Aldea

31 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011 212-675-7223

Description: Sleek, understated lines, a double-height dining room and white-striped glass windows make dining here an airy affair, with all the emphasis on the food. Diners can watch Portuguese-American chef George Mendes practice his art through an open kitchen. However, the concept of food-as-art is quickly trumped by the bold Iberian flavors that Mendes produces. Seafood and shellfish are staples of the menu, but the arroz de pato (a paella dimpled with chorizo, olives, and duck confit) is definitely something to savor.
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Alta

64 W 10th St, New York, NY 10011 212-505-7777

Description: The elegantly back-lit walls and the ethereal drapes make Alta a cozy, intimate space. It's perfect for conversation paired with an extensive selection of tapas. With little beauties like bacon wrapped olives, wok seared calamari, shrimp risotto and fingerling potato saltimbocca, the food is most definitely conversation-worthy. An equally thorough wine list opens up even more opportunities for flavor pairings.
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August

359 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014 212-929-4774

Description: WEST VILLAGE. August casts a warm, orange glow along the low-arched dining room, mellowed by the aroma of the restaurant's wood-fired oven. Warmth seems to issue from even the smallest of crevices in the antiqued plaster and brick walls. The pizzas, in particular, benefit from the ovens, but the fish cannot be ignored, either. An oven-roasted whole dourade, flecked with freshly picked herbs and preserved in a lemon citronette evokes the balmy breeze of the Mediterranean. Some ingredients are seasonal, so you can expect a new twist every once in a while.
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Barbounia

250 Park Ave S, New York, NY 10003 212-995-0242

Description: GRAMERCY. Cream and sandstone archways and stout columns break up the otherwise-lofty dining room of Barbounia. It's an intimate dining experience punctuated by the sizzle of the grill and clanging of pots - the chefs in the kitchen are on full display from the dining room. The exposed wood-planked ceiling overlooks dishes stocked with distinctly Mediterranean flavors. Tzatziki and hummus whet appetites that can be satisfied by lamb kebabs served with pepper chutney, pistachios and freshl-baked flatbread. If seafood is the charge, there's plenty to choose from: charred octopus or grilled swordfish steak in a garlic and paprika sauce.
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Convivium Osteria

68 5th Ave, Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY 11217 718-857-1833

Description: BROOKLYN. The block between Bergen and St. Marks hides one of the best reasons to venture across the bridge to Park Slope, for it's there that you'll find one of the borough's more rewarding culinary surprises ­ Convivium Osteria. A fun, open place to gather and savor fine wine and good times, this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant also gets the nod for its superb Italian, Spanish and Portuguese dishes. The large wooden tables and brilliant appetizers are just the right ingredients for sharing dishes with good friends. TRAIN: 2, 3 to Bergen 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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Estiatorio Milos

125 W 55th St, between 6th & 7th Aves, New York, NY 10019 212-245-7400

Description: MIDTOWN WEST. Chic Greek dining at its very best in an old-fashioned atmosphere. Diners choose from an assortment of fresh fish that is then prepared on the spot. Most menu items are seared to perfection on the open grill. Save room for one of the tantalizing desserts. Meals are an experience, so be prepared to splurge ­ and feast. Fish market inside the restaurant is stocked daily. TRAIN: B, D, E to 7th Ave
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Gennaro

665 Amsterdam Ave, between 92nd and 93rd St, New York, NY 10025 212-665-5348

Description: UPPER WEST SIDE. Perfectly prepared Italian food at a price that the rest of us can afford? Yes, that's right if you are seated at one of the small tables at Gennaro's. Chef and owner Gennaro Piccone expertly prepares dishes like melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi, succulent calamari and savory lamb. Locals know that lines form quickly and only cash is accepted. Go early to get a seat. Casual dress. TRAIN: B, C, 1, 2, 3, 9 to 96th St
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Il Buco

47 Bond St, between Lafayette & Bowery St, New York, NY 10012 212-533-1932

Description: NOHO. Designed to recall the farmhouses typical of the Umbria region, the building that houses this NoHo charmer couldn't enjoy a better history ­ long ago, back when it was an antique store, hordes of distinguished artists and writers (even Poe) gathered here for afternoon socializing. Today, 47 Bond caters to discerning palates and enthralls them with such offerings as grilled veal chop with pomegranate glaze, seam bream in Trapanese salad, and braised farro with butternut squash and pancetta. TRAIN: 6 to Bleecker St; N, R to 8th St or Prince St; B,D,F,Q to Broadway/Lafayette
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Kouzina by Trata

1331 2nd Ave, between 70th and 71st Sts, New York, NY 10021-5201 212-535-3800

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. This cozy Second Avenue Greek grill will make you want to pack up your things and head to the Old Country. Start off with one of their appetizers, like the tasty eggplant and zucchini crisps then move on to more serious things. Specializing in seafood dishes, Kouzina by Trata wows patrons with everything from marinated grilled octopus to grilled fish entrées like red mullet, sea bass or snapper, any of which taste like they're fresh from the Aegean. Dinner reservations are suggested. TRAIN: 6 to 68th 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 Owl

90 Bedford St, New York, NY 10014 212-741-4695

Description: WEST VILLAGE. Tucked at the corner of Bedford and Grove Streets, this small eatery serves up winning New American fare. Seasonal ingredients enhance the menu, which features fresh fish, hearty meats and other flavorful concoctions, like the tantalizing ricotta cavatelli. Diners enjoy watching the activity streetside via floor to ceiling windows, and many often take peaks at the kitchen staff crafting their magic in the adjoining kitchen. TRAIN: 1 to Christopher St-Sheridan Sq; A, B, C, D, E, F, V to W 4th St-Washington Sq
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Molyvos

871 7th Ave, between 55th and 56th St, New York, NY 10019 212-582-7500

Description: MIDTOWN WEST. Serving up authentic Greek food since 1997, this Midtown dining room pleases guests with large portions. For starters, try the pastry-wrapped spinach wedges and dip them in the tzatziki sauce ­ a tasty dip comprised of cucumbers, garlic and yogurt. Entree choices will beguile you, as the menu includes grilled fish, stewed lamb and steamed mussels. The wine list includes a variety of Greek labels. TRAIN: B, D, E to 7th Ave; N, R to 57th St; 1, 9 to Columbus Circle
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Moustache ­ West Village

90 Bedford St, New York, NY 10014 212-229-2220

Description: WEST VILLAGE. Nestled between Barrow and Grove Streets, this fun little eatery packs a big punch. Diners return again and again to delve into the fresh, Mediterranean-style salads and interesting pitzas ­ pizzas made from pita bread. Satisfying and enjoyable. Reservations not accepted. TRAIN: 1, 9 to Christopher St-Sheridan Sq
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Pasha

70 W 71st St, between Columbus Ave and CPW, New York, NY 10023 212-579-8751

Description: UPPER WEST SIDE. Friendly and charming, this restaurant offers up traditional Turkish cuisine. Guests can enjoy dishes made up of eggplant, lamb, quail, chicken and a variety of cheeses. TRAIN: B, C to 72nd St
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Picholine

35 W 64th St, between Broadway and Central Park W, New York, NY 10023 212-724-8585

Description: UPPER WEST SIDE. If you love wine and cheese as much as the Europeans do, then this small, elegant restaurant should be your next dinner stop. Picholine prides itself on the extensive cheese tray and wine list it offers, and the cuisine centers around the tastes of the Mediterranean region (particularly France). Pastas, breads, fish and meats make up the perfectly-seasoned selections you'll find here. Theater attendees flock here for pre- and post- show eats. Also great for lunch, as the crowds are smaller. TRAIN: 1, 9 to 66th St-Lincoln Center
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Savoy

70 Prince St, at Crosby St, New York, NY 10012 212-219-8570

Description: NOLITA. Seasonal Mediterranean cuisine that pushes the edge of the envelope for being unique and different. Try divine treats such as the roasted scallops with spaghetti squash or the grilled chicken basted in a signature taramasalata sauce (a special Greek sauce). This restaurant boasts an upscale clientele that lacks an uppity attitude and a country-type ambience evoked by the soft lighting and the tin-covered ceilings. TRAIN: N, R to Prince St; 6 to Spring St
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Sòlo

550 Madison Ave, Sony Plaza Atrium, New York, NY 10022 212-833-7800

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. The flavors of the Mediterranean give an edgy contemporary twist to this trés mod space, located at Sony Plaza. The exterior wall is cooly back-lit with alternating hues of pink, blue and lavender, and the dining room also features built-in plasma screens with computer and DVD connectivity. The evocative fare's superbly presented, and each dish ­ from roast French hen with artichokes and sweetbreads to grilled bluefin with fingerling potatoes ­ is kosher. TRAIN: 4, 5, 6, F, N, R, W to 59th St and Lexington Ave; E, V to 53th St and Madison Ave
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Turkish Kitchen

386 3rd Ave, between 27th & 28th St, New York, NY 10016 212-679-6633

Description: GRAMERCY. Offers a variety of Turkish dining delights, including calamari, lamb kebobs and grilled eggplant salad. Ambience is exotic and service is good. Appetizers are a must. Be prepared for the full and varied menu where each dish sounds as good as the one before. If you're looking for a good deal, try the all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch, which is a steal at just under $22. TRAIN: 6 to 28th St
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Uncle Nick's Ouzaria

747 9th Ave, between 50th and 51st Sts, New York, NY 10019 212-397-2892

Description: HELL'S KITCHEN. A family-run business, Uncle Nick's comes through with fresh fish cooked Greek style. The house specialty is whole fish, light and tasty. Other menu items that might tempt you include Greek sausage, chicken souvlaki or salmon steak. After feasting on fish, indulge with a piece of the obligatory baklava. The wine list offers a variety of Greek labels. Delivery and take-out available. TRAIN: C, E to 50th St
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