Akdeniz

19 W 46th St, between 5th & 6th Ave, New York, NY 10036 212-575-2307

Description: MIDTOWN WEST. For Turkish cuisine just a few strides from Time Square, this stylishly appointed dining room is hard to beat. Indeed, folks pack the long, narrow space nightly. The mezes include superb renditions of zucchini pancakes, whipped red caviar, eggplant salad and stuffed vine leaves; meanwhile, mains run from traditional Turkish gyro to grilled trout with arugula and carrots. As to dessert, few things cap a night like Turkish coffee and rice pudding. At just under $25, their three-course prix fixe option allows diners to feast on dishes like barbequed meatballs, falafel and baby okra. TRAIN: B, D, F, V to 47th-50th St-Rockefeller Center; E, V to Fifth Ave-53rd St
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Amy's Bread

75 9th Ave, Chelsea Market, New York, NY 10011 212-462-4338

Description: CHELSEA. This quaint little breakfast and lunch stop, located in the trendy Chelsea Market, is popular for its delicious homemade baked goods. Inside, you'll see Amy's latest baked offerings like "Organic Rustic Italian," "Organic Whole Wheat Baguette," or "Black Olive Fougasse" stacked in the bins around the counter. Breakfast fare includes a vast selection of scones, muffins, sticky buns, Irish soda bread, and more. Neighborhood folks crowd in daily for Amy's unique take on traditional lunch fare ­ a grilled cheese and tomato with cilantro and chipotle or ham with swiss on potato onion dill bread. TRAIN: A, C, E, L to 14th St.
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Angelica Kitchen

300 E 12th St, between 1st and 2nd Aves, New York, NY 10003 212-228-2909

Description: EAST VILLAGE. The line out the door will show you that vegans and carnivores agree ­ Angelica Kitchen is a wonderful dining experience. Anyone worried that vegetarian fare isn't filling hasn't tried the sweet potato croquettes flavored with pecans, garlic, fennel and caraway, with an onion-dill glaze. Other filling favorites are the hot, open-faced tempeh sandwich and the "dragon bowl" composed of steamed sea veggies, rice, beans and tofu. Don't forget to save room for the delectable desserts ­ the lemon-almond torte wins raves among regulars.
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Anytime

20 Skillman Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211 718-218-7272

Description: BROOKLYN. A bevy of late-night delights hides behind Anytime's grubby Williamsburg facade. Open until 5am on weekends, Anytime serves up appropriately filling and scrumptious food for the clientele that stumble in at odd hours. Burgers are thick and juicy, and there's even meat or vegetarian lasagna for those craving some comfort food. The mozzarella sticks and tater tots also make for great snacks on the way home after a night out. Even better? Anytime delivers, so you don't even have to leave home to get a fix.
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Banjara

97 1st Ave, Curry Row, New York, NY 10003 212-477-5956

Description: EAST VILLAGE. If you've got the taste for spices but fighting the crowds on Sixth Street has no appeal, Banjara stands as a better-than-good alternative. In fact, folks who stray from Alphabet City and the Lower East Side submit that this pleasant neighborhood eatery can give many of the city's more high-profile Indian restaurants a run for their money. Indeed, the kitchen's knack for delightful clay-oven specialties (the wine-marinated chicken in particular) often converts curious customers into devotees after one visit. TRAIN: F, V to 2nd Ave
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Bar Pitti

268 6th Ave, New York, NY 10014 212-982-3300

Description: WEST VILLAGE. A perennial favorite for moderately-priced Northern Italian fare, Bar Pitti never wants for lack of traffic (perhaps this explains why: unless you're dining with three other people, you can forget about making reservations). One of the few true sidewalk eateries on this end of town, the place has emerged as a popular destination for lunchers who want to see and be seen. Of course, the homemade food warrants any wait you may have to endure, and the veal meatballs, in particular, you'll cherish more than any celeb sighting. TRAIN: A, C, E, B, D, F, V to W 4th St; 1 to Houston 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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Bukhara Grill

217 E 49th St, between 2nd and 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10017 212-888-2839

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. The lunch buffet makes for a good mid-day selection at this Northern Indian favorite. The interior of this grill features stonework, light wood tones and booth seating, providing for an earthy, intimate setting. Begin your Indian dining experience with a vegetarian starter of Subz Seekh Kabab, skewered rolls of fresh vegetables. Next, order the Sikandari Raan, tender tandoori leg of lamb that's been marinated in an exotic mixture of rum and spices and then cooked to perfection. Seafood, chicken, pork, lamb, vegetable and bread options abound. Delivery and take-out available. Reservations accepted and casual attire appropriate. TRAIN: E, F to Lexington; 6 to 51st St
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Chat 'n Chew

10 E 16th St, between 5th Ave and Union Sq, New York, NY 10003 212-243-1616

Description: UNION SQUARE. Homesick for the family-friendly diner you'd find in "Anytown, USA?" Then, the Chat 'n Chew offers just the right mix of Americana and home-style cooking to make you feel like you've been transported to the Midwest. The soda shop dressings and antique Coca-Cola signs provide ample décor for a place that specializes in such catchy desserts as their superb "Häagen-Dazs Milk Shakes" and devilish chocolate cake. TRAIN: N, R, L 4, 5, 6 to 14th St-Union Sq
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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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Grimaldi's

19 Old Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 718-858-4300

Description: BROOKLYN. Famous for its delicious, coal-oven baked pizza and old-timey jukebox, this charming little pizzeria is tucked away under the Brooklyn Bridge. They use only the freshest of ingredients, including fresh mozzarella made on the premises. Grimaldi's consistently wins "Best of..." awards, and is the definite favorite of locals. It may be a little out of the way, and you may have to wait for a table on weekends, but you'll find this eatery to be well worth the visit. No slices, whole pies only! TRAIN: A, C to High Street.
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Hampton Chutney Co.

68 Prince St, between Broadway & Lafayette, New York, NY 10012 212-226-9996

Description: SOHO. Founded in 1995 by Gary and Isabel MacGurn, Hampton Chutney has grown from a small operation that supplied gourmet markets in the Hamptons to a veritable enterprise whose delish products keep their cafes in SoHo and on the Upper West Side busy throughout the week. In addition to traditional dosa (sour-dough crepes filled with chutney) selections, the SoHo edition serves several specialty sandwiches that incorporate everything from cilantro chutney dressing to chicken curry. If you need something more substantial, look to their Thali special, which includes a daily vegetable dish along with basmati rice, dal soup, naan, chutney, yogurt and, optionally, grilled chicken. TRAIN: N, R to Prince St
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'ino

21 Bedford St, between 6th Ave and Downing St, New York, NY 10014 212-989-5769

Description: WEST VILLAGE. Don't let the diminutive size of Ino fool you ­ this Italian wine bar serves up munchies that are huge on taste! Lone lunchers or small groups are most common here, and you will see many worker-bees who have dashed out for a quick noontime bite. Favorites are the creative sandwiches and the classic bruschetta. Light appetites should try the Panini, which comes in variations such as prosciutto with soft Italian cheese and sweet onion or roasted vegetables and goat cheese.
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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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Pepe Giallo

253 10th Ave, between 24th &25th St, New York, NY 10011 212-242-6055

Description: CHELSEA. One of Chelsea's best bets is this affordable eatery, located between 24th and 25th Streets. Pepe's offers everything from spaghetti to deliciously homemade focaccia sandwiches. If you want a seat inside at lunchtime, make sure you get here early because there aren't many and it fills up quickly. Just know that this isn't the place to go if you are trying to be on a diet ­ as their motto goes: "No diet coke, no decaf coffee, no skim milk ­ just good food." Reservations are not accepted. TRAIN: C, E to Spring St
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Phoenix Garden

242 E 40th St, between 2nd and 3rd Aves, New York, NY 10013 212-983-6666

Description: MURRAY HILL. A good buy, this family-run Chinese restaurant offers authentic Cantonese cooking with lots of variety. Peruse the list of dried-shrimp casserole, squab, duck, beef and more and choose your favorite. Don't expect the decor to be too upscale; after all, it's the food that will draw all of your attention. The Garden doesn't serve alcohol, but feel free to bring your own. Be prepared to pay with cash as plastic is not accepted here. Casual dress appropriate. TRAIN: S, 4, 5, 6, 7 to 42nd St-Grand Central
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Pukk

71 1st Ave, Between 4th & 5th St, New York, NY 10003 212-253-2742

Description: EAST VILLAGE. Green is the dominant color at this funky, East Village Thai, and for good reason. The menu is all-vegetarian. That in no way limits the kitchen's capacity for creativity, as evidenced by appetizers like spinach toast or Thai pancake with curry dip. Main courses take things to a whole other level, and it doesn't matter if you go for the gravy noodles, the pineapple red curry with tofu, or the spicy watercress duck (made with soy) ­ chances are good your palate will feel roundly rewarded. Best of all, the great prices let you pull off the trifecta: Trendy, healthy and thrifty. TRAIN: F, V to Lower East Side-2nd Ave
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Saul

140 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 718-935-9844

Description: BROOKLYN. Located in Brooklyn's Boerum Hill area, this sparse little number has raised eyebrows and charmed palates on a regular basis since Saul Bolton (once part of the kitchen team at Midtown's Le Bernardin) first opened the doors way back in 1999. Indeed, Bolton's seasonal New American fare always seems to be ahead of the game, and the presentations and pairings are reliably impeccable. TRAIN: F, G to Bergen 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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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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