Restaurants and Bars

In all its diversity, New York City social life revolves around dining out. Whether a power broker paying hundreds for a meal at Asia de Cuba or a slacker who manages to scrape together some money for a pie at Lombardi's, each experiences the city's unique culinary fusion. Add lively conversation with friends and you've found the real New York City. With so many ethnic influences, so many talented chefs making a name for themselves, so many hot spots, so many hidden gems, so many delis, so many diners—New York offers something for everyone's palate.

Diners enjoy gastronomic delights across the five boroughs, but the following districts are particularly noteworthy:

Midtown Old-money dines at prestigious and elegant classics like 21 Club. Meanwhile, cell phones ring and young turks wheel and deal at hip locales like the China Grill. Superstar Jean-Georges Vongerichten reinvents fine dining at his eponymous Jean-Georges and the French-Asian Vong. For something completely different (but quintessentially Big Apple), true New Yorkers stop by the famous Carnegie Deli for a massive sandwich.

Hell's Kitchen A few steps west of the Times Square tourist traps lies this former slum now transformed into an enclave of eclectic eateries, many ideal for pre- and post-theatre dining. From the chic and sexy Luxia to the family run Chez Napoleon, there's something for everyone. After, or instead of the meal, the Cupcake Cafe supplies some of the best desserts in town.

Gramercy & Union Square This notable area of fine dining boasts top-rated, understated establishments like the Gramercy Tavern and Union Square Cafe. A neighborhood rich in history, the landmark Pete's Tavern still draws a relaxing pint and serves up old-fashioned pub grub after over a century in the business.

West Village World-class restaurants like the favorite Gotham Bar & Grill and the stunningly romantic One if by Land, Two if by Sea work their magic in the brownstones of this historic neighborhood. Along the village's crisscrossing streets lie cozy favorites like Home Restaurant.

East Village Funky, inexpensive ethnic restaurants and hip bars draw people here from all over the city. Well-known bargains like the Life Cafe are usually filled with local hipsters and students as well as visitors. Meanwhile, traces of old New York can be found at the Lanza Restaurant.

Soho Where the art world congregates, trendy dining establishments will follow. The Mercer Kitchen serves some of the city's most innovative cuisine, as the world's most fabulous people vie for tables there (not to mention a couple of blocks over at Balthazar). Elsewhere amongst the galleries and posh shops, black-clad sophisticates socialize at oh-so-very-Soho classics — Raoul's and Boom. Sunday morning, locals make their way to Jerry's for Eggs Benedict and other brunch favorites.

Tribeca Among Tribeca's spectacular loft spaces, masterful restaurateur Drew Nieporant has created a mini-kingdom for himself, along with friend and investor Robert DeNiro. Nieporant offers diners amazing Japanese food at Nobu, fine French and stellar burgundies at Montrachet, and New American at Tribeca Grill. For something outside Nieporant's empire try the flashy Odeon or just sip champagne at the Bubble Lounge.

Little Italy Thats amore! Along bustling Mulberry Street old-country restaurants blare Frank Sinatra into the street while barkers summon the crowds. For those who love red sauces with their pasta or veal, choices abound. From Pellegrino's to Puglia, it's difficult to go wrong. For pizza, Lombardi's serves some of the best pies in the city.

Chinatown Like a trip to Asia without leaving Manhattan, the scores of restaurants on Chinatown's dynamic streets offer every variety of Asian cuisine (often at bargain prices). Dozens of places serve the ever-popular dim sum, but Lan Hong Kok Seafood House rises above the rest. Meanwhile, Joe's Shanghai Restaurant is the place for dumplings. For those seeking Chinese style barbecue Big Wong fits the bill and if one craves noodles at 3a, New York Noodle Town always hits the mark.

Elsewhere What? Where's my Peter Luger, you say? How could you have not mentioned the Tavern on the Green's crystal room? Or what about the River Cafe with its glorious views? New York City's selection of amazing places to feast and imbibe is ever growing, ever changing and always exciting.

In keeping with Wcities' commitment to providing dynamic travel and destination content, go to GoMobo (http://gomobo.com/) to see how to order and pay for food on the go.