Located just off the lobby of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Asiate boasts tremendous views of Central Park. The French-Japanese food is lauded for its delicacy. Other standouts include Kobe-style beef and suckling pig. Of course, the service is stellar and the interior lavish and impeccable.
Bar Masa
Address: 10 Columbus Circle (at West 60th Street)
Phone: 212-823-9800
Website: www.masanyc.com
New and already legendary, fish has never been fresher under the unerring supervision of sushi chef Masa Takayama. Mackerel, Uni and others are prepared to exacting standards to ensure every flavor is delicately balanced. Some argue it's the best sushi in town.
Café Des Artistes
Address: 1 West 67th Street
Phone: 212-877-3500
Website: www.cafenyc.com/
Regulars refer to it as simply "the café." This has been a long-time favorite for celebrating anniversaries and accepting shiny rocks from knee-bound suitors. The classic French food and lavish interior are what many consider the height of romantic dining.
A classic French bistro that was here long before upstarts like Balthazar seized the call of Manhattan foodies. After all these years, this place still serves up a mean cassoulet in a friendly Parisian atmosphere.
Charlie Trotter Seafood
Address: 60 Columbus Circle (at West 60th Street)
Phone: no phone available yet
Scheduled to be the newest addition to the Time Warner Center, Trotter is famous for his Chicago restaurants. This place, however, will be patterned after "C," located in Mexico. Expect a similar selection of delicately cooked seafood items when this place finally opens its doors.
Located in the Trump International Tower that anchors Central Park West, this ultra-high-end, ultra-trendy French favorite is considered one of the city's finest by foodies and critics alike. Pricey, yet amazing, there is no better place to sample Asian-inspired French. Reservations are a must.
Mo Bar
Address: 80 Columbus Circle (at West 60th Street)
Phone: 212-805-8876
This small bar will be located just off of Asiate restaurant, with views equally stellar. Featuring a unique interior, booths are fashioned from salvaged stone facades from demolished west side buildings. The interior will be dimly lit and mellow. The wine list and martinis will, of course, be extensive and outstanding.
Nick and Toni's originally made its name in the Hamptons, but has been less successful in its Manhattan location, never quite drawing a buzz. However, the hearty Mediterranean food is still as good as ever.
Nougatine and Mistral Terrace
Address: 1 Central Park West
Phone: 212-299-3900
Website: www.jean-georges.com
The more informal route to the Jean Georges experience. Technically, a separate restaurant, it's the same fabulous food combined with the ease of getting a table.
Possibly the best Turkish food in the city. Sea bass, lamb and eggplant are all seasoned to perfection. Time Out New York even ranked it as one of its TONY 100?the only Turkish spot to make the list.
The ultimate choice for a quick pizza fix in the neighborhood. This outpost of Patsy's serves up reliably-good thin crust pizzas. Eat in their casual dining room or have them deliver it to your doorstep. Either way, it's the place for the perfect pie.
Per Se
Address: 10 Columbus Circle (at West 60th Street)
Phone: 212-823-9335
Website: www.perseny.com
Supervised by Thomas Keller of California's French Laundry fame, the interior, designed by Adam Tihany, is rich in carved walnut and brass. The menu is innovative French-American, with two of the notable dishes including salmon tartare and liver pate.
Shalel Lounge
Address: 65 West 70th Street
Phone: 212-873-2300
Located between Central Park West and Columbus, this quiet bar/restaurant attracts a steady following. The food is Moroccan and the atmosphere, pure casbah.
Tavern On The Green
Address: Central Park West (between West 67th & 68th Street)
Phone: 212-873-3200
Website: www.tavernonthegreen.com
Located in Central Park, this place attracts more out-of-town tourists than locals. All the same, there is nothing to compare with the over-the-top Christmas light d'écor and the opportunity to partake in the ultimate New York tradition of dining at the Green.
The Sheep Meadow Café
Address: Central Park (at West 69th Street)
Phone: 212-396-4100
Swordfish in the park? Who would have thunk it? This little café is somewhere between upscale snack bar and sit-down restaurant. Taken for what it is, it can be a wonderful way to dine.
