any recommendations for a relaxed lunch for women in midtown Manhattan--6th avenue and 50s preferred---bistro/brasserie/italian/mediterranean...middle pricerange??
thanks!!

Fresco on the corner of 52nd and Madison is one option. It's lively place for lunch with good pastas, risotto, etc. Mid-high range pricewise.

Try Rue 57 at 57th and 6th Ave. Good brasserie type place.

Trattoria del Arte is around 55/56 and 7th Avenue. Very good Italian at a reasonable price with interesting actor/waiters.

As my husband would say, Rue 57 is such a chick restaurant. I usually see someone power lunching there. Joan Rivers, Barbara Walters, and Nancy Reagan are three that come to mind.

thanks!! all sound excellent.
I'd been to Trattoria del Arte some years ago for dinner and wow was it ever loud and boisterous!! wonder if it's like that a lunchtime?

Fresco is a great idea. The food is wonderful and the service is warm and friendly.

How about something different? I LOVE having a "ladies' lunch" at the Tea Room at Takashimaya. It's the Japanese department store on 5th Ave (around 54th). Downstairs they have a tea room where they serve lovely sandwiches, salads and a daily bento box. They have dozens of varieties of tea. It is a very soothing atmosphere and the food and service are great.

The new Alain Ducasse bistro "Mix" is on 58th, just off 6th Ave. Beautiful room, good food, not too noisy.

Trattoria Dell 'Arte is not as loud at lunchtime. It's somewhat of a Hollywood/entertainment hangout at lunch. Another option for Italian is Remi (53 betw 6th & 7th) but a bit more $.

For an upscale treat, La Caravelle & La Cote Basque (both on 55th betw 5-6th) have prix fixe 3 course lunches for $36-38/person or Aquavit (Scandinavian-54th betw5-6th) has a $20 prix fixe lunch.

Oooohhh. I second Takashimaya. It is lovely, spare and elegant. They also have the coolest bags if you actually buy something - they are triangular. Another chick place is T-Emporium (i think) on about 23rd or so Street. They have a nice big tea with sandwiches and desserts. Also a shop above the restaurant.