Afghan Kebab House II

1345 2nd Ave, between 70th & 71st St, New York, NY 10021 212-517-2776

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. Break away from ordinary dinner fare at this well-received restaurant, which tantalizes taste buds with fragrant, earthy spices and terrific, charcoal-broiled dishes. Start with bolanee kadu (a fried pumpkin turnover) before digging into classics like tandoori chicken or chicken korma. Shrimp, lamb, cod, and beef kebabs also get a spicy rubdown before they're broiled to juicy perfection. Vegetarians have much to applaud as well, thanks to zesty dishes of eggplant, okra, spinach, and zucchini. Affordable prices. TRAIN: 6 to 77th St
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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 $20, 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. The neighborhood folks crowd in daily for Amy's unique take on traditional lunch fare ­ a grilled cheese and tomato seasoned with cilantro and chipolte red pepper 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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Artie's Deli

2290 Broadway, at 83rd St, New York, NY 10024 212-579-5959

Description: UPPER WEST SIDE. Named in honor of the late restaurateur Artie Cutler, this topnotch joint was based on the concept of the classic, 1930s Jewish delicatessen. Simply dressed with tiled floors, a display counter and tables appointed with all your favorite condiments, the place can get loud (especially at lunch), and it always seems to be busy ... That is to say, Artie's has a look and feel that is quintessentially NYC. What sets it apart? The old school eats, of course, which range from the Famous Roumanian Pastrami to the open-faced steak sandwich served on an onion roll. Best of all, you can bring the whole fam ­ Artie's won't empty your wallet.
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Azuri Cafe

465 W 51st St, between 9th & 10th Ave, New York, NY 10019 212-262-2920

Description: HELL'S KITCHEN. Small and simple, this Israeli eatery draws rave reviews from those who've been here. Tasty sandwiches and scrumptious kebabs please the palate while prices please the pocketbook. Try the great tasting falafel, hummus or salads. Top your meal off with a piece of rich baklava. TRAIN: C, E to 50th St
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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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Bay Leaf

49 W 56th St, between 5th and 6th Aves, New York, NY 10019 212-957-1818

Description: MIDTOWN WEST. Lunchtime is light on the wallet at this Midtown Indian eatery as they offer a buffet stocked with all the traditional favorites as well as boxed lunches. Dinner service may be a bit pricier, but the food doesn't disappoint. Choose from the tasty seafood, chicken or vegetable dishes after whetting your appetite with an appetizer such as their signature homemade cheese dish called Panir Tawa Masala. Outdoor dining available as well as delivery and take-out. TRAIN: B, Q, N, R to 57th St
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Beyoglu

1431 3rd Ave, at 81st St, New York, NY 10028 212-650-0850

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. Regulars consider this meze joint in the East 80s one of the neighborhood's best deals, and rightly so. The hot and cold mezes are perfectly sharable for groups of all sizes, and each dish offered is its own unique brand of flavorful sensation. While hummus and tabbouleh comprise the more familiar choices, adventurous palates chomp at the bit to try the sardines wrapped in grape leaves. Main courses include a variety of tasty döner kebabs, including chicken, lamb, striped bass and swordfish. TRAIN: 4, 5, 6 to 86th St; 6 to 77th 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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Chola

232 E 58th St, New York, NY 10022 212-688-4619

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. If you're on the quest for an especially good bargain in the East 50s, give this casual Indian spot a shot. Their lunch buffet, priced at under $15, is a bountiful spread that's full of traditional favs from several regions (ergo the "Eclectic Indian Cuisine" tag on their awning), among them a handful of flavorful chicken, fish, lamb and vegetarian offerings. The interior is tastefully ­ if modestly ­ decorated, and the service is consistently professional and friendly. TRAIN: N, R to Lexington Ave; 4,5,6, to 59th 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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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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Le Miu

107 Ave A, between 6th & 7th St, New York, NY 10009 212-473-3100

Description: EAST VILLAGE. This unpretentious Alphabet City sushi joint promises and delivers an assortment of outstanding omasake platters. TRAIN: F, V to Lower East Side-2nd Ave
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Pepe Rosso To Go

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 10016-1732 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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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 212-679-1810

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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