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

Babbo
110 Waverly Pl. (betw. MacDougal St. and 6th Ave.)
Tel: 212-777-0303

As soon as this TV chef opened his bi-level space, it became a hit with critics, including us. Chef: Mario Batali. $40-$60

Bottino
246 10th Ave. (betw. W.24th and W.25th Sts.)
Tel: 212-206-6766

Hearty but sophisticated food, a welcoming atmosphere and a glamorous mix of artists, collectors, gallery owners. $25-$40

Cucina
256 5th Ave. (betw. Carroll St. and Garfield Pl.) Brooklyn
Tel: 718-230-0711

Certainly the best in Brooklyn, and among the top anywhere in New York. A bonus: it’s not far from the Brooklyn Museum. Chef: Michael Ayoub. $25-$40

Il Mulino
86 W.3rd St. (betw. Sullivan and Thompson Sts.)
Tel: 212-673-3783

The refined magic here will remind you why the French first learned the basics in Italy. For years considered the top. Chef: Gino Masci. $40-$60
Top rate cuisine!

John’s Pizza
278 Bleecker St. (betw. 6th and 7th Aves.)
Tel: 212-243-1680

Go early or very late to beat the crowds lining up for the famous brick oven thin-crust. $10-$25