Aquavit

65 E 55th St, between Park & Madison Aves, New York, NY 10019-5404 212-307-7311

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. Ever wanted to dine like the Rockefellers? Aquavit, which is located in one of the famous family's former town homes, may be your best bet. This elegant restaurant is noteworthy for its lovely atrium, which includes a waterfall and dramatic lighting. The menu offers diners Swedish cuisine that should not be missed. A three-course prix fixe meal may begin with an appetizer like smoked and seared foie gras or assorted Scandinavian hors d 'oeuvres; move on to such entrées as honey glazed duck or smoked venison, and conclude with one of the chef's own special dessert dishes. TRAIN: Q to 57th St
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BLT Fish

21 W 17th St, between 5th and 6th Ave, New York, NY 10011 212-691-8888

Description: UNION SQUARE. Laurent Tourondel's culinary caper (the B stands for "Bistro") in the Flatiron District has really caught on with the cool crowd. Set on the third level of a restored townhouse this upscale seafooder features suede covered walls, walnut tables, bone china and (most notably) a retractable roof. Fresh fish and shellfish, presented at the table, include Chilean turbot, South Pacific swordfish and Tourondel's signature Cantonese red snapper. For more terrene palates, there is a seasonal meat or fowl dish. The more casual first-level (the Fish Shack) recalls a New England fish house and features ditties like fish & chips and clam chowder. TRAIN: 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, W to Union Square-14th St
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Blue Water Grill

31 Union Square W, at 16th St, New York, NY 10003 212-675-9500

Description: UNION SQUARE. Marble columns and atrium spaces handle the sizable crowds that this renovated Union Square bank attracts. A massive raw bar, excellent seafood, "cool" jazz room and the option of outside seating have made Blue Water Grill a haven for young downtowners and those who appreciate a variety of delicious seafood dishes and first-rate service. Reservations recommended. Dress is business casual. Daily lunch prix-fixe $24. TRAIN: 6, N, R to 14th St-Union Sq
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Caviar Russe Restaurant & Wave Sushi

538 Madison Ave, between 54th and 55th St, New York, NY 10022 212-980-5908

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. Those who appreciate life's finer amenities dine frequently at Caviar Russe and lend much applause to the space for its elegant environs and first-class service. Tables sit a level up from famed Madison Avenue, affording the well-heeled patrons scenery befitting a meal of caviar (of course) and Haruo Kimura's legendary nigiri and maki. At $45, the three-course Sunday brunch is an affair to remember ­ one that forces the diner to make some tough decisions. Will the appetizer of choice be lobster bisque or a potato pancake with red caviar? And for the main, caviar eggs benedict or jumbo shrimp cocktail? Serious matters, indeed. Tasting menu is $95. TRAIN: E, F to 5th Ave; 6 to Lexington Ave
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Demetris

3211 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11105 718-278-1877

Description: QUEENS. Located in Queen's predominantly Greek neighborhood of Astoria, Demetris probably has a lot of competition ... Or so you would think; a few things set this bustling taverna apart from all the other places in the area. First and foremost is the kitchen's ability to prepare awesome fish and seafood dishes, particularly broiled sole filet, grilled swordfish, and fried whiting. In addition to the great food, Demetris also a delivers a fun, group-friendly atmosphere, especially on nights when they feature live music. TRAIN: N, W to Broadway
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Estiatorio Milos

125 W 55th St, 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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Francisco's Centro Vasco

159 W 23rd St., between 6th & 7th Ave, New York, NY 10011 212-645-6224

Description: CHELSEA. What with the big lobster sign out front, it's hard to miss this eatery, a neighborhood favorite for more than 20 years. Francisco's is THE place to go in Chelsea if lobster is on your mind ­ How does a 40 lb. behemoth topped with cheese and served with paella sound? They also serve a variety of other Spanish-influenced dishes as well as some really great (and rather potent) sangria. Dinner reservations are suggested, especially on the weekends. TRAIN: F, 1, 9 to 23 St
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Grand Central Oyster Bar and Restaurant

42nd St and Lexington Ave, Grand Central Terminal, New York, NY 10017 212-490-6650

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. The famous Oyster Bar dates from 1913 and continues to provide first-rate seafood dishes to business people, socialites and foreign dignitaries. This classy restaurant hearkens back to the Gilded Age, when the "spare no expense" mentality reigned supreme. Head Chef Sandy Ingber's seafood specials change seasonally and include over 25 varieties of oysters, soft-shell crab and her highly regarded herring. The lunch counter offers a great place to enjoy the daily paper or to have a business lunch over an oyster pan roast or your favorite stew. TRAIN: 4, 5, 6 to Grand Central-42nd St
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Kai

822 Madison Ave, Ito En Tea Store, New York, NY 10021 212-988-7277

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. Sleek, minimalist design elements mark the interior of this serene eatery, which was founded with the intent of honoring the harmony of the traditional Japanese dining experience. In keeping with this elemental balance, dishes from the both land and sea are well represented, including teriyaki kanpachi, sesame-grilled black cod, and Mishima rib-eye steak. Be sure to complement your choice with a glass of wine and, later, a cup of sake. Stop in between noon and 4pm for Ito En tea accompanied by a selection of sweets (try the chocolate-coated almonds dusted with Matcha powder). Prix Fixe is $85, Chef's Omakase Dinner is $150-200. TRAIN: 6 to 68th St
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Kanoyama

175 2nd Ave, at 11th St, New York, NY 10003 212-777-5266

Description: EAST VILLAGE. Streamlined and spare, this East Village sushi joint draws a loyal following thanks to its focus on lesser known varieties of fish ­ the relatively modest prices help, too. Mains are divided into two categories (those from the sushi bar and those from kitchen) and range from the four-shrimp Tempura Special to Omakase Sashimi (samplings of the day's nine best fish), respectively. In fact, perhaps the one thing at Kanoyama that gives the sushi a run for its money is the selection of sake ­ from Honjozo to Ginjo, they serve eight types and a few dozen brands. TRAIN: 4, 5, 6, W, N, Q, R, L to Union Sq
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Le Bernardin

155 W 51st St, The Equitable Building, between 6th & 7th Aves, New York, NY 10019 212-489-1515

Description: MIDTOWN WEST. Opened in 1986 by Gilbert and Maguy Le Coze, this award-winning restaurant features a wide array of French seafood. Choices include such treats as the savory Chinese-spiced red snapper with crepes, crowned with an aged port and Jerez vinegar reduction; and the oestra-sprinkled Spanish mackerel tartare. Dining options include a three-course prix fixe menu and several tasting menus. You'll love the elegant surroundings accented by life-sized artwork portraying fish and fisherman. Multi-course prix fixe lunch $64, dinner $107. Tasting menus $135-180, $220-320 with wine. TRAIN: B, D, F, Q to 47-50th St-Rockefeller Center
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Neptune Room

511 Amsterdam Ave, between 84th & 85th St, New York, NY 10024 212-496-4100

Description: UPPER WEST SIDE. Though the "bait bar" has a bit of a cult following all its own, what truly makes the Neptune Room an Upper West standout are its inventive, Med-inspired main courses ­ dishes like roasted Mediterranean branzino, parmesan-crusted skate, seared yellowfin with caramelized cauliflower and roasted fennel, grilled sirloin with Tuscan fries, and paella (available on Sundays and Mondays only). Despite the restaurant's success, it has managed to remain one of the coolest of the "higher-brow" neighborhood dining rooms. TRAIN: 1, 9, B, C to 86th St
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Ocean Grill

384 Columbus Ave, at 78th St, New York, NY 10024-5104 212-579-2300

Description: UPPER WEST SIDE. Known for having a large selection of fresh seafood and an excellent raw bar. The kitchen prepares such savory selections as crab cakes served with roasted corn salsa, grilled swordfish and steamed clams. Finish off a great dining experience with the sinfully delicious caramelized figs served over ice cream. Reservations are recommended, as this place is usually crowded. Casual dress. TRAIN: B, C to 81st St; 1, 9 to 79th St
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Oceana

55 E 54th St, between Park and Madison, New York, NY 10022 212-759-5941

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. Step into Oceana and you'll feel as if you've been transported to a luxury ocean liner in the Atlantic. The restaurant's philosophy is "to enhance the simple perfection of each ingredient." To that end, the menu features uncomplicated dishes, expertly prepared. For starters, try yellowfin tuna tartare with horseradish sorbet and follow it with Atlantic halibut in almond tea crust. Desserts are fabulous ­ pistachio semifreddo is a favorite, as is the cinnamon apple doughnut with Calvados ice cream. A selection from the solid wine list provides an apt complement, and service is knowledgeable and friendly. TRAIN: E, F to 5th Ave; 6 to Lexington Ave
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Ono

18 9th Ave, Hotel Gansevoort, New York, NY 10014 212-660-6766

Description: MEATPACKING DISTRICT. A modern take on Japanese cuisine is what you'll find at this trendy hotel restaurant in the Meatpacking District. Sleek and sexy, the multi-level restaurant was designed by the illustrious Jeffrey Beers International firm, and the creative layout incorporates both contemporary design and elemental concepts. As beautiful as the dining room and bar area are, the truly impressive backdrops are those provided by tables in the Garden of Ono (which features a retractable roof). The menu is sure to tempt even the most discerning palates, especially those with a taste for robata-grilled sea bass, foie gras with soy caramel, or topped sushi. TRAIN: A, C, E, L to W 14th St
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Pampano

209 E 49th St, between 2nd & 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10017 212-751-4545

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. Expect no burritos or chile rellanos at this suave Midtowner, which is seeking to refine the concept of Modern Mexican cuisine. Indeed, Chef Richard Sandoval combines the art of haute cuisine with a strong passion for his native Mexico. This marriage results in a dining experience that is simply unparalleled. Start with the three or four-ceviche tasting or, perhaps, the octopus and aurugla salad. From there, Sandoval truly shines, as the main courses include golden bass with huitlacoche flan, swordfish with potato-caper fondue, and grilled chicken with requesón-huitlacoche and grilled cactus. TRAIN: 4, 5, 6 to 51st St; E to Lexington Ave
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Sea Grill

19 W 49th St, Rockefeller Center, New York, NY 10020 212-332-7610

Description: MIDTOWN WEST. The rink at Rockefeller Center never looked as good as it does from the windows of this chic seafooder, whose offerings run from hand-prepared sushi and sashimi to more complex numbers like grilled whole Australian barramundi with haricot vert, spice-crusted Hokkaido sea scallops, and Portuguese sardines prepared à la Plancha. The scene, meanwhile, combines the calming essence of the sea with a sense of big city sophistication. TRAIN: B, D, F, V at Rockefeller Center, 47-50 St
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Spice Market

403 W 13th St, New York, NY 10014 212-675-2322

Description: MEATPACKING DISTRICT. Located in the far west corner of the Village, an area known as the Meatpacking District, this key player in Chef Jean-George Vongerichten's restaurant empire takes the hawker (street) fare of Southeast Asia and gives it a contemporary, some say sexy, interpretation. Indeed, dishes like Vongerichten's pork vindaloo, mussels steamed in lemongrass, and curried duck are nothing short of unforgettable. With its antique art imported from Burma, India and Malaysia, embroidered curtains, and exotic furniture, the restaurant itself is a cool product of conceptual design. TRAIN: A, C, E, L to 14th St
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Sushi Yasuda

204 E 43rd St, between 2nd and 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10017 212-972-1001

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. If you are looking to feast on raw fish in an elegant environment graced by bamboo paneling and intimate lighting, your search for a restaurant is over. Sushi Yasuda offers exotic dining options from the appetizers to the desserts. Try the sashimi or the cherrystone clam, and finish off with the red-bean ice cream or the green-tea ice cream--definitely an indulgence that's worth it. TRAIN: S, 4, 5, 6, 7 to 42nd St-Grand Central
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Trata Estiatorio

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. Inside, you'll find a dining area with a nautical theme (photos of fishing villages and a fish market-like display counter) mirrors the seafood-heavy menu. 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, 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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