Midtown West is full of great restaurants of all caliber, and it’s a quick cab ride, subway ride or walk to all of the rest of the city.  Here are a few of my current favorites. 

My categories reflect a few of the many choices you could make for an evening out.  Please note that I am referencing pricing for main course-dinner only.  It is possible to have a nice meal for less by sharing a bunch of appetizers and to spend considerably more by ordering many courses and then there are always wine and cocktails which really add up!

Starting with the ridiculous-(ridiculously delicious) and ending with the sublime -all these are favorites of mine, I hope you will love them too.

 

__________________________________________________Dive DIVE Dining  

$10-$20.00-these places have great food on a mini budget.  Usually also have the advantage of fast service and the expectation that you will not linger!  Short on luxuries and atmosphere, there is much to appreciate in these neighborhood hangouts.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Café Forant

Right around the corner, I come to Cafe Forant for casual dining and take out. You can let your hair down, bring the baby and your own bottle of wine to go with your excellent meal, cooked by the owner from the freshest and most wholesome ingredients available.  This is true value dining without compromise!  Now serving brunch from 10-3 daily.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Mooncake Foods

28 Watts St. at 6th Ave.

212-219-8888

 

I love this place-cramped with tiny formica tables-you can sit right at the window and watch the delivery bikes take off with their delicious loads.  Great tasting food, imaginative dishes and hearty portions.  Did I mention very, very fresh, as well?  If you're hungry down in Soho, this place is a winner.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Modest Night Out  

$15-$25.00-comfortable dining with all the courses you could want, usually busy with rushed service but hearty portions.  Great value as you might get another meal out of the leftovers! 

___________________________________________________________________________________________

 IL Melograno  ( The Pomegranite)

501 West 51st Street,  New York, NY  212-757-9290

 Wonderful food, imaginative specials, great wine list and friendly service make this one of my standards for a dinner that is as quick or as elaborate as I want it to be.  A great value-the food here is really authentic, delicious, and satisfying.  The prices are so good-you can afford an appetizer with your meal!  Say hello to Alberto Tartare-owner and chef!

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Puttanesca

859 9th Ave. at 52nd St.  212-581-4177

A busy atmosphere and good size portions in this convenient neighborhood Italian restaurant.  Waiters are brusque and busy.  The food is very good and hearty. 

___________________________________________________________________________________________

 

5 Napkin Burger

630 9th Ave, New York, NY (212) 757-2277

Just as it says-this is a Burger Joint, but with a very nice atmosphere and some excellent fries to go with!  Make a reservation-even for lunch as word has spread and the place fills up fast!