Zagats is really reliable & accurate.
try website or book.

Don't know if it's been mentioned yet. . . . . for an AMAZING italian meal, definately on the pricey side, Campagnola 1382 First Ave. (bet. 73rd & 74th Sts.)
I can't wait to go back

Patrick, I would second the Zaggats, since we have over 10,000 restaurants in Manhattan alone, you will have so many choices and restaurants tend to come and go a bit in this city.

I was a bit surprised no one mentioned Quartro Gati which is one of the best Italian restaurants in the city and it is at 81st between 2nd and 3rd aves.
The food is excellent and they have a very good wine list. It is our regular for New Year's Eve and special occasions. Moderately priced and in the summer there is an outdoor cafe.

Also would recommend Restaurant Row in the Theatre District.

Also look into events at Lincoln Center, there are lots of programs going on there over the spring and summer months.

Have a great time while you are here.

The great thing about the Zagats book is that they have listings by neighborhood in addition to by cuisine type. You'll find a complete alphabetical listing for upper east side, midtown, Chelsea etc. - very helpful.

Yes, I have the Zagat guide and believe in it strongly, but there are over 200 listings for the East 60's, 70's, and 80's alone, and most have somewhat mixed reviews. From Zagat's I had already starred Barking Dog as what sounded like a casual "don't miss" type place, but after reading the comments here, I think we may pass. I'm really appreciating the personal comments of people's favorite "neighborhood" spots.

Your point is well taken Patrick. In the process of wandering neighborhoods and "menu-shopping" I've also found some great places that weren't in the Zagat's guide - hopefully posts like this will continue to reveal some of those hidden treasures.

You've gotten a lot of great suggestions, Patrick. I for one don't always trust Zagat, and it's good to get first-hand opinions from all of these helpful people.

I wanted to add that if you like Irish music, Doc Watson's has it live every Sunday night, and it's a really terrific way to spend the evening. Their shepherd's pie and burgers are delicious, the bartenders are as friendly as can be, and the place attracts a great, diverse crowd. I'd definitely recommend it.

there are a lot of great suggestions here... I did a quick scan, so I'm sorry if some of these are repetitive. Luke's (great burgers, salads), JG Melon (best burgers!!), Annies (good for brunch), Vermicelli (awesome Vietnamese, better than chinese, Sarabeth's (especially for brunch)... in the 60's, Cabana (for latin/south american)or Seredipidy (touristy, but awesome frozen hot chocolate... worth a visit). in the 80's DT UT for dessert and coffee (funky old couches, homey), Elaines (a NY legend, Cilantro, and Mustang... enjoy it all!!

We recently had one of the best meals we have ever had at Park Avenue Cafe - 63rd between Lex and Park.

Here is what Zagats had to say...

PARK AVENUE CAFE

East 60s
100 E. 63rd St. (bet. Lexington & Park Aves.) New York, NY, 10021-7303 (212) 644-1900

Neil Murphy continues to turn out "witty", "inventive" New American fare that draws a smart crowd to this East Side "oasis of comfort and elegance" with an "upscale" Americana look; though costly, it clicks on all fronts, with "pro" service, a "beautiful brunch", "masterful" desserts and even a "memorable bread basket"; try the chef's table for an "A+" experience.

Our entire party liked it so much we booked the chef's table for a return visit.

If you go you have to have the Lobster Steak - it was phenomenal!!!

Patrick, in his post "My love/hate relationship with NY," Daniel mentions the eating options in the area around NY Hospital/Rockefeller U., which is 68th St. near 1st Ave. (though he doesn't make specific recommendations). I don't really have specific recommendations for the area, but I should have thought of it because I have spect a lttle time around there. There are a variety of cuisines, and most places right around there are inexpensive-oderate. One in particular that come to mind is Henry's Evergreen, on 1st around 70th, a moderately-priced (not cheap corner-type) Chinese restaurant with good food and one distinctive aspect (for a Chinese restaurant): they actually have a wine list they've paid attention to, and make an effort to find wines that complement the food.

Hi Patrick,

Bella Blu is right in your area for tasty medium- to high-priced Italian. Great fancy thin-crust pizzas, delicious artichokes, and a lively crowd.

Enjoy your trip!