24 Prince

24 Prince St, New York, NY 10012 212-226-8624

Description: NOLITA. Attractive, contemporary dining room specializes in comfortable classics like meat loaf, steak and fries, and fried chicken.
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Aquagrill

210 Spring St, New York, NY 10013 212-274-0505

Description: SOHO. With a menu almost exclusively devoted to seafood, Aquagrill is an excellent pick for diners who want great choice and unparalleled options. Try lobster or salmon prepared to your specifications, or come early, eat oysters and people-watch. No matter what you do, save room for a perfectly prepared dessert. Locals also rave about Aquagrill's brunches, and single diners can get a great meal at the bar. TRAIN: C, E to Spring St
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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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Bubby's Pie Co.

120 Hudson St, New York, NY 10013-3217 212-219-0666

Description: TRIBECA. One of the most popular brunch spots in the city, this eatery routinely pleases crowds with such tasty options as pecan waffles and freshly squeezed orange juice. The décor hearkens back to a 1940s era train depot with a brass bar and wooden seats. Outside seating available during summer months. There's usually a wait for a table at brunch time. TRAIN: 1, 9 to Franklin St
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Caffe Falai

265 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012 212-274-8615

Description: This cozy spot feels larger than its is thanks to its sleek, white interior and the wall-mounted mirrors. Palates are treated to bold, savory flavors, thanks to a brunch menu that includes fare such as baked eggs with tomato sauce and smoked salmon, mozzarella and prosciutto panini, and poached figs with fresh ricotta and crunchy almonds. A selection of decadent pastries and desserts is also available for something on the go.
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Chinatown Brasserie

380 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10003 212-533-7000

Description: NOHO. This brash, stylish canteen wins big praise for its dim sum and barbecue. TRAIN: 6 to Bleecker St
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Clinton St. Baking Company & Restaurant

4 Clinton St, New York, NY 646-602-6263

Description: LOWER EAST SIDE. A wise bet for brunch in the LES, this charmer most assuredly benefits from having a bakery attached to it ... Actually, it's the customers who are the true beneficiaries, thanks to dandies like old-fashioned buttermilk biscuits, blueberry pancakes and brioche French toast. If you're counting carbs, don't sweat it ­ they also serve up a wicked Spanish scramble, huevos rancheros and a build-it-yourself omelet. Despite the place's popularity and upscale digs (it's a diner, sure, but a very contemporary one), its "mom-n-pop bakery" attitude is refreshingly constant. TRAIN: F to Delancey St; J, M, Z to Essex St
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Frank

88 2nd Ave, between 4th & 5th St, New York, NY 10003 212-420-0202

Description: EAST VILLAGE. Frank, a popular place with the neighborhood folks for years, serves up excellent homemade pasta dishes for very reasonable prices. Make sure you show up early for a meal at this cozy storefront restaurant, located between Fifth and Sixth Streets. Expect to see everybody here, from suit-wearing business-types to local artists and musicians ­ all of them crowded around the oak tables enjoying the likes of Uncle Tony's tasty gnocchi. TRAIN: F to 2nd Ave; 6 to Astor Pl
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Ideya

349 W Broadway, between Broome and Grand St, New York, NY 10012 212-625-1441

Description: SOHO. Primarily popular for its unmatched selection of specialty cocktails (most containing rum), Ideya enjoys the patronage of the neighborhood sophisticates hoping to be part of "the scene." Inside you'll find a tastefully done tropical theme, ceiling fans, a veritable rainbow of bottles behind the bar, island graffiti and smooth Brazilian jazz in the background. Enjoy such traditional Latin dishes as Peruvian sea scallops, Uruguayan pork chops and the house's famous Medio Dia (a delicious pressed ham and pork sandwich). Monday is Salsa Night. TRAIN: A, C, E to Canal St
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Lavagna Trattoria Italiana

545 E 5th St, between Ave A & B, New York, NY 10009 212-979-1005

Description: EAST VILLAGE. Owned and operated by Sami Kader (of Le Tableau fame), Lavagna serves up delicious Tuscan fare at a fraction of the price that it would cost you to eat at some of its East Village competitors. This charming little terra cotta trattoria fills up quickly with everybody from khaki-wearing yuppies to local artist-types, so it's best to arrive early if you want a table. House specialties include the wood-grilled sea bass, oven roasted pork chops served with flan, and a veritable cornucopia of heaping homemade pasta dishes. TRAIN: F to 2nd Ave and 4, 5, 6 to Astor Pl
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Little Giant

85 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002 212-226-5047

Description: LOWER EAST SIDE. Seasonal fare is the forte of this finely-tuned New American, located at the corner of Orchard and Broome. The brain trust behind the attractive little corner space certainly delivers some enormously good brunch dishes ­ items like the Trucker's Breakfast (scrambled eggs, hand-sliced bacon, andouille sausage and more) and Duck Club (pulled duck confit with applewood-smoked bacon, arugula and avocado). The dining room, which straddles the line between quirky and cool, features banquettes, angular cafe tables, and a wall of shelves lined with "kitcheny" odds and ends like fondue pots and pepper grinders. TRAIN: F to Delancey S; B, D to Grand St
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Lure Fishbar

142 Mercer St, New York, NY 10012 212-431-7676

Description: SOHO. Portholes, teak paneling, angular passageways and windows, cabin-inspired private rooms, and arched ceilings ­ Lure certainly impresses first-timers with its luxury liner motif. That said, it's the food ­ the truest measure of a restaurant's capacity for staying afloat ­ that makes this place SoHo's fashionable choice for fish and seafood. Those opting for bar food dining can enjoy Puget Sound oysters, artic char or Littleneck clams; meanwhile, the "Fish Board" features options like grilled swordfish with soy-ginger marinade and bay leaf-crusted seared tuna. TRAIN B, D, F, V to Broadway-Lafayette; R, W to Prince St; 6 to Bleeker
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Mama's Food Shop

200 E 3rd St, between Aves A and B, New York, NY 10009 212-777-4425

Description: EAST VILLAGE. This is comfort food better than what your own mama served! When New Yorkers hunger for meatloaf and mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese or down home fried chicken, this is where they go. Mama's gets raves for their reasonable prices as well as their satisfying grub. If you aren't in the mood for Mama's Food Shop, try Stepmama (a grill across the street) or Mama's Milk (a coffee bar next door.) Alcoholic beverages purchased from Mama's Milk are permitted in the Food Shop. TRAIN: F to 2nd Ave
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Negril Village

70 W 3rd St, New York, NY 10011 212-477-2804

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. Sample fork-tender oxtails with rice, peas and sweet plantains accompanied by Jamaican punch in a festive "reggae" atmosphere at Negril. Feel the ocean breeze (almost) as you taste the jerked shrimp in pineapple sauce with fried plantains. And the affordable prices won't leave you feeling like you have blown it out. Reservations accepted.
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Prune

54 E 1st St, between 1st & 2nd Aves, New York, NY 10003 212-677-6221

Description: EAST VILLAGE. If you are in the mood for an intimate dinner, this cozy East Village is certainly a place to try. This home-away-from-home offers an intimate dining experience, made complete by the personable waitstaff. Locals laud Chef Gabrielle Hamilton's creative menu, which features anything from grilled artichokes to filet of sea bass to roast suckling pig wrapped in bacon. Whatever you choose, you'll not be disappointed. Reservations are suggested. TRAIN: F to 2nd Ave
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Public

210 Elizabeth St, between Prince & Spring St, New York, NY 10012 212-343-7011

Description: NOLITA. This ultra-hip eatery does all it can to defy definition. The space, which juxtaposes library pieces (book and card catalog shelves) with the cool, industrial aesthetics of converted warehouse. Billed as free-spirited fusion, the fare incorporates influences from far and wide ­ that is to say, from Northern Africa to New Zealand, Europe to Southeast Asia. Starters include the likes of smoked coconut laksa with grilled Maya prawn; mains run from Thai pumpkin curry with pickled cucumber relish to snail and oxtail ravioli with pickled shiitake mushrooms. Corkage: $25 per bottle. TRAIN: 6 to Spring St; N, R to Prince St; F, V to Broadway-Lafayette; J, M to Bowery
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Pylos

128 E 7th St, between Ave A & 1st St, New York, NY 10009 212-473-0220

Description: EAST VILLAGE. Located in the Alphabet City section of the Village, this Greek restaurant sports a long, narrow main dining room that juxtaposes both the contemporary (whitewashed walls) and the traditional (the phalanx of clay pots suspended from the ceiling). It's in these confines that, perhaps, the neighborhood's top ensemble of Hellenic dishes resides. Comfort dishes like pastitsio and moussaka provide all warmth one needs on a blustery day (especially if paired with Greek wine), and the hot and cold mezethes (appetizers) are perfect for sharing with the group. TRAIN: F to 2nd Ave; 6 to Astor Pl
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Stanton Social

99 Stanton St, between Orchard St & Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002 212-995-0099

Description: LOWER EAST SIDE. A myriad of global influences find their way into the cuisine at this attractive bistro. Spanning three levels, the restaurant resonates a certain timeless quality, from the fringe covered walls and leather banquettes to the 30-foot illuminated "wine wall" and floating stairway. TRAIN: F, V to Second Ave
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The Mercer Kitchen

99 Prince St, Mercer Hotel, New York, NY 10012 212-966-5454

Description: SOHO. Don't be misled by the name; this is one fabulous restaurant. The décor is breathtaking with heavy wooden tables, brick walls and beautiful table top appointments. Feast on innovative and mouth watering food like black sea bass drizzled in lime juice and coriander, codfish wrapped in fig leaf surrounded by figs and eggplant or the rich custard topped with caramelized pineapple. Prix fixe lunch is $24. TRAIN: N, R at Prince St
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