Restaurant reccomendations
 

Any suggestions as to restaurants generally for a family of four (including 2 teenage sons, 18 and 19)who will be in New York Dec 26,2008 to Jan,02.Apart from Japanese we enjoy most cuisine (French,Italian,English,Turkish,Indian,Chinese - in fact willing to try most things and also good fish restaurants which also cater for non-fish eaters).Budget wise we are flexible but at home in the UK we would expect to spend $30 - 50 a head but for an extra special meal we are willing to pay more.
We would also be grateful for recommendations for a restaurant on New Years Eve.We are staying on W71st street and plan to see in the new year by Central Park so any ideas nearby would be appreciated.
Lastly, is it wise to book early?

May want to re-post with NYC in the title

www.menupages.com

www.opentable.com

Can you get a Zagat guide for NYC? It's generally quite reliable.

The area you're in is packed with good inexpensive to moderate restaurants.

We like Isabella's for Italian and Ocean for fish. Gennaros - a little further uptown is great for Italian but no resies and small so get there early - and Bella Luna isn't bad.

Agree that menupaes.com has good info. You can search by neighborhood and cuisine and see actual menus with prices and and diner reviews. Also, you need to realize that the prices on the menu do not include sales tax (8%) or tips (about 20% unless the service is bad).

Since you mentioned Turkish cuisine I have to say we absolutely love "The Turkish Kitchen" on 3rd avenue.

Here's a couple of places I liked that were recommended on Fodor's before my trip last May.

Dizzy's Club Coca Cola at Lincoln Center has the most beautiful view over Central Park. We saw Bill Charlip play jazz piano, and Tony Bennett was in the audience. Thanks again to the Fodorite who steered us in that direction.

http://www.jalc.org/dccc/index.asp

The food was OK, but not great, but the atmosphere was sublimely memorable. You can make reservations on Open Table.

I enjoyed Becco on 46th for a casual post theater meal. They offer a variety of delicious breads, and a trio of all-you-can eat vegetarian pastas for $23. The atmosphere is warm and lively.

http://www.becco-nyc.com/