Midtown East Restaurants
For the suits, Midtown East is the place to seal the deal at some of the best tables in town. For the rest of us, it’s the place for sightseeing (Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Grand Central, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral), and Fifth Avenue shopping. So you’ll definitely need a bite to eat here …
** Indicates Lipstick Getaways personal favorites.
Cosette ($$) French
163 E. 33rd St. (betw. Lexington and 3rd Aves.)
212-889-5489
Subway: 6 to 33rd St.
Open Sun- Fri for lunch and dinner, Dinner only on Sat.
www.cosette-bistro.com
Small, cozy; moderately-priced French Bistro classics; a reliable neighborhood favorite. Wonderful French onion soup. Location is a bit out-of-the way (south), but only about 4 blocks from the Empire State Building. Hmmm … dinner here, then take in the view at night?
The Four Seasons Restaurant ($$$$) American
99 E. 52nd. St. (betw. Lexington and Park Aves.)
212-754-9494
Subway: 6 to 51st. St, E,V to Lexington Ave.
Open Mon-Fri noon-2pm and 5-9;30pm, Sat 5pm-11:15pm, Closed Sun.
www.fourseasonsrestaurant.com
Major splurge in a classic, sophisticated NYC restaurant designed in the 50’s by legendary architects Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson. (Note: This is NOT part of the Four Seasons Hotel which is at 57th St.) A prix-fixe lunch ($25 and $35) is available in the bar. That might be kind of fun — go pretend you’re a power-broker!
Fresco ($$ - $$$$) Italian
34 E. 52nd St. (betw. Park and Madison Aves.)
212-935-3434
Subway: 6,E,V to Lexington Ave-51st. St.
www.frescobyscotto.com
Welcoming family-owned restaurant featuring a wide range of well-prepared Italian specialties, from superb pizza and lasagna to homemade pastas to capon, rabbit, veal, beef, and seafood entrees. The Scotto family frequently appears on those cooking segments on The Today Show.
Grand Central Terminal
42nd and Park
www.grandcentralterminal.com.
Dining (on purpose) at the train station? Glorious Grand Central Terminal has a pleasant food court serving a wide variety of options to commuters, midtown workers, and tourists. I often pop in there for a quick lunch or snack.
In addition, Grand Central boasts three upscale restaurants: Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant (212-490-6650) is an Old New York classic which features superbly fresh quality seafood; Michael Jordan’s The Steak House (212-655-2300) serves huge and very expensive steaks; and Metrazur (212-687-4600) offers moderate-to-expensive, progressive American cuisine. Of the three, I recommend stopping in the Oyster Bar for a glass of wine, appetizer, and atmosphere.
**Josie’s ($$) Eclectic, Upscale Health Food
565 Third Ave. (@37th St.)
212-490-1558
Subway: 6 to 33rd St.
www.josiesnyc.com
Not your typical health-food restaurant. Interesting, eclectic, healthy vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, nice atmosphere, serves wine and spirits. See also UWS location.
Le Grenouille ($$$-$$$$) French
3 E. 52nd St. (betw. Madison and Fifth Aves)
212-752-1495
Subway: E,V to 5th Ave.
Open Tue-sat noon-2:30pm and 5:3-=10:30pm, Closed Sun and Mon.
www.la-grenouille.com
Beautiful, legendary NYC French restaurant. While I have not yet had the pleasure of dining here, I have seen only positive reviews for cuisine, service, and décor (bouquets of fresh flowers everywhere!). Prix-Fixe Lunch $49, dinner $87.50. They also offer a Pre-Theater Menu from 5:30-6:30 for $49.
Mishima ($$) Japanese, Sushi
164 Lexington Ave. (betw. 30th and 31st Sts.) (not too far from Empire State Bldg) 212-532-9596
Subway: 6 to 28th or 33rd St.
Open Mon-Fri noon-2:30pm and 5:30-10;30pm; Sat-Sun 5pm-10:30pm
www.misimany.com
Top-quality traditional sushi, sashimi, tempura, teriyaki, and grilled fish at moderate prices. Try the fresh lobster miso soup.
P.J. Clarke’s ($$-$$$) American, Pub
915 Third Ave. (@55th St.)
212-317-1616
Subway: E to 53rd. St.
Open 7 days, 11:30am-3am
www.pjclarkes.com
This classic (ca. 1884) NY institution was recently and lovingly renovated and restored – stepping through the doors is like stepping into a time machine. In addition to the signature bacon cheeseburger and classic “bar food,” you’ll find reliably fresh oysters, mussels, fish and chips; also surprisingly good salads. Upscale new dining room upstairs.
**Rosa Mexicano ($$$) Mexican
1063 First Ave. (@ 58th St.)
212-753-7407
Subway: N,R,W,4,5,6 to Lexington Ave-59th St. Open 7 days 5-11:30pm.
www.rosamexicano.com
Upscale Mexican, famous for pomegranate margaritas and guacamole prepared tableside — yummm, my friend Julie and I loved these. Excellent sangria, tasty main dishes. Very popular and busy, especially as an after-work stop. See also Upper West Side location at Lincoln Center.
And I ALWAYS try to go to:
** Tea Box Café ($$) Japanese, Sushi, American
693 Fifth Ave. (@ 54th St., inside Takashimaya dept. store)
212-350-0180
Subway: B,D,F,V to 47th-50th Sts-Rockefeller Ctr; E,V to 5th Ave.-53rd St.
Open Mon-Sat 11:45am-2;45pm and 3-5;30pm, closed Sun.
What a wonderful, civilized spot for lunch, tea (42 types) or a snack inside this classy Japanese department store. Soups, salads, bento box lunch (changes daily). A perfect Fifth Avenue shopping break. I try to visit both the store and the café every trip; my friend Devra came to NYC on business and ate lunch here every day!
