11 Madison Park
11 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010-3629 · 212-889-0905
FLATIRON DISTRICT. This art deco-style restaurant, the latest brainstorm of noted New York restaurateur Danny Meyer, may not be as flashy or chic as its brethren, but it is nevertheless a good place to enjoy an excellent meal with a splash of New York style. The delicious Nouveau French menu offered by Chef Kerry Heffernan features the likes of lobster pot au feu, terrine of beef shanks, foie gras au torch on and caramelized scallops. Of course, you'll want to save room for dessert and perhaps a glass of Cognac or fine wine. Reservations are suggested. Smart casual dress. TRAIN: N, R, 6 to 23rd St

Blue Water Grill
31 Union Square W, New York, NY 10003 · 212-675-9500
GRAMERCY. Marble columns and atrium spaces handle the sizable crowds that this renovated Union Square bank attracts. A massive raw bar, excellent seafood, “cool” jazz room and the option of outside seating have made Blue Water Grill a haven for young downtowners and those who appreciate a variety of delicious seafood dishes and first-rate service. Reservations recommended. Dress is business casual. TRAIN: 6, N, R to 14th St-Union Sq

Ocean Grill
384 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024-5104 · 212-579-2300
UPPER WEST SIDE. Known for having a large selection of fresh seafood and an excellent raw bar. The kitchen prepares such savory selections as crab cakes served with roasted corn salsa, grilled swordfish and steamed clams. Finish off a great dining experience with the sinfully delicious caramelized figs served over ice cream. Reservations are recommended, as this place is usually crowded. Casual dress. TRAIN: B, C to 81st St; 1, 9 to 79th Street

Pearl Oyster Bar
18 Cornelia St, New York, NY 10014 · 212-691-8211
WEST VILLAGE. There’s a reason this small, intimate storefront eatery is called Pearl. It's a rare find that is absolutely perfect. Honestly priced and honestly the best seafood south of Maine. Try the grilled sweet pompano sprigged with fresh rosemary, blue point oysters packed in ice or the fresh lobster roll served with hand-cut French fries. But wait (and you may have to!), there’s more to this experience…finish with a large wedge of crusty top blueberry pie or butterscotch parfait. Reservations not accepted. TRAIN: A, C, E, B, D, F, and Q, at W 4th St, Washington Square

The Mercer Kitchen
99 Prince St, Mercer Hotel, New York, NY 10012 · 212-966-5454
SOHO. Don’t be misled by the name; this is one fabulous restaurant. The décor is breathtaking with heavy wooden tables, brick walls and beautiful table top appointments. Feast on innovative and mouth watering food like black sea bass drizzled in lime juice and coriander, codfish wrapped in fig leaf surrounded by figs and eggplant or the rich custard topped with caramelized pineapple. Reservations strongly recommended. Dress is business casual. TRAIN: N, R at Prince Street

Areo
8424 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 10029 · 718-238-0079
BAY RIDGE. This place has to be special to attract so many to Brooklyn’s Restaurant Row. Always attracting a crowd, always an Italian taste experience. The beautiful décor emits an ambience that translates into an unforgettable evening of traditional and nouveau Italian dishes with impeccable service. Celebrate any wonderful occasion with Areo. Do Areo after Broadway; the kitchen serves past 11pm. Reservations recommended. Dress is business casual. TRAIN: R to 86th Street

Don Peppe
13558 Lefferts Blvd, near Ozone Park, Jamaica, NY 11420 · 718-845-7587
JAMAICA. This Italian mainstay serves, simply, good Italian food, and what’s Italian without lots of garlic? Choose home-style food like ravioli, lasagna, baked clams, and spaghetti. Reminiscent of an era long past, the wait staff family will delight with their service and interesting “tales” of Old New York. This is where Italian families bring THEIR families. Reservations recommended. Dress is business casual. TRAIN: A to Lefferts Boulevard.

Mezzaluna
1295 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10021 · 212-535-9600
UPPER EAST SIDE. There’s a reason for the standing room only crowds that gather under the cloud painted ceiling murals of Mezzaluna: reasonably priced pastas such as black linguini with spicy tomatoes, raviolis, lasagnas and brick oven pizzas. Milanese art adorns the walls while Italian pink marble complements the tabletops. You can complete your dining experience with Mezzaluna’s famous tiramisu. Reservations recommended for parties of five or more. Dress is business casual. TRAIN: 6 to 77th St

Fresco by Scotto
34 E 52nd St, New York, NY 10022 · 212-935-3434
MIDTOWN EAST. Right in the heart of Midtown, this restaurant owned by the Scotto family will entice you to make your next reservation before you leave! From Marion Scotto overseeing the dining area, to chef Stefano Battistini preparing dishes of veal chops with garlic mashed potatoes, zucchini chips with crumbled gorgonzola cheese or any of the delicious pizzas, their personal touch is evident, from the cobalt blue glassware to the large selection of quality Italian wines. Reservations are recommended. Dress is smart casual. TRAIN: E, F to Lexington Ave; 6 to 51st St

Rao's
455 E 114th St, New York, NY 10029 · 212-722-6709
EAST HARLEM. This landmark Southern Italian restaurant is as famous as the city itself. Long reputed to be the favorite restaurant of “The Godfather,” Rao’s is where you can enjoy freshly prepared home-style Italian cooking and quite possibly sight a celebrity or twenty. There is no set menu, you actually tell the chef(s) what you want and how you want it – no problem, Capisce? The service, as expected, is impeccable, and until you’ve made the trip to Rao’s in East Harlem, you really haven’t been to New York. Reservations are essential only 10 tables. Dress is business casual. Cash Only. TRAIN: 6 to 116th Street.

Aquagrill
210 Spring St, New York, NY 10013 · 212-274-0505
SOHO. With a menu almost exclusively devoted to seafood, this is an excellent pick for diners who want great choice and unparalleled options. Try a lobster or salmon dish, prepared according to your preference. Single diners can get a great meal at the bar. Come early, eat oysters and people-watch, but save room for a perfectly prepared dessert. Locals also rave about Aquagrill's brunches. Reservations recommended. Dressy casual attire. TRAIN: C, E to Spring Street

Manhattan Ocean Club
57 W 58th St, New York, NY 10019-1630 · 212-371-7777
MIDTOWN WEST. Widely regarded as one of New York's top seafood restaurants, the Manhattan Ocean Club sets a high bar for the competition - contemporary yet tasteful interior, great service and, of course, excellent food. For a true experience, opt for the shellfish bouquet as an appetizer. Afterwards, you can't go wrong with the swordfish medallions with smoked prosciutto, the mahi-mahi marinated in Moroccan spices or the skate sautéed with brown butter. Of course, any meal is made better by dessert, and the Ocean Club's are simply delectable - lemon gratin, homemade sorbets and the chocolate-espresso cake. Reservations are suggested. Smart casual dress. TRAIN: N, R to 57th

Oceana
55 E 54th St, between Park and Madison, New York, NY 10022 · 212-759-5941
MIDTOWN EAST. Step into Oceana and you'll feel as if you've been transported to a luxury ocean liner in the Atlantic. The restaurant's philosophy is "to enhance the simple perfection of each ingredient." To that end, the menu features uncomplicated dishes, expertly prepared. For starters, try yellowfin tuna tartare with horseradish sorbet and follow it with Atlantic halibut in almond tea crust. Desserts are fabulous – pistachio semifreddo is a favorite, as is the cinnamon apple doughnut with Calvados ice cream. A selection from the solid wine list provides an apt complement, and service is knowledgeable and friendly. TRAIN: E, F to 5th Ave; 6 to Lexington Ave

Roy's New York
130 Washington St, Marriott Financial Center Hotel, New York, NY 10006 · 212-266-6262
FINANCIAL DISTRICT. Located in the modern Marriott Financial Center Hotel, the Big Apple edition of Roy Yamaguchi's international chain offers fabulous Pacific Rim cuisine, much to the delight of the District's movers and shakers. The menu features a wide range of fresh seafood dishes bearing what the staff refers to as a Euro-Asian lilt, including charred salmon with enoki mushrooms, herb and garlic grilled shutome, and peppercorn crusted Ahi steak. Those not in the mood for seafood will be tempted by such dishes as a grilled filet mignon in a wild mushroom thyme or wood grilled pork chop with ginger pear sauce. Of course, you’ll want to save room for one of the innovative desserts, as well - how does a chocolate Lava Flow sound? Reservations are necessary. TRAIN: N-R to Rector St.

Bamboo
8716 3rd Ave Brooklyn NY
Rated one of the two best sushi restaurants in New York City.

Nobu
105 Hudson St New York NY
The other great sushi restaurant in New York City.

Blue Ribbon Bakery
33 Downing St, at Bedford St, New York, NY 10014-4748 · 212-337-0404
WEST VILLAGE. With an eclectic array of lunch and dinner menu items, Blue Ribbon Bakery prides itself on more than just its baked goods. It offers tasty selections like rack of lamb or the more exotic smoked seafood. A split-level building design allows for two dining areas, each with a distinct ambience. The first floor dining area has large windows great for watching the West Village, and the brick-walled basement area includes a wine cellar and a 97-year-old stone oven that still turns out deliciously fresh breads and pastries. TRAIN: A, C, E, B, D, F, Q to W 4th St; 1, 9 to Houston St

Florent
69 Gansevoort St, between Greenwich and Washington Sts, New York, NY 10014-1402 · 212-989-5779
WEST VILLAGE. Florent, a French bistro, offers up interesting French cuisine that includes steaming bowls of vegetarian chili and creamy omelets filled with tasty goodies. A central location in the meatpacking district and 24-hour service on the weekends make this a popular hangout. When anteing up, have cash because that's all they'll accept here. Reservations accepted. TRAIN: A, C, E to 14th St; L to 8th Ave

Titou
259 W 4th St, between Charles and Perry Sts, New York, NY 10014 · 212-691-9359
WEST VILLAGE. Classic French fare and reasonable prices keep this intimate, brick-walled village spot and its sister, Tartine, hugely successful. Guests enjoy the comfortable, country-like decor as well as the seafood and vegetable dishes prepared with authentic French panache. Reservations not accepted. TRAIN: 1, 9 to Christopher St - Sheridan Square

Moustache - West
90 Bedford St, New York, NY 10014 · 212-229-2220
WEST VILLAGE. Nestled between Barrow and Grove Streets, this fun little eatery packs a big punch. Diners return again and again to delve into the fresh, Mediterranean-style salads and interesting pitzas - pizzas made from pita bread. Satisfying and enjoyable. Reservations not accepted. TRAIN: 1, 9 to Christopher St-Sheridan Sq

Denino's Pizzeria
524 Port Richmond Ave, Staten Island, NY 10302 · 718-442-9401
STATEN ISLAND. This family-owned (since 1937!) pizzeria is definitely worth the trip to Staten Island - the pies are delicious and the atmosphere is homey. If you want pizza that’s a little different from the norm, try the garlicky white pizza. If you go on a Friday or Saturday night, be prepared to wait a while for a table - but don't let that deter you. You can comfortably pass the time with the locals in the bar and nurse a nice, cold pitcher of beer or a cocktail. Cash only. TRAVEL: Staten Island Ferry, then 44 bus to Hooker Place

John's Pizzeria
408 E 64th St, New York, NY 10021-7848 · 212-935-2895
UPPER EAST SIDE. This 64th Street pizzeria serves authentic, Italian pizzas known for their crisp crusts and savory sauce. Choose from tantalizing varieties of classic Italian toppings such as sausage, anchovies, mushrooms, and fresh tomatoes. Outdoor garden dining available in pleasant weather. TRAIN: 4, 5, 6 to 59th St; 6 to 68th St-Hunter College

Lombardi's
32 Spring St, New York, NY 10012 · 212-941-7994
LITTLE ITALY. If this is your first time in New York, then you are obligated to sample some "real" New York pizza before you leave. Just so you know, this place, the first licensed pizzeria in the Big Apple, serves up just about the best there is. Poll the neighborhood folks, and you'll find nothing but raves for their Lombardi's coal-oven pies. All their toppings are fresh, all the sauces tangy and all the cheeses sublime – Fuggetaboutit! Lombardi's accepts cash only. TRAIN: 6 to Spring S

Patsy's Pizza
509 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10035 · 212-534-9783
MURRAY HILL. Over 60 years, this pizzerias is still perfect. While there are other options on the menu, pizzas and salads dominate. Patsy’s offers the perfect pie, complete with tangy sauce, moist mozzarella and a myriad of both common and unusual toppings. The pie menu is complemented with oversized bowls of salad with many varieties of gourmet greens. Cash only. TRAIN: 6 to 33rd Street