Best Restaurants
FRESCO BY SCOTTO 34 East 52nd St.
212-935-3434
This traditional Tuscan restaurant run by the family of “Good Day New York” co-host Rosanna Scotto is a great spot for a power broker lunch or celeb-watching. Its quaint atmosphere exudes the real feel of a traditional and homey Italian restaurant, and it features signature dishes like a pan-roasted branzino, filleted Mediterranean sea bass and grilled marinated lamb chops. An extensive wine list and great desserts like ricotta cheesecake complement a meal that will leave you happy and content. They feature special menus for holidays and heart-shaped ravioli for Valentine’s Day.
PERIYALI 35 West 20th St.
212-463-7890
Opened in 1987 by Nicola Kotsoni and Steve Tzolis, who also run Il Cantinori and the French bistro La Gauloise, this restaurant has become one of the most famous — and best — Greek restaurants in Manhattan. A romantic Greek word for coastline or seashore, the name Periyali was chosen because much of the food has roots in the Greek Islands. Attentive waiters serve up traditional keftedakia saltysa (stewed meatballs), an amazing horiatiki sakata garides psites (grilled shrimp with sautéed vegetables) and charcoal grilled lamb chops to die for. It’s perfect for any occasion and, with a little notice, the staff will go the extra mile to make it an even more memorable night.
THE RIBBON 20 West 72nd St.
212-787-5656
Part of the vaunted Blue Ribbon franchise, this Upper West Side outpost features huge portions of comfort food served by friendly waiters in a upbeat and attractive setting. Start off with oysters or steamed clams, move on to the white bean soup followed by spit-roasted prime rib of beef or pork, or the lamb chops with eggplant tomato confit, mint and cucumber yogurt. The main dining room is large and airy, the bar is well-stocked and creative, and the windows provide nice views of the neighborhood.