New York’s Top 10 : Restaurants – Top 10 Cheap Eats

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  1. 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

  2. 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.

    • 12 East 12th St, between 5th Ave & University Pl

    • 212 620 4020




    Gotham Bar

  3. 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

  4. 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 .

  5. 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 .

  6. 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 .

  7. 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.

  8. 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 .

  9. 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.

  10. 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

  1. Lombardi’s Pizza

    On everybody’s list of best-in-town for its thin-crust, coal-oven pizza .

  2. Salaam Bombay

    A top-ranked Indian restaurant with bargain lunch and brunch.

    • 319 Greenwich St

    • 212 226 9400

  3. Porchetta

    Phenomenal slow-cooked pork sandwiches.

    • 110 East 7th St

    • 212 777 2151

  4. Nyonya

    Good Malaysian fast food.

    • 194 Grand St

    • 212 334 3669

  5. Saigon Grill

    Top Vietnamese fare in two convenient locations.

    • 91–3 University Place

    • 620 Amsterdam Ave at 90th St

    • 212 875 9072

  6. Flor de Mayo

    A mix of Peruvian, Cuban, and Chinese cuisine; Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken is a specialty.

    • 2651 Broadway

    • 212 595 2525

  7. Republic

    Lots of noodle dishes and noise at this Pan-Asian.

    • 37 Union Square West

    • 212 627 7168

  8. Il Bagatto

    Even uptowners head for this East Village Italian with good food and prices.

    • 192 East 2nd St

    • 212 228 0977

  9. La Bonne Soupe

    Midtown’s best bet for onion soup, fondue, and other bistro specialties .

  10. Pomaire

    This cheerful Chilean restaurant is the Theater District’s best deal.

    • 371 West 46th St

    • 212 956 3056