Special Occasion Restaurants Along with the monuments, the parks, the history, the stores and diverse cultural institutions, great dining remains one of NYC greatest attractions. Whether you are planning for Valentine’s Day or another Special Occasion, here is a list of classics old and new.

Asiate 10 Columbus Circle (Time Warner Center) 212 805-8881 The ambiance and Park views add an unnecessary bonus to Chef Nori Sugie's Asian fusion newcomer, Asiate. Set on the 35th Floor of the ornate Mandarin Oriental, Asiate features exquisitely presented aromatic appetizers as pan-roasted scallops in truffle/cleriac purée, pomelo vinaigrette crab salad and coconut lemongrass clams. The main dishes are just as provoking. From Peking duck to rib-eyed steak, chef Sugie creates delectable masterpieces with a French flair and Asian ingredients that would probably please the most discriminating diners in any setting. Barbetta 321 West 46th Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues) Opened in 1906, Barbetta is NYC’s oldest restaurant. Decorated with authentic 18th Century Italian furnishings, Barbetta serves Northern Italian cuisine. You’ll want to go back in summer time to dine in its romantic garden featuring century old trees and sweet smelling floral vines. Babbo 110 Waverly Place (between MacDougal Street. & 6th Avenue) Fast becoming one of the NYC’s most popular restaurants, this west Village Italian is the brainchild of celebrity chef Mario Batali. Zagat Survey say “absolutely delicious, inventive cuisine… perfectly choreographed service and a beautiful setting. Baltazar 80 Spring Street (between Broadway & Crosby Street) Somewhat trendy because of its Soho location, however Baltazar delivers an authentic Parisian Brasserie atmosphere. Good food and service make it all the more worthwhile. See what celebrities you can spot. Blue Fin W Hotel Times Square; 1567 Broadway (47th Street) There’s more to the Time Square area than fast food and theme restaurants. If you are looking for a new stylish atmosphere, great seafood and,  as Zagat Survey says “scenery” try this latest of endeavors by successful restaurant king,  Steve Hanson. Cafe Botanica 160 Central Park So. (between 6th & 7th Avenues) Located just a few blocks from The Manhattan Club lies this not- much-talked about charmer. Delightful elegance without the stuffiness. Great view of Central Park. Reasonable prices Café Des Artistes 1 West 67th Street (between Columbus Ave. & Central Park West) Like dining “ in a Valentine’s Card” says Zagat. Located just across from Central Park on West 67th and within walking distance of Lincoln Center, this romantic classic is a great choice for special occasions. Compass 200 West 70th Street (between Amsterdam & West End Avenues) Whoever said there’s no great eating above midtown on Manhattan’s West Side has just been proven wrong. A combination of Chef Neil Annis’ culinary creations and great architectural design make this west side new corner what Zagat calls “the best thing to happen to the west side since Lincoln Center.” Modern decor, a great menu and superb service. Fiamma Osteria 206 Spring St. (between Madison & Park Avenues) If you enjoy walking into a restaurant and being “Wowed”, Fiamma Osteria is not to be missed. Another Steve Henson success story brings great food and beauty to one of NYC’s most popular neighborhoods. The wine list alone is impressive. The Gramercy Tavern 42 East 20th Street (between Park Avenue So. & B'way) 212 477-0777 For those who have enjoyed Danny Meyer's Union Square Cafe, his elegantly decorated Gramercy Tavern is sure to e a hit. The from room provides a comfortable ambiance for enjoying glass of wine while waiting for a table in the more formal Tavern Room. The menu is new American featuring such traditional entrees as smoked quail, braised lamb, salt baked salmon and filet mignon. Aside from a fine menu, The Gramercy Tavern offers a selection of 85 cheeses. Enjoy a desert selection or order at the bar with a glass of wine. The Harrison 355 Greenwich Street (Harrison Street) If other Tibeca eateries have seemed a bit to eccentric for you, there is finally a reason to come on down. The Harrison manages to combine a sophisticated crown with a feel at home ambiance. Look for celebrities who are making this one of theirs favorites. This newcomer’s instant popularity has made getting a table difficult. Make plans way in advance. One if by Land, Tibs  17 Barrow Street (between 7th Ave. So. & West 4th Street)  If you are looking for a truly romantic setting, look no further. This restored village townhouse that once belonged to Aaron Burr contains all the elements for a cozy romantic setting – fresh flowers, fire places and a pianist. Good food and great service round out the evening to make for a memorable night out. Palm 250 West 50th Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenue) East side, West side, all around the town! This classic steakhouse is well revered as one of NY’s finest. Whether you try the flagship location on Second Avenue and 45th Street or it’s newer counterpart on West 50th Street, you’ll encounter the same pleasures fantastic beef, incredible lobster and a well trained staff. Per Se 10 Columbus Circle (Time Warner Center) 212 823 9335 Following his success in the Napa Valley with The French Laundry, considered to be the country's best restaurant, chef Thomas Keller has experience tremendous success upon his return to New York. Per Se, which debuted in 2004, is a modern in decor but traditionally haute cusine. An attentive and knowledgeable staff and an extensive number of menu items that raise cooking to a true art form and panoramic view of Central Park combine to create a high-end New York City dining experience. Remi 145 West 53rd Street (between 6th & 7th Avenues) Perhaps “Zagat surveys” says it best. “Beautiful” and “sophisticated”, with elegant Venetian food, solid service and lovely. Despite tight seating, this pricey classic is sure to impress. Trattoria Dell’Arte 900 Seventh Avenue (57th Street) Despite the name, this in not your family-style pizza pasta palace! Whether you are stepping next door to Carnegie Hall or just looking to stay close by The Manhattan Club you will enjoy the good food, good service and friendly atmosphere. ‘21’ Club 21 West 52nd Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues) Fine dining in a Club-like setting is the claim to fame of this former speakeasy. Recently expanded, this classic offers historic setting including art filled private rooms and a legendary wine cellar.

Outdoor Restaurants