A.O.C Bedford

14 Bedford St, between Downing & Houston St, New York, NY 10014 212-414-4764

Description: WEST VILLAGE. Charm and romance exude from the redbrick walls and weathered timbers of this West Village keeper. Yes, A.O.C. Bedford is a terrific place to take that someone special, and guests can rest assured that every nuance is impeccably handled. The French regulatory term "Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée" is granted only to high-quality products (Spain and Italy employ comparable designations); here, this translates into superbly done dishes like free-range lamb with herb crust, suckling pig with braised endive, and paella marinera. The selection of reds and whites, too, is impressive. BYOB on Sundays. Three-course prix fixe: $32. TRAIN: A, E, C, B, D, F to W 4th St; 1, 9 to Houston St
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Bolo

23 E 22nd St, between Broadway and Park Ave, New York, NY 10010 212-228-2200

Description: FLATIRON DISTRICT. Bolo is the hip place to be for lunch or dinner. The stylish atmosphere is fun, lively and offers up Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine. This rare gem's décor is warm, bright and energetic which means the table talk requires you to speak up a bit. The food is scrumptious and the wait may be long, so call ahead for reservations or try to catch a seat at the bar. TRAIN: N, R, 6 to 23rd 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. Tasting Menu: $125, w/wine $215. Three-course prix fixe: $74. 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, 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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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. NB Three-course prix fixe on Sunday from 5pm-7pm ($29). 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. Pre/post theater menu is $36. 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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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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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. Three-course prix fixe: $85; tasting menu: $110. TRAIN: 1, 9 to 66th St-Lincoln Center
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Porters New York

216 7th Ave, New York, NY 10011 212-229-2878

Description: CHELSEA. New in May 2000, this sleek, upscale restaurant may not fit in with the cozy little eateries that are typical in Chelsea. Once inside, though, you won't think of where you are. You will instead be impressed by the menu choices, such as cumin-spiced chicken with baba ganoush and other exquisite steak or chicken dishes. In summer months, relax in the garden and enjoy your meal under the stars. TRAIN: 1,9 to 23rd St
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Sharz Cafe and Wine Bar

435 E 86th St, New York, NY 10028 212-876-7282

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. This attractive red brick restaurant offers up a variety of Mediterranean-influenced dishes, including several homemade Italian-style pasta plates and scrumptious salads. The eclectic menu includes dishes with a wide range of influences, from French recipes to more exotic Asian fare. Best of all, even if you order a bottle of your favorite wine, you won't lose your shirt at Sharz. You'll find this neighborhood eatery way up in the East 90s; however, it is well worth the trip. The place enjoys a steady flow of neighborhood traffic, so it's best to get here early. Reservations are suggested. TRAIN: 4, 5, 6 to 86th 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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Terrace in the Sky

400 W 119th St, between Morningside Dr & Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10027 212-666-9490

Description: MORNINGSIDE. Situated within easy walking distance from the Columbia campus, this excellent rooftop restaurant enjoys one of the neighborhood's best views of the Hudson River and George Washington Bridge. The elegant Terrace in the Sky has long been a favorite with visiting parents and students who could afford to take their dates there. Specialties include wild mushroom risotto, rack of lamb and pan seared foie gras. A harpist performs nightly. Dinner reservations are a must; valet parking is available, and there is a public garage nearby. 3-course dinner $35. TRAIN: 1 to 116th St
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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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Turkish Kitchen

386 3rd Ave, between 27th & 28th St, New York, NY 10016 212-679-1810

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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