Fodor's Expert Review Twist by Pierre Gagnaire

The 23rd floor of the Waldorf Astoria is the only place in the United States to experience food from renowned French chef Pierre Gagnaire. He pioneered the "fusion" movement in cooking, and every dish blends flavor and texture in surprising ways. To wit: appetizers such as a foie gras terrine with smoked cranberries and smoked duck breast or entrées of lobster or Dover sole fricassee. Desserts are just as appealing—consider the roasted pineapple with pink peppercorn and kirsch parfait bar. Dinner can be ordered à la carte or as part of a five- or six-course tasting menu, or seven-courses with wine pairings; there's also a five- or six-course vegetarian tasting menu. The restaurant is sexy and sophisticated, with an expansive wine loft (reached by a glass staircase) and nearly 300 illuminated globelike spheres that float above the dining room like tiny moons.