Dining in NYC is always a wonderful thing.  Our restaurants are definitely top notch for their cuisine, presenting food and truly making it seem like an art

Below is a list of my personal favorite restaurants that are tasty and fresh. Freshness of food is always something that I thrive hugely on and would only bring the same type of food recommendations to you.  I will list them out by food type and price and list location details and websites whenever possible to give you the satisfaction of moving around the city and being able to locate these spots with ease.

When you speak to New Yorkers about fine Italian Dining, you're usually going to hear two places frequently come out of our mouths.  Tony Di Napoli's, or Carmines.  I've eaten at both and BOTH are indeed delish beyond compare; but personally I can never, ever get enough of eating at Tony Di Napoli.

Tony's is known for their family style dining, which means you can eat for a group of about three or  four with one entree and one pasta, and serve straight onto each others plates.  Their food is absolutely delicious.  Mouth watering, fresh and tasty. There isn't one meal that I've had there that I haven't enjoyed. Some of my favorites are chicken francese, the rigatoni with eggplant and fresh mozzarella, chicken and shrimp parmigiana, mussels fra diavlo.

Don’t forget to have their yummy sangria (the red one). Tale a visit to Tony's while you are in New York and don’t forget to set up a reservation in advance, especially on the weekends.  There are two locations, the very touristy and ever thriving Times Square location on 43rd Street between Broadway and 7th and the original location, which is usually frequented by more home bred New Yorkers on the Upper East Side on 83rd Street and 2nd ave.

You can check out the menu, pricing (I'd give it $$$ according to price but its well worth it.  Plus you can feed your entire family (of four for about $100 bucks which will include wine) at their website.  You'll notice that the rigatoni with eggplant and mozzarella is featured right on the home page, and rightfully so.  If there's any hundred you'll spend on a meal I would highly suggest you do it here. There won’t be any regrets.

Seafood

My absolute favorite seafood spots in NYC are simply two.  The Blue Water Grill and City Crab.  Trust that when you are looking for fresh seafood and fine dining at its best, these two spots are equally measurable in taste, authenticity and enjoyment.  Both price points are about $$$, worth every penny.

Blue Water Grill offers a brunch on Sundays and a prix fixe meal Monday thru Saturday from 11:30 am till 4 pm.  Their fish is elegant and light, crabs are finger licking good and they actually won the Best Of New York award for Oysters, which are to die for.  They don't have a website, but their location is prime; right in the heart of Union Square. The dining room is spectacular and they aim to please with service and their full menu.  They've received a ton of reviews, positive of course and I welcome you to take a trip to Union Square and try them out.

City Crab is a close competitor of The Blue Water Grill.  The oysters are another of my personal faves, a mixed array of different types and flavors.  You won't be disappointed.  They also offer an evening prix fixe menu as well as brunch. Happy Hour (HALF OFF) every Monday thru Saturday, 5-7 pm and Sundays 12-7.  Lunch is great; their blackened catfish is cooked to perfection and I have had an array of entrees from their menu as well.  I've yet to feel an ounce of displeasure from anything on their menu.  I would also try one of their signature cocktails.  My fave  is the toasted coconut for all of you coconut lovers.  They are easily located on 19th street and Park Avenue South, and if you sign up for their deal savings via email you will get 15% off your order. This is a two week coupon though, so you're going to want to wait until you either get to New York or are about to come in order to make sure your savings don't expire.  Check out the website to peruse the menu a little bit.

Ribs, Drinks, BBQ style food

Dallas BBQ is THE place to go to get an enjoyable rib showdown.  FANTASTIC chicken wings are on the menu (honey, plain or hot) and the greatest frozen drinks that NYC has to offer.  They have locations all across New York City, their flagship being located in the heart of Times Square and is always packed no matter what time of day.  Pricing is very moderate $$, including for the drinks which are $5.99 for a regular size, and $7.99 for everyone's favorite TEXAS size, which include an extra shot of your favorite liquor. A sure crowd and family pleasure, I highly suggest you hit this hot spot and enjoy a Texas Sized margarita (wild berry suggested) with some wings to start off your meal.  One full plate of wings can probably feed 3 people, they are that large.  Enjoy!!

Caribbean

When you're talking about some great Caribbean food, you're going to want to hit Negril's hard and won't want to come back.  Located in SoHo in the heart of Downtown Manhattan, you're almost sure to enjoy their jerk chicken among many other entrees that they offer at a reasonable price ($$).  Their curry is always prepared perfectly and you'll find yourself entering island life with a warm welcome from the hostess team there.  It's a very inviting and comforting environment in which to eat, and you'll be pleased with the rich and hearty meals.  Also, try some of their delish signature cocktails.  In the evenings, downstairs turns into a heart pumping party room called Rhum Lounge.  So if you're looking for a meal and want the opportunity to go and dance it off when you're done, this is definitely the place to be.

Eating around the city and discovering the versatility of our cuisine and eclectic presentation and decorum that is offered is just part of the fun.  But truly being able to enjoy delicious, fresh and delectable food is the best.  Manga!