New York City is world renowned for it's restaurants. An epicurean delight for sure, but much more. Every cuisine, every price range, every setting imaginable, every dress code and every hour. From the top of Rockefeller Center (RCA Building) to the lower level of Grand Central Terminal. Foods are traditional, modern, innovative and unexpected. From world renowned chefs to fast food hash slingers. Whatever the mood , taste, desire or budget you have, New York City will accommodate you.
Some tidbits that you should be aware of. A New York City sales tax of 8.625 % is added to your bill (check). Tipping runs from 15% to 20% and is usually not included. Parties of six or more will occasionally find the tip included in their check. Normally this is around 15 to 18 percent. Major credit cards are accepted at most restaurants In rare cases, there is an additional charge for outdoor seating. If not sure, ask. Tap water is free and bottled water is not. Smoking is not allowed in New York City restaurants, bars, nightclubs, etc. Dress codes for dinner are by and large business casual, except for the more up scale elegant establishments. When in doubt, check first. Reservations are prudent to make for dinner.
To enjoy some of Manhattan's more renowned restaurant's without parting with your life savings, we suggest trying their lunch menus. Many offer prix-fixe lunch options at greatly reduced prices. To mention a few; Anthos, Benoit, Chanterelle, La Grenouille, Le Bernardin, Le Cirque, Oceana, and Osteria Del Circo. You can also check for others by going to the restaurant's hyperlink or by calling.
There are over 10,000 restaurants in Manhattan and more than 25,000 in all of New York City (all five boroughs). We will try to give you a feel by listing a few of our favorites and one's we've been made aware of. We will include some in the other boroughs as well. There guides that are worthwhile consulting to find that perfect place during your visit. To mention a couple; Zagat, Time Out New York, the Menu Pages and the NY Times. If any of the following restaurants do not have a hyperlink, please use their telephone number.
AFGHAN
AFRICAN AMERICAN ARGENTINEAN ASIAN and ASIAN
FUSION AUSTRALIAN
AUSTRIAN BAR/PUB FOOD BARBECUE
BELGIAN BRAZILIAN BRITISH BURMESE
CAJUN/CREOLE CALIFORNIAN CAMBODIAN
CARIBBEAN CHINESE CONTINENTAL
CUBAN DELIS ETHIOPIAN FILIPINO
FRENCH GERMAN GREEK HAITIAN
HAWAIIAN
INDIAN INDONESIAN IRISH ISRAELI
ITALIAN JAMAICAN JAPANESE KOREAN
KOSHER LEBANESE MALAYSIAN
MEDITERRANEAN MEXICAN MIDDLE EASTERN
MOROCCAN PAN-ASIAN PAN-LATIN
PERSIAN PERUVIAN POLISH PUERTO RICAN
RUSSIAN SCANDINAVIAN SEAFOOD SOUL
FOOD SOUTHERN SOUTHWESTERN SPANISH
STEAKHOUSES THAI TIBETAN TURKISH
VEGETARIAN VENEZUELAN VIETNAMESE
OUTSIDE MANHATTAN
AFGHAN
Afghan Kebab House -very reasonable prices, excellent kebabs. 1345 Second Ave. and other NYC locations. (212) 517-2776
Bamiyan -try the dinner for two. Reasonable. 358 Third Avenue. (212) 481-3232
AFRICAN
Dibiterie - French West African cuisine, specializes in Dibi (Senegalese steak) . Reasonable. 231 West 116 St. (212) 663-0717
Queen of Sheba -reasonable, good spread, great Ethiopian honey wine. 650 Tenth Ave. (212) 397-0610
South Beach Cafe -very reasonable and good. 100 West 124 Street. (212) 222-1995
The Ethiopian Restaurant -another very reasonable and really good food. 1582 York Avenue. (212) 717-7311
AMERICAN
Algonquin Hotel Round Table -great drinks, fair food, has history. 59 West 44 St. (212) 840-6800
Bar Americain - expensive, a Bobby Flay comfort classic. 152 West 52 St. (212) 265-9700
Brooklyn Diner USA -real American comfort food, reasonable. 212 West 57 St. (212) 977-2280
Bridge Cafe -been around since 1794, well worth the visit. 279 Water St. (212) 227-3344
Elaine's -leans towards Italian fare. Look for the stars. 1703 Second Ave. (212) 534-8103
ESPN Zone -sports bar, kids love it. Reasonable. 1472 Broadway. (212) 921-3776
44 & X Hell's Kitchen -loud (incld. staff) and New York. Reasonable. 622 10th Ave. (212) 977-1170
Fraunces Tavern -George Washington ate here. It's history. 54 Pearl St. (212) 968-1776
Gotham Bar & Grill -brilliant American fare by renowned Chef Portale. 12 East 12 St. (212) 620-4020
Gramercy Tavern -if you can't get in the back, try the front bar. Expensive. 42 East 20 St. (212) 477-0777
Houston's - always good food. Great happy hour. Reasonable. 153 East 53 St.(212) 888-3828
Hawaiian Tropic Zone -obvious themed restaurant-three floors. 729 Seventh Ave. (212)626-7312
Joe Allen -pre or post show dinner. American comfort. Reasonable. 326 West 46 St. (212) 581-6464
Landmark Tavern -an 1868 Hell's Kitchen favorite. Good pub food. 626 11th Avenue. (212) 247-2562
Moran's Chelsea -nice wood burning fireplace, reasonable. Traditional. (212) 627-3030
Morrell Wine Bar & Cafe -expensive but it's location, location. 1 Rockefeller Plaza. (212) 262-7700
O'Neal's - a good American standard. Reasonable. 49 West 64 St. (212) 787-4663
Redeye Grill -expensive, home of "the dancing shrimp". 890 Seventh Avenue. (212) 541-9000
Soda Shop -retro Americana. You'll love it, so will the kids. 125 Chambers St. (212) 571-1100
Tavern on the Green-expensive, stunning surroundings. Central Park West (66-67 Sts.). (212) 873-3200
Tribeca Grill -De Niro and Nieporent have created an original masterpiece. 375 Greenwich St. (212) 941-3900
21 Club -one time speakeasy. Expensive, worth it-yes. Wear a jacket. 21 West 52 St. (212) 582-7200
Water Club -great food, great views, great staff and worth it. All on a barge! East River at 30th St. (212) 683-3333
Waverly Inn & Garden -a terrific remake of an old classic. Expensive. 16 Bank St. (212) 243-7900
ARGENTINEAN
Buenos Aires -small place, very reasonable and very good food. 513 East 6th St. (212) 228-2775
Chimichurri Grill -good steaks and good prices. 606 Ninth Avenue. (212) 586-8655
Gaucho Steak Co. -gaucho themed. Another good steaks and prices to match. 752 Tenth Avenue. (212) 957-1727
Hacienda de Argentina -romantic settings with prime grass fed beef. Reasonable. 339 East 75 St. (212) 472-5300
Sosa Borella -Argentinean with an Italian blend. Reasonable. 832 Eighth Avenue. (212) 262-7774
ASIAN and ASIAN FUSION
Asiate -incredible views, good food, great brunch. 80 Columbus Circle. (212) 805-8881
Buddha Bar -expensive but must see. Very good fusion dishes. 25 West 12 St. (212) 647-7314
China Grill -expensive, good food. 60 West 53 St. (212) 333-7788
Citrus Bar & Grill -upbeat and different. Reasonable. 320 Amsterdam Avenue. (212) 595-0500
Forbidden City -very reasonable and great food. 212 Avenue A. (212) 598-0500
Ruby Foo's -reasonable with great food. 1626 Broadway. (212) 489-5600
Xing -moderate priced contemporary Asian fusion. 785 Ninth Avenue. (646) 289-3010
AUSTRALIAN
Bondi Road -good value and food in a relaxed atmosphere. 153 Rivington St. (212) 253-5311
The Australian -reasonable, good meat pies, pub. 20 West 38 St. (212) 869-8601
Tuck Shop -very reasonable, good pies. 68 East 1 St. (212) 979-5200
AUSTRIAN
Blaue Gans -reasonable, good old fashion Austrian food. 139 Duane St. (212) 571-8880
Cafe Sabarsky -in the Neue Galerie, worth the wait in line. 1048 Fifth Avenue. (212) 288-0665
Mont Blanc -beef stroganoff w/noodles-super and reasonable. 315 West 48 St. (212) 582-9648
BAR/PUB FOOD
Brass Monkey -reasonable, good fare. 55 Little West 12 St. (212) 675-6686
Brendan's Bar & Grill -expensive, very nice and local. 42 West 35 St. (212) 564-5405
Connolly's -great food, reasonable Other locations. 14 East 47 St. (212) 867-3737
D.J. Reynolds -local, good food, very reasonable. 351 West 57 St. (212) 245-2912
David Copperfield's -good local spot. 1394 York Avenue. (212) 734-6152
Eamonn's Bar & Grill -try the mini burgers, reasonable. 9 East 45 St. (212) 867-9013
Jakes Saloon -reasonable, good food. 875 10 Avenue. (212) 333-3100
J. G. Melon -really good burgers & fries. cash only. 1291 Third Avenue. (212) 744-0585
Kennedy's -great food, reasonable prices, nice local crowd. 327 West 57 St. (212) 759-4242
Manchester Pub -good food, good place. 920 Second Ave. (212) 935-8901
McGee's -great local place, good food. 240 West 55 St. (212) 957-3536
Mickey Mantle's -it's all about atmosphere. 42 Central Park South. (212) 688-7777
Neary's -great local place with very good food. Reasonable. 358 East 57 St. (212) 751-1434
O'Lunney's -best in the Times Square area. 145 West 45 St. (212) 840-6688
Parnell's -good food, reasonable prices. 350 East 53 St. (212) 355-9706
Pete's Tavern -O. Henry wrote Gift of the Magi here. Opened since 1864.129 East 18 St. 212) 473-7676
PD Hurley's -nice local place. 174 West 72 St. (212) 873-1900
P.J. Clarke's -since 1884 a classic. Best burgers and vintage decor. 915 Third Avenue. (212) 317-1616
Public House -a mega pub franchise now in NYC. 140 East 41 Street. (212) 682-3710
BARBECUE
Blue Smoke -fall off the bone ribs and great sides. Reasonable. 116 East 27 St. (212) 447-7733
Daisy May's BBQ USA -very reasonable. Great for take out. 623 11 Avenue. (2120 977-1500
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que -merits the trip uptown. Should have reservations. 646 West 131 Street. (212) 694-1777
Hill Country -the best of Texas, here in NYC. Music downstairs. 30 West 26 St. (212) 255-4544
Johnny Utah's - a mechanical bull and good ribs make this worth a visit. 25 West 51 St. (212) 265-8824
Virgil's Real Barbecue -near Times Square-plenty of good ribs. 152 West 44 St. (212) 921-9494
BELGIAN
Cafe de Bruxelles -great food, a cozy historical Bistro. Expensive. 118 Greenwich Avenue. (212) 206-1830
Market -excellent moules and Belgian brews. Reasonable. 676 Sixth Avenue. (212) 727-3314
BRAZILIAN
Circus -superb setting, great food, reasonable, upscale. 132 East 61 St. (212) 223-2965
Paraco Churrascaria -where elegance joins tradition. Great Rodizio style meats. 360 Park Avenue. (212) 252-7080
Viva Brasil -great feijoada, music on weekends, reasonable. 34 West 46 St. (212) 997-1158
Zebu Grill -rustic decor, large portions of churrasco. Reasonable. 305 East 92 St. (212) 426-7500
BRITISH
Spotted Pig -NYC's first gastro pub. Great menu, reasonable. 314 West 11 St. (212) 620-0393
Tea & Sympathy -daily high tea, good English food. Reasonable. 108 Greenwich Avenue. (212) 807-8329
BURMESE
Cafe Mingala -great vegetarian. Very reasonable. 1393 Second Avenue. (212) 744-8008
CAJUN/CREOLE
Delta Grill -like being down home on the delta. Great food. 700 Ninth Avenue. (212) 956-0934
Great Jones Cafe -low priced, warm and good. 54 Great Jones St. (212) 674-9304
Jacques-Imo's NYC -right from New Orleans. Very reasonable. 366 Columbus Avenue. (212) 799-0150
CALIFORNIAN
Michael's -expensive. Contemporary art, power lunch & great Calif. cuisine. 24 West 55 St. (212) 767-0555
Taqueria California -good California Mexican food, very reasonable. 3151 Broadway. (212) 665-7338
CAMBODIAN
Kampuchea -wonderful artful tribute to Cambodian street food. Reasonable. 78 Rivington St. (212) 529-3901
CARIBBEAN
Don Pedro's -the great flavors of the Latin Caribbean. 1865 Second Avenue. (212) 996-3274
Le Soleil - real and good Haitian cooking. Inexpensive. 877 Tenth Avenue. (212) 581-6059
Mo-Bay -good music and food. Reasonable. 17 West 125 St. (212) 505-6688
Negril Chelsea -really good Jamaican food. Reasonable. 362 West 23 St. (212) 807-6411
CHINESE
Amazing 66 -new, hot and Cantonese. Reasonable. 66 Mott St. (212) 334-0099
Chin Chin -always great food and a great host Jimmy Chin. Moderate. 216 East 49 St. (212) 888-4555
Dim Sum Go Go -slow service but great dim sum. Inexpensive. 5 East Broadway (Chatham Sq.) (212) 732-0797
Evergreen Shanghai -traditional and very good Shanghai. Very reasonable. 10 East 38 St. (212) 448-1199
Excellent Dumpling House -excellent dumpling house. Very reasonable. 111 Lafayette St. (212) 219-0212
Mandarin Court -another inexpensive and good dim sum place. 61 Mott St. (212) 608-3838
Mr. Chow -since 1978 a place to see and be seen. Very expensive. 324 East 57 St. (212) 751-9030
Mr. K's -magnificent meals, expensive. 570 Lexington Avenue. (212) 583-1668
Peking Duck House -some of the best duck around. Reasonable. 28 Mott St. (212) 227-1810
Pig Heaven -great Taiwanese style food. Reasonable. 1540 Second Avenue. (212) 744-4333
Ruby Foo's -always crowded, expensive. 1626 Broadway. (212) 489-5600
Shun Lee Palace -Michael Tong's fusion free & great. Expensive. 155 East 55 St. (212) 371-8844
Tang Pavilion -wonderful food, lovely restaurant. Reasonable. 65 West 55 St. (212) 956-6888
CONTINENTAL
Battery Gardens -really good food with great views. South-West Corner of Battery Park. (212) 809-5508
Four Seasons -a symbol of Manhattan. Expensive. 99 East 52 St. (212) 754-9494
Russian Tea Room -it's back. Expensive. 150 West 57 St. (212) 581-7100
Sardi's -the toast of Broadway, a must see. Expensive. 234 West 44 St. (212) 221-8440
CUBAN
Azucar - see Guantanamera
Cafecito -good food and prices. 185 Avenue C. (212) 253-9966
Don Pedro's -split level dining area, good food, reasonable. 1865 Second Avenue. (212) 996-3274
Guantanamera -a great place, reasonable, music, hand rolled cigars & great food. 939 Eight Avenue. (212) 262-5354
Havana Alma de Cuba -nice ambiance, good food, reasonable. 94 Christopher St. (212) 242-3800
Victor's Cafe -warm and wonderful, since 1963. Reasonable. 236 West 52 St. (212) 586-7714
DELIS
Barney Greengrass -over 100 years, the King Of Sturgeon. Reasonable. 541 Amsterdam Avenue. (212) 724-4707
Ben's Kosher Delicatessen -great pickles, coleslaw and more. 209 West 38 St. (212) 398-2367
Carnegie Deli -huge sandwiches, cheesecake to die for. 854 Seventh Avenue. (212) 757-2245
Katz's Delicatessen -since 1888 the very best-period. Must go to. 205 East Houston St. (212) 254-2246
Pastrami Queen -more colossal sandwiches. 1125 Lexington Avenue. (212) 734-1500
Sarge's Deli -open 24/7, good matzo ball soup. 548 Third Avenue. (212) 679-0442
Stage Deli -another great deli, since 1938. 834 Seventh Avenue. (212) 245-7850
ETHIOPIAN
The Ethiopian Restaurant -basic and good. Reasonable. 1582 York Avenue. (212) 717-7311
FILIPINO
Bayan Cafe -good food, good prices. 212 East 45 St. (212) 450-8260
Kuma Inn -small place that draws big crowds. Reasonable. 113 Ludlow St. (212) 353-8866
FRENCH
Arabelle -a very nice formal price-fixe restaurant. 37 East 64 St. (Plaza Athenee Hotel) (212) 606-4647
Benoit -preserving the Paris tradition. Expensive. 65 West 55 St. (212) 943-7373
Brasserie -avant-garde and then some. Great bar. 100 East 53 St. (212) 751-4840
Cafe d'Alsace -delightful Alsace specialties, reasonable. 1695 Second Avenue. (212) 722-5133
Cafe des Artistes -since 1917, a NYC stand out. Wonderfully French, expensive. 1 West 67 St. (212) 877-3500
Chanterelle -every course just right. A wonderful dining experience. Expensive. 2 Harrison St. (212) 966-6960
Daniel -this is why Chef Boulud is # 1. Call at least a month before. Expensive. Jackets. 60 East 65 St. (212) 288-0033
Deux Amis -romantic, cozy and good food. Reasonable. 356 East 51 St. (212) 334-7337
Gordon Ramsay -good food, stuffy atmosphere. Expensive. 151 West 54 St. (212) 468-8888
La Goulue -the quintessential, intimate Parisian bistro. Reasonable. 746 Madison Avenue. (212) 988-8169
La Grenouille -outstanding cuisine and service. Jackets, prix fixe, expensive. 3 East 52 St. 9212) 752-1495
Le Biarritz -one of the best neighborhood restaurants. 325 West 57 St. (212) 245-9467
Jean Georges -an intense dinning experience, one of the best. Jackets, expensive. 1 Central Park West. (212) 299-3900
Le Bernardin -magnificent. Chef Ripert's seafood is the best. Jackets, expensive. 155 West 51 St. (212) 554-1515
Le Boeuf a la Mode -old style New York (over 45 years). A really good French Bistro. 539 East 81 St. (212) 249-1473
Le Cirque -Sirio Maccioni's latest. Still a legend. Jackets, expensive. 151 East 58 St. (Beacon Ct.) (212) 644-0202
Le Perigord -a NY classic. Fabulous cordon bleu. Expensive. 405 East 52 St. (212) 755-6244
Pe Se -super expensive, prix fixe, jackets, great views of Central Park. 10 Columbus Circle. (212) 823-9335
Rue 57 -French brasserie with sushi. Reasonable. 60 West 57 St. (212) 307-5656
GERMAN
Heidelberg -from the glory days of Yorkville's Germantown, still good. 1648 Second Avenue. (212) 628-2332
Zum Schneider -good food, service and beer. Reasonable. 107 Avenue C. (212) 598-1098
GREEK
Anthos -Greek food at it's finest. 36 West 52 St. (212) 582-6900
Ithaka -great food, excellent service, sometimes music. 308 East 86 St. (212) 628-9100
Meltemi -very nice neighborhood restaurant, reasonable. 905 First Avenue. (212) 355-4040
Molyvos -a good midtown Greek restaurant. Reasonable. 871 Seventh Avenue. (212) 582-7500
HAITIAN
Krik Krak -really good Haitian food. Very reasonable. 844 Amsterdam Avenue. (212) 222-3100
Le Soleil -great fried goat. Very reasonable. 877 Tenth Avenue. (212) 581-6059
HAWAIIAN
L & L Hawaiian Barbecue -just like Maui. Very reasonable. 64 Fulton St. (212) 577-8888
Roy's New York -innovative Hawaiian fusion cuisine of Chef Yamaguchi. 130 Washington St. (212) 266-6262
INDIAN
Ada -upscale Indian and very good. Reasonable. 208 East 58 St. (212) 371-6060
Baluchi's -a chain, great chicken tikka masala. Reasonable. 90 West 3 St. (and others in NYC) (212) 529-5353
Darbar -traditional korma & tandoori as well as fusion. Reasonable. 152 East 46 St. (212) 681-4500
Indigo Indian Bistro -one of the best, reasonable. 357 East 50 St. (212) 421-1919
Jewel of India -great lunch buffet. 15 West 44 St. (212) 869-5544
Polash -uptown, spiced to your liking. Reasonable. 2179 Third Avenue. (212) 410-0276
Tamarind -modern, sophisticated setting and good food. Expensive. 41 East 22 St. (212) 674-7400
Yuva -fine dining and more. Reasonable. 230 East 58 St. (212) 339-0090
INDONESIAN
Bali Nusa Indah -exotic and delicious dishes. Reasonable. 651 Ninth Avenue. (212) 974-1875
IRISH
Cassidy's -classic with good food & drink. Reasonable. 65 West 55 St. (212) 397-0814
Kennedy's -one of the best. Cozy with great food & drink. Reasonable. 327 West 57 St. (212) 759-4242
Landmark Tavern -a favorite since 1868. 626 Eleventh Avenue. (212) 247-2562
Neary's -a well deserved neighborhood favorite. Reasonable. 358 East 57 St. (212) 751-1434
ISRAELI
Azuri Cafe -great falafel, very reasonable. 465 West 51 St. (212) 262-2920
Ashkara -fresh ingredients-delicious and healthy. 189 East Houston St. (212) 260-8302
Mike's Bistro -elegant menu and relaxed atmosphere. Expensive. 228 West 72 St. (212) 799-3911
ITALIAN
Alfredo of Rome -still makes the best alfredo. Reasonable. 4 West 49 St. (212) 397-0100
Alto -formal, expensive and worth it. 11 East 53 St. (212) 308-1099
Angelo's of Mulberry Street -where New Yorker's and tourists both enjoy the great food. 146 Mulberry St. (212) 966-1277
Bello -great neighborhood restaurant, dependable Italian cuisine. Reasonable. 863 Ninth Avenue. (212) 246-6773
Bricco -brick oven pizza and more. Reasonable. 304 West 56 St. (212) 245-7160
Cafe Fiorello -50 kinds of antipasti. Across street from Lincoln Ctr. 1900 Broadway. (212) 595-5330
Da Tommaso -outstanding Northern Italian. Reasonable. 903 Eight Avenue. (212) 265-1890
Destino -good pasta and meatballs. Upscale, expensive. 891 First Avenue. (212) 751-0700
F.illi Ponte -great views of the Hudson. Old school and good. Expensive. 39 Desbrosses St. (212) 226-4621
Gino -old style, really good food and reasonable. 780 Lexington Avenue. (212) 758-44676
Grotta Azzurra -back and renovated. Nice wine cellar. Reasonable. 177 Mulberry St. (212) 925-8775
Il Buco -Italian Mediterranean cuisine and good. Expensive. 47 Bond St. (212) 533-1932
Il Mulino -a great dinning experience, maybe the best. Expensive. 86 West 3 St. (212) 673-3783
Il Postino -waiter's recite the extensive list of daily specials. 337 East 49 St. (212) 688-0033
Il Vagabondo -play bocce and enjoy the great pasta. 351 East 62 St. (212) 832-9221
Lupa -with Chef Batali involved, you know its good. 170 Thompson St. (212) 982-5089
Mezzaluna -an authentic Italian trattoria, great food. 1295 Third Avenue. (212) 535-9600
Osteria del Circo -the atmosphere is electric. Another great creation by Sirio Maccioni. 120 West 55 St. (212) 265-363
Patsy's -this was Frank Sinatra's favorite restaurant. Just a Great place. Must visit. 236 West 56 St. (212) 247-3491
Pellegrino's -a terrific Italian trattoria. Reasonable. 138 Mulberry St. (212) 226-3177
Po -good solid Italian food, reasonable. 31 Cornelia St. (212) 645-2189
Positano -home style, warm and friendly. Reasonable. 122 Mulberry St. (212) 334-9808
Rao's -almost impossible to get a reservation. 455 East 114 St. (212) 722-6709
San Domenico -stylish, jackets required, a great place, expensive. 240 Central Park South. (212) 265-5959
Umberto's -the best clams-linguine. Reasonable. 386 Broome St. (212) 343-2053
Vincent's -since 1904. The best hot sauce around. 119 Mott St. (212) 226-8133.
JAMAICAN
Maroons -authentic Jamaican and good. Reasonable. 244 West 16 St. (212) 206-8640
Negril -one of the best jerk chicken with rice & peas. 362 West 23 St. (212)807-6411
JAPANESE
Asiate -located in the Mandarian, Japanese-French fusion, great views, expensive. 80 Columbus Circle. (212) 805-8881
Donguri -Chef Kagawa's great specialties from Kansai region. 309 East 83 St. (212) 737-5656
Geisha -inventive cuisine with ambience. Expensive. 33 East 61 St. 9212) 813-1112
Cho Cho San -authentic traditional Japanese cuisine. Reasonable. 15 West 8 Street. (212) 473-3333
Ichiro -really good sushi at reasonable prices. 1694 Second Avenue. (212) 369-6300
Kai -painstakingly prepared Japanese Kaiseki. Expensive. 822 Madison Avenue. (212) 988-7277
Kaijou -great waterfront (Hudson) views and food. Reasonable. 21 South End Avenue. (212) 786-9888
Nobu-flagship restaurant of Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Fusion cuisine that's unbelievably great. 105 Hudson St. (212) 219-0500
Nobu 57-the uptown version, just as great. Somewhat easier to get a reservation. 40 West 57 St. (212) 757-3000
Sachiko's on Clinton -an unassuming great restaurant, very creative. Expensive. 25 Clinton St. (212) 253-2900
Sugiyama -modern Kaiseki by Chef Sugiyama-Great. Expensive. 251 West 55 St. (212) 956-0670
Sushi Yasuda -just a little bit better than anyone else. 204 East 43 St. (212) 972-1001
Yama -very good sushi, tranquil and reasonable. 308 East 49 St. (212) 355-3370
KOREAN
Do Hwa -great table top BBQ. Good bar, reasonable. 55 Carmine St. (212) 414-1224
Gahm Mi Oak - maybe the best Seol Long Tong in NYC. Open 24/7, reasonable. (212) 695-4113
Kang Suh -another 24/7. Korean BBQ on your own table. Reasonable. 1250 Broadway. (212) 564-6845
Mandoo Bar -some of the best dumplings and noodles, inexpensive. 2 West 32 St. (212) 279-3075
Sura: The King's Meal - modern haute Korean cuisine. Reasonable. 105 East 9 St. (212) 982-6390
KOSHER
Ashkara -delicious and healthy meals. 189 East Houston St. (212) 260-8302
Caravan of Dreams -healthy foods and music nightly. Reasonable. 405 East 6 St. (212) 254-1613
Levana -elegant Glatt Kosher dining. Expensive. 141 West 69 St. (212) 877-8457
Prime Grill -very good steak and sushi, and it's kosher. Expensive. 60 East 49 St. (212) 692-9292
Tiffin Wallah - good kosher vegetarian, inexpensive. 127 East 28 St. (212)685-7301
LEBANESE
Al Bustan -numerous appetizers, good main courses. 827 Third Avenue. (212) 759-5933
MALAYSIAN
Fatty Crab -authentic Nasi Lamak, reasonable. 643 Hudson St. (212) 352-3590
Malaysia Grill -great soups, solid food, inexpensive. 224 West 104 St. (212) 579-1333
MEDITERRANEAN
Amaranth -famous for it's Focaccia Robiola and crowds. Reasonable. 21 East 62 St. (212) 980-6700
Cafe Centro -great lunches, less busy at dinner. worth a visit. Reasonable. 200 Park Avenue. (212) 818-1222
East River Cafe - cozy, romantic, good food. Reasonable. 1111 First Avenue. (212) 980-3144
Epices du Traiteur -great for pre-opera dinner, try the octopus. Reasonable. 103 West 70 St. 9212) 579-5904
Jarnac -great neighborhood restaurant, reasonable. 328 West 12 St. (212) 924-3413
Marseille -exciting, flavorful and authentic, reasonable. 630 Ninth Avenue. (212) 333-3410
Pera -delightful place and food. Reasonable. 303 Madison Avenue. (212) 878-6301
Prespa - good ambiance, superb food, reasonable. 184 Lexington Avenue. (212) 810-4335
Taboon -exquisite table bread, great food and the oven. Reasonable. 773 Tenth Avenue. (212) 713-0271
Terrace in the Sky - romatic, great views, food ok. Expensive. 400 West 119 St. (212)666-9490
Uncle Nick's Ouzaria -nice place, good food, very reasonable. 749 Ninth Avenue. (212) 397-2892
MEXICAN
Arriba Arriba -really excellent Mexican cuisine. Reasonable. 1463 Third Avenue. (212) 249-1423
Cafe Frida -romantic, a little tight, good food, reasonable. 368 Columbus Avenue. (212) 712-2929
Cinco de Mayo -very authentic, very good and very reasonable. 1711 Second Avenue. (212) 426-9177
Dos Caminos -over 100 different types of tequila, modern Mexican. Reasonable. 825 Third Avenue. (212) 336-5400
Los Dados -homemade sauces and tortillas, very reasonable. 73 Gansevoort St. (646) 810-7290
Maya -modern Mexican, contemporary and authentic. 1191 First Avenue. (212) 585-1818
Mexican Radio -Mexican comfort food, reasonable. 19 Cleveland Place. (212) 343-0140
Murphy & Gonzalez -not just Mexican, good food & reasonable. 21 Waverly Place. (212) 529-1500
Rosa Mexicano -great guacamole made at your table. Reasonable. 1063 First Avenue & others. (212) 753-7407MacDougal St.
Suenos -dream like settings, good food. 311 West 17 St. (212) 956-0670
MIDDLE EASTERN
Afghan Kebab House # 1 -some of the best kebabs in NY. Very reasonable. 764 Ninth Avenue. (212) 307-1612
Mamlouk -belly dancers on weekend, plenty of good food. Reasonable. 211 East 4 St. (212) 529-3477
Tiam - best falafel's around, inexpensive. 222 Waverly Place. (212) 691-1287
12 Chairs -small but very comfy. Good and reasonable. 56 MacDougal St. (212) 254-8640
MOROCCAN
Barbes -"a little piece of North Africa". Just a great place and reasonable. 21 East 36 St. (212) 684-0215
Zerza -nice neighborhood place, good food, belly dancer on Sats. 304 East 6 St. (212) 529-8250
PAN-ASIAN
Abigael's -surprisingly Kosher with eclectic modern fare. Reasonable. 1407 Broadway. (212) 575-1407
China Grill -very large, good food , expensive. 60 West 53 St. (212) 333-7788
Rain -pan-Asian classics since 1995. Reasonable. 100 West 82 St. (212) 501-0776
Tao -to see and be seen. Good food, expensive. 42 East 58 St. (212) 888-2288
PAN-LATIN
Crave Ceviche Bar -very good neighborhood place, innovative and reasonable. 946 Second Avenue. (212) 355-6565
Yuca Bar -a funky spot, good food, reasonable. 111 Avenue A. (212) 982-9533
PERSIAN
Pars Grill House -really good kebabs, small cafe style, nice and reasonable. 249 West 26 St. (212) 929-9860
Ravagh -more great kebabs, good prices. 1237 First Avenue. (212) 861-7900
PERUVIAN
Lima's Taste -very reasonable and authentic cuisine. 122 Christopher St. (212) 242-0010
Mancora -good value, good paella marinera. 99 First Avenue. (212) 253-1011
POLISH
Christine's -pierogies, mash, lamb and more. Inexpensive. 208 First Avenue. (212) 979-2810
Neptune -hearty fare, great prices. 194 First Avenue. (212) 777-4163
PUERTO RICAN
La Taza de Oro -a very good Chelsea Puerto Rican diner, inexpensive. 96 Eight Avenue. (212) 243-9946
Sofrito -very upscale, very authentic, very Jimmy Rodriguez. Reasonable. 400 East 57 St. (212) 754-5999
RUSSIAN
Firebird -authentic pre-revolutioary Russian. Expensive. 365 West 46 St. (212) 586-0244
Pravda -a Russian speak-easy. Reasonable. 281 Lafayette St. (212) 226-4944
Russian Tea Room -it's back and worth a visit. Expensive. 150 West 57 St. (212) 581-7100
SCANDINAVIAN
Aquavit -enjoy the Aquavit and delicious food. Expensive. 65 East 55 St. (212) 307-7311
Good World Bar & Grill -good drinks, ok food, DJ later. Reasonable. 3 Orchard St. (212) 925-9975
Smorgas Chef -inexpensive and authentic, several locations. 924 Second Avenue. (212) 486-1411
SEAFOOD
Aquagrill -fresh and really good seafood. Reasonable. 210 Spring St. (212) 274-0505
Blue Fin -good place for Times Square area, reasonable. 1567 Broadway. (212) 918-1400
Fish -good music, fresh seafood, casual atmosphere, reasonable. 280 Bleecker St. (212) 727-2879
Grand Central Oyster Bar -since 1913, a must, well worth it. Real NY. Reasonable. (212) 490-6650
McCormick & Schmick's -great seafood, fabulous desserts, reasonable. 1285 Sixth Avenue. (212) 459-1222
Oceana -a standard of excellence, price-fixe menu, expensive. 55 East 54 St. (212) 759-5941
Ocean Grill -same group as Blue Fin, fresh and good. 384 Columbus Avenue. (212)579-2300
Paris Cafe -since 1873, barely seafood but good with great bar. Reasonable. 119 South St. (212) 240-9797
Water Club -more American, however great seafood. Reasonable. East River at 30 St. (212) 683-3333
SOUL FOOD
Amy Ruth's -open all night on weekends-just great and reasonable. 113 West 116 St. (212) 280-8779
Billie's Black -upscale gourmet soul food. Reasonable. 271 West 119 St. (212) 280-2248
Miss Maude's -great collards and ribs, inexpensive. 547 Lenox Avenue. (212) 690-3100
Pink Tea Cup -long lines-worth the wait, reasonable. 42 Grove St. (212) 807-6755
Sylvia's -still the best. Reasonable. 328 Lenox Avenue. (212) 996-0660
SOUTHERN
B. Smith's Restaurant Row -upscale southern. Reasonable. 320 West 46 St. (212) 315-1100
Charles' Southern-Style Kitchen -real down home cooking. Inexpensive. 2839 Frederick Douglass Blvd. (212) 926-4313
Londel's Supper Club -upscale southern. Jazz on weekends. 2620 Frederick Douglass Blvd. (212) 234-6114
Southern Hospitality -Memphis style ribs and more. 1460 Second Avenue. (212) 249-1001
SOUTHWESTERN
Agave -upbeat environment, upbeat food, reasonable. 140 Seventh Avenue. (212) 989-2100
Mesa Grill -since 1991, Chef Bobby Flay's signature cuisine, reasonable. 105 Fifth Avenue. (212) 807-7400
SPANISH
Alcala -authentic Northern Spanish, reasonable. 342 East 46 St. (212) 370-1866
Cafe Ronda -good tapas and more, reasonable. 249 Columbus Avenue. (212) 579-9929
El Cid -great sangria and tapas, reasonable. 322 West 15 St. (212) 929-9332
El Quijote -lobster and more great lobster. Really good and reasonable. 226 West 23 St. (212) 929-1855
Solera -warm, intimate. Contemporary Spanish cuisine. Expensive. 216 East 53 St. (212) 644-1166
Spain -free appetizers. Good food, reasonable. 113 West 13 St. (212) 929-9580
STEAKHOUSES
AJ Maxwell's Steakhouse -new, great attention, good steak. 57 West 48 St. (212) 262-6200
Ben & Jack's Steak House -great prime dry aged porterhouse, great. Expensive. 219 East 44 St. (212) 682-5678
Ben Benson's -since 1982, a New York Steak House and a good one. 123 West 52 St. (212) 581-8888
Bull and Bear -in the Waldorf, classic bar, prime Angus. Expensive. 570 Lexington Avenue. (212) 872-4900
Delmonico's -birthplace of the Delmonico steak, since 1837 always one of best. 56 Beaver St. (212) 509-1144
Frankie & Johnnie's Steakhouse -opened in 1926 as a speakeasy, good steaks. 269 West 45 St. (212) 947-8940
Gallagher's Steak House -a mainstay since 1927, does own aging, expensive. 228 West 52 St. (212) 245-5336
Kobe Club -Wagyu beef like butter. Very expensive. 68 West 58 St. (212) 644-5623
Michael Jordan's -overlooks Grand Central Terminal's Concourse. Grand Central, 42 St. (212) 655-2300
Morton's Steakhouse -one of a chain of 79, prime steak, expensive. 551 Fifth Avenue. (212) 972-3315
Old Homestead -NY's oldest (1868), still going strong, expensive. 56 Ninth Avenue. (212) 242-9040
Palm -the flagship, still in its 1926 location, the Best steak and lobster. 837 Second Avenue. (212) 687-2953
Peter Luger Steak House -in Brooklyn, since 1887, worth the trip. Cash only. 178 Broadway (Bklyn). (718)387-7400
Rothmann's -underrated, among the best. 3 East 54 St. (212) 319-5500
Ruth's Chris Steak House -it may be a chain, but it rates with the best NY has. 148 West 51 St. (212) 245-9600
Smith & Wollensky -another good New York Steak House. 797 Third Avenue. (212) 753-1530
Sparks -fabulous wine cellar, great steaks. 210 East 46 St. (212) 687-4855
Uncle Jack's Steakhouse -great service, steaks and chops. 440 Ninth Avenue. (212) 244-0005
Wolfgang's Steakhouse -former Luger's headwaiter doing it just as good. 4 Park Avenue. (212) 889-3369
THAI
Beyond Thai Kitchen -excellent Thai food, reasonable. 133 West 3 St. (212) 254-8828
Jasmine -really good Khao Neow Gai, reasonable. 1619 Second Avenue. (212) 517-8854
Sticky Rice -BYOB,however the food is great. 85 Orchard St. (212) 274-8208
Vong -a Jean-Georges striking establishment, great food, expensive. 200 East 54 St. (212) 486-9592
Yum Yum Bangkok - great Thai cuisine and very reasonable. 650 Ninth Avenue. (212) 262-7244
TIBETAN
Cafe Himalaya -great dumplings and more, very reasonable. 78 East 1 St. (212) 358-0160
Tsampa -very reasonable, fresh and delicious. 212 East 9 St. (212) 614-3226
TURKISH
Limon -great hummus and kabobs, reasonable. 238 East 24 St. (212) 213-3343
Sip Sak -one of the best, great food & service. Reasonable. 928 Second Avenue. (212) 583-1900
Turkish Cuisine -another really good Turkish restaurant. 631 Ninth Avenue. (212) 679-6633
VEGETARIAN
Ashkara -great pita bread and falafel, very reasonable. 189 East Houston St. (212) 260-8302
Candle 79 -a vegan mecca, reasonable. 154 East 79 St. (212) 537-7179
Hummus Place -delicious hummus and falafel, more locations. 305 Amsterdam Avenue. (212) 799-3335
Tiam -great mixed falafel platter, reasonable. 222 Waverly Place. (212) 691-1287
VENEZUELAN
Caracas Arepa Bar -great arepas, very inexpensive-if you can't get in-take out. 93 Seventh Avenue. (212)529-2314
El Cocotero -authentic and fabulous. Reasonable. 228 West 18 St. (212) 206-8930
VIETNAMESE
Bao 111 -delectable Pho soup, great Tom Rim. Reasonable. 111 Avenue C. (212) 254-7773
Le Colonial -it's like being there. Great food. Expensive. 149 East 57 St. (212) 752-0808
Pho Tu Do -great authentic cuisine and very inexpensive. 119 Bowery. (212) 966-2666
Pho Viet Huong -more really good Vietnamese cuisine, inexpensive. 73 Mulberry St. (212) 233-8988
OUTSIDE MANHATTAN
Artie's -seafood and steak on City Island, Bronx. 394 City Island Avenue. (718) 885-9885
Dominick's -Bronx's Little Italy, communal, fun & great food. 2335 Arthur Avenue. (718) 733-2807
Roberto -Bronx's Little Italy, country -style Italian, really good. 603 Crescent Avenue. (718) 733-9503
Nathan's -while not a restaurant-a must go to Coney Island (Bklyn.) favorite. 1310 Surf Avenue. (718) 946-2202
Peter Luger Steak House -Williamsburg, Bklyn., the standard to judge all steak places by. 178 Broadway. (718) 387-7400
Po - in Brooklyn's Carroll Gardens, good solid Italian food, reasonable. 276 Smith St. (718) 875-1980
River Cafe -under the Brooklyn Bridge, O'Keeffe's finest, must go to. 1 Water St. (718)522-5200
Tommaso - in Dyker Hgts., Brooklyn, time-honored Italian cuisine, great & reasonable. 1464 86 St. (718) 236-9883
The Waterfront Crabhouse -in Long Island City, Queens, great food and tons of atmosphere. 2-03 Borden Avenue. (718) 729-4862
Taverna Kyclades -Astoria, Queens, Greek seafood at its best. 33-07 Ditmars Boulevard. (718) 545-8666
Water's Edge -Long Island City, Queens, well worth it, great food and views. East River & 44 Drive. (718) 482-0033
Don Peppe -Ozone Park, Queens, old fashion Italian. 135-58 Lefferts Boulevard. (718) 845-7587
Bocelli -Staten Island, exquisite Italian cuisine. 1250 Hylan Boulevard. (718) 420-6150