Will copy/paste a bit from the NY Meet thread...thanks HG...
Le Bernardin
155 West 51st Street
Rated the best restaurant in NYC last year according to Zagat. Shopmom showed some interest in going there. By far the best seafood I've ever had. The fish melts in your mouth like butta'. However, a bit on the pricey side. Reservations and ties required.
$57 prix fixe lunch
$105 prix fixe dinner
Restaurant Daniel
60 East 65th Street
This is where Zagat and I disagree. I consider this the better restaurant and the service is about the best I've ever had in any restaurant. They really do make you feel like royalty. I'm a huge fan of Daniel Boulud who incorporates some Asian ingredients to his very French cooking methods. Dinner only. Reservations and ties required. Also a bit pricey.
$96 prix fixe dinner
Cite
120 West 51st Street
More of a steakhouse with an extensive wine menu. For the carnivores of the group, like myself. Reasonably priced. Reservations, I believe, are required.
$42.50 prix fixe dinner
Payard
Lexington Avenue between 73rd and 74th Streets
Don't blink or you'll miss this place as you walk by. Just look for the giant "P" outside. Crowded and noisy, but with good reason, the pastries are amazing!!!! But I've gone on and on about their green tea and lichi tart, let me say no more. Dinner is decent. Reservations strongly urged!!! I did say this place gets crowded.
$35 prix fixe dinner. The menu is limited on the prix fixe menu, but I wasn't complaining.
Serafina
61st Street between Park and Madison
A regular haunt for the NYC TPFers. You can sometimes find us there. Decent eats, affordable prices, with a great view of the empty lot that once held the house that blew up by Hermes as a result of a nasty divorce between a doctor and his estranged wife. I kid you not! Reservations recommended for large groups.
Tao
58th Street between Madison and Park
It's become very touristy, but it makes a great lichi martini (hear that, Shopmom!). Menu is Asian fusion and moderately priced. Kinda loud, but the food isn't bad. Make sure to check out Buddha and his fish-filled reflecting pool. Also, make sure you go into the right bathroom!!!! They are not labeled with standard signs. Reservations recommended for larger groups.
Rue 57
60 West 57th Street
Where else but in New York City do you get a menu that has both pomme frites and sushi? I kid you not. This place serves French and Japanese. Great brunch menu. Reasonably priced with decent fare. Can get crowded and noisy. Location is central to many of you staying in midtown. Reservations recommended for larger groups.
Merchants
1125 1st Avenue, corner of 62nd Street
A must see for Shopmom. This place has a drink menu that's larger than their food menu!!!!! Moderately priced.
Mama Mexico
2672 Broadway, corner of 102nd Street
214 East 49th Street
My favorite place for Mexican food. The Broadway location gets the Columbia University crowd so it's louder and very crowded. Of course, that would be the location I prefer. The midtown location is more somber and quiet. Decent drinks with a stiff sangria. Some of the best Mexican food I've ever had. Moderately priced and reservations recommended for larger groups.
Pastis
9 Ninth Avenue, corner of little West 12th Street
Located in the meatpacking district, this restaurant may be out of the way for many of you, but it serves what I consider some of the best brunch in the city. Expect a wait, even with reservations. Thought I'd just mention it though.
Artisanal
2 Park Avenue, corner of 32nd Street
This place is known for cheese and you will smell the restaurant before you see it. Walking into the restaurant can knock you flat on your back. But if you're into cheeses, I strongly recommend this place, which is known for artisanal cheeses, hence the name. Nothing better than nibbling a fruit and cheese platter and throwing it back with some wine. Reservations required I believe.
Pongal
Midtown location 1st Avenue between 63rd and 64th Street
Kosher South Indian food. The food is good and inexpensive. A real bargain, foodwise. Being Indian food, be prepared for some real spice and heat. The place is small and can get crowded and I urge reservations for parties over 4.
Grand Central Oyster Bar
Located in Grand Central Terminal
This place looks like a diner and the decor isn't much. Being in Grand Central, this place can get a little noisy. But if you're into raw seafood, this is the place to go. Raw seafood menu varies from day to day, but this has some of the freshest seafood in the city with an extensive wine list to match. Moderately priced. Reservations required for large parties.
Pio Pio
1746 1st Avenue, between 90th and 91st Streets
Manhattan's answer to Kentucky Fried Chicken. Peruvian chicken, with some sides like rice and beans and salad. Menu is very limited. Small and very crowded. This place is smaller than some people's closets, but the chicken is some of the best in the city. My anesthesiologist recommended this place to me and he says this place makes a better chicken than Alain Ducasse. I am inclined to agree and it's quickly become one of my favorite places. I've never had a person say they didn't like their food after taking them here. My parents, the world's pickiest eaters, even liked their food. Watch out for their sangria!!! You won't know what hit you until you try to stand up. Very easy on the pocket book. Four people can eat for about $30. But again, very crowded. I don't recommend large crowds and reservations are required for groups over 4 people.
Okay, this ends HG's recommendations for eats in NYC. Just thought I would give you some ideas for grub while you're in town.
