Favorite NYC Restaurants

For anyone looking for some great dining options in NYC, here is an extensive list covering the entire city and budget. David Aragona, a really good friend of Judy Chapman and the whole Garden State Woman mission thrives on finding great spots for dining out both in NJ and NY. We asked David recently for some of his favorites in the city.

Let's have your suggestions. Send them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Becco - 46th Street (Between 8th & 9th Avenues)

Website: http://www.becco-nyc.com/

Good choice in the Theater District. I recommend the "Sinfonia Di Paste" - you get 3 pastas that the chef has prepared for the day served hot from the pan. It's $23 and you can have as much as you want. They also have an excellent wine list where all wines are $25.

Café Boulud – 76th Street (between 5th and Madison)

Wonderful French food, great service and nice wine list. One of the top dinners I've had in NYC and much less expensive than it's sister restaurant Daniel. We had the Chef's tasting menu here and it was fantastic. Every course was amazing – complicated preparations, complex flavors – truly haute cuisine. Special night out.

Daniel – 65th Street (between Madison & Park Aves)

Website: www.danielnyc.com

One of the top restaurants in NYC and an ethereal dining experience. French haute cuisine at its best – complex dishes that are, perfectly presented. Flawless (but not stuffy) service, awesome wine list, beautiful setting. With Del Posto, my top dining experience ever. Very, very expensive.

Del Posto – 85 Tenth Ave. (between 15th & 16th Streets)

Website: http://www.delposto.com/home.htm

Probably the top Italian restaurant in NYC and along with Daniel, the best dining experience I've had, ever. We had the 7 course tasting menu with different wines matched to each course – incredible. Every course exceeded expectations and added up to the ultimate dining experience. Very, very expensive..

Esca – 43d Street (between 9th and 10th Aves)

Website: http://www.esca-nyc.com

Our favorite place for fish in NYC. The menu changes daily depending on what is fresh and the flavors are awesome. In warm weather they have an outdoor seating area that is very pleasant – we like to have lunch here. For a real treat, have dinner at the small bar and be served by Victor. He's a great host, knowledgeable and will guide you through the menu. One of our favorite places to dine in the city.

Felidia - 58th Street (between 2nd & 3rd Avenues)

Website: http://www.felidia-nyc.com/#

Have dined here several times. Fine Italian food, nice setting, excellent service and terrific wine list. Loved the Chef's tasting menu here, where you put yourself in the hands of the chef. I was wowed by each dish that arrived at the table: an incredibly good bean salad, delicious grilled octopus with robiolla, melt-in-your-mouth pear ravioli in a delicate sauce, pasta with cuttlefish and perfectly cooked quail.