Dining Suggestions for NYC trip
 

Hubby and I are off to Manhattan for a few days next week. Most of the trip we will play by ear since we have been several times before, but I want to visit the Brooklyn Museum (where I have never been) and was wondering if anyone could suggest a great place for lunch in the vicinity. Also, we will be staying in the upper east side and I was curious about restaurant suggestions in that area. Most of what I've seen on this forum is in lower Manhattan, and while we will definitely be spending some time there, I haven't seen much related to the upper east side. So thanks for any tips.

Julie

Where on the UES? There are tons of places in all different ranges and categories.

From touristy: Serendipity, The Boathouse in Central Park;

To uber-luxurious: Aureole, Daniel, Cafe Boulud; David Burke

To top local favorites: Elios (Italian), Il Vagabando (old-school Italian); Atlantic Grill (fin fare), Sushi of Gari, Beyoglu (Turkish), Sarabeths (brunch/breakfast); J.G. Mellon (burgers); Sfoglia (to name a few);

To well-known quick/in-expensive/tasty: Papaya King (hot dogs), Le Pain Quotidien (sandwiches/bread/pastries), Payard Bistro (French Desserts); Ciao Bella (ice cream/gelato); Totonno's or Nick's or Pintaile's (brick oven pizza).

To notorious: Rao's (foh'getaboutit), Elaine's.

Before someone comments - I know Rao's is in Harlem not the UES but, I don't know how many times I've heard real estate brokers try and market apartments above 100th street as the UES. If they're going to annex the UES to Harlem to sell real estate, I'm going to annex Harlem restaurants.

The upper east side is large running from the 60's to the 90's. Where will you be, what kinds of food do you like and what sort of budget? Do you know about menupages.com ?

Thanks - whew, that's a lot already. We are staying at the Franklin on 87th.

And thanks, I had seen menupages mentioned before, but had forgotten about it. I'll check it out.

We love any kind of food and while we sometimes eat at the uber-fancy places, mostly we like good food in a nice atmosphere.

My favorites in the near vicinity to you would be Atlantic Grill (love the nori-wrapped tuna and banana tower); Elios (never a bad meal and you'll usually see someone local and famous); JG Mellon (best burgers in the UES if not the city); Roma Pizza on 88th/3rd (best non-brick oven pizza in the city if you ask me); Beyoglu is right there, always packed and has awesome bread and a great vegetarian platter; and - if you like sushi and your wallet can take it - Sushi of Gari.

Some of my favorites:

Spigolo
Sfolgia
Etats Unis (American)
Atlantic Grill

You might also like Cafe d'Alsace (terrific beer and wine lists); Erminia (romantic Italian) Quattro Gati (a bit pricier but very good Italian) Gobo (very tasty, reasonable vegetarian) Pintaille's Pizza (very good by-the-slice, thin crust pizza) . . . there are tons of places right around your hotel.

Thanks much. I've now got WAY more places to go than we have time for. It will be hard to decide.

Hate to bring it up again, but does no one have advice for lunch near the Brooklyn Museum? I think that question got lost in the shuffle.

Really appreciate all the advice!

Julie

Sorry to redirect a board user to another site but you'll get many more responses about Brooklyn restaurants here:
http://chowhound.chow.com/boards/19

thanks ciaony, I'll check that out.