Must-do NYC restaurants

I have been to NYC previously (long time ago though - 2000 I believe!) so I am sure I will see lots of changes when I go next week. In the interim have been to Florida loads so have eaten in plenty of well known chains etc.

Just wondered if anyone has eaten anywhere absolutely fab in NYC recently?

I am hoping to find some hidden gems - I have checked out the guide books/websites but these don't give first hand experience just $, ambiance and food type etc.

Both my daughter and I are open to all kinds of cuisine so any suggestions/recommendations will be gratefully received.....

Thanking you

Jane

[Decker]

Gordon Ramsay's NYC would get a vote from the Deckers

MEGU Thomas Street for us (tip: book early or through a good concierge)

Being a Frank Sinatra fan I decided to try out Patsy's last week and enjoyed both the food and the atmosphere. Small, intimate and very Italian.

I'd also recommend a stroll down restaurant row on 9th (between about 42nd and 55th for some off the beaten track eateries. Especially my favourite Thai restaurant in New York - ChanPen.

FM

Babbo, a very good Italian restaurant near Washington Square, is my favourite restaurant in the World. It also gets my vote for having the best atmosphere of any restaurant in the world, especially if you sit at the bar (great for walk ins).

A really american experience....

http://www.carnegiedeli.com/

No reservations, just usually a long queue. But worth it for the experience!

No airs or graces, just go as you are and make sure you're hungry!

Marc

I'd echo Marc's recommendation above. Definitely a very 'New York' experience and one for which you will most certainly need to take apppetite along with you.

If you like your steaks, chops etc, try Sparks Steakhouse and for - quite simply - the best pizza on the planet, go to Lombardi's on Spring Street. Justa lika mamma used to make 'em! Sorry...

Really appreciate your responses so far - please keep them coming.............

Many thanks
Jane

Tribeca Grill, Robert de Niro's steakhouse, is amazing. Great atmosphere and fantastic food. Just ask for the house wine list as the one they give you first starts at about $5000 a bottle!

Blue Hill is a wonderful hidden gem. I say hidden b/c it doesn't seem to get the same level of publicity that some of the more well-known NYC restaurants get, but amongst foodies I believe it is well-known. It a fairly intimate but elegant room in a brownstone near Washington Square Park. I've been twice and the food was amazing both times. It's been a few years since I was last there, but the chef has not changed and the ratings in Zagat are still very high, so I feel confident in recommending Blue Hill.

I love Gordon Ramsey's at The London on West 54th Street, which is also the hotel I stay at when I'm in town

Grimaldi's Pizza just underneath the Brooklyn Bridge [y]

The Stage Door Deli next to Ground Zero [y]

And the revolving restaurant within The Marriott Marquis Times Square [y]

Les Halles, 411 Park Ave South is fab! TV celeb chef/bad boy Anthony Bourdain used to work there. I visited for my birthday in February and the food was excellent! Not too pricey and an extensive French/bistro menu. Great steaks and i'd recommend the crepe suzettes, prepared fresh and flaming at your table.

Originally posted by Mr Farenheight
Les Halles, 411 Park Ave South is fab! TV celeb chef/bad boy Anthony Bourdain used to work there. I visited for my birthday in February and the food was excellent! Not too pricey and an extensive French/bistro menu. Great steaks and i'd recommend the crepe suzettes, prepared fresh and flaming at your table.

Steak Tartare is done totally right, at the table. 'fraid you won't ever see the bad boy there. I think the outside is so terribly drab. Service can be, well, interesting, in the Parisian way if that makes sense. Last time I was there they appeared to have a drainage problem - making it even more a rather authentic Parisian Brasserie, then!

H