Speaking of superb French dining, mega-star chef David Bouley has taken his rightful place as king of New York's 5-star restaurant circuit. The elegant setting is nothing short of regal. And the food. Ah, the food is truly incomparable. From squab to risotto to the inexplicable pleasures of Bouley's renowned tasting menu, it is never the wrong place for a special evening out.

Almost under the Brooklyn Bridge, this building dates back to 1794 and shows it. The menu is solid American. Burgers and fries, soft-shell crab, lobster bisque and roast chicken are among the house favorites. There's also a solid wine menu and an awesome selection of decadent dessert. This is a great place to go for a casual yet romantic date.

A genuine diner right in the middle of TriBeCa's ultra-hipness. Brush sleeves with Gwyneth or J.Lo as they jog over for their morning java (at say 11am). The brunch scene is a total zoo with trendy-dressed children running wild from the high-carb load. A cheeseburger and fries with goat cheese, balsamic vinegar or cilantro? Who knew?

Since 1979, Chanterelle has been one of the top restaurants in town. High-end French served in a refined setting where Queen Ann chairs and massive floral arrangements reign supreme. The food is nothing short of spectacular and the ambiance beyond compare. Always the right place for a special occasion.

Korean in an area not known for it. And quite good, authentic Korean as a matter of fact. The food here is simple and fresh. Classic meat dishes and stews complimented by an interesting selection of drinks and desserts, it's good eats at great prices.

It's hard to find a restaurant that's made a bigger impact than Nobu. This is the Chanel of sushi. Studded with movie stars and several kinds of raw tuna, it's what Tribeca is all about. The sushi is fresh and innovative and the patrons a mix of media bigwigs, (successful) artists and dilettantes. The fact that it's impossible to get a table only lends to the cache.

If anyone has the gumption to challenge the mystique that is Nobu, it's this SoHo stalwart. Once the center of all things downtown, it has made its way back from the pale days of the 1990s thanks to the gals of Sex And The City. Great American fare cooked up right with a twist of downtown cool, the burgers, fries and sandwiches are always sure to please the hungry hipster.

This is where the Nobu crowd goes when they're looking for a fix of red meat. Sizzling steaks and short ribs draw in a mixed crowd ranging from media moguls to finance folks. The food is always excellent, although not quite up to speed with some of the more luminous TriBeCa stars. But then again, who would pass up the chance to dine across the room from the likes of Robert De Niro or Demi Moore?