26 Seats

168 Ave B, between 10th and 11th St, New York, NY 10009 212-677-4787

Description: EAST VILLAGE. This intimate restaurant is one of the East Village's best. True to its name, 26 Seats doesn't offer much in the way of space, but what they do offer is excellent French dining at an affordable price. Starters such as Saucisson Lyonnais (garlic sausage with potatoes and Balsamic vinaigrette) and Pissaladiere (caramelized onion tart) set the tone for well-executed entrees. Try the Poulet Moutard, a grilled Balsamic chicken breast with ginger and sautern mustard, or the Entrecote au poive, a ribeye steak with peppercorn sauce. A small but worthy wine list and daily soup and dessert specials will complete your meal.
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Balthazar

80 Spring St, between Broadway and Crosby St, New York, NY 10012 212-965-1414

Description: SOHO. This fashionable little spot is straight off a Paris movie set: smartly clad waiters, tile-work, ceiling fans, elegant furnishings and leather banquettes. The well-heeled crowd enjoys the brasserie-style fare ­ not to mention the oyster and shellfish bar. Balthazar also offers a great morning menu with everything from sour cream-hazelnut waffles to a full English breakfast. The weekend brunch, meanwhile, draws a who's who of industry folks for dandies like brioche French toast and grilled brook trout. Terrific Bloody Marys, too! TRAIN: 6 to Spring St
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Bistro Les Amis

180 Spring St, New York, NY 10012 212-226-8645

Description: SOHO. This French bistro offers pleasant atmosphere, great meals, and friendly, expert service. For a taste of the kitchen's skill, try crispy salmon in a lemon-ginger infusion or cognac-crusted filet mignon. A great deal, their three-course prix fixe option is available between 5:30pm and 7pm. TRAIN: C, E to Spring St
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Bouley

163 Duane St, New York, NY 10013 212-964-2525

Description: TRIBECA. Talented, creative chef David Bouley truly turns heads and stuns palates with this New French dining treasure. Like his other ventures (the original Bouley, Danube), this gem of a restaurant features a stunning interior, with red, barrel-vaulted ceilings and radiant orange accents. Standout à la carte mains include roasted Atlantic halibut with baked organic beets, black sea bass in sea scallop crust, and organic Long Island duckling with lavender-honey glaze. For truly memorable experience, tasting menus are available at lunch and dinner. Reservations a must on Friday and Saturday evenings. TRAIN: A, C, 1, 2, 3, 9 to Chambers St
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Capsouto Freres

451 Washington St, at Watts St, New York, NY 10013 212-966-4900

Description: TRIBECA. This elegant French restaurant is as popular for its laid-back atmosphere as it is for its fine contemporary fare. Inside, you'll find a comfortable, exposed brick dining area accented by plants, fresh cut flowers, white tablecloths and a warm, bistro atmosphere. The dinner menu features such traditional favorites as venison with juniper berry sauce, pan-roasted Mediterranean striped bass and loin of lamb au jus. Their spectacular Sunday brunch wows patrons with everything from a ratatouille omelet to grilled tuna with vincotto sauce. Of course, a cheese sampler should cap off any great meal ­ Capsouto Freres' doesn't disappoint. There are both prix fixe and a la carte options available. Reservations are suggested. TRAIN: 1, 9 to Canal St
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Casimir

103 Ave B, between 6th and 7th Ave, New York, NY 10009 212-358-9683

Description: EAST VILLAGE. Located in the old Hotel Galvez site, this quaint French bistro offers brasserie favorites. Try the filet mignon or steak frites and save room for one of the delectable desserts. European style and attitude abound in this cozy French delight. Enjoy a drink or dinner in the intimate lounge populated by chic Village denizens. Business Casual. Reservations recommended. TRAIN: F to Second Avenue; 6 to Astor Place.
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Ceci-Cela Patisserie

55 Spring St, New York, NY 10012 212-274-9179

Description: The name means "this and that," and it adequately portrays this little French café located between Lafayette and Mulberry. You'll find an interesting and varied dessert menu that includes lighter than air pastries and croissants that are truly heavenly. TRAIN: 6 to Spring St
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CRU

24 5th Ave, at 9th St, New York, NY 10011 212-529-1700

Description: WEST VILLAGE. Yes, the wine list is enormous; as a rule, they stock enough to give everybody in Dover, DE a bottle ... actually, make that two. The decor is tastefully stylish, with the chocolate-stained furniture posing a nice complement to the cream-hued walls. The food, of course, truly cements the place's name among the Village elite, thanks to superbly done dishes like capon breast with baked chestnut ricotta, Johnson cod with German potato salad, and European turbot with parsley root purée. TRAIN: N, R to 8th St; A, C, E, F, V to W 4th St
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Degustation

239 E 5th St, between 2nd Ave and Cooper Sq, New York, NY 10003 212-979-1012

Description: EAST VILLAGE. Another of innovative restaurateur Jack Lamb's creations, Degustation is a marked departure from nearby sushi stalwart, Jewel Bako. Here, Lamb opts for a European feel and a tapas-centered menu. The snug place has generated a great deal of buzz in foodie circles, and for good reason. Quite simply, patrons adore sitting at the bar, sipping wine and looking on as the kitchen offers wonderful small-plate treatments of quail eggs, stuffed squid, rabbit and mackerel. Seating is limited, so reservations are a must. TRAIN: 6 to Astor Pl
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French Roast Downtown

78 W 11th St, 11th St and 6th Ave, New York, NY 10011 212-533-2233

Description: WEST VILLAGE. Open 24-hours daily, this downtown French bistro offers a great choice for an early morning meal when you have the time to savor tasty dishes, read a paper and do a bit of people watching from the outdoor tables. The eclectic décor showcases mismatched tables and serves as the perfect backdrop for the interesting collection of folks that gather here all hours of the day and night. TRAIN: F to 14th St
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Jules Bistro

65 St. Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003 212-477-5560

Description: EAST VILLAGE. Attracting a younger and more lively crowd, this French bistro offers live jazz nightly after 9pm. French-trained chef Sebastian brings his classic, European style to bear on his offerings of goodies like escargot, steak frites and seared duck breast. Outdoor dining is available, and reservations are recommended, especially on the weekends. TRAIN: 6 to Astor Pl; L to 1st St
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Le Jardin Bistro

25 Cleveland Pl, New York, NY 10012 212-343-9599

Description: NOLITA. Nestled between Kenmare and Spring, this popular French bistro has patrons clamoring over how to land tables in its coveted garden area. Indeed, there are only a few restaurants in New York that offer a European-style garden dining area as tranquil as Le Jardin's. Customers typically spend a fair amount of time here, enjoying their favorite wines and the traditional Country French menu. Reservations strongly suggested. TRAIN: 6 to Spring St
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L'Ecole

462 Broadway, between Broome & Grand St, New York, NY 10013 212-219-3300

Description: SOHO. A restaurant of the French Culinary Institute, this establishment serves as the training ground for future master chefs. The menu changes frequently, offering the best of seasonal produce. Exceptional service and tasteful decor make this a great place for a business lunch, or a romantic dinner. The 3 course prixe-fixe lunch menu is $27; 4-5 course dinner menu is $40. A la carte options also available. TRAIN: 6 to Spring St
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New Jack's Luxury Oyster Bar

101 2nd Ave, between 5th & 6th St, New York, NY 10079 212-979-1012

Description: EAST VILLAGE. A converted carriage house, with walls now dressed in red and white plaid, provides the setting for this intimate little East Villager, where traditional French bistro and New Orleans fare find their confluence. Fish and seafood headline this tour de force ­ from oysters Rockefeller with pancetta and spinach to lobster flavored by spices from the Big Easy. As space is limited (the place can seat, perhaps, two dozen people) and Jack's reputation seems to grow daily, reservations are essential. Tasting menu $50. TRAIN: 6 to Astor Pl
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Odeon

145 W Broadway, New York, NY 10013-3373 212-233-0507

Description: TRIBECA. Opened in 1980, this place is still going strong as one of the most popular places for a casual weekend brunch. Try some of the delicious buttermilk pancakes slathered in cranberry (winter) or strawberry (summer) butter, or munch on an exceptionally tasty seared tuna sandwich. Actually, any item from the New American/French menu is sure to please. While brunching, you may catch a glimpse of some celebs as many are known to frequent this exciting bistro. Jacket and tie not required. Reservations recommended. TRAIN: A, C, 1, 2, 3, 9 to Chambers St
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Once Upon a Tart

135 Sullivan St, between Prince & Houston St, New York, NY 10012 212-387-8869

Description: SOHO. This bakery/café brings you delectable desserts as well as great lunch and dinner items. On entering the doors of this eatery, you get the feeling of a hometown bakery. Although this establishment is located in a neighborhood that still feels a little homey, it is close enough to the shopping and dynamic energy offered by SoHo ­ the best of both worlds. $10 minimum for credit cards. TRAIN: C, E to Spring St; N,R to Prince St; 1,9 to Houston
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Raoul's

180 Prince St, between Thompson & Sullivan St, New York, NY 10012 212-966-3518

Description: SOHO. Chic and trendy, this French establishment is a popular place for both locals and celebrities. Some have defined this little spot as being hip and funky due to its photo and painting-covered brick walls and dim, brasserie atmosphere. Menu items include roast organic chicken with butternut squash, Montauk flute with roquette, and poached mackerel with preserved lemon. TRAIN: C, E to Spring St
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Tartine

253 W 11th St, New York, NY 10014 212-229-2611

Description: WEST VILLAGE. Don't be surprised if you have to wait in line to get into Tartine ­ this cozy French bistro offers delicious, authentic fare at very un-New York prices! Locals gladly wait knowing they will be feasting on traditional favorites such as rich quiche with red peppers, onions, goat cheese and basil; crispy Croque Monsieur; and special French onion soup topped with a flaky crust instead of the usual cheese. Make sure to try the tarte tatin with homemade ice cream for dessert. Tartine does not serve alcohol, but feel free to bring your own wine. TRAIN: A, B, C, D, E, F to West 4th Street Washington Square Station
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The Elephant

58 E 1st St, New York, NY 10003 212-505-7739

Description: EAST VILLAGE. The Village is synonymous with quaint, Parisian-style cafés that are great places to sip coffee and engage in an intimate chat, right? Well, with the leopard and disco ball, the tropically themed Elephant, located between First and Second Avenues, is not one of these. The restaurant's Thai-French menu echoes the eclecticism of its trendy crowd of beautiful people and hip Village denizens. Expect to find everything from Chef Eric LaGrange's special Thai Burger with mixed greens to his bold beef salad with mango chutney and garlic confit. Dinner reservations are suggested. TRAIN: F to 2nd Ave
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Tocqueville

1 E 15th St, between Union Square W and 5th Ave, New York, NY 10003 212-647-1515

Description: UNION SQUARE. The creative husband-wife team of Marco Moreira and Jo-Ann Makovitzky once thrilled NYC palates while running the Marco Polo Cafe. These days, it's their Tocqueville that's turning heads. The kitchen, led by Chef Moreira, continually pushes the envelope with brilliant mains like wild salmon wrapped in Savoy cabbage, Nantucket cod and Manilla clams with summer squash, and the sinfully seared, dry-aged "sixty-second" sirloin. The scene, meanwhile, is one of sophisticated simplicity ­ walls painted in a mellow, buttery hue, subtle lighting and white linens. TRAIN: N, R, L, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St-Union Sq
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