38 Essential New York Restaurants
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for something delicious, beautiful, and different - pure food and wine.

http://www.oneluckyduck.com/purefoodandwine/
I suppose this is the blessing of being in NYC but also what makes these lists really not accurate (no offense meant to those that do like these places) but I have lived in NYC most of my life now and have never been to any of these.  We do like to go out and try new places too. In a list it would be impossible to be truly representative of what NYC has to offer.  These places are certainly worth looking into but no list can stand as a definitive "list" of what NYC has.. which is really a great thing.

I have made some local suggestions here (East Village)
http://www.voltaggiobrothers.com/discussion_posts/list/2/1174/1

I have been to some places that are not very good (none are on the Eater list, Village Voice's list seems based on what places made news not what is really good since I have been to some of those and don't agree with the hype  http://blogs.villagevoice.com/forkintheroad/archives/2010/01/our_10_best_eas.php) so the best thing to do is be open, try what you want, not what a review suggests- because NYC is so filled with culinary talent if a place isn't mentioned anywhere doesn't always mean it won't be the best place you have ever eaten and everyone's tastes are different so what one dislikes another may love :)

I love lists like this...I travel to NYC once or twice a year and am always looking to try something new, or maybe repeat something really great. I rely on lists like this because things change so often there.  Since I will be heading up this summer, I will look at this one closely. Thanks for sharing!
Interesting list, and helpful. Not a native New Yorker, so can use the help when visiting. Thanks. 
It's missing so many good restaurants and every one of the good pizza joints.  The problem with lists like this is that while they may work in a small town, they can't possibly include every restaurant worthy of a stop in places like NY, Chicago, LA, etc.
Native NY'er here...countless establishments of culinary delight in NYC, and this list does touch on several. Baffled by the 'Christian Merry' post above - 'have never been to any of these' ...huh? what? next! 
Would be hard-pressed to find any better Italian than Peasant and Al Di La...and from what I've heard, Convivio is as good as any.  Momofuku Ssam is an indescribable experience all unto itself.  Little Owl is phenomenal, Maz Mezcal for Mexican is a gem, Laconda Verde and Barbuto are not to be missed. Balthazar is well, Balthazar, 
Sure there are some names here that wouldn't make my top 38, but there are also some genuine standouts. The list should also be commended for its overall diversity - Italian, Japanese, BBQ, burger joint, fine dining, thai, etc. 


Thanks for passing along this list, Bryan. As someone who has lived in NYC for 20 years, I found the list to be just okay. It was about half right. I didn't agree with some of the selections, and thought that it was missing a lot of really, really good restaurants. However, it was good to see what other restaurants are being highlighted of late. I would have added Union Square Cafe', the new Breslin Bar & Cafe' which is fantastic, Croton, Spice Market, Jean Georges, the Modern, and others. Many of the NYC classic "regulars" are not listed here.
I'd go for TELEPAN, upper west side.  Little jewel box with a master of seasonal and local ingredients, Bill Telepan!
LOL I am a still working on it!  I have been to some great wonderful places just saying its amazing to have been to wonderful places and seen quite a few then a list comes out and what?  I have never been to any of these.. well something to try though but so much out there thats great :)
@john guerrini agreed!  No list can ever be "the" list but just more to discover. :)
Becco - the Bastianich brothers gem on Restaurant Row. I send all single friends who are new to NYC there for dates as dining out in NY can cost big cash. The guys always call to thank me. Their dates are always impressed: fabulous food, fun atmosphere, 2 wine lists - one is filled with offerings at $25, and a bill that doesn't break the wallet. One more great Italian find is Il Buco on Bond St. Quaint, eclectic, authentic.
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