Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Manhattan Retarurants

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Manhattan Retarurants

A pretty general question, I know, but what are some good restauraunts in upper-mid Manhattan that one could get a reservation the same day and not cost an arm and a leg? I'm taking my wife for the first time this month, and there is so much to choose from, I dont know where to start!

Three questions: 1. What do you consider "upper-mid Manhattan"? 2. What price range does "not cost an arm and a leg" translate into? 3. What type(s) of food?

Most New Yorkers will be confuded by your "Upper Mid Manhattan". Downtown usually means below 14th Street, Midtown is 34th to Central Park, Upper East Side is E 59th Street & North, and Upper West is W 59th & North. (Within that of course, there are specific refences Little Italy, Tribeca, Times Square, etc.) As Howard stated, a little guidance will help narrow down some choices. BTW, you might want to consider ordering a Zagats restaurant guide. Most of us who live here refer to it fairly frequently as it is the most comprehensive source for restaurants.

I mean somewhere within walking distace or a short cab ride from Times Square. We are staying at ehe Gorham Hotel on 136 W 55 Street, which, I beleive, is very close to Times Square. Thanks

You're about 8 blocks north of what is really the "Times Square" area, so yes it is a short walk. I still don't know how many limbs you're prepared to give up for a mean. It is New York midtown, so much will cost you at least an arm, some an arm and a leg, and some may be two arms, two legs and and an eye! But here are a couple of good suggestions that aren't at the top of the price scale at least that are very close to you. None will be "cheap", however all should be able to take you on the same day you call, and you likely could do without reservations, but I'd suggest you make them anyway. Red Eye Grill 56th at 7th. Great seafood. Molyvos on 7th between 56th and 57th. Greek. Osteria del Circo, 55th between 6th and 7th almost right next to your hotel. This is the most outstanding one on this list -- the cheaper sibling of Le Cirque 2000. Utsav (upstairs, enter from 46th or 47th just east of 7th Ave. Great Indian food, and a super bargain buffet at lunch. Trattoria Dell'Arte, 7th Ave. between 56th and 57th. Good food, nice atmosphere, medium price range. Stage Deli and Carnegie Deli; both on 7th between 53rd and 55th. Popular delis where you get more than any human should ever thing of eating. Beware of "sharing" charges though. International Soup Kitchen: 55th between Broadway and 8th. The place of the famous soup Nazi from Seinfeld. This may be the cheapest place on this list, but probably the most "overpriced" one.

I'll also endorse Red Eye Grill. If you like Chinese food, then go to Shun Lee Palace on East 55th, between Lexington and Third Avenues, about five blocks from your hotel. It's one of New York's best.

Jimmoi you are in a GREAT location! There are tons of restaurants at all prices very close to you. But I agree with Ryan, get yourself a Zagat Guide. It's not just a listing with reviews, it also tells you about special prix fixe menus etc. Patrick's list is great. Another choice to add to your list is Tang Pavillon for chinese at 65 w 55th (this is busy at lunch time so a reservation would be good but it quieter at night).

We really enjoyed Virgil's Real Barbecue when we were in NYC recently. It's at 152 West 44th St., just a half block off of Times Square. We liked it so much we ate there twice. It's pretty popular, so I recommend a reservation. However, we didn't have one, and were seated both times after waiting in the bar area for about half an hour. The food was great, the service prompt and friendly, and the prices reasonable (if cost is an issue, you can get plenty to eat by ordering a barbecue or po boy sandwich, which are less expensive than the entrees, but quite delicious). You can check out their menu & prices at www.virgilsbbq.com.

I totally agree with Howard on Shun Lee. It's great but a bit further from the hotel & more expensive than Tang but really special.

You could also check out Rosa Mexicano on 62nd and Columbus. Very upscale mexican with lots of grilled fish and steaks on the menu. Decor is great. Won't break the bank, even with their famous frozen pomegranite margaritas. Afterwards, you can walk off the meal by strolling around Lincoln Center which is right across the street.

You'd probably need a reservation for Rosa Mexicana. Here are a couple of moderately priced choices nearer to your hotel: I like an Italian restaurant called Bricco at 304 West 56th. I've been there many times and never had anything bad come out of their kitchen. Although a bit touristy, La Bonne Soupe at 48 West 55th Street betw. Fifth Ave. & Ave. of the Americas has a great cheese fondu as well as a tasty French-style steak (although it's small by American standards). Also, if you walk over to Nineth Avenue and turn left (South), there are a lot of moderately priced ethnic restaurants, some of which are quite good (Thai, Chinese, Brazilian, Afghan, Indian, just to name a few of the cuisines respresented).

I had friends who just returned and loved the Red Eye Grill. One of my personal favorites is Petrossian.

I second the suggestion of Molyvos on 7th--fantastic! We popped in for a light meal and ended up having appetizers, entrees and dessert--even the waitress was bemused at what we managed to put away, but what can I say? It was great! Cute atmosphere, too, warm and cozy, not terribly formal.

I'd definatly endorse the red eye grill and I'd definatly insist on getting a zagats. I have a 2003 edition but since I depend on it I tried the online version which is $1.50/day or $2.50/month which I did and for planning to eat for a vacation I think you should atleast do that. Another question- When are you going? If it's more towards the summer you can go to a nice outdoor restaurant near central park b/c you arent that far but the zagats guide has touched on any topic you can think of.

Hey, while talking about Zagat's, anyone with a fair amount of dining experience in particular major cities should register to review for Zagat's. I'm on their list and annually comment on the restaurants in LA, SF, and NYC and as a result get free Zagat guides each year.

Thanks everyone. By the way, where does one get this "Zagats Guide"?

I think you can usually buy them at a good bookstore, Barnes and Noble for example. Or you can go on line to www.zagat.com and order them there to be sent to you.