By Mallory Ferland
Fine dining is plentiful in New York.
is a smorgasbord of cuisines and flavors, and a five-star restaurant may be no better to some than a well-loved pizza joint; in the end, it all comes down to personal taste. However, New York is home to some of the most lavish upscale dining establishments in the country. These, along with local favorites, make up New York's best restaurants. Prices listed are current as of February 2010.
Per Se
Zagat dining guide gives critically acclaimed chef, restaurant owner and cookbook author Thomas Keller's establishment top rankings on a yearly basis. Per Se sits on top of New York's fine dining scene with the fixed price tasting menu set at $275.00. The atmosphere of Per Se matches the menu in Keller's modern version of The French Laundry (a cookbook he authored), with modern twists to traditional French fare. The menu runs on seasonal flavors and ingredients and changes monthly.
Per Se
10 Columbus Circle
New York, NY 10019
(212) 823-9335
perseny.com
Le Bernardin
Butting heads with Per Se for New York's top fine dining establishment is the world renowned Le Bernadin. Led by award-winning head chef Eric Ripert, the team at Le Bernardin provides unparalleled French dining in the New York scene. The fixed price dinner menu ($110) includes an abundant choice of classically fresh, locally caught seafood in modes from almost rare to well done. As a seafood restaurant, Le Bernardin will serve Kobe beef or pasta upon request and at a supplementary price. Recommended is the Chef's Tasting Menu; at $185 per person a spread of tuna, caviar, monkfish, langoustine, lobster, black bass, goat cheese and dessert is served to you, each with an accompanying wine, champagne or liqueur.
Le Bernardin
155 West 51st Street
New York, NY 10019
(212) 554-1515
le-bernardin.com
Aquagrill
Breaking away from the bank-busting French allure of fine dining are the local steak houses and fish grills. Aquagrill on Spring Street is an top-rated location loved by diners from all over New York. As the name implies, Aquagrill is a fish house, specializing in oysters and exotic fish. Popular items include the crab cake Napoleon, exotic seafood plateau, French bouillabaisse and the falafel crusted salmon. Surf and turf is also available. Aquagrill has won many Zagat distinctions in multiple categories between 2004 and 2010. Entree prices range between $20-30 with specialty exceptions.
Aquagrill
210 Spring Street
New York, NY 10012-3601
(212) 274-0505
aquagrill.com
Carnegie Deli
Undoubtedly one of the most popular and famous restaurants in New York is the Carnegie Deli. Opened in Manhattan in 1937, the Carnegie Deli is a historical landmark in the Midtown neighborhood. The restaurant seats only 40 at a time and caters to a mix of both locals and tourists. The deli is known for its towering corned beef and pastrami sandwiches that, when plated, are taller than most people's heads. Your entire meal will set you back around $10-15.
The Carnegie Deli
854 7th Avenue
New York, NY 10019
(212) 757-2245
carnegiedeli.com
Resources
About the Author:
Mallory Ferland has been writing professionally since her start in 2009 as an editorial assistant for Idaho-based Premier Publishing. Her writing and photography have appeared in "Idaho Cuisine" magazine, "Spokane Sizzle" and various online publications. She graduated from Gonzaga University in 2009 with Bachelor of Arts degrees in history and French language and now writes, photographs and teaches English in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Photo Credits:
restaurant image by Jerome Dancette from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
