20 Mott Street
20 Mott St. between Pell Street and Bowery
212-964-0380
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Inexpensive
to Moderate
Cuisine type: Chinese
If you like dim sum, this three-story Chinatown hotspot is the place to go. You can even find exotic undersea fare like jellyfish on the dim sum carts, along with the more common dumplings and buns. The place is usually crowded.

2nd Avenue Deli
156 Second Ave. at 10th Street
212-677-0606
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Moderate
Cuisine type: Deli
The 2nd Avenue Deli has been a staple since opening in 1954. Those seeking a true New York Jewish nosh will find it here. Featured in the Goldie Hawn film Out of Towners, the deli has been touted as the best corned beef, pastrami, and chopped liver in the city. Sandwiches are large, the matzoh ball tasty, and pickles and cole slaw are free at your table.

America
9 East 18th St. at Fifth Avenue
212-353-3920
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Moderate
Cuisine type: American, Italian
This sprawling restaurant may not be the most intimate choices for dinner, but the casual, boisterous atmosphere is entertaining in itself. Aside from basics like barbecue chicken, sandwiches, and salads, America serves various pastas.

American Park at the Battery
Battery Park opposite 17 State St.
212-809-5508
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Expensive
Cuisine type: American
American Park at the Battery has the small-town charm of a lodge mixed with an urban twist. The decor mixes man-made furnishings with natural surroundings. Seafood is popular such as the grilled north Atlantic salmon, grilled yellowfin, or steamed lobster, though they diversify with entrees like braised short ribs. Advance reservations are suggested.

Angelos of Mulberry Street
146 Mulberry St. between Grand and Hester streets
212-966-1277
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Moderate
Cuisine type: Italian
One of Little Italy's most populated spots, Angelos offers quality Italian fare in a cozy, European-style setting. Gorge on appetizers like spiedino a la romana (breaded mozzarella fried in wine sauce) and entrees like valdostana (veal stuffed with prosciutto and fontina cheese and sauteed in wine and mushroom sauce). Reservations recommended on weekends.

Aperitivo
29 West 56th St. between Fifth and Sixth avenues
212-765-5155
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Moderate to Expensive
Cuisine type: Italian
For more than 30 years Aperitivo has been serving fine quality Northern Italian cuisine.

Aquavit
13 West 54th St. between Fifth and Sixth avenues
> 212-265-8484
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Expensive
Cuisine type: Scandinavian
This elegantly designed restaurant is in a landmarked townhouse. An atrium and two-story waterfall are its showpieces. Salmon (served cold) is the specialty. Regular and vegetarian menus downstairs are prix fixe, while upstairs at the bar patrons can order a la carte.

Arqua
281 Church St. at White Street
212-334-1888
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Expensive
Cuisine type: Italian
As you stare out the large windows in this elegant space, you can dine on specialties like artichoke lasagna, polenta, and green salads.

Asia de Cuba
237 Madison Ave. between 37th and 38th streets
212-726-7755
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Moderate to Expensive
Cuisine type: Asian/Cuban
The center of this luxurious yet warm decor is a 36-foot marble table for single diners to commune with others while they feast on anything from Thai beef salad to grouper in a yucca crust.

Asti Restaurant
13 East 12th St.
212-741-9105
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Moderate to Expensive
Cuisine type: Italian
This place brings a whole new definition to singing for your supper. Waiters and waitresses double as the entertainment as they break out into opera and dinner serenades. Entertainment starts at 6:30pm. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.

Becco
355 West 46th Street between Eighth and Ninth avenues
212-977-6738
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard Visa
Price range: Moderate
Cuisine type: Italian
The softly lit, modest decor does not aptly reflect the enormous portions served at Becco. The prix-fixe menus include mountains of antipasti and one of many pastas like gnocchi or rigatoni. Bread pudding is a favorite dessert. A jacket and tie are required after 5pm.

Bolo
23 East 22nd St. near Park Avenue South
212-228-2200
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Moderate to Expensive
Cuisine type: Spanish
Aside from the heralded sangria, Bolo is famed for its odd pairing of flavors, such as date sauce over pork chops and curry mixed in with the paella. This restaurant may be small and cozy but the atmosphere is lively. Reservations are recommended.

Bombay Palace
30 West 52nd St.
212-262-9664
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Moderate to Expensive
Cuisine type: Indian
The Northern-Indian cuisine at this international restaurant chain is featured in its own Bombay Palace Cookbook. The tangy Bhel Puri appetizer is a Bombay specialty featuring puffed rice crisps and lentil vermicilli tossed in chutney. Entrees include jumbo prawns tandoori and chana Peshawari, which is chic peas with pomegranate seeds cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices.

Brasilia Restaurant
7 West 45th St. between Fifth and Sixth avenues
212-869-7387
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Moderate
Cuisine type: Brazilian
Brasilia's authentic Brazilian cuisine is served in an inviting, intimate atmosphere. Entrees include barbecue chicken or fish and savory rice and beans.

Bridge Cafe
279 Water St.
212-227-3344
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Moderate
Cuisine type: New American
This cafe is housed in the oldest wood-frame building in Manhattan, circa 1794, making it a landmark. You can actually feel a slight warp in the wood on the floor adding to the charm of this cozy spot. Entrees include the vegetarian portobello=-tuffed potato, a buffalo steak, and duck cooked in a red wine and green pepper corn sauce.

The Cajun
129 Eighth Ave. between 16th and 17th streets
212-691-4578
Credit cards accepted: American Express, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Moderate
Cuisine type: Cajun
For more than 20 years, the Cajun has been home to Dixieland jazz and spicy Cajun food. Entrees include Creole gumbo, jambalaya, and blackened catfish. Music is performed nightly and during Sunday brunches. Reservations are recommended.

Capsouto Freres
451 Washington St. at Watts Street
212-966-4900
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Moderate to Expensive
Cuisine type: French
This charming French restaurant is a bit hidden, but worth seeking out. The brick walled interior is romantic and as formal as you like. Brunches are popular, serving fruit and cheese plates and exquisite dessert souffles. Dinner entrees include such as delectable fare as steak au poivre and roast duck in ginger sauce.

Caribe
117 Perry St. at Greenwich Street
212-255-9191
Credit cards accepted: American Express, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Inexpensive to Moderate
Cuisine type: Caribbean/West Indian
The rich flavors match the tangy grooves of the music here. Specialties include curry goat, jerk chicken, and plantains. The rum punch packs quite a zing. Entrees run from to .

Carnegie Deli
854 Seventh Ave. between 54th and 55th streets
212-757-9889
Credit cards accepted: Cash Only
Price range: Moderate
Cuisine type: Deli
Heaping portions served with that infamous brisk, New York attitude. The corned beef and pastrami will keep your cholesterol levels up for a while, as will the giant slice of New York cheesecake. Chicken soup with mammoth matzoh balls is also popular.

Chanterelle
2 Harrison St. at Hudson Street
212-966-6143
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Expensive to Very Expensive
Cuisine type: French
This 17-table, simple yet elegant restaurant features refined wood paneling and a simple floral centerpiece. The words "Paradise regained" from the Zagat 1998 entry for Chanterelle aptly describe the cuisine here. You can get everything from an entire rack of lamb to delicate cheese plates. The wines are judiciously picked and the menu changes monthly. Prix-fixe, three-course dinners cost in the range of to tasting menus for . Reservations are recommended.

Chin Chin
216 East 49th St. between Second and Third Ave.
212-755-6470
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Moderate
Cuisine type: Chinese
Chin Chin is one of the higher-quality upscale Chinese restaurants in New York. Different regions of Chinese cuisine are represented in their cooking, including entrees like quail, orange beef, Peking duck, and Grand Marnier prawns. Many celebrities dine here. Reservations are recommended.

Cowgirl Hall of Fame
519 Hudson St. at 10th Street
212-633-1133
Credit cards accepted: American Express, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Inexpensive
Cuisine type: BBQ/Tex-Mex
This is a true-grit experience right in Manhattan. While Patsy Cline croons from the speakers, you can gobble up biscuits and gravy, catfish, and other Southern fare. Entrees

Four Seasons
99 East 52nd St.
212-754-9494
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Expensive
Cuisine type: American
The shimmering curtains add to the ambiance of this romantically lit New York City classic. Entrees such as the crisp farmhouse duck or Dover sole are excellent. Reservations are recommended.

Gloria's Tribeca
107 West Broadway
212-766-0913
Credit cards accepted: American Express, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Moderate
Cuisine type: Mexican
This is one of the more colorful spots in the business-oriented TriBeCa area. Mexican fare is served in a casual, festive atmosphere. Some entree choices include grilled shrimp salad, spinach burritos, and salmon quesadillas with black-bean salsa. There is also a happy hour from 4pm to 7pm, seven days a week, with .50 house margaritas and well drinks.

Gotham Bar & Grill
12 East 12th St. between University Place and Fifth Avenue
212-620-4020
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, and Visa
Price range: Expensive
Cuisine type: American
This vast space feels even bigger with its high ceilings. A lively bar runs along one side. Entrees include rack of lamb with Swiss chard, shallots, and garlic mashed potatoes; roast pheasant marinated in ginger and juniper with potato puree; and seafood salad. Reservations are recommended and are accepted six weeks in advance, though you can eat at the bar without a reservation.

The Grange Hall
50 Commerce St. at Barrow Street
212-924-5246
Credit cards accepted: American Express
Price range: Moderate
Cuisine type: American
Set in a renovated 1930s-era speakeasy, the Grange Hall stresses American-style food prepared in exotic sauces such as a grilled loin lamb chop with jalapeno mint jelly; salmon with lemon, shallots, and dill parsley; or a basic oven-roasted vegetable platter. Reservations are recommended, or you may end up waiting an hour and a half.

Il Mulino Restaurant
86 West 3rd St. between Thompson and Sullivan streets
212-673-3783
Credit cards accepted: American Express, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Expensive to Very Expensive
Cuisine type: Italian
Rated the best Italian restaurant in the city by many, Il Mulino is always packed. The menu includes homemade pastas, hot and cold antipasti, as well as an ever-changing choice of seafood specials. Reservations are required.

John's Pizzeria
278 Bleecker St. between Sixth and Seventh Avenues
212-645-0749
Credit cards accepted: Cash Only
Price range: Moderate
Cuisine type: Pizzeria
Open for more than 50 years, John's is considered one of the top five pizzerias in New York and attracts locals as well as celebrities and politicians. The attraction is the New York-style brick-oven pizza with heaps of cheese and choices of toppings like sausage and garlic. These are sold by the pie, not the slice, and are generously sized.

Le Bernardin
155 West 51st St. between Sixth and Seventh avenues
212-489-1762
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Very Expensive
Cuisine type: French, Seafood
Le Bernardin is known for its array of monkfish, snapper, grouper, and salmon dishes. It is also touted for friendly service. The intimate lighting, fresh flowers, and friendly service add to the package.

Life Cafe
343 East 10th St.
212-477-8791
Credit cards accepted: Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: In Expensive
Cuisine type: Mexican/American/Vegetarian
This is the same Life Cafe as featured in the hit musical Rent. The walls in this casual, often crowded eatery are covered with art works from local artists. There's also seating in the garden area in back. Menu items include burritos, burgers, fried chicken, and a number of vegetarian and vegan items. Reservations are recommended on weekends.

Mars 2112
1633 Broadway at 51st Street
212-582-2112
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Inexpensive
Cuisine type: Asian/American
The theme here, as the name implies, is rather unearthly and features pan Asian global fusion. Inside is a giant screen with a view of Mars and all its craters, a simulation ride that transports you from earth to Mars in less than five minutes, and an arcade called Cyber Street with 20 games or more. The food is more of this planet, featuring basic pastas, sushi, babyback ribs, pizza, and hamburgers. There is also a bar lounge for cocktails.

Mesa Grill
102 Fifth Ave. between 15th and 16th streets
212-807-7400
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Expensive
Cuisine type: Southwestern
Since opening in 1991, this vibrant, colorfully decorated eatery has earned kudos from the likes of Zagat and New York Magazine. The inventive, southwestern-influenced menu includes such rarities as blue corn tortilla-crusted red snapper, tangerine and red chili glazed tuna, and sweet potato and scotch bonnet ravioli. Dinner is certain to be as zesty as the atmosphere.

Michael Jordan's--The Steakhouse N.Y.C.
23 Vanderbilt Ave. at Grand Central Terminal
212-655-2300
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Expensive
Cuisine type: American/Steakhouse
If you're wondering how this retired basketball legend is occupying his time, he has now joined the ranks of New York restaurateurs. His steakhouse, on the balcony of Grand Central Terminal, also serves up salmon, chicken, and lobster dishes. Inside there is also a retail store with more than 250 items, including some memorabilia signed by Jordan himself. Two- to three-week advance reservations are required for the dining room. Parties of two or singles can eat at the bar.

Montrachet
239 West Broadway between Walker and White streets
212-219-2777
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Expensive
Cuisine type: French
Montrachet's intimate atmosphere offers both romantic and family appeal. You can drown yourself in the wine list, which features more than 850 selections, the majority from Burgundy France--a feature that has made Montrachet an international draw since opening in 1985. To accompany the wine you can try an appetizer of warm Fisher Island oysters served with a champagne sauce, caviar, a main course of Truffle crusted salmon and served over braised baby root vegetables with red wine sauce. Reservations are required.

Nobu
105 Hudson St. at Franklin Street
212-219-0500
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Expensive
Cuisine type: Japanese-Peruvian
Considered by many critics to be the top Japanese food restaurant in New York City, this bright and vibrant eatery specializes in flavorful cooked fare like yellowtail with jalapeno, sea bass cooked with chile, and black cod with miso. Tuna sashimi is another favorite, and the dining room includes a sushi bar. Dinner for one will cost upward of or . Reservations are recommended and can be made one month in advance.

Obeca-Li
62 Thomas St. between Church Street and West Broadway
212-393-9887
Credit cards accepted: American Express, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Expensive
Cuisine type: Asian
This massive space (15,000 square feet, making it officially the largest restaurant in New York) includes private tasting rooms, a private saki lounge, banquet space, and a kobachi bar (the Japanese answer to tapas). Known for some of the best sushi in the city, Obeca-Li also offers other Asian and European fare such as ginger-glazed chicken wild mushroom risotto and baked salmon. Entrees run from to . Reservations are recommended.

Official All Star Cafe
1540 Broadway at 45th Street
212-840-8326
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Inexpensive/Moderate
Cuisine type: American
This two-story sports bar and cafe brims with memorabilia from greats like Shaquille O' Neal, Wayne Gretzky, Ken Griffey Jr., Joe Montana, Tiger Woods, Monica Seles, and Andre Agassi--all of whom are celebrity owners. You'll also find local sports fare like New York Jets' Vinnie Testaverde's jersey. Sports fans can order the basic burgers, pasta, steak, ribs, and salads, or drink at the bar on either floor.

Passage to India
308 East 6th St. between First and Second avenues
212-529-5770
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Moderate
Cuisine type: Indian
It's difficult to choose from the glut of Indian restaurants along 6th Street, but Passage to India is one of the best of the lot. Live musicians play on occasion and the Indian breads, curries, tandooris, and chutneys are all well spiced. Entrees run from about to.

The River Cafe
1 Water Street (under the Brooklyn Bridge)
718-522-5200
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Very Expensive
Cuisine type: American
Though you'll need to taxi it over to Brooklyn to get here, the River Cafe shows off some of the best views of Manhattan, making it one of the more romantic New York City spots. The cafe, which has been under the Brooklyn Bridge for more than 20 years, serves a prix-fixe menu for about including items like crisp black sea bass and fennel and endive soup. Reservations are recommended.

Russian Samovar
256 West 52nd St. between Broadway and Eighth Avenue
212-757-0168
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Moderate
Cuisine type: Russian
Get a taste of Moscow without the jet lag. The food here--lamb shish kebobs, beef stroganoff, poached salmon, chicken Kiev, and the like--packs almost as much punch as their homemade flavored vodkas, like cranberry, raspberry, kiwi, curry, horseradish, ginger, or garlic. The Samovar also has a cigar bar and piano player who starts at 7pm.

Shun Lee Palace
155 East 55th St. between Third and Lexington avenues
212-371-8844
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Expensive
Cuisine type: Chinese Considered one of Manhattan's best Chinese restaurants, this spacious room attracts quite a crowd. Dinner specialties include Peking duck and Szechuan-style lobster. Reservations are recommended.

Sun Lok Kee
13 Mott St., between Pell Street and Chatham Square
212-732-7295
Credit cards accepted: Cash only
Price range: Inexpensive
Cuisine type: Chinese
Seafood is the specialty at this popular Chinatown restaurant. Cantonese-style clams and the like are tastier here than many of the other Chinatown eateries.

Thailand Restaurant
106 Bayard St. between Baxter and Mulberry Streets
212-349-3132
Credit cards accepted: American Express
Price range: Inexpensive
Cuisine type: Thai
Thai basics like chicken with green curry sauce are offered at an inExpensive
price. The casual atmosphere matches the easy-going check.

Times Square Brewery Restaurant
160 West 42nd St. between Sixth and Seventh avenues
212-242-9338
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Moderate
Cuisine type: American/Continental
Known for its array of microbrews, patrons can also enjoy views of the renovated Times Square. Dinner choices can range from Cajun chicken spinach salad to a honey salmon filet.

TriBeCa Grill
375 Greenwich St. at Franklin Street
212-941-3900
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Moderate to Expensive
Cuisine type: American
Dine here and there's a good chance you might spot celebrities like Harvey Keitel or Bill Murray at this R obert DeNiro-owned spot. Grilled specialties can range from a rack of lamb to red snapper. Entrees run about to .

Union Square Cafe
21 East 16th St. at Fifth Avenue
212-243-4020
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, Discover MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Moderate to Expensive
Cuisine type: American/Italian
One of New York's most popular restaurants boasts friendly service and a seasonal menu that can include fish steaks, pastas, and more. The wine selection is extensive. Reservations are required.

Vong
200 East 54th St. at Third Avenue
212-486-9592
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Very Expensive
Cuisine type: Thai-French
Possibly one of the only places you'll find Thai-French fusion, such as Thai lobster and curried rabbit. The decor is more Thai, with the outside fashioned into a gold-leaf temple.

Zen Palate
663 Ninth Avenue at 46th Street
212-582-1669
Credit cards accepted: American Express, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Moderate
Cuisine type: Asian
The all-vegetarian chain cooks up some creative, tasty dishes. Spinach wan ton soup, basiled vegetarian ham, and sweet yam fries are some of the highlights. It even serves vegetarian desserts, like tofu honey pie. There are three locations in the city.

Zoe
90 Prince Street at Mercer Street
212-966-6722
Credit cards accepted: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa
Price range: Moderate to Expensive
Cuisine type: American/International
This spacious, colorfully painted eatery offers an ever-changing menu of American-style foods like lamb, beef, and game cooked with French, Asian, Mexican, and Italian influences. The massive wine list is one of the highlights here. Reservations are required.