Gramercy Tavern
Su-Th 12pm-11pm; F-Sa 12pm-12am
Gramercy Tavern is unquestionably one of the most preeminent restaurants in New York – its New American cuisine is unparalleled, the atmosphere and physical space is beautiful, and yet somehow unpretentious. It has won several Best Chef of NYC and James Beard awards, and it is one of the most difficult places to land a reservation. Executive chef Michael Anthony’s menu focuses on local, seasonal, slow-food ingredients and recipes. The front of the restaurant, the Tavern, accepts walk-ins, but the Dining Room requires a month-long advance reservation. Gramercy Tavern is renowned for its genial hospitality and top-notch service, which matches the warm, aged wooden floors and tables, wood-burning fireplace, painted murals, and abundant bouquets of flowers and foliage. I have only dined here once, but it was a memorable evening with friends, and a meal that was superb.