Top-of-the-line Restaurants
NYC is full of exclusive restaurants, including the country's most expensive eatery. Masa (www.masanyc.com), a high-end Japanese restaurant in the Time Warner Center has an ever-changing menu that master chef Masa Takayama prepares each night on the spot. The dinner experience, as it is called there, lasts three hours and include dishes such as aji mackerel sashimi and Kobe-beef sukiyaki. The tasting menu costs $350 per person and drinks are extra.
Another high-end restaurant in the Time Warner Center, Per Se, features European cuisine and also lacks a menu. Instead, you can choose from the five different pre-fixed meals, all of which cost $175. Each meal has a story attached to it and a series of dishes that match the theme: The Animal Farm Dairy is heavy on cheeses, for example, while the Island Creek Oysters features lots of seafood.
Masa
10 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019
(212) 823-9800
www.masanyc.com
Per Se
10 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019
(212) 823-9335
www.perseny.com
Mid-Range Restaurants
There are other, more affordable options in the city. One of those is August (www.augustny.com), a Mediterranean restaurant that features dishes heavy on cheese, bread and fish. Examples include the popular tarte flambé, a flat bread topped with cream, bacon and caramelized onions. The rustic décor, focused on dark woods and glass, is part of the charm, and there's a back garden where you can enjoy your meals in the summer. Prices start at $15 for appetizers and $25 for main course dishes.
Balthazar (www.balthazarny.com), a French brasserie, is another option in the same price range. There, you'll find typical French fare, including Gruyère-topped onion soup and crème brûlée. Brunch is especially popular there, so arrive early if you want to get a table.
August
359 Bleecker Street, New York, NY, 10014
(212) 929-4774
www.augustny.com
Balthazar
80 Spring Street, New York, NY, 10012
(212) 965-1785
www.balthazarny.com
Inexpensive
For affordable but still excellent food, head to downtown Manhattan, especially the West Village area. Of special mention is 'ino (www.cafeino.com), a café and wine bar that serves sandwiches, bruschetta, panini and other Italian specialties. Meals start at $7 and the wine list is not only extensive but also very affordable.
Another affordable option is Corner Bistro, which serves classic hamburgers as well as Bistro Burgers (which include bacon). Good atmosphere and a full bar make this a great destination for weekends and snacks after work.
Corner Bistro
331 W 4th Street, New York, NY 10014
(212) 242-9502
cornerbistro.ypguides.net
'ino
21 Bedford Street, New York, NY 10012
(212) 989-5769
www.cafeino.com
About The Author
Sarah Dray has been writing since 1996. She specializes in health, wellness and travel topics and has credits in various publications, including "Woman's Day," "Marie Claire," "Adirondack Life" and "Self." She is also a seasoned independent traveler and a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant. Dray is pursuing a criminal justice degree at Penn Foster College.
