DH and I are going to NYC next weekend for a bday party. During the day, dh would like to go to a nice lunch and the planetarium. Can anyone recommend a nice place for lunch near the planetarium. We love ALL food, but pls no italian recommendations as we are going for italian for the bday dinner. Thanks!

Depending on what you want to pay:

Nice Matin

Ocean Grill

Or check menupages.com for the west 70's - it has diner reviews and actual menus.

thanks Nytraveler - I'm not concerned with cost. Any other suggestions?

Nice Matin was my first thought.
Other upscale recommended places in the neighborhood (though a few blocks further away) are Telepan, Ouest, and Aix

Isabella's is excellent, behind the museum on the corner of 77th Street. Very convenient.

Another vote for both Isabella's and Ocean Grill, both adjacent to the museum.