New York restaurants - there are tens of thousands of them. You want memorable, not just acceptable. These are our suggestions and we've eaten in every one. Each is a great example of its type; if you disagree, the sin, we hope, is one of omission rather than commission.

The price guide refers to the average cost of a dinner, per person, excluding cocktails, wines, tax and tip. Obviously, the actual price can be very different depending on what you drink. Call ahead for jacket/tie requirements (many expect you to be more dressy at night) and for credit card policies (some establishments may not accept them). We name those chefs considered influential in the great and diverse New York dining scene.

Important: New York restaurants now rarely allow smoking, except at the bar.

American

Asian/East Asian

French

Italian

Other

Balthazar
80 Spring St. (at Lafayette St.)
Tel: 212-965-1414

A perfect replica of a Parisian brasserie that satisfies nostalgic cravings at breakfast, lunch, dinner and later. $25-$40

Service after midnight.
See and be scene.

Le Bernardin
155 W.51st St. (betw. 6th and 7th Aves.)
Tel: 212-489-1515

If you feel like going all out on fish, this is the place. Chef Eric Ripert is a magician, the service is perfect and the ambiance is comfortable, not prissy. Prix fixe. $40-$60
Top rate cuisine!

Daniel
60 E.65th St. (betw. Madison and Park Aves.)
Tel: 212-288-0033

Innovation couched in serious schooling. Chef Daniel Boulud’s kitchen is among the best in the world. Over $60
Top rate cuisine!

Le Cirque 2000
New York Palace Hotel
455 Madison Ave. (betw. E.50th and E.51st Sts.)
Tel: 212-303-7788

Fun but elegant setting for a power scene and food that never disappoints. Chef: Pierre Schaedelin. Over $60
See and be scene.
Famous building.

Le Zinc
139 Duane St. (betw. W.Broadway and Church St.)
Tel: 212-513-0001

Here is our new bistro favorite. The decor is welcoming without being cluttered. The menu is traditional without being heavy. And all of this rare balance is delivered at a down to earth price. $10-$25
Insider’s choice!

Odeon
145 W. Broadway (betw. Thomas and Duane Sts.)
Tel: 212-233-0507

You’ll find everyone from Wall Street lawyers and their toddlers to art gallery owners at this downtown fixture. Reliable bistro food; Art Deco dining room. $25-$40
Service after midnight.

Picholine
35 W.64th St. (betw. Broadway and Central Park West)
Tel: 212-724-8585

Chef Terrance Brennan gets the chemistry just right. And the cheese tray deserves its fame. Warm, discrete atmosphere that is perfect pre-Lincoln Center, or anytime. $40 to over $60