Many folks who travel to the United States via flights to New York city are surprised to learn that that it’s not the capital of New York State. This is highly ironic, because New York City is certainly a worldwide capital of the arts, culture and fine dining. Visitors to the city can choose between a generous myriad of glamorous and innovative restaurants not found in other parts of the world.
One of the caveats of pursuing fine dining in New York City, is to plan one’s brunch, lunch or dinner carefully. Many restaurants accept “walk-in” diners during the slower days of the week like Tuesday or Wednesday. However Friday and Saturday nights are prime time for dining out in any urban area. Proper reservations are a necessity to make sure a table is available and reserved in your name.
Casual travelers are also advised to check to see if there is a preferred dress code at the fine dining restaurant of their choice. To assure the formality of their environment, restaurant owners have the right to refuse service to anyone who does not willing comply. In other words, gentlemen may need to don a suit and tie for their formal dinner date.
Craft
43 East 19th Street
This restaurant seeks to bring a touch of the gourmet to traditional American “comfort foods.” Menu options emphasize fine cuisine and yet use only farm fresh ingredients. Chef Tom Colicchio blends a group of constantly changing entrees so that a six course meal literally changes with the seasons.
Per Se
10 Columbus Circle #6-REST
Diners enjoy a continental combination of French and American cuisine. An award winning list of wines is available to join favorites as steak, chicken and oysters that come complete with pearls. The atmosphere is warm and yet highly professional, giving its patrons a chance to truly experience fine dining.
Alain Ducasse at the Essex House
155 West 58th Street
One of the most famous dining rooms in all of New York City, this restaurant is renown for its lavish French cuisine, art filled environment and attention to classic gourmet techniques. Chef Alain Ducasse brings to America, what he’s already brought to Paris and Monte Carlo. His menu choices change with the seasons, but the sheer elegance and formality of his dining room remains constant.
Kuruma Zushi
7 East 47th Street, 2nd floor
This restaurant might must be the ultimate sushi restaurant in New York City or North America for that matter. With Chef Uezi in the kitchen, every fish used in the making of sushi and all of their other Japanese cuisine inspired seafood dishes comes directly from the coast of Japan. New ideas in food creation mingle with centuries old techniques that make this restaurant one of the most talked about restaurants in all of New York.
While many of these dining establishments are likely to be over-budget for cost-conscious travelers, they are just the place to make once-in-a-lifetime memories. If we’ve missed one of your favorites, let us know in the comments!
