My wife and I will be staying at the WA at the end of this month. We are interested in restaurants around this hotel. I am talking about walking distance( 1/2 mile or so ).
Thanks

John, there are hundreds of restaurants within walking distance of the Waldorf-Astoria. Thus, two questions:
1. Price range?
2. Type(s) of food desired?

Try Citysearch, which will list restaurants near the Waldorf, and of course try www.zagat.com.

In general, east of the WA (3rd & 2nd Aves) you'll find non-tourist restaurants (neighborhood joints). Around the WA and west you'll find tourist-oriented midtown restaurants with high prices.

Thanks for your reply. We are looking for restaurants that are somewhat reasonable less than $100.00 for a nice meal. Also, looking for breakfast and lunch stops.

John, for breakfast, just walk out the Lexington Avenue exit and walk north. You'll have your choice of spots.
For dinner, do you mean $100 for 2 or $100 apiece? Either way, I agree with a previous suggestion that you buy a copy of Zagat's and then check the index for restaurants in the East 40s and 50s. You'll have a wide choice.

The conceirge at the Waldorf has a copy of Zagat's at the desk, so you can just ask there.

Also, you can try www.newyork.citysearch.com

As Ted mentioned, www.zagat.com has all the Zagat reviews, (free) and you can search by a combination of exact location ("east 50s") average price per person, ratings on food, decor, and service, and any other special features ("open late" "brunch places" "power breakfasts" etc)

Better than flipping through the books!

John, you might try looking at it for places that appeal to you, and then we can comment on your choices (and we'll also get a better idea of what you like)

Forgot to mention that you're within walking distance of what we consider the best Chinese restaurant in NYC--Shun Lee Palace, 155 East 55th (between Lexington and 3rd). Outstanding food and incredible service (or is it incredible food and outstanding service?). Definitely make reservations (212-371-8844). The last time we were there, the bill was less than $100 per couple.

There are a lot of 'em...here's a few.
Def. have lunch at caffe linda on 49th btw. lex and third. It looks like a trattoria in Florence and serves great italian food. Owners are from Italy. It's very reasonable.
Others:
-American Place (lex/50th, pricey)
-Zarela (2nd/50th+51st, no sign, great mexican, reasonable)
-Brasserie (52nd?/park+lex, pricey)
-Four Seasons (52nd?/park+lex, very expensive)
-Grand Central Oyster Bar (seafood, reasonable?, cool to check out)
-Must have a drink at Campbell Apartment in Grand Central! (next to Michael Jordan's Steak House, ask for directions)

Once again thanks for your responses. We are open about where we eat. we are traveling for the first time without our 5 children, so we are looking for memerable experiences of varied types, from very nice and romantic, to casual. I hope that makes sense. So any suggestions will be appreciated.

One of my faves is Fresco by Scotto. 52nd Street between Park and Madison (but closer to Madison). Delicious Italian food and Mrs. Scotto will make you feel like part of the family! You will need a reservation. They also have Fresco to Go next door that has carry out gourmet breakfast, salads, sandwiches, cappucino, etc, if you're looking for a quick breakfast/lunch.