TRAVEL
Resources
SHORT CUTS
The expert selection
Business travel
Time and motion
The latest news, plus tips on making the most of the hours between Departures and Arrivals
SPECIAL REPORT
Global Traveller
• Confidence is returning to the business travel sector, but companies are not expecting a lightning improvement
• Playing golf is often used in building contacts and professional relationships
Related content and features
Click on links for more information
1. Union Square Café
Danny Meyer’s first restaurant has been one of New York’s most popular since 1985, loved for delicious fare served by friendly staff in comfortable surroundings. Chef Michael Romano’s new takes on American standards include the freshest ingredients from the neighboring Union Square Greenmarket.
- 21 East 16th Street at Union Square West
- 212 243 4020
- $$$ ($50 - $80)*
2. Gotham Bar and Grill
A perennial favorite. Alfred Portale was one of the first with "vertical food," delicious layers so artfully stacked you can hardly bear to disturb them. The new American fare is elegant, and the lofty, columned space is sophisticated and casual. The $20 three - course lunch is a great buy.
- 12 East 12th Street, between 5th Av & University Pl
- 212 620 4020
- $$$ ($50 - $80)*
3. Nobu
Reservations are hard to come by for Nobu Matsuhisa’s Japanese/Peruvian fusion that produces inspired dishes. Say "Omakase" ("I leave it to you") and let the waiter choose among the surprising and always sublime offerings. David Rockwell’s whimsical setting adds to the experience. Casual Nobu Next Door needs no reservations.
- Nobu
- 105 Hudson Street
- 212 219 0500
- $$$$ (over $80)*
- Casual Nobu Next Door
- 106 Hudson Street at Franklin St
- 212 334 4445
- $$$ ($50 - $80)*
4. Jean Georges
Already a culinary star from his earlier Jo Jo and Vong restaurants, Jean - Georges Vongerichten in his namesake restaurant turns out food that is among the very best in New York, transformed by the French master’s delicate sauces and creative combinations. Designer Adam Tihany has created a polished, almost austere, setting that does not upstage the four - star chef.
- 1 Central Park West, Trump International Hotel
- 212 299 3900
- $$$$ (over $80)*
5. Daniel
Another luminary of the food world, Daniel Boulud now has a flower - filled, Venetian Renaissance - inspired dining room worthy of his extraordinary talents. Seasonal menus with choices such as roasted squab with spiced pineapple or black truffle - crusted cod are divine. Lunch is a less expensive opportunity to sample the master.
- 60 East 65th Street at Park Av
- 212 288 0033
- $$$ ($50 - $80)*
6. Danube
The chemistry is just right at David Bouley’s unusual TriBeCa restaurant, offering light as air, "nouveau Austrian" food in an intimate, sensuous new spin on an old - world setting that includes Klimt - style paintings. It’s all so warm and wonderful, nobody wants to leave. Wiener schnitzel and spaetzle never had it so good.
- 30 Hudson Street
- 212 791 3771
- $$$$ (over $80)*
7. Le Cirque 2000
Some love the bright neon and Adam Tihany’s playful, curving furniture, some find it jarring amid the gilded, old - world splendor of the landmark Villard Houses. No one doubts that Le Cirque is one of the city’s better French restaurants and for many the place to see and be seen.
- 455 Madison Avenue, Palace Hotel, at 50th St
- 212 303 7788
- $$$ ($50 - $80)*
8. Le Bernardin
Seafood doesn’t come any better than at this quietly luxurious French restaurant lauded for revolutionizing the way fish is served in New York. Chef Eric Lipert seems to have no critics. Of course, perfection has its price and you’ll pay dearly, but the meal will be memorable.
- 155 West 51st Street at 6th Av
- 212 489 1515
- $$$$ (over $80)*
9. Gramercy Tavern
Another Danny Meyer success, this is perhaps New York’s most unpretentious fine dining. Tom Colicchio’s inventive American cuisine is universally praised. No reservations are needed for the less expensive Tavern area.
- 42 East 20th Street at Broadway
- $$$ ($50 - $80)*
10. Four Seasons
Restaurants come and go but this New York institution with landmark decor by Philip Johnson seems to go on forever, and it is always among the top - rated for Continental food. The Grill Room is still the prime place for power lunches, and the Pool Room is a perfect setting for special occasion dinners.
- 99 East 52nd Street at Park Av
- 212 754 9494
- $$$ ($50 - $80)*
