aussiedreamer

I've been reading and saving restaurant threads for ages. So I thought I would be 'cheeky' and ask for specific suggestions near our hotel.

We love FOOD and like to make 'eating' as much a part of our trip as site seeing!

Bistros, good casual dining. Not big fans of ethnic food. Good quality modern cuisine. Would love some set menu suggestions, good lunch stops. Don't mind early dinners and we hope to see some shows while there (so I guess suggestions don't need to be all by our hotel) Love to hear of a great breakfast / coffee place close by.

No kids on this trip, so really want to avoid chain type restaurants.

Thanks

mclaurie

Not sure if you include Italian in your ethnic but this is a great place
http://www.convivionyc.com/ourstory.html

aussiedreamer

sorry I new I'd leave something out.....we LOVE Italian. Ethnic I was thinking more of Asian, Indian etc.

Thanks

Aduchamp1

McLaurie-what did you have at Convivo?

Forty Second Street and south on First Avenue until you are below 14tth Street are really restaurant waste lands.

Please note, in general, besides the hamburger and chicken chains, there are very few chain restaurants in NYC outside of the Times Square and Madison Square Garden areas. You will however find Dunkin and Starbucks all over.

yk

Is Sarge's still around? That's where we used to go for a true greasy spoon breakfast.

mclaurie

Yes, Sarge's is still around. Much Adu, since you're such a gourmand, why haven't YOU made any constructive suggestions?

Aduchamp1

I do not have any recommendations within a few blocks of the UN. I did eat at the precedess of Convico, L'Impero a few years back. But since I have not eaten at Convivo, I did not feel comfortable making a recommendation. That is why I asked what you ate at Convivo.

There is an old stand-by The Palm, but there are better steakhouses in NYC.

There is also one of the best bagels Ess-A-Bagel on 51st and 3rd and Tal's on First and 52, I think it is, but I was afraid that is too far according to their description.

And although you mentioned that I was a gourmand, I try not to eat to excess.

ekscrunchy

There is a lovely new cafe at 398 East 52nd Street just east of First Avenue that serves terrific breakfasts as well as lunch and dinner. It is very much a neighborhood spot and quite charming. Prices are not inexpensive, but not outrageous either. The name is Ze Cafe.



Convivio is a great suggestion, by far the best food in the area. You also have steakhouses such as Palm on Second Avenue, and Sparks at 210 East 46th Street.

aussiedreamer

thanks all will be noted