Wow, it really is overwhelming how many choices we have. It shouldn't be this difficult. Maybe, I'll just put the contenders in a hat and randomly choose! Thanks everyone!

Howard, you do mention three good restaurants. We've been to all three but I'd say it's been at least three or four years now since we've been to any of them. I'm not sure why that is, except they all seem more expensive and really no better than some of the other options. Remi, in particular, is quite pricey (and certainly more upscale in feel) but I never found the food any better than some of the others. I find it hard to beat the veal scallopine at Roberto Passon's for example, while Remi's in half again as much in cost. And my favorite -- slow cooked rabbit with polenta -- is not only TWICE the cost at Remi as Passon, but clearly not as good as far as I was concerned. That's one dish I had both places.

Orso is nice, but has a rather short and limited menu. Sometimes I look at it and nothing really appeals. And I will say that the time we did pasta as a main course there, we left rather hungry. I don't like huge portions, but their's was really small. I suppose it would have been fine as a first course, but not as a main.
I just never think of Lattanzi -- I'm not sure why. It's quite good.

Becco is always a favorite. you could also try Bond 45, I love their Mozzarella samplers. Fresco by Scotto is more upscale, in the 50s and closer to Madison/Park, so you would probably need to cab it from there.

I've never understood the excitement about Becco. Sure they give you all the pasta you want, but all three were very bland every time I went. Give me one good pasta with something wonderful like a lamb ragu or lots of porcini or various somewhat exotic ingredients. The ones I've had have always been pretty mundane.

La Masseria

Patrick, I must admit that part of the reason I like all three of those restaurants (besides their good food, of course) is the ambiance of all three.
And, as for Remi, I love its wine list as well!!

remi is very good. my personal fave is nocello's on 55th and 8th. there is also la vineria on 55th and 6th.

Etcetera Etcetera is a great suggestion. I have to try Roberto Passon, it certainly has a strong following and is mentioned often. I always love to go to Lattanzi as well. Have a wonderful time!

Topping for a trip in September.

I have eaten at Becco and TreColori and they are mediocre at best.

I look for value restaurants not expensive. I will not argue about where to eat. If people want to eat at mediocre places then it just leaves open tables at the other places.

The same is true for Le Bonne Soup and Un Duex Trois. Le Bonne Soup exists on 30 year reputation (ate their about a month ago for the first time in a lomg time and it os clearly nothing special). And Un, Duex, Trois, is at the bottom of the list for French bistro in NYC.

I have the same argument for these restaurants as I have for Times Square, It is part of NYC, but it is a very small part of NY. The lights however, make it look brighter.