The economy may be lackluster and the Wall Street bull sluggish, but the best of the Big Apple's restaurants roared ahead in tasty performance. Those who want to forget Washington's political bloodbaths, or impress a customer, friend or significant other, will have no end of palate-pleasing places to choose from. Our gastronomical gurus--ForbesLife Editor Richard Nalley and media maven Monie Begley, as well as brothers Bob, Kip and Tim--enlighteningly elucidate where to find New York's finest fooderies.
Six new restaurants have rocketed into this rarest of firmaments. Blue Hill's outstanding American fare is enough to make even an Iranian ayatollah chant, "All the way, U.S.A.!" Alfred Portale's Gotham Bar and Grill is still hot 26 years on. The Modern offers two very different experiences: the hopping, hangar-size Bar Room and the far more intimate, fine-cuisine Dining Room, where surprises are in store both high (a spoon-size sphere of vichyssoise) and low (porcini-and-rosemary-enhanced popcorn). Leave the world behind when you walk into the intimate Rosanjin and give yourself over to this traditional Japanese kaiseki experience overlaid with ultrahip Tribeca cool; go for the sake pairing and get a fascinating lesson in brewing and flavors. L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon is at the top of its game, with great service and even greater food. Desserts are exemplary. The small portions leave one supremely satisfied with no bloat. The amuse-bouches alone are worth the trip to Asiate, one of the treats at the revitalized Columbus Circle. With its exquisite, hip-vibe decor and its opulent and baroque architecture, Gilt is a gilty pleasure, a memorable fine-dining experience. Per Se is Four Star all the way, from hearts of romaine velouté to mignardises. Getting in is the trick. Jean Georges remains the essence of elegance in both setting and its imaginative cuisine. Nothing ever disappoints, and it all appears effortless. Aquavit continues to set one of the Big Apple's most understated great tables.
New Three Stars keep bursting into this realm. Danny Meyer's Maialino, an ode to a Roman trattoria, is perfect. For piscivores Lure Fishbar is the home shore. Adjacent to Bellevue Hospital, Riverpark has to be in the strangest location for a beautiful, snazzy and delicious restaurant. Felidia's freshness comes through where it counts: in the food--superb pastas and a dazzling selection of Italian wines. Adour Alain Ducasse's decor and cuisine would impress even Louis XIV. Meals at Saul are a harmony of flavors; comfort food at its best. Aldea is a fabulous Portuguese/ Spanish-inspired spot. An institution since 1885, Keens Steakhouse more than "meats" expectations, with its menu centerpiece a sensationally flavorful, Flintstone-size mutton chop. The Lambs Club, the theater district's newest star, serves excellent American dishes. Babbo packs them in for its creative and delicious upscale Italian fare. Masa's prix-fixe-only dinner presents a succession of imaginative and exotic Japanese delights. Locanda Verde, with its outstanding contemporary Italian offerings, is one of the city's more happening places. Michael's delivers a sophisticated dining experience in a lovely, flower-filled setting. Marc Forgione serves up unusual and consistently Three Star fare. Antonucci, an Italian gem, continues to mesmerize its clients with its sensational homemade pastas. Meals are still celestial at Union Square Cafe. With its decadent, überstylish decor, Morimoto is better than many of the best places in Tokyo. Its bento-box lunch is a true bargain. Shun Lee Palace offers one of the best Chinese food menus in Manhattan--high-end fun. Marisa and Tony May continue to wow diners at SD26. Prune is still the best place for parents to convince their NYU offspring that the older generation isn't out of touch. The Lion, formerly Village, roars. Picholine is perfect before a Lincoln Center event but not inexpensive. Part whimsy, part genius, David Burke's concoctions and his David Burke Townhouse are visually stunning and masterfully delicious.
Special
Aquagrill--Wonderful neighborhood place serving delicious fresh seafood.
Artisanal--Astonishing array of cheeses; standout food.
B.E.S.--Decor of this happening place at 11th Avenue is grunge chic. Meals are amazingly good.
Bar Basque--Exotic interior; not one miss on the Iberian-inspired menu.
Bar Breton--Easygoing Flatiron bistro, with a nod to Master Chef Cyril Renaud's native cuisine of Brittany. Lingering is encouraged.
Benoit--Charming local bistro with even more charming fare, which arrives quickly.
Billy's Bakery / Buttercup Bake Shop / Crumbs Bake Shop / Cupcake Café / Magnolia Bakery--Yum!
BLT Burger / BLT Fish / BLT Market / BLT Prime / BLT Steak--Each is excellent.
Blue Smoke / Daisy May's BBQ / Dinosaur Bar-B-Que / RUB BBQ--Finger-lickin' feasts.
Burger Joint at Le Parker Meridien--What burgers must be like in heaven.
Cascabel Taqueria--Rollicking spot serving organic tequilas and delicious soft tacos. Olé!
Circus--Best of Brazil.
Danal--A delight.
E.A.T.--Do it here.
Flex Mussels--Killer fries, perfect fish & chips and sweet mussels dripping in drawn butter.
The Garden Court Café--Good Pan-Asian offerings in a cafeteria-like setting.
Goodman's Cafe--Good, power-shopping salads and sandwiches served in Bergdorf Goodman's small basement restaurant.
Gradisca--High-decibel, bohemian, old-style Village haunt with uptown prices.
The Grocery--Sensational, market-based American-style cooking.
Harry's Steak (and Harry's Café)--Here even bears feel like bulls.
Hell's Kitchen--Heavenly.
John Dory Oyster Bar--Memorably flavorful menu at this just-reopened seafood gastropub.
Kin Shop--New Thai eatery is off to a great start. Warning: The place is packed.
Kings' Carriage House--Romantic, jewel-box-like rooms on two floors. Mouthwatering meals.
Koi--Gracious portions, mostly Japanese menu; excellent edamame, great sushi, superb Kobe burger.
the little owl--The gastronomically wise perch themselves here.
Maya--Mexican meal gold standard.
The Mermaid Inn--Never waivers from serving the best New England fish fare in Manhattan.
Minetta Tavern--Definitely a "scene," beyond packed. Food is fantastic.
The Morgan Dining Room--Lovely space and a playful menu that always features a dish to celebrate an exhibit in the museum.
Osteria del Circo--Big-top motif; tops in food.
Oyster Bar & Restaurant--Numerous types of oysters on offer. What to choose? One of each!
Petrossian--Remarkable caviar delicacies.
Quality Meats--The name is an understatement.
The River Café--Most romantic spot on the East River; meals are always impressive.
Rouge Tomate--A treasure for the foodie who wants to eat healthfully.
Sakagura--For goodness sake, partake of the sake here--and small plates, too.
Sojourn--Delectable around-the-world fare.
The Standard Grill--Chic Meatpacking District spot with tasty Franco-American cuisine made from fresh local ingredients.
Wu Liang Ye--Food is like China's economy: hot.
