Manhattan Restaurants $$$

    Blue Water Grill, Greenwich Village+

  31 Union Square West - New York, NY            
Voted 11th Most Popular Restaurant in New York in the 2008 Zagat Survey and applauded as a restaurant that is "perfect for dates" and "never disappoints," Blue Water Grill is a dining destination in the heart of Union Square. Loyal guests and curious visitors are drawn to the former Metropolitan Bank space that features sexy, dimly-lit red chandeliers illuminating the intimate dining room, a spacious people-watching outdoor café and a cozy subterranean lounge featuring live jazz music.
    Church Lounge, Greenwich Village+
  2 Sixth Ave. - (White Street) - New York, NY           
Located in the center of the hotel’s soaring atrium, the Church Lounge is the contemporary incarnation of the classic New York hotel bar. An intimate gathering place by day, and a downtown destination by night, Church Lounge TriBeCa’s long, glossy bar, plush armchairs, and softly glowing lighting provide the ultimate in sophisticated downtown socializing. From a classic American menu designed exclusively by Tribeca Grand chefs to some of the best signature cocktails New York City has to offer, the stylish Church Lounge provides guests with a flash of downtown city life at its best. Weekends keep up the pace with a leisurely buffet-style Grand Sunday Brunch, a brunch both New York City locals and hotel guests call their favorite.
    Avra Estiatorio, Midtown
  141 East 48th Street - New York, NY           
Open since February 2000, Avra's reputation is spreading like Brushfire. Innovative Greek architect Yianni Skordas has turned the spacious Avra's interior into a cozy space evocative of an Ionnian home. Everything about Avra is homey. From the flowers to the Jerusalem limestone floors, stonewash walls of the interior remind one of the traditional white walls and blue roofs often seen in postcards of Greece and its famous islands. The large wooden, framed, French doors were open to an outdoor patio creating a most pleasant country spring breeze.
    Grand Tier Restaurant, Upper West Side
  Metropolitan Opera House - Lincoln Center - New York, NY           
Set within one the most spectacular cultural destinations in the world, The Grand Tier at Lincoln Center's Metropolitan Opera House is a shrine to elegance and artistry. Enjoy sumptuous contemporary cuisine by chef Jeff Raider, pre-curtain or during intermission, served in an atmosphere highlighted by spectacular chandeliers and original masterpieces by Marc Chagall. An evening at the Grand Tier is truly an experience to treasure forever.
    Le Perigord, Midtown
  405 East 52nd Street - (1st Ave.) - New York, NY           
Le Périgord's fine appetizer display has lost none of its zip. A splendid plateful holds tangy terrines, various fish and shellfish and small salads--almost a meal.
The new kitchen team is as consistent as a Swiss watch, deft in meats as in seafood, and quickly developing a new dessert identity with pastry chef Serge Decrauzat. His light but lingering fruit-based specials augment Le Périgord's familiar and friendly trolley of tarts, mousses and floating islands. - Crain's New York
    Club Macanudo, Upper East Side
  26 East 63rd Street - (Park-Madison Aves.) - New York, NY           
Club Macanudo is an elegant oasis nestled in the heart of New York’s Upper East Side. It has been highlighted by the Food Network, USA Today, and Time Out New York, among others. Outfitted with rich mahogany furniture, buttery-soft leather chairs and comfortable sofas, Club Macanudo is the ideal place to conduct business, enjoy a romantic evening for two, or catch up during a stylishly casual night out with friends. Complete with a state-of-the-art ventilation system, Club Macanudo offers the perfect environment for smokers and non-smokers.
Club Macanudo consistently offers you a warm, welcoming atmosphere, an attentive staff and a connoisseur’s selection of food, drink and cigars.
Dress Code: Club Macanudo requires gentlemen to wear collared shirts. Tee shirts, athletic attire/sneakers, shorts and flip flops are strictly prohibited. The staff of Club Macanudo reserves the right to deny entrance to any patron who does not meet the dress code requirements.
    Only if by Land, Two if by Sea, Greenwich Village+
  17 Barrow St. - New York, NY            
One if by Land, Two if by Sea is recognized as one of the city’s most romantic restaurants. Chef Gary Volkov’s American seasonal cuisine takes stage amid the delightful blend of cozy fireplaces, candlelit tables, fresh flowers and live piano music. From Tart of Wild Mushroom to Rack of Australian Lamb to Foie Gras and Braised Duck Terrine, Executive Chef Volkov woos diners with the fresh flavors and palate pleasing textures. With its history never far from reach, today’s diner can select a romantic red from the wine cellar housed deep within the building’s historic tunnels.
    Ruth's Chris Steak House, Midtown
  148 West 51st Street - New York, NY           
What to expect at Ruth's Chris Steak House? First and foremost, an enthusiastic welcome. Then, the distinctive sizzle of tender, custom-aged U.S. prime beef, broiled to a turn and presented at your table with a flourish. You can expect to take your time and be perfectly pampered. After an unforgettable Ruth's Chris experience, the word "sizzle" will take on a new and delectable meaning.
    Palm One, Midtown
  837 Second Avenue - New York, NY            
At The Palm, our philosophy is simple: Treat guests like family, serve great food, and always exceed expectations. That philosophy was born in 1926, when Pio Bozzi and John Ganzi opened the first Palm in New York City. From day one, Pio and John shared their commitment to quality and generosity of spirit with every guest who walked through their doors. What began as a restaurant became a legend – a place to not only enjoy an excellent meal but also catch up with old friends, meet new ones, close business deals, and celebrate family milestones.
    City Hall Restaurant, Greenwich Village+
  131 Duane Street - Church Steet - West Broadway - New York, NY           
Located just blocks from city government, courts and Wall Street, City Hall Restaurant has become the destination of choice for everyone who works, lives and visits the original hardt of New York City.
    BLT Fish Bistro, Greenwich Village+
  21 West 17th Street - New York, NY           
BLT Fish commemorates renowned Chef Laurent Tourondel's return to the sea, and the second in the BLT series of signature modern bistros. At BLT Fish he re-immerses himself in the deep blue waters of the Pacific and the Atlantic and brings to the surface of a Flatiron townhouse a New England-style fish shack on the first floor and a sophisticated third floor dining room designed to showcase sublime seafood.
The first floor is a relaxing seafood shack with exposed brick walls, white wainscoting, a staged raw bar, black and white photographs of seafarers and a blackboard at the helm highlighting seasonal raw bar specials and homemade pies. BLT Fish's third floor dining room is a much airier palette, taken from the interior of a shell. This is reflected in Walnut wood tables, muted suede covered walls, delicate bone china, royal blue and white Belle Cuisine pots of all sizes and a retractable glass rooftop giving way to the stars.
    Gramercy Tavern, Greenwich Village+
  422 West 20th Street - New York, NY            
A revival and renewal of the classic American tavern, Gramercy Tavern offers refined, seasonal American cuisine, warm hospitality and unparalleled service.
    Maloney & Porcelli, Midtown
  37 East 50th Street - (Park-Madison Aves) - New York, NY           
Fourth Wall Restaurants was founded by acclaimed father-son restaurateurs Alan and Michael Stillman in 2007. The group is comprised of upscale restaurants in New York City, including the flagship Smith & Wollensky location, Maloney & Porcelli, Park Avenue, The Post House and Quality Meats.
    Levana, Upper West Side
  141 West 69th Street - New York, NY           
Levana, the premiere Kosher restaurant in New York City...and the country. This Home Page will serve as a guide to a huge array of information, not only about Levana, but about the world of quality kosher cuisine.
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    Rock Center Café, Midtown
  20 West 50th Street - New York, NY            
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With a stunning view of The Rink at Rockefeller Center in the winter months along with the spectacular Manhattan cityscape, Rock Center Café boasts a series of original Warhol prints in its popular bar and one of the most memorable settings imaginable for dining and entertaining. Serving an exceptional breakfast and an outstanding contemporary American lunch and dinner, it's a place you'll return to again and again. This stylish "workhorse" is open 365 days a year to serve your every need.
    Lincoln Ristorante, Upper West Side
  142 West 65th Street - New York, NY            
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The latest incarnation of famed restaurateur (and longtime Patina Restaurant Group CEO) Nick Valenti's commitment to bringing the ultimate in culinary experiences to the nation's leading cultural institutions. Lincoln combines high-concept design with the impeccable contemporary Italian cuisine of Chef Jonathan Benno. Valenti worked closely with the architectural firm of Diller, Scofidio + Renfro to create Lincoln's unique design featuring glass walls, signature sloping lawn roof and a spectacular view of the reflecting pool and the Henry Moore sculpture. The restaurant's environment is both comfortable and refined – with an open kitchen, bar, lounge, two dining rooms and private dining accommodations.
    Sequoia, Lower Manhattan
  Pier 17, South Street Seaport - (Fulton Street & East River) - New York, NY            
Breathtaking harbor and city skyline views complement Sequoia’s savory seafood menu and wooded nautical décor. During the warmer months enjoy delicious food at an outdoor table on the terrace. Sequoia offers three nautically – designed private dining rooms for special occasions featuring spectacular views of historic ships and the waterfront.
    Isabella's, Upper West Side
  359 Columbus Ave. - (77th Street) - New York, NY            
Isabella's has been hailed for over fifteen years as an "Upper West Side institution" by neighborhood regulars and serious diners alike. Once you walk through its doors, you'll immediately know you're somewhere special. Known for not only great food but for its reasonable prices and great service, Isabella's has earned its place among the must-do New York experiences.
Offering both creative renditions and dishes that are sure-to-please, Isabella's inventive Mediterranean cuisine melts perfectly with the quintessential Upper West Side setting, making it the ideal destination for any outing.
    Aureole, Upper East Side
  34 E. 61st Street - (Park Madison-Aves.) - New York, NY             
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Charlie Palmer's unabashed, energetic signature Progressive American cuisine first took root in the original townhouse location of Aureole, where the chef made an early commitment to farm over factory food. Today, Aureole shines at the spectacular Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park, the most environmentally advanced skyscraper in the world.
    Ouest Restaurant, Upper West Side
  2315 Broadway - New York, NY           
Ouest is a contemporary American Bistro, highly regarded on the Upper West Side and citywide. Partners Tom Valenti and Godfrey Polistina have created an Oasis of fine dining and fine wines in a casual but sophisticated environment.
    Daniel Boulud Restaurant, Upper East Side
  20 East 76th St. - New York, NY            
The restaurant offers a menu and ambiance combining the best of French food and design in a casually elegant style. Named for the local cafe Daniel Boulud's family ran on their farm outside Lyon, France at the turn of the century, Cafe Boulud reflects the same spirit of conviviality that made the original spot a regular village meeting place.
    L'Absinthe Brasserie-Restaurant, Upper East Side
  227 E. 67th Street - (2nd-3rd Aves.) - New York, NY           
L’Absinthe Brasserie-Restaurant, nestled in the heart of Manhattan’s Upper East Side is a world outside of the every day.  Chef-Proprietaire, Jean-Michel Bergougnoux’s classic and nouvelle French cuisine merges harmoniously with the timeless and traditional Parisian Brasserie décor and attentive, friendly service.
    Atlantic Grill, Upper East Side
  1341 Third Ave. - (76th-77th Streets) - New York, NY            
Ride the tide to Atlantic Grill, our Upper East Side neighborhood favorite! Atlantic Grill is the place to go for your seafood and sushi fix. Bright, 200-seat space complete with bistro chairs, framed photos, baby blue walls and skylight might make you feel like you sailed into Cape Cod. You may not have left New York's harbor, but one thing is sure: our seafood is just as fresh.
Choose from among crowd-pleasing favorites from the Atlantic - or the Pacific - like our Maryland Crab Cake with Grilled Corn Salsa topped with Chipotle Remoulade, or the Cajun Lobster and Sea Scallops over Shrimp Risotto, Oven Dried Tomatoes, and Herb Nage.
Or sample our daily selection of Oysters and Clams on the Half Shell from our raw bar and our unique Sushi, Sashimi and Rolls. Our Sushi Chefs are constantly "rolling" out new creations, such as our Miso Glazed Chilean Sea Bass Maki Roll with Red Ginger or our BBQ Eel Roll with Crunchy Sweet Potato, Avocado, and Toasted Almonds.
    Arpeggio Food & Wine, Upper West Side
  Lincoln Center Plaza - New York, NY           
A casual, stylish, full-service a la carte restaurant highlighting innovative Mediterannean cuisine and seasonal ingredients as well as local and global wine selections along with specialty cocktails and mocktails. Guests can dine at the bar, in the lounge, in the center room, or join us at Arpeggio Outdoors choosing from appetizers, main courses, artisanal cheeses and cured meats.
    The Wright Restaurant & Bar, Upper East Side
  1071 Fifth Avenue - Guggenheim Museum - New York, NY           
Located in New York’s iconic Guggenheim museum and named in honor of the great American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, this intimate Upper East Side destination is located in an elegant and modern architectural space that is sure to dazzle trend-setters, fine diners, art lovers and world-travelers. Designed in white by architect Andre Kikoski -- who was inspired by the original Wright museum design for the Guggenheim -- the restaurant embraces the cosmopolitan excitement of today’s New York. A modern American menu created by David Bouley protégé, Rodolfo Contreras, features distinctive cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal, local and sustainable Ingredients. Additionally, a site-specific sculpture by British-born artist Liam Gillick was commissioned for the space, creating a truly unique dining experience.
    Bobby Van's Steakhouse, Lower Manhattan
  25 Broad Street - Financial District - New York, NY           
Bobby Van's Steakhouse and Grill located across from the New York Stock Exchange uses the original 1898 structure to create lush and evocative dining rooms filled with dark wood, cream-colored walls and beautiful chandeliers. Pass through the glass entrance of the steakhouse into the grand dining room with 20' ceilings to face a gorgeous 20-foot bar and a floor-to-ceiling wall of wine and liquor. Dine under the soft lighting of the grand chandeliers and enjoy succulent 28-day dry-aged prime steaks and the freshest seafood.
    Fraunces Tavern Restaurant, Lower Manhattan
  54 Pearl Street - New York, NY            
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In 1762 an enterprising and ambitious innkeeper named Samuel Fraunces purchased a three-story brick mansion which had been built on one of Manhattan Island’s first landfills. Under Samuel Fraunces’ proprietorship the building became a well-known gathering place - - - a place for friends and strangers to meet, mingle and share a drink. But Mr. Fraunces tavern was frequented by the leaders of a revolution and thus became more than just a local watering hole.
    Ricardo Steak House, Harlem+
  2145 2nd Avenue - Harlem, NY             
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The concept of Ricardo Steakhouse was born when brothers Jimmy Mateus and Eddie Mateus teamed up to open a new kind of venue. The first generation New Yorkers, have always dreamt of owning a place where they could gather with friends and family. Since they had just completed a 5 story residential building with ground floor commercial space they thought "why not" SPAHA (Spanish Harlem). It was here the concept of Ricardo Steak House was born. They sensed New Yorkers were starting to re-embrace "comfort food"; but where could they offer the public something special, something new.
The idea was to combine the "Theater" open kitchen restaurant that is a showcase of the outbursting flavors of the angus steaks and house seasonings, with a warm sexy non traditional Steak House, in effect creating a "New World" Latino Steak House offering excellent, gourmet, healthy food at affordable prices. With its upscale spacious interior, exposed kitchen, long, sweeping bar/dining counter area, and open -air terrace, Ricardo Steak House has become one of the in demand restaurant-lounge in the community and a Tri-State destination, helping to further generate the already booming development and renaissance that is currently taking place in Spanish Harlem.