Il Buco is doubtless one of the most charming restaurants in New York City. Its beginnings as a rustic antique store echo throughout the decor, with "Primitive American" country tables, candles & kerosene lighting, artisanal chandeliers and antique furnishings. The Mediterranean menu complements the decor, and includes an extensive list of seasonal appetizers accompanied by a menu of pastas and entrées that changes daily according to market. The cuisine is inspired by Italy as well as the Iberian Peninsula, with special attention placed on selected imports of Italian products, including the finest Umbrian olive oil produced exclusively for il Buco. All products are selected based upon a commitment to traditional artisan craftsmanship and are available for purchase. For long term residents who love the old haunts of the literary and famous, Il Buco is a must-know location. The restaurant and its famed wine cellar inhabit a space long thought to have inspired Edgar Allan Poe's The Cask of Amontillado. We can't vouch for the veracity of that tale, but we can say that the wine cellar at Il Buco really does have a character all its own. For visitors who want to get a feel for Old New York, this is certainly a great place to stop in for a glass of wine and a small plate. Those looking for a romantic spot should ask for reservations in the cellar, where candlelight flickers and mystery whispers.

In the heart of Chelsea, overlooking the Hudson River waterfront with great views of Little Island NYC, City Winery’s Barrel Room Restaurant & Wine Bar is a welcoming space to relax and unwind during lunch or dinner. The restaurant features a wood-fired pizza bar and a full-service craft coffee and espresso bar. The menu is wine-inspired, globally-influenced, and locally-sourced, perfect for pairing with City Winery’s own vintages, extensive wine offerings, craft beer and cocktails and more. As Manhattan's only fully-operational winery, the menu features over a dozen tap wine options, preserved in stainless steel kegs in a temperature-controlled environment for optimum freshness with every glass. The tap system, developed by City Winery’s Master Winemaker David Lecomte, has been recognized for its “green” approach with no need for bottling, corks or labels; and therefore, minimal impact on the environment.

Kurt Gutenbrunner's Austrian café inside the Neue Galerie has impeccable service, a beautiful dining room with period objects and lavishly upholstered banquettes, and fine cuisine. Especially gemütlich (pleasant) is the breakfast service. Cakes and pastries are also superior. Classical music Wednesday and Thursday evenings as well as Friday afternoons are an additional pleasure.

One of New York's hidden gems, The Bonnefont features "FreNoCal," a distinctive French à-la Northern California cuisine created by Executive Chef/Owner Nicole O'Brien, a nod to her Sonoma County wine country roots. Libations feature a carefully curated selection of wines from small producers in the United States and France; unusual liquors such as single malt scotch from France; and unique small craft beers. Chef Nicole will work with you to create a special event menu, including non-alcoholic and special dietary requests. Both plated and buffet-style options are available.

The original supersize Japanese restaurant below 14th Street serving fairly average cuisine at fairly high prices to the masses.

Pie heaven as the sisters Elsen turn pie into an all-the-time thing, with handmade crusts, locally sourced ingredients, and some stellar breakfast pasties and quiches. Rightly celebrated as some of the best pie in the universe this shop attracts folks from far and wide, from Zaphod Beeblebrox to folks from all over the tri-state area making special trips into the city just to get that perfect pie.