I'm almost a bit bored with the NY dining scene as we go there a couple times a year. We've been to most of the top Zagat picks and am looking for something transcendent at all prices. As of now, I was thinking of Sripripanhai (sp), the highly touted Thai restaurant, and Babbo (been to Lupa and Otto--is this the other Batali we should try?). Where after that?

Babbo is outstanding. Also Mario owns Del Posto with Lida Bastianich of Felidia fame. Del Posto is outstanding as well. Have you tried Eleven Madison Park? What about Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern......

lke said it right. exactly. i would only add blue water frill, after gramercy tavern and union square cafe.

I don't know if this fits the bill, but the last time we were back in NY we went to Las Ramblas http://lasramblasnyc.com/ and it was fantastic! teeny tiny little place but the food was wonderful.

The Tasting Room @ 1st and 1st?
M

If you can get reservation, try The Little Owl on Beford Street. The menu isn't extensive and it isn't some bastion to creativity like WD50. What it does do is make relatively simple dishes to perfection. I had a roast chicken there a few weeks ago and it was well, done to perfection. We dined with another couple and I don't think between the 4 of us, there was anything left on the plate (other than my chicken bones.)

My French colleague LOVES the Spotted Pig.

I've gone with clients to MAS Farmhouse. The menu is limited, is it more creative than The Little Owl, but it is a nice little spot. If you like fish, this is a good spot. It is also in the Village.

If you could tell us some of the restaurants you've liked (or what you DIDN'T like) it might be easier to suggest places. Have you tried Momofuku Ssam Bar? Devi? Kyotofu? A Voce? Country? Apizz? Spotted Pig? New Green Bo? Tia Pol? Cookshop?

Thanks all. I have a reservation for Del Posto and Mario's tapas restaurant--the name escapes me. Will definitely try Little Owl next trip. Might try it for lunch.

My husband is the Grammercy Tavern/Union Station fan. I've liked Nobu, Picolo Angolo, Lupa, Tomoe Sushi, Veselka, Gotham Grill, Vietnamese on Doyers, Country Cafe. Definitely did not see the big deal with Peter Luger's.
Long-time NY diners--does anyone remember an amazing little ByOB Village Italian called Tratoria da Alfredo? If so, have its owners reincarnated themselves? I think I last ate there in the late 80's...

Ahhh, Trattoria d'Alfredo and Caffe d'Alfredo - I LOVED those places - Alfredo Viazzi and Marcella Hazan really ushered in new ways to think about and eat Italian food . . I miss them.

No, sadly, Alfredo is gone, but from the list of places you've liked, I would agree with all (!) the restaurants recommended previously by me, Ike and Ryan, and add a few more:

Casa Mono is the tapas restaurant you're thinking of . . . I love the food there.

Crispo on W. 14th St; Snack Taverna; The Red Cat; the Harrison; Landmarc (downtown); Mary's Fish Camp; Pearl Oyster Bar; Bellavitae; Gonzo;

Looking back at your original post, tho - 'transcendent' . . gee, that's tough. I would say, transcendent, that's Per Se. Spectacular - in every way - food wise, service wise, view wise and cost wise. Everything else mentioned are very good places, but Per Se is extraordinary.

Check out menus at www.menupages.com

Wow, if I had to pick 4 dinners in Manhattan, what would I pick?

Probably the rigatoni at Lavagna.

Pizza at Lombardi's.

A cheese course at Picholine.

Fresh fish and the peanut butter dessert at Lure Fishbar.

That's this moment's choice .. I'd probably have at least 3 different choices in 10 minutes.

If you are a fellow sushi fan (which by your posts I would assume) you might want to try Blue Ribbon on Sullivan. It's in a kind of basement location with no signs so keep an eye out.

I've also been raving about Beppe on 22nd for a while but I don't think anyone has taken me up on it. Solid food.

You all have been Viagra to my flagging NY food interests--so much so that I'm posting another NYC food thread for cheapeats!