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| MURRAY HILL/ MIDTOWN EAST (34th-59th) (east of 6th) Plaza Food Hall: American. Plaza Hotel; 1 W 59th @ 5th Av; 22/25/$41; 986-9260; Located in the lower level, this Todd English eatery features 8 different counter stations; Each station prepares different foods including: seafood, sushi, dumplings, noodle, pizza, tapas, pasta, bakery, and a grill station...the great thing is that any place you sit, you can order food from all the menus; Open kitchen throughout and a market to buy food as well as a wine bar; Bloody Mary is great; Take out available; Amazing experience. Le Cirque: French. 151 E 58th St @ Lex-3rd; 24/26/$89; 644-0202; Nearly 40 years old – an institution at this point; Gorgeous décor featuring tons of celebrity photos with famed owner Sirio Maccioni; $28 lunch prix fixe to save; Jackets required in main dining room; There is a more casual café- MUCH cheaper; Most of the dishes have a seafood element to them; Daily specials – see website; $95 prix fixe; Rosa Mexicana: Mexican. 1063 1st Av @ 58th; 23/21/$48; 753-7407; Flashy; Great date spot; Show off NY dining here; Guacamole made at table is best in the city, sorry Dos Caminos; Pomegranate Margaritas top notch and strong; Aja: Asian. 1068 1st Av @ 58th; 20/21/$44; 888-8008; Very attractive setting; Décor includes a Buddha fountain and a trendy-looking bar; Menu is huge and features dumplings, Wok stir fry dishes; Sushi rolls; Peking Duck and many others; All served in an elegant, date-friendly environment with excellent service. Young and trendy feel to the place. Dawat: Indian. 210 E 58th @ 2-3rd; 23/19/$46; 355-7555; High end Indian - Quiet but cool; Date spot if you risk Indian for a date; Stylish décor & a best bet for gourmet Indian; Been around for 25 years headlined by Chef Madhur Jaffrey; Where else can you get Duck Vindaloo; Lobster available as well; Naan and the other ‘usual’ Indian selections, all with a unique spin, available on the menu. Bar Vetro: Italian. 222 E 58th @ 2nd-3rd; 22/17/$38; 308-0112; Undiscovered neighborhood restaurant/ wine bar; Unforgettably hospitable; Bland-ish décor; After work scene; Food wise – 3 course prix fixe for $19.99; Tons of pasts to choose from – all ~$15; Appetizers are delicious and all under $10; Wines are $8, martinis $10and beer $6; Point being – very affordable for top end pasta dishes and appetizers. Chola: Indian. 232 E 58th @ 2-3rd; 25/17/$37; 688-4619; Huge menu; Outstanding food; Great $13.95 lunch buffet; Lots of freebies given as well. Service top notch. Personal Iannation favorite! Service and comfort are top notch; The food is flat out outstanding; Chicken Tiki Masala and Naan make an Indian for a non-Asian and this place delivers. Felidia: Italian. 243 58th @ 2nd-3rd Av; 26/22/$78; 758-1479; Lidia Bastianich’s NY Times 3-star rated flagship; Stunning meals and impeccable service; Pricy but worth the splurge; Limited menu but quality and presentation in each dish; Bright, happy vibe to the place; Superb wine list; 4 course tasting menu ($65) is affordable and there is a 6 course tasting menu. $29 lunch specials. Yuva: Indian. 280 E 58th @ 2-3rd Av; 23/18/$44; 339-0090; Another winner in the high-end Indian alley of Midtown East; Truly mind-blowing quality at affordable rates. $14 lunch buffet; Overall- more upscale. Tao: Pan Asian. 42 E 58th @ Mad-Park; 22/26/$59; 888-2288; Just a huge club atmosphere with truly excellent food as well; Noisy; Great scene & bar; Beautiful décor & staff; Food is Asian mix; Fancy drinks and a fun experience with mind-blowing décor. Brasserie 8 1/2: French. 9 W 57th @ 5th – 6th Av; 22/23/$59; 829-0812; New French in an amazing atmosphere; Has both intimate dining available and a happening bar scene in the spacious setting; Huge place with a spiral staircase- impress your friends; Insane $29 Brunch Buffet- GO. Incredible dinner appetizers, Mac n Cheese side; Seafood Plateau and Oysters bar options. Delicious. BLT Steak: Steakhouse. 106 57th St @ Lex-Park; 24/21/$77; The original in Laurent Tourondel’s empire; Top notch cooking; Always popular; Only porterhouse for 2 is giant; Modest cuts for genre but sauces and sides amazing as is service. Multiple international locations; Bistro ambiance; Grilled Bacon, Lobster Cobb salad on appetizer list; Can choose sauces for steaks; Fish and shellfish available. Sofrito: Puerto Rican. 400 E 57th @ 1st Av – Sutton; 22/20/39; Party atmosphere; Sangrias; Mojitos; Authentic food; Fun setting; Huge portions. Can get loud but it’s a party. Ma Peche: Asian Fusion. 15 W 56th @ 5th-6th Av; 22/18/$48; 757-5878; David Chang’s mostly French-Vietnamese fusion eatery; Usual Chang minimalist décor – retro feel (I don’t like it); Spicy, flavorful and unique offerings; Popular in part due to owner who is ‘in’ right now; Balcony bar for a pre-dinner drink; Smallish menu with a prix fixe available. Uncle Jack’s Steakhouse: Steakhouse. 44 W 56th @ 5th Av; 244-0005; 22/19/$70; Melt in your mouth giant cuts of beef; 3 pound porterhouse for 2 for $85; Carnivore’s delight; Old school scene. Pricy. Fiorini: Italian. 209 56th @ 2nd-3rd; 23/19/$57; 308-0830; Appetizers are to die for here featuring Grilled Octopus or Calamari and Buffalo Mozz; Large menu of main courses including epic pastas and seafood entrees; Restaurant is like a secret, not spoiled by popularity and catering to a slightly older crowd; Tables well spaced and service is gracious. Can’t go wrong experience. Naya: Lebanese. 1057 2nd Av @ 55th-56th; 23/21/$41; 319-7777; Fresh, modern design and good service; All white interior – mini booths; Wine $9-$12; About 30 appetizers, mostly a variety of “Mezze” and there is such a mouthwatering assortment to choose from; See website; Lamb, beef, chicken and fish entrees including Striped Bass and incredible mixed grills. Adour: French. St Regis Hotel; 2 E 55th @ 5th Av-Mad; 26/27/$120; Alain Ducasse’s masterpiece. NY Times gives it its top 3 stars; Michelin- 1 star. Wine-lovers haven; Flawless service in an opulent room at the stunning St. Regis Hotel; Pre-Drink at the King Cole bar; Sublime food featuring a seasonal menu; Insane prices scare off many; Apps: ~$25; Entrees: ~$45. Tasting menu: $115. Lychee House: Chinese. 141 E 55th @ Lex-3rd; 25/15/$28; 753-3900; Shanghai classics as well as Malaysian curries and Dim Sum; High-end, Semi-elegant, yet casual (jeans fine); Overall, winning sit-down quality Chinese food. Try the Duet Prawns- 8 of them, half in Grand Marnier, half in salt/pepper; Replaced “Our Place”; Full Dim Sum available weekends- though far pricier than Chinatown. Huge menu.
Shun Lee Palace: Chinese. 155 E 55th St @ Lex-3rd; 24/20/$54; 371-8844; Upscale Chinese; Silky service; Gourmet dining; 5 different Duck entrees; Top of the line in the city; Expensive for genre but amazing quality; Silky smooth service.
Il Gattopardo: Italian. 33 W 54th @ 5th-6th Av; 25/21/$64; 246-0412; MOMA crowd settles in for expensive, yet wonderfully prepared meals; How about: Smoked Mozz with Tomatoes followed by Linguini with baby clams and then the braised Ossobuco; Medium sized menu; The staff stands out as they are seemingly there to make you happy; Townhouse setting. Rothmann’s: Steakhouse. 3 E 54th @ 5th-Mad; 23/20/$72; 319-5500; Young, business like scene; Great service; Food is excellent and it is starting to receive a top notch buzz. Giant porterhouse for two; 850+ bottles of wine. Lobster cocktail, Mozz & Tomatoes; Tuna Tartare; Skewered shrimp & scallopps with bacon; Lots of salads and seafood entrees; Lamb mixed grill; Sirloin, Rib Eye; Lamb Shank, Veal, Filet, Hanger Steak; Pasta dishes, endless sides including Mac n Cheese. Jubilee: French. 347 E 54th @ 1-2nd; 23/16/$48; 888-3569; Exactly the menu you want to look at in a French Bistro; Mussels are the best here; Ultra French feel. Older crowd; Brunch and dinner available; Affordable menu; Fish soup with side of Swiss cheese; Crab cake; Escargot; Yellowfin Tuna tartare; There are a dozen varieties of mussels to choose from; Poached salmon; Soft Shell crabs. Brunch (sat, sun 12-3) for $23 includes unlimited Bloody Mary or Mimosa and 2 courses. China Grill: Asian. 60 W 53rd @ 5th-6th Av; 23/21/$62; 333-7788; More of an Asian fusion, upscale option; Spicy beef and scallion dumplings to die for; Lively scene with a bustling bar for pre-dinner drinks; Happy hour 4-8pm creates a pick-up scene here; Same ownership as Asia de Cuba; Prix fixe options available for lunch & dinner; Excellent menu- but pricy for the genre. Casa Lever: Italian. 390 Park Av @ 53rd; 22/25/$75; 888-2700; First up, ultra modern décor featuring Andy Warhol paintings along the walls; Chic and cool vibe; Medium sized menu but honestly – way expensive; There is a $39 Prix Fixe lunch menu; Huge, excellent wine list. Certainly a high-end scene featuring expertly prepared Milanese cuisine. Great lounge area. Hillstone: American. 153 E 53rd @ 3rd Ave; 21/19/$38; 888-3828; Upscale pub highlighted by an excellent bar scene; Major after-work scene; Chicken fingers- off the menu; Upscale entrees and even sushi offered (multiple special rolls); Great place for a within-budget American meal. Other standouts: Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Veggie Burger, Grilled Artichokes, Rib Eye, Arctic Char, Crab Cakes. Peking Duck House: Chinese. 236 E 53rd @ 2-3rd; 22/15/$36; 759-8260; Crispy Duck; Get the signature dish skillfully carved at your table; Has all the usual Chinese dishes as well; Select the 3-way duck- they make a soup & stir fry with leftovers. BYO with no fee; Great service for the genre; Large portions and reasonably priced to boot. Tenzan: Japanese. 988 2nd Av @ 52-3rd; 23/15/$32; 980-5900; What a deal! Large, ‘gorilla’ sized slabs of sushi and rolls for great prices. Extremely fresh. Mixed service but food is tops. Le Perigord: French. 405 E 52nd @ 1st Av-FDR; 24/22/$68; 755-6244; Old school classic French – catering to an older crowd; Huge place, like a banquet hall; Amazing baguettes and bread; Escargot to die for; Try the Lobster – prepared wonderfully with Coriander broth; Sea Scallops with Risotto; $65 set price for 3-course meal; Tons to choose from; Ideal family dining setting; Brunch & Lunch served. Amma: Indian; 246 E 51st @ 2-3rd; 25/18/$46; 644-8330; Broad range of great food; Considered by many the best Indian in Manhattan and it gets better every year; Hideaway; Truly good & not crowded. Gracious service & helpful staff; Lunch specials – 1 app and 1 entrée for $11.95; Pricy for dinner for genre but worth it. Very personable service; Lamb and chicken dishes stand out.
SushiAnn: Japanese. 38 E 51st @ Madison-Park; 24/17/$63; 755-1780; Welcoming a mostly business crowd & great for lunch or after work on weekdays; High quality sushi and cooked dishes; Excellent service. Mostly traditional selections. Sashimi selections stand out – ultra fresh; Omakase and combination platters are worth the money. Mint: Indian. 150 E 50th @ Lex-3rd Av; 22/21/$44; 644-8888; Has all the classics beautifully presented; Modern interior; Chicken Tikki Masala unreal; Finely spiced food; Spa like setting; Nice décor. One free cocktail if you check in on Facebook there; Great Tandoor oven selections including Lamb Chops; They aim to be date-friendly. Dos Caminos: Mexican. 825 3rd Av @ 50th; 21/21/$43; 336-5400; Great upscale Mexican, though becoming more of a chain; Sexy, young, hip setting in all locations; Energetic scene perfect for Dates or larger groups; Margaritas will put you under; Guacamole is tremendous; Steve Hanson empire journeys on. Can be loud and service a bit iffy. Best of the mid-level Mexicans. Maloney & Porcelli: Steakhouse. 37 E 50th @ Madison-Park; 23/20/$66; 750-2233; Crackling pork shank is signature for $29; Martinis galore; Huge slabs of beef; 28 ounce rib steak; Incredible au gratin; 5 pound lobsters; Loud but great time. Five different styles of Filet Mignon; Braised short ribs; Fish selections; Slightly cheaper than others in the genre. Sip Sak: Turkish. 928 2nd Av @ 49-50th; 20/13/$32; 583-1900; Hole in the wall setting but truly tasty delights; Tons of specials & genius appetizers; Lamb, salmon; Festive local atmosphere; Very inexpensive.
Smith & Wollensky: Steakhouse. 797 3rd @ 49th; 22/17/$70; 753-1530; Huge portions; Old school; Wollensky’s Grill next door; Macho feel; Biz types & their escorts. Wisecracking waiters. Wollensky’s Grill: Steakhouse. 201 E 49th @ 3rd Av; 23/16/$54; 753-0444; The less expensive yet still excellent sister restaurant to Smith & Wollensky. Open late til 2am; Great steaks. Bar scene. Chin Chin: Chinese. 216 E 49th @ 2-3rd; 22/18/$48; 888-4555; Gourmet, high end cuisine; Whole menu outstanding; Worth the extra bucks for the genre. The emperor must have dined this way! Try the Grand Marnier shrimp or the orange crispy beef; Dumplings and lo mein are expertly prepared; Setting is fairly conservative but roomy and pleasant. Lunch-time favorite for the area. Pampano: Mexican. 209 E 49th @ 2nd-3rd; 24/23/$55; 751-4545; Famous chef Richard Sandoval; Elegant, Seafood oriented menu; Classy great Mexican; High energy staffers; Tuna steak; Black bass; Two levels; Great for parties and large groups as well; European infused Mexican. Other Pros: Lobster Tacos, Attentive service, Romantic for a Mexican, Sandoval does no wrong! Bukhara Grill: Indian. 217 49th @ 2-3rd; 23/15/$37; 888-2839; Great 16 course all you can eat, 7 day a week, $16.95 lunch buffet; Dependable and reasonably priced; 2nd floor terrace; Flavorful dishes. Simply the best choice in area for Indian buffet; Butter chicken (chicken makhani) out of this world; Naan always hot and fluffy; Giant dinner menu. North Indian classics. Chin Chin: Chinese. 216 E 49th @ 2-3rd; 22/18/$48; 888-4555; Gourmet, high end cuisine; Whole menu outstanding; Worth the extra bucks for the genre. The emperor must have dined this way! Seo: Japanese. 249 E 49th @ 2nd-3rd; 23/18/$47; 355-7722; Serene, ideal for a date; Zen experience; Great Saki; Sushi or sashimi assortment plus the fabulous Udon soup is the way to go; Delicious cooked dishes. Il Postino: Italian. 337 E 49th @ 1st-2nd Av; 23/20/$65; 688-0033; Forget the menu (and the website- there is none) and enjoy hearing the endless specials from the waiters; U.N. / older crowd; Ideal restaurant to take your parents or for a special occasion; Order the crabmeat linguini pasta if they have it that night; Authentic Italian cuisine served by Italians- great feeling coming here. Yama: Japanese. 308 E 49th @ 1-2nd Av; 23/13/$40; 355-3370; Sushi/ Sashimi ate “whale size” and scrumptiously fresh as if caught a few blocks away; Great value if not a stunning looker of a place. Often has lines and tight quarters. Hatsuhana: Japanese. 17 E 48th St @ 5thAv – Mad; 25/16/$54; 355-3345; One of the original sushi houses in NYC – 3 decades old; 9 section Bento Box of ‘Dreams’. Freshest sushi, sashimi and rolls. The menu is to die for: Boiled King Crab appetizer; Spicy Tempura; Lobster Tempura; About 30+ delicious appetizers in all; For dinner – the “Pick 10” for $37 where you pick 10 pieces of Sushi and 1 roll. Teriyaki dinners available; Largest overall menu of mouthwatering selections in the city. Avra: Greek. 141 E 48th @ Lex-3rd; 26/22/$64 759-8550; Greek seafooder with freshest possible fish; Classic preparations but the various grilled whole fish stand out. Fish priced per pound so beware of pricy main course. However, you will forget $$ after one bite of seafood perfection. They always have specials and will describe the fish for you and show you the one they will prepare in the back! Gorgeous space. Outdoor seating; Also- have endless other menu selections, mostly seafood. Megu Midtown: Japanese. Trump World Tower, 1st Av @ 47th; 24/26/$80; 964-7777; Gorgeous, spacious, high ceilinged room; Elegant with a sense of casualness; Kobe Beef is their signature; Best deal is a $65 3-course prix fixe served 5:30-7:30pm; Incredibly expensive 7 and 9 course prix fixes available; Extremely large menu for a foodie restaurant; Incredibly prepared fish, hot dishes, appetizers and sushi. Akdeniz: Turkish. 19 W 46th @ 5-6th; 21/13/$29; 575-2307; Turkish; Dirt cheap, bargain prices for excellent meze, breads, spreads, amazing grilled fish. Good service; Small spot. $23.95 dinner price fixe. So, while décor isn’t anything special- the food can be. Huge menu with Greek/ Mediterranean influences. They put in a strong effort to please. Darbar: Indian. 152 E 46th @ Lex-3rd; 21/15/$34; 681-4500; The cheapest of the ‘high end’ Indians in this area; $11.95 lunch buffet; Excellent choice; Split level setting; Locals love it; Very inexpensive. While nothing fancy, it is on par with the 6th Street Indian restaurants and a great option to the fancified East 50s Indian restaurants in the area. Lamb vindaloo is amazing. Nanni: Italian. 146 E 46th @ Lex-3rd Av; 24/15/$62; 697-4161; Veteran institution with unreal food; Inventive menu; Waiters with true personality. Extremely expensive but food makes you forget. Very old school Italian; Prepare for a double cheek kiss; Mozz & Tomatoes, Artichokes; About 20 different fresh pasta dishes; Endless veal and beef selections & some fish. Sparks: Steakhouse. 210 E 46th @ 2-3rd Av; 25/19/$72; 687-4855; Big steaks; Endless wine list; Hugely popular; Biz types. Old boy network; Gruff service; Signature sirloin; Always packed. Alcala: Spanish. 342 E 46th @ 1-2nd; 22/18/48; 370-1866; Near the UN, this is a charming, cozy Tapas restaurant with many traditional Spanish classics. Try the Garden in spring! Pleasant setting and gracious hosts; Website is awesome- has pictures of every Tapas and main course and appetizer; Affordable cuisine; 100+ different wines; Morton’s: Steakhouse. 551 5th Av @ 45th; 24/21/$73; 972-3315; Clubby, dark place; Beef orgy; Porterhouse is outstanding; Old school vibe; Mammoth sides; Tableside preview of beef.; They are a chain but wow they do it right; Features ultra friendly service; Incredible appetizers – Tuna Tartare, Crab Cake, Shrimp Alexander stand out; Chicago style Ribeye, Sea Bass, Lobster all available. Double Cut Filet. Aburiya Kinnosuke: Japanese. 213 E 45th @ 2-3rd; 25/20/$50; 867-5454; Japanese Grill; Like being in Tokyo; Open Kitchen. Sushi-free dining. Meticulous attention to detail. Refreshing to have traditional grilled Japanese selections. Discount lunch specials; Eclectic Japanese. Well prepared plates; If you love tofu – best in the city. Seafood is top notch.
Ammos: Greek. 52 Vanderbilt Av @ 44th-45th; 22/22/$53; 922-9999; Large spacious place that caters to a hopping lunch crowd; Modern interior that resembles a large open-air home; Freshest fish served whole as seafood is the house specialty; Giant menu of 15+ appetizers – all look incredible; Main course salads, some pastas, lamb shank and the aforementioned seafood. Something for everyone. Palm: Steakhouse. 837 2nd Av @ 44-45th; 24/17/$66; 687-2953; Gargantuan steaks and enormous lobsters; No-nonsense; Saloon type décor. 2nd Ave location been around nearly 100 years; Old style feel. It is a chain restaurant now, losing some of its cache; Seared Ahi Tuna; They do have amazing sides; Rib Eye, Filet Mignon, and King Crab Legs. Another location next door at 840 2nd Av; DB Bistro Moderne: French. 55 W 44th @ 5th-6th Av; 25/22/$67; 391-2400; Chef Daniel Boulud’s attempt to go hip and cool which mostly succeeds; Signature $32 burger; $45 pre-theatre prix-fixe is the best deal;Contemporary setting and great wine bar as well; Breakfast, Brunch and lunch also served; Menu is actually very mouthwatering and affordable overall (barely). Kellari Taverna: Greek. 19 W 44th @ 5-6th; 22/22/$51; 221-0144; Amazing whole fish served here; Spacious and gracious service; Pricy but excellent Greek fare. Lively scene with energy to enjoy your meal; Popular area lunch spot; Four different 4-course tasting menus to choose from at different prices; Even have brunch and cocktail party events. La Fonda del Sol: Spanish. 200 Park Av @ 44th; Met Life Building; 22/22/$57; 867-6767; Lively lunch scene and lively after work scene; Excellent bar with specialty cocktails; They feature a Tapas lounge and a dining room; Not as big a menu as you’d normally find in a Spanish restaurant; Excellent wines; Spacious setting for the genre; Excellent after work dinner option. Fabio Piccolo Fiore: Italian. 230 E 44th @ 2nd – 3rd Av; 23/21/$52; 922-0581; Solid all the way round; Great food, service, décor; Grand Central sleeper; Chef-owner that treats you like personal guest; Accommodating – will make whatever you like; You will never be rushed and the 1st class food will impress; Well spaced tables; Great website with food photos; Huge menu; Ben & Jack’s Steakhouse: Steakhouse. 219 44th @ 2nd – 3rd Av; 23/18/$68; 682-5678; Business professionals; Amazing sides- especially the creamed spinach and German potatoes; 2 former Peter Lugar servers own it; Communal porterhouse; NY Strip, filet all great; Nicely charred steaks; Extensive wine list; Plain, yet spacious setting; Very attentive service. Bacon as appetizer & seafood platter; Prime Rib. More extensive menu at this location – better setting. Padre Figlio: Italian / Steak. 310 E 44th @ 1st-2nd Av; 22/21/$58; 286-4310; Father-son team that works hard and provides great service; Large Italian menu and also numerous delicious steaks; Lobster Ravioli stands out; Soups and appetizers are traditional standards like Mozz Caprese and Veal Meatballs; Lots of seafood such as Chilean Sea Bass, Yellowfin Tuna, sushi grade and Sole and Lobster. Exotic meats available. Sakagura: Japanese. 211 E 43rd @ 2-3rd; 26/22/$54; 953-7253; Highly rated Sake Bar/Rest with 200+ kinds of Sake; Spacious and welcoming; Quality rivals Tokyo; Authentic Cuisine; Japanese small plates are the speciality, similar to Tapas; Just wildly popular and highly rated; Hard to find basement location in an office building; About 60 items on the menu including sushi/ sashimi selections. Unique in all ways. Sushi Yasuda: Japanese. 204 E 43rd @ 2-3rd; 28/22/$78; 972-1001; No 1 in Zagats 2008 for Sushi; Unique menu every day. Fish so fresh you’ll feel like you are dining under water; The best. Period. For $24 for lunch- sushi combo and you can choose the fish; Attentive service; Impeccable quality. Capital Grill: Steakhouse. 155 E 42nd @ Lex-3rd; 21/22/$63; 953-2000; Amazing Steaks; Clubby Feel; Business types; Extremely friendly service; Chrysler Center. Lobster Mac n Cheese side stands out; Slightly larger menu than most; Steaks arguably smaller than some of its competitors; Great bar scene; This location is the flagship; Osteria Laguna: Italian. 209 E 42nd @ 2-3rd; 23/19/$46; 557-0001; Very popular UN-area neighborhood mainstay. Solid fare, attentive service and seating outdoors. Venetian fare; Packed at lunch. Grilled Calamari, Mozz Caprese, Seared Tuna Carpaccio, 12 home-made pasta dishes to choose from; Seafood Risotto; Mixed Grilled seafood; Branzino; Lamb shank. Pera: Turkish/ Mediterranean. 303 Madison @ 41st-42nd; 878-6301; Authentic food, fun atmosphere; Happening bar scene; They offer Brunch as well – features a “Boundless BBQ” (family style) – meat lovers dream; Tons of small plates and Mezes for appetizers; Seafood entrees like Mackeral, Cod, Salmon and Branzino on menu besides a huge assortment of meats; Prix Fixe available. Moussaka; Baklava; Benjamin Steak House: Steakhouse. 52 E. 41st @ Madison –Park; 25/22/$72; 297-9177; More of an upscale setting, nicer décor; Top of line service- more civilized; Monster sized steaks; Tons of seafood on the menu; Onion and Lobster Bisque soups; Thick Bacon appetizer; Rib eye and Sirloin steaks are signatures; 6 seafood entrees to choose from; Amazing desserts – Pecan Pie! Koi: Japanese. Bryant Park Hotel. 40 W 40th @ 5-6th Av; 23/24/$65; 921-3330; The draw here is the sexy scene where celebs and fashionistas mingle; Glamorous feel – date friendly; Food wise: try the rock shrimp, crispy rice or spicy tuna; The large open space makes dinner so much fun; Locations in Vegas and LA; Very impressive cocktails; Only issue – quite expensive. I’d go for light, early ‘nibble’ fare. Docks Oyster Bar: Seafood. 633 3rd Av @ 40th; 20/17/$50; 986-8080; Casual, fun restaurant; White table-cloth setting with a very popular bar scene; Website has tons of pictures & menu is mouthwatering; While not top in quality, it is spacious, date friendly and solid. Brunch served weekends & includes a drink; Happy Hour M-F, 3-7pm; Nice Raw bar and overall good scene. Sushi as well. Phoenix Garden: Chinese. 242 E 40th @ 2-3rd Av; 24/10/$31; 983-6666; Cheap décor, Chinatown level service but worth it because the food will blow you away. Go for lunch or a weekday dinner; Inexpensive. BYO a further incentive; Cash-only; Salt & Pepper shrimp is amazing- signature dish; Probably best tasting Chinese in the neighborhood. Great dumpling appetizers. Wu Liang Ye: Chinese. 338 Lex @ 39-40th; 22/13/$32; 370-9648; Inventive food; Unique Chinese choices and the classics; Great spices and hot dishes are hot. Beware of iffy service and not the greatest décor; Upscale Chinatown. Nirvana: 346 Lexington @ 39-40th; 23/21/$47; 983-0000; Chicken Tikka Masala and Chicken Saag is raved about; The garlic Naan is fluffy and delicious; Rabbit stew; Better than average service and décor; Fun street level lounge; Actually is a nice date option for Indian lovers; They try hard and produce great food; Creative menu and unique variations. Aquamarine: Pan Asian. 713 2nd Av @ 38-9th; 21/21/$37; 297-1880; Wonderful neighborhood spot; Known for fresh as can be sushi and special rolls; Tranquil setting including a waterfall. Sizzling Pan-Asian dishes that are mouthwatering; Fairly hip spot as well for area with decent bar; Twenty special rolls and 30 classic rolls to choose from; Noodle soups; Inexpensive for genre. El Pote: Spanish. 718 2nd Av @ 38-9th; 22/13/$40; 889-6680; Small in size but giant in flavor; Known for paellas; Small plates as well as full prepared dishes; Happy staff make up for tiny space. You do get a nice table and plenty of friendliness; Rack of Lamb on menu is a specialty; Huge menu full of all the usual Tapas; The paella with chicken and lobster is a winner. Keens Steakhouse: Steakhouse. 72 W 36th @ 5th-6th; 24/23/$65; 947-3636; Old boys club feel; Great service for genre; Classic feel- 80,000 clay pipes line ceiling; Been around forever and filled with memorabilia; Giant single-malt list; American nostalgia; Meat lovers- huge portions. Creamed spinach amazing; Mutton chop and Prime rib are classics; Thick cut bacon; Tomatoes & Mozz; Lamb chops, short ribs. Dover sole. Barbes: Moroccan. 21 E 36th @ 5th Av-Madison; 21/18/$43; 684-0215; French-inspired Moroccan fair (both cuisines on menu); Complicated dishes that show care and effort- and great flavor; Coolio date scene- sexy décor; Lots of Tangines, Brouchettes and Couscous dishes on menu; Lunch and Brunch also available; NYC’s melting pot witnessed again. Villa Berulia: Italian. 107 E 34th @ Lex-Park; 23/19/$49; 689-1970; Mature, crowd; Extremely friendly and attentive service; Incredible cooking; Great for a family meal or a romantic date. Quiet & more mature. Ali Baba: Turkish; 212 E 34th @ 2-3rd; 23/14/$31; 683-9206; Neighborhood favorite; Large portions; Dirt cheap, even for genre. Small place but gracious hosts. Garden in the summer. Always popular and crowded as it is an authentic bargain. Kebabs to die for. Multiple lamb selections on menu – can’t go wrong. Hummus also stands out. Trattoria Alba: Italian. 233 E 34th @ 2-3rd Av; 22/18/$40; 689-3200; Neighborhood spot. Crowd is filled with regulars coming back for classic, reliable fare. Take your time service; Menu has the dishes. El Parador Café: Mexican. 325 E 34th @ 1-2nd; 23/17/$43; 679-6812; Under the radar; Very good spot; Sangria & superb Margaritas; Thrown-back Mexican cuisine; Absolute winner without tabs of high end Mexican; Friendly staff. $20 3 course price fixe; Seafood paella; Very interesting menu or ‘new-Mexican’ selections; Fish tacos stand out; Even Mexican Baby Back Ribs.
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