RESTAURANTS

1.Le Bernardin

Seafood doesn’t come any better than at this quietly luxurious French restaurant lauded for revolutionizing the way fish is served in New York city. Chef Eric Ripert seems to have no critics. Of course, perfection has its price and you’ll pay dearly, but the meal will be memorable (for further details see Le Bernardin).

The luxurious interior of Le Bernardin

2.Nobu

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Reservations are hard to come by for Nobu Matsuhisa’s Japanese/Peruvian fusion that produces inspired dishes. Say “Omakase” (“I’ll leave it to you”) and let the chef choose from the surprising and always sublime offerings. David Rockwell’s whimsical setting adds to the experience (for further details see Nobu). Nobu Next Door, at the same address, needs no reservations and is more reasonable.

Customers dining at Nobu

3.Eleven Madison Park

11 Madison Ave • 212 889 0905 • $$$

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Indulge in a French-inspired feast – from suckling pig to tender duck to a dizzyingly delicious chocolate tart drizzled with caramel – at this grand Madison Avenue restaurant helmed by famed restaurateur Danny Meyer and chef Daniel Humm.

4.Gotham Bar and Grill

12 East 12th St, between 5th Ave & University Pl • 212 620 4020 • $$$

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A perennial favorite. Alfred Portale was one of the first with “vertical food,” delicious layers so artfully stacked you can hardly bear to disturb them. The new American fare is elegant, and the lofty space is sophisticated and casual. The three-course lunch is a great buy.

5.Jean-Georges

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Already a culinary star from his Jo Jo and Vong restaurants, in his namesake restaurant Jean-Georges Vongerichten turns out food that is among the very best in New York, transformed by the French master’s delicate sauces and creative combinations. Designer Adam Tihany has created a polished, almost austere, setting that does not upstage the 4-star chef (for further details see Jean-Georges).

6.Daniel

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Another luminary, Daniel Boulud has a Venetian Renaissance-inspired dining room worthy of his talents. Seasonal menus with choices like black truffle-crusted cod are divine. Lunch is a less expensive way to sample the master (for further details see Daniel).

7.Momofuku Ssäm Bar

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Wunderkind David Chang brings humor (and lots of pork products) to this inventive restaurant. The steamed pork buns are legendary, and one can always count on some unusual seafood and market vegetables to appear (for further details see Momofuku Ssäm Bar).

8.Per Se

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You need to call two months in advance to get a seat in Thomas Keller’s expensive restaurant. One of a handful of eateries to receive 4 stars from The New York Times, diners come for the food, service, and views of Central Park. Patrons can also visit the kitchen (for further details see Per Se).

9.Four Seasons

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This New York institution with landmark decor by Philip Johnson is always among the top-rated for Continental food. The Grill Room is still the prime place for power lunches, and the Pool Room is a perfect setting for special occasion dinners (for further details see Four Seasons).

10.Gramercy Tavern

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Another Danny Meyer success offers perhaps New York’s most unpretentious fine dining. Chef Michael Anthony has maintained the high standard here (for further details see Gramercy Tavern).