My husband and I are travelling to New York for five days in March. I would love some restaurant tips - there seem to be so many! We love Italian and Asian food but don't want to spend Nobu prices. Please help.

Thanks

I highly recommend checking out the Manhattan message board on Chowhound.com. You will not be steered wrong! They always have great suggestions.

Can you refine your price guideline a bit more than not wanting to spend Nobu prices? That restriction still leaves hundreds of choices!

Some good moderately priced Italian choices (as you can see I'm partial to downtown):
West Village: Osteria del Gallo Nero and Gonzo
East Village: I coppi, East Post
Lower East Side: Basso Est, Apizz
Tribeca: Gigino's

There are many good ethnic restaurants all along 9th Avenue in the West 40's that are very reasonably priced. La Caridad on West 78th Street and Broadway serves very good Puerto Rican and Chinese food. Huge portions.

Becco on W. 46th has wonderful, traditional Italian food at reasonable prices, including a 21.95 pasta dinner.

These suggestions aren't in the Nobu range, but they might run you $50-60 per person including drinks, tax and tip:
Italian:
Remi (West 53rd between 6th & 7th)
Lattanzi (West 46th between 8th & 9th)
Orso (West 46th between 8th & 9th)
Da Antonio (East 55th between Lexington & 3rd)
Chinese:
Shun Lee Palace (East 55th between Lexington & 3rd)--Chinese food gets no better than this place!

Manhattan restaurants are a very frequent topic on this forum. I'd suggest doing a search -- you'll find tons of great information.

Also check out Citysearch New York as well as Zagat's Guide.

There are literally hundreds of great Italian & Asian restaurants in Manhattan where you'll find reasonably priced cuisine.

Carmine's has wonderful italian food at reasonable prices and it is family style so you can split entrees. Reservations are highly recommended.
Ruby Foo's has wonderful chinese food and a nice atmosphere and very reasonable. If you like mexican, try
Rosa Mexicano's - the absolute best guacomole. I usually do not like guacamole but loved theirs.

If you like Asian try Tao on 59th.

If you want to splurge (a bit, not too much) go to Gramercy Tavern. That has to be the best restaurant in NY.

My husband and I particularly enjoyed Southwest 44 . It is in the area of Times Square -off about 3 blocks. It's in the fodor's Book. Very reasonable and a great atmosphere. Very small and cozy. Great for before a play.

Personally, I think Little Italy (Mulberry St) has an abundance of great little restuarants at great prices. And the atmosphere is intoxicating! The pizza at Puglio's is wonderful, especially the crust, but the service was SLOW the last time we ate there. Danico has very good food and really good prices. And try a fancy coffe at Sambuca! Shopping around the area is also fun, and close to Chinatown, too!