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.
Café Fiorello's
Address: 1900 Broadway (between West 63rd & 64th Street)
Phone: 212-595-5330
Website: cafefiorello.com
A neighborhood favorite for decades. This little Italian eatery continues to draw folks from the area as well as out-of-towners looking for a modest-priced meal before a night out at Lincoln Center. Not the cheapest Italian place, but there's a reason why it's still here when so many others have come and gone. It's reasonably-priced and the food is reliably good.
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.
Hudson Bars
Address: Hudson Hotel, 356 West 58th Street
Phone: 212-554-6217
Website: www.hudsonhotel.com/
Not just one. Not just two. There are three bars in the historic Hudson Hotel. All trendy and stylish, they range from the faux-drawing room dubbed the "Library" to the lavish Hudson Bar and the seasonally open courtyard. All are an experience to behold and definitely worth the trip.
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.
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.
Mediterranean cuisine with no expense spared. Attracting a somewhat older crowd, this local favorite serves up a mean cassoulet. Other crowd pleasers include the rabbit confit, sea scallops and the catch-of-the-day, grilled and seasoned to perfection.
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 Cottage
Address: 360 Amsterdam Avenue (at West 77th Street)
Phone: 212-595-7450
For years, this place has been the restaurant of choice for west side Chinese food lovers. This branch of the Cottage is by far the best. Featuring fresh ingredients prepared with a delicate hand, this cheap Chinese eatery is truly a cut above the rest.