Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in New York

This may be the best of the 57th Street theme restaurants. Certainly, it is the most authentic New York City spot on the block, serving old-fashioned favorites like cheese blintzes and a massive roast beef sandwich. It is far more expensive than most diners, but it will save you a trip across the Brooklyn Bridge. It is also thoughtfully decorated with plenty of New York City memorabilia. Try the cheesecake.

Although the interiors display understated elegance with candle-lit dinner tables, linens and paintings, the ambiance is energetic with loud live music and a crowded bar. The 85-seater restaurant serves traditional Cuban cuisine as well as other Latin specialties. The bar with its collection of assorted wines and liquors is one of the main attractions. Tuesdays are Bolero nights and till Sunday live acts are performed. Check website for details.

The sculpture of a giant nose appearing in the window of this spot will let you know you are in the right place. Located across the street from Carnegie Hall, Trattoria Dell’Arte is one of Manhattan's best places to enjoy antipasti and thin-crust pizzas. The pumpkin-colored dining room is bright and beautiful, and the food, service and ambience are all good. It is often crowded, but worth the wait. Try the grilled vegetable platter, veal chop parmigiana or the grilled shrimp. Check website for details.

Serving Italian seafood creations to delighted patrons, Marea has already earned two coveted Michelin stars for their polished menu of authentic Italian coastal offerings. The chic interior is perfect for business or romance, and private dining rooms can be readily arranged. Chef Michael White's deft Mediterranean touch pairs globally sourced ingredients like sea urchin, lobster, oysters, marlin, scallops and octopus with rich sauces, fragrant herbs and bright, citrus flavors. Studying the menu alone will whet your appetite. If not, a glass of wine from their thoughtfully selected wine list will surely do the trick.

54 Below lies directly beneath the infamous defunct nightclub Studio 54, offering guests a more wholesome experience in their cabaret-style dining space. With tables no further than twenty four feet from the stage, 54 Below has become a haven for Broadway's finest who come here to belt out classic show tunes to excited diners. In addition to up to three performances a night, gourmet cuisine awaits guests on the brief but focused menu. Innovative twists on American cuisine populate the menu, featuring espresso marinated hanger steak in addition to house-made mozzarella and ratatouille shepherd's pie. The dessert menu is quite lengthy considering the number of dinner offerings, allowing guests to indulge in decadent creations while being serenaded by some of New York's finest. Designed and managed by a team of multiple Tony Award winning set managers and lighting technicians, 54 Below is the best place to see the stars out to play.

Bouchon Bakery in the Time Warner Center gives you an excellent view of Columbus Circle and Central Park. At this bakery you will find regulars sipping on juice or just plain biting into a juicy sandwich. The simple yet exquisitely prepared ham and swiss sandwich and spinach quiche will satisfy your cravings for something savory, while the cashew butter and jelly sandwich puts a fun twist on the original peanut butter and jelly. Indulge your sweet tooth withcroissants, chocolates, tarts and pastries. If you've happened to bring your pet, you'll be happy to know that the bakery also carries gourmet pet treats.