NYC Restaurant Guide

Chinatown

Yeah Shanghai Deluxe
65 Bayard St.
212-566-4884
Chinese (I)
Delicious, beautifully presented dumplings make this year-old newcomer worth the trip, but the talented kitchen also serves up won­derful takes on typical Shanghai dishes such as crispy turnip cakes and pork shoulder in honey-soy sauce.

New Green Bo
66 Bayard St. (Elizabeth-Matt Sts.)
212-625-2359
Chinese (I)
Tasty Shanghai cuisine at absurdly low prices distinguishes this small Chinatown place.

Nice Restaurant
35 E. Broadway (Catherine-Market Sts.)
212-406-9510
Chinese (I/M)
Well known for its dim sum menu, although other Cantonese dishes are also available. Good for groups.

Ping's
22 Mott St. (Bayard-Pell Sts.)
212-602-9988
Chinese (M)
Exotic seafood dishes star at this large, noisy, festive spot where the fish is fresh from the tanks out front.

Sweet-N-Tart Café
76 Matt St. (Canal St.)
212-334-8088
Chinese (I)
Sample an array of dishes - prices are low and the menu is interesting.

Sweet-N-Tart Restaurant
20 Mott St. (Chatham Sq.-Pell St.) 212-964-0380
Chinese (I/M)
Slightly more upscale than its sibling up the street, devotees of this Chinatown favorite love the made-to-order dim sum.

Tribeca

Flor De Sol
361 Greenwich St. (Franklin-Harrison Sts.)
212-334-6411
Spanish (E)
Brick walls, wrought iron and candles add loads of atmosphere to the tapas experience. The menu also otters entrees, but it's fun to share sangria and plates of delicious tapas with a group.

The Harrison
355 Greenwich St. (Harrison St.)
212-274-9310
American (VE)
A neighborhood place with a difference - the American/Mediterranean menu is comforting but creative, the decor is upscale rustic and the atmosphere homey and welcoming. (Not to mention what have been called the best French fries in New York.)

Thai House Cafe
151 Hudson St. (Hubert St.)
212-334-1085
Thai (11M)
Flavorful Thai dishes shine in this friendly corner place.

Ivy's Bistro
385 Greenwich St. (N. Moore St.)
212-343-1139
Mediterranean (MIE)
This family-run, casual bistro offers delicious seafood, meat, poultry and pasta dishes at surprisingly reasonable prices. With Mayor Bloomberg's new law, the only quibble with this very enjoyable place - smoke from the bar - is not an issue.

Nam
110 Reade St. (West Broadway)
212-267-1777
Vietnamese (E)
This nouvelle Vietnamese, while not cheap, is surprisingly reasonable for such delectable, unusual fare in a trendy neighborhood. Make a meal of appetizers or try the crispy chili-lime red snapper, followed by one of the exotic but comforting desserts.

SoHo

Broome Street Bar
363 West Broadway (Broome St.)
212-925-2086
American (I/M)
This no-frills, old-time saloon is a refreshingly nontrendy fixture in SoHo. Great for burgers.

Cendrillon
45 Mercer St. (Broome-Grand Sts.)
212-343-9012
Filipino (M)
Exciting, imaginative Filipino dishes - perhaps the original Asian-Latin fusion cuisine - star in this delightful place. Try one of the many delicious seafood creations or roasted meats and sip on one of the exotic Asian teas.

Cupping Room Cafe
359 West Broadway (Broome-Grand Sts.)
212-925-2898
American (M)
Quintessentially SoHo, this comfortable spot has been serving up fresh and tasty standards for thirty years. On Monday and Wednesday evenings patrons can enjoy live Brazilian and Mediterranean music.

Snack
105 Thompson St, (Prince-Spring Sts.)
212-925-1040
Greek (I/M)
The owners of this tiny five-table taverna are looking for a second, larger location, Until they do, come early or late (or take out) to experience fresh and delicious traditional Greek home cooking, Flavorful and comforting choices include meze, Iamb stifado, vegetarian souvlaki or pastitsio.

Lower East Side

AKA Café
49 Clinton St, 212-979-6096
American/Latino (M)
With most dishes $8 or less, this multicultural snack shop features sophisticated tapas, an eclectic wine list and a relaxed ambience,

Alias
76 Clinton St.
212-505-5011
American/Deli (E)
Creative comfort food is offered in this small, hip Lower East Side newcomer.

East Village

Borobudur Cafe
128 East 4th St, (1st-2nd Aves)
212-614-9079
Indonesian (I)
Intriguingly spiced food and sweet Indonesian drinks make this Lower Eastsider an unusual but satisfying choice.

Lil' Frankie's Pizza
19 First Avenue (1st-2nd Sts.)
212-420-4900
Italian (M)
Delicious pizzas join other brick oven specialties (eggplants, lasagnas and whole fish) in this off­shoot of Frank, a tiny but popular East Village pasta place,

Mamlouk
211 East 4th Street (Aves. A-B)
212-529-3477
Middle Eastern (E)
An exotic atmosphere and a delicious, full-­flavored six-course prix fixe menu ($30) can be booked for either the 7 or 9 p.m. seating. The menu changes daily and is followed by dessert and mint tea.

Patio Dining
31 Second Ave. (1st-2nd Sts.)
East Village
212-460-9171
Italian/Eclectic (M)
The creative daily menu of this tiny place serves up Greenmarket-fresh soups and pastas to accompany free-range pork and veal or fresh fish dishes. The satisfying moderately-priced entrees showcase the first-rate ingredients.

Rai Rai Ken
214 East 10th St. East Village
212-477-7030 Japanese (I)
Ramen noodies in huge bowls of fragrant and flavorful broth, topped with all sorts of delicacies (perhaps fish cakes, roast pork or crispy garlic) are the main offering, although from May to September some cold noodle dishes are also on the menu.

Supper
156 East 2nd St. (Aves. A-B)
212-477-7600
Northern Italian (M)
Much larger than its East Village siblings Frank and Lii' Frankie's, Supper consists of a lively front room/bar/open kitchen and a quieter back room. Despite the serious wine list and wonderfully fresh ingredients, the downright bargain prices (veal milanese, $12.95 or panzanella, $5.95, for instance) keep this spot packed most evenings.

West Village

AKI
181 West 4th St. (Barrow-Jones Sts.)
212-989-5440
French/Caribbean (M)
Another French-Caribbean-inspired menu, presented by the former chef to the Japanese Ambassador to the West Indies. (Think spicy tuna roll with fried bananas.)

BB Sandwich Bar
120 West 3rd St. (MacDougal-6th Ave.)
212-473-7500
American (I)
Only one item on offer here - an untraditional Philly-style cheese steak served on a Kaiser roll dressed with caramelized onions and red pepper relish.

Crispo
240 W. 14th st. (7th - 8th Aves.)
212-229-1818
Italian (M)
A newcomer to bustling 14th St., this appealing place entices with ample portions of well­cooked Italian soups, salads, house-made pas­tas and meat or seafood entrees.

Deborah
43 Carmine St. (Bedford - Bleecker Sts.)
212-242-2606
American (M)
American comfort food tweaked In a delicious manner (cheeseburgers with roasted tomato and chipotle mayo, grilled shrimp and avoca­do salad) is served in this reasonably priced new restaurant.

Florent
69 Gansevoort St. (Greenwich-Washington Sts.)
212-989-5779
French Bistro (M)
This Meatpacking District bistro is renowned as a late-night, early-morning breakfast spot. However, from Thursday to Saturday It's open 24 hours (and only slightly less the other days) so you can sample their bistro favorites pretty much any time.

Gonzo
140 W. 13th St. (6th - 7th Aves.)
212-645-4606
Italian (M)
The atypically soaring space of this West Village spot contrasts wonderfully with the robust and rustic Italian food. Try one of the chef's signature grilled pizzas.

Hadom
7 Seventh Avenue South (Charles-lOth Sts.)
212-206-7374
Middle Eastern (/)
An Israeli vegetarian feast of low-priced vibrant Middle Eastern dishes. Not a lot of atmosphere, but filling and tasty specialties which include delicious hummus and baba ganoush served with flaky, fresh breads.

Inside
9 Jones St. (Bleecker-W. 4th Sts.)
212-229-9999
American (E)
Not yet well-known, Anne Rosenzweig's (Arcadia, Lobster Club) Village bistro may soon become so. The market-fresh ingredients and reasonable prices for both the inventive bar food and seasonal comfort food assure that the secret will soon be out.

The Kat! Roll Company
99 MacDougal St.
212-420-6517
Indian (I)
For $5 or less, you can fill up on these skewers of marinated chicken, beef, or cheese and pepper rolled up in paratha (similar to wraps).

Ony
357 Sixth Ave. (Washington PI.-w. 4th St.)
212-414-8429
Japanese (I)
Customize your own steaming pot of "ramen" (Japanese-style soup) at this noodle-parlor, where you can choose the broth and toppings to accompany your noodles. If it's too hot for soup, try the sushi or cold soba salad.

Po
31 Cornelia St. (Bleecker-W. 4th Sts.)
212-645-2189
Italian (M/E)
Although celebrity chef Mario Batali is no longer the owner, Po still attracts crowds who appreciate the affordable and tempting Italian food.

Rio Mar
7 Ninth Ave. (Little 12th St.)
212-243-9015
Spanish (M)
Pass by the fancy bars in the area and instead sample the sangria, tapas and paellas of this neighborhood tapas bar. Prices are down­-to-earth, so is the decor (described by some as "divey") but the food is fun, filling and authentically garlicky.

Spice
60 University Place (10th St.)
212-982-3758
Thai (M)
One of a trio of "nouveau Thai" places featuring techno music and a retro-modern decor, Spice is very popular due to the tasty and well-seasoned versions of Thai classics such as curries, noodles, salads and fresh seafood.

Washington Park
24 Fifth Ave. (9th St.)
212-529-4400
New American (VE)
Perhaps the original New York "celebrity chef", Jonathan Waxman is back with a sophisticated, deceptively simple California menu based on seasonal ingredients.

Flatiron / Union Square

The City Bakery
3 West 18th St. (5th-6th Aves,)
212-366-1414
American/Eclectic (I/M)
A sprawling bakery/cafe bringing together Maury Rubin's tarts and Ilene Rosen's playful and wide-ranging take on soups, salads and sandwiches.

Craftbar
47 E. 19th St. (Broadway - Park Ave. South)
212-780-0880
New American/Mediterranean (E)
The more casual, next-door sister to the highly-lauded Craft offers a traditional menu and kinder prices for simpler but still delectable meals. The no-reservations policy can result in a long wait.

Craft
43 E. 19th St. (Broadway - Park Ave. South)
212-780-0880
New American/Mediterranean (VE)
The success and popularity of this two-year­-old creation of Gramercy Tavern' s Tom Colicchio remains undiminished. The twist to the seasonal. Fresh menu is that you "craft" the perfect meal from the lists of Ingredients (fish, meat, vegetables, sides), all of which can be prepared in a variety of cooking methods.

Union Square Cafe
21 E. 16th St. (5th Ave,-Union Sq. W)
212-243-4020
American (VE)
If you didn't reserve your table in May, it's probably too late to dine here now. But take a late afternoon break from the Intriguing shops in the revitalized Union Square Area and sit in the bar for a while. Enjoy an interesting glass of wine accompanied by the addictive warm, spiced mixed nuts, dispensed with the staff's legendary hospitality.

Via Emilia
240 Park Ave. South (19th St.)
212-505-3072
Italian (M)
Tortellini in brodo, tortelloni stuffed with spinach and ricotta, pumpkin, or chicken and wild mushrooms, and calzagatti (stuffed polenta) are some of the delicacies from Emilia-Romagna featured at this comfort­able trattoria.

West 40s

ANGUS Mcindoe
258 W. 44th (Broadway-8th Ave.)
212-221-9222
American (E)
A showbiz hangout a la Joe Allen, this is a fun place to see and be seen. Since investors include original Producers stars Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick, it's entirely possible to spot some familiar faces dining at a nearby table.

Becco
355 W. 46th St. (8th-9th Aves.)
212-397-7597
Italian (E)
Pair the amazingly-priced $21.95 prix fixe, all-you-can-eat pasta dinner (Caesar salad or antipasto accompany a trio of pasta dishes) with a bottle of affordable Italian wine and you will enjoy one of the Theater District's perennial favorites at a reasonable cost. However, it's no secret, so reserve for pre-theater or go after 8 p.m.

Bistro 4-3
125 W. 43rd St. (6th Ave.-Broadway)
212-764-2366
European (M/E)
Fresh market picks guide the menu at this Times Square bistro. Bread is baked twice daily and all dishes are made to order. They make their own sauces and desserts. All this, and takeout too!

Carmine's
200 W. 44th St, (Broadway-8th Ave.)
212-221-3800
Italian (E)
Copious amounts of Southern Italian standards are served family-style in this popular, crowded eatery. Not for quiet twosomes, but fun for a group.

Chez Josephine
414 W. 42nd St. (9th-10th Aves.)
212-594-1925
French (E)
Owned by Jean-Claude Baker, the adopted son of flamboyant performer Josephine Baker, this French bistro harks back to the scandalous 20s and 30s of her Parisian heyday. The decadent and over-the-top decor almost overshadows the food, but the house specials and desserts are excellent.

Churrascaria Plataforma
316 W. 49th St. (8th-9th Aves.)
212-245-0505
Brazilian (E)
Meat eaters, rejoice! It's all you can eat of the deliciously prepared and seasoned meat and poultry at this popular Brazilian. The enormous, imaginative salad bar could provide a whole meal, but carnivores should take care not to fill up before the main course.

Heartland Brewery
127 W. 43rd St, (Broadway-6th Ave.)
646-366-0235
American (M)
Bustling bar scene cum steakhouse could describe this Times Square incarnation of a popular brewpub. There's another West Side location on Sixth Avenue at 51st St.

Joe Allen
326 W. 46th st. (8th-9th Aves.)
212-581-6464
American (E)
A Broadway tradition which is fun for visitors on the lookout for celebrities. Standard American fare is decent but beside the point when a celeb is spotted (and it does happen).

John's Pizzeria
260 W. 44th St. (Broadway-8th Ave.)
212-391-7560
Italian (M)
Deliciously thin-crusted pizzas are arguably New York's best. Certainly John's has figured at the top of many lists over the years.

Le Madeleine
403 W. 43rd st. (9th-1Otn--Aves.)
212-246-2993
French (E)
Try to snag a table in the glass-covered patio and enjoy the friendly service and attractive surroundings in this longtime Theater District favorite. They are skilled in getting diners out in time for curtain, but go later for a more relaxed meal.

Marseille
630 Ninth Ave. (44th st.)
212-333-3410
Mediterranean/French (E)
A standard brasserie this is not - the Mediterranean-rim fusion food utilizes elements of French, Spanish, Italian, Turkish, Tunisian (and other) cuisines.

Meskerem
468 West 47th St. (9th-lOth Aves.)
212-664-0520
Ethiopian (I/M)
Ethiopian cuisine presented traditionally (read: no silverware), with spicy meat or vegetarian stews the shareable mainstays. Convivial atmosphere. excellent value. Full bar.

Planet Hollywood
1540 Broadway (45th St,)
212-333-7827
American (M)
Though past its prime, this is still a convenient choice for a quick beer and a snack with a crowd.

Zuni
598 Ninth Ave, (43rd st,)
212-765-7626
American Regional (M/E)
Zuni is comfortable and colorfully decorated, with a menu inspired by (but not limited to) the American Southwest, Hearty portions and reasonable tabs add appeal.

West 50s

Baluchi's
240 W. 56th St, (Broadway-8th Ave,)
212-397 -0707
Indian (M)
With some ten locations around the city, this friendly place emphasizes fresh, weli-prepared North Indian fare.

Beacon
25 W. 56th st. (5th-6th Aves,)
212-332-0500
American (VE)
An open kitchen and wood-burning oven set the scene in this attractive, multi-level space. Top chef Waldy Malouf pleases with his simple yet hearty and full-flavored creations, most of which emerge from the brick oven.

Brooklyn Diner USA
212 W. 57th St, (7th Ave,-Broadway)
 212-977-1957
American (M)
Like an old-time New York diner - but way more so, Outsize portions of classic comfort foods, imaginatively prepared and presented, please both tourists and locals,

Carnegie Deli
854 Seventh Ave. (55th St.)
212-757-2245
American (M)
Enormous sandwiches stuffed with deli favorites could feed two (or more) - share the sandwich to leave room for their divine cheesecake. A fixture for close to 70 years, it's a classic New York delicatessen.

Ciao Europa
63 W. 54th St. (5th-6th Aves.)
212-247-1200
Italian (E)
This charming Italian restaurant, located in the Warwick Hotel, offers good value for this pricey location.

Cité/Cité Grill
120 W. 51st St. (6th-7th Aves.)
212-956-7100/7262
American (VE/E)
These siblings owned by the Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group offer a traditional steak­house menu in elegant Art Deco surroundings. Cite Grill is more casual and a little less expen­sive - but Cite does offer a $60 prix fixe with all the wine you can drink (after 8 p.m.)

Cosi
1633 Broadway (51 st St.)
212-397-2674
Sandwiches (I)
Their bread (baked on the premises in wood-­burning ovens) is the draw here. Choose your own fillings for a quick sandwich lunch.

Eatery
798 Ninth Ave. (53rd St.)
212-765-7080
American/Eclectic (M/E)
All kinds of comfort foods (from various cuisines) are served in this stylish Hell's Kitchen favorite.

Ellen's Stardust Diner
1650 Broadway (51st St.)
212-956-5151
American (M)
Retro 50s kitsch abounds in this diner where the waitstaff occasionally performs.

Greek Kitchen
889 1Oth Ave. (57th-58th Sts.)
212-581-4300
Greek (I/M)
An extensive menu of delicious Greek favorites, along with friendly service and low prices, draws patrons to this Hell's Kitchen restaurant. Great for groups.

La Bonne Soupe
48 W. 55th St. (5th-6th Aves.)
212-586-7650
French (M)
This French bistro has been here for 30 years, serving up tasty, light French fare such as quiche, omelets, and (of course) delicious soups. Although prices are eminently reasonable, the prix fixe is a real bargain.

Lou's Cafe
1301 Sixth Ave. (53rd St.)
212-581-3785
American (/)
Choices abound at Lou's Cafe, from fresh baked goods to delicious soups, salads, sandwiches and many other Mediterranean-­accented dishes both hot and cold. Eat in or take out.

Martini's
810 Seventh Ave. (53rd St.)
212-767-1717
California/Italian (E)
A buzzing bar scene and indoor patio seating are draws, as are (surprise) the martinis.

Molyvos
871 7th Ave. (54th St.)
212-582-7500
Greek (E)
Upscale Greek taverna serving vibrant yet refined versions of such Greek favorites as moussaka, white bean stew, and fresh grilled fish, along with tender beef and Iamb dishes. The large dining room is good for groups and traditional Greek hospitality makes for lively and well-fed restaurantgoers.

Palm West
250 W. 50th St. (Broadway-8th Ave.)
212-333-7256
American (VE)
This popular steakhouse is an offshoot of the venerable Palm (Second Ave.) and is justly famous for its gigantic steaks and lobsters.

Pret A Manger
1360 Sixth Ave. (56th St.)
212-307-6100
Sandwiches (I)
Fresh-made pre-packaged sandwiches in a variety of flavorful combinations, along with a changing roster of soups make for a delicious takeout lunch. The chain was imported from the UK a couple of years back and is popping up all over the city.

Pump Energy Food
40 W. 55th St. (5th-6th Aves.)
212-246-6844
Healthy (I)
Lowfat and nonfat reign in this healthy choice for a quick lunch. Take it out because seating is minimal, especially at lunchtime.

Puttanesca
859 Ninth Ave. (56th st.)
212-581-4177
Italian (M)
This trattoria offers delicious and affordable Italian classics in a friendly, spacious setting. Fresh pasta is made right there on the premises.

Red Eye Grill
890 Seventh Ave. (56th St.)
212-541-9000
American (E)
Fresh seafood prepared in a multitude of methods is featured in this large, bustling favorite for both business and leisure diners.

Rem I
145 w'53rd St. (6th-7th Aves.)
212-581-4242
Italian (VE)
Quite simply one of the best - the breezy, elegant space is a perfect setting for the wonderful Venetian cuisine (seafood a specialty).

Rue 57 Brasserie
60 W. 57th St. (6th Ave.)
212-307-5656
International (E)
There's something for everyone at this lively two-floor brasserie: French classics, burgers, Italian standards, and a nifty sushi menu.

Ruth's Chris Steak House
148 W, 51st. St. (6th-7th Aves.)
212-245-9600
American (VE)
Meat eaters will dine here quite happily in this traditionally elegant steakhouse. The menu, while beef-centric, offers alternatives in the form of poultry, seafood and pasta.

Shelly's New York
1O4W.57th St. (6th-7th Aves.)
212-245-2422
American (E)
Everything is big here: four floors of dining, a huge raw bar, single portions fit for a crowd, and a menu covering all the bases.

Tuscan Square
16 W. 51st St. (5th-6th Aves.)
212-977-7777
Italian (E)
The restaurant serves well-prepared, authentic Northern Italian dishes in a Tuscan-inspired space. Downstairs, the Marketplace cafe and bakery offers self-serve and takeout breakfast and lunches during the week.

Victor's Cafe 52
236 W. 52nd St. (Broadway-8th Ave.)
212-586-7714
Cuban (E)
A perennial Theater District favorite where you can dine on creative renditions of traditional Cuban dishes. Enjoy the spicy gazpacho, seafood casserole or roast pork with their excellent sangria or have a drink in the friendly, "Old Havana"-decorated bar.

West 60s

Josephina
1900 Broadway (63rd-64th Sts.)
212-799-1000
New American (E)
Inventive California-style (fresh, organic, light) dishes make this a perennial Lincoln Center favorite. Popular for their pre-performance prix fixe and brunch.

West 70s

Cafe Mozart
154 West 70th st.
212-595-9797
Viennese (M)
Appealing and very European, Cafe Mozart offers all sorts of dishes in the Viennese cafe tradition. From breakfast to late at night enjoy coffees, fresh pastries, light cuisine and a vast array of sinful desserts. Live classical music each evening adds to the charm.

Savann
414 Amsterdam Ave. (79th-80th Sts.)
212-580-0202
French (M/E)
Friendly, welcoming staff serve a variety of French dishes in this Upper West Side neighborhood place. The prix fixe is a steal, but it's not offered every night (call first).

West 100s

A
947 Columbus Ave. (1O6th - 1O7th Sts.)
212-531-1643
French/Caribbean (M)
Named after the "A" train, this tiny BYOB on the Upper West Side near Columbia University serves inexpensive small plates of French-­Caribbean-inspired fare.

Genesis
511 West 181st. St.
Washington Heights
212-293-3030
Ecuadorian (I)
If you're uptown visiting the Cloisters, this would be an adventurous choice for very Inexpen­sive, tasty and filling South American fare.

Murray Hill/East 30s

Blue Smoke
116 E. 27th St. (Lexington-Park Aves.)
212-447-7733
Barbecue (E)
Danny Meyer (of Union Square Cafe et al.) presents down-home barbecue at his newest venture, already a difficult reservation. There's a jazz club downstairs.

Cosette
-163 East 33rd St.
212-889-5489 French (E)
This charming bistro gives the feeling of a warm and welcoming family restaurant somewhere in the French countryside. Reasonably priced bistro classics are served by an appealing staff.

La Petite Auberge
116 Lexington Ave. (27th-28th Sts.)
212-689-5003
French (MIE)
Steadily popular for over 25 years, this pretty place still serves all of the old French bistro favorites. Their prix fixe is very reasonable.

Lemon Grass Grill
138 E. 34th St. (Lexington-3rd Aves.)
212-213-3317
Thai (I/M)
This casual Thai chain has six locations (one in Brooklyn) and offers speedy service, good prices and takeout.

East 40s

Oyster Bar At Grand Central Station
Grand Central (42nd St.-Vanderbilt Ave.)
212-490-6650
Seafood (E)
Have a look around at historic Grand Central, recently given a total refurbishment, then head to the landmark Oyster Bar for awesomely fresh fish and shellfish. Chowders and bisques, along with (of course) oysters, are a nostalgic and delicious favorite.

Phi Lan
249 East 45th St. (2nd-3rd Aves.)
212-922-9411
Vietnamese (11M)
Delicious Vietnamese home cooking prepared with family pride makes this cozy coffee shop a sweet surprise in this East 40s neighborhood.

East 50s

Burger Heaven
9 E. 53rd St. (5th-Madison Aves.)
212-752-0340
American (I/M)
Standard coffee-shop fare but fresh ingredients and excellent burgers take it a step beyond. Good for lunch (though very busy at noon) or an early breakfast. No dinner.

Pazo
106 E. 57th St, (Lexington - Park Aves.)
212-752-7470
Mediterranean/New American (VE)
A stylish but tranquil atmosphere with a North African feel complements the Spanish/Moorish­-accented menu.

Zarela
953 Second Ave. (50th-51st St.)
212-644-6740
Mexican (E)
Chef Zarela Martinez pays homage to the ingredients and techniques rooted in Mexican culture, Try the red snapper hash or polio borracho, and watch out for the delicious but lethal margaritas. Both decor and crowd are festive.

East 60s

Rouge
135 East 62nd St. (Lexington-Park Aves.)
Upper East Side    .
212-207-4601
French Bistro/Eclectic (I)
This bargain-priced bistro (nothing over $20) looks more like a high-priced restaurant in its sedate townhouse setting. However, chef­-partner David Ruggerio offers affordable French cooking (along with Itailan and Asian touches) and the "chef's wine list" of very affordable bottles.

East 80s

Beyoglu
1431 Third Ave. (81st St.)
212-570-5666
Turkish
A tantalizing selection of meze at low prices allows for sampling a multitude of Turkish dish­es. Make a meal out of these small plates or leave room for the only entree, Iamb or beef doner kebab.

East 1OOs

La Fonda Boricua
169 East 106th St, (Lexington-3rd Aves.)
212-410-7292
Puerto Rican (I)
Recently renovated two-room restaurant serving up large portions of hearty, well-spiced Puerto Rican fare in a lively Latino setting.