
Il Bagatto Even uptowners head for this East Village Italian with good food and prices. 192 East 2nd St 212 228 0977
La Bonne Soupe Midtown’s best bet for onion soup, fondue, and other bistro specialties . Pomaire This cheerful Chilean restaurant is the Theater District’s best deal. 371 West 46th St 212 956 3056
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