Best Restaurants in NYC

Writing a piece on best restuarants in NYC is sort of like trying to boil the ocean... it can not be done. Everyone's taste run so diverse and the restaurants in NYC span such a wide spectrum there is something for everyone. Rather than set out to give a generic list based on top food or decor (Zagat) I will try to provide some context to my choices and provide some inside into why I think they are ideal. I am writing it from the perspective of someone tourist who wants to go to the local places.

Brunch

1) Grey Dog Coffee. Grey Dog is the epitome of West Village lifestyle. Small, dimly lit, cozy cafe/brunch spot that serves up great food in a low key, locals type of feel. In the old days, dogs were allowed in and roamed the small space. Times might have changed but this is a wonderful place. I love the Grey Dog breakfast but I have tried most things on the menu. The kitshyness of the place is what is also fun.

2) Mayrose - Another standard in my rotation. The big windows out onto Broadway and 18th street make for a perfect relaxing brunch. Great eggs and omlettes in nice portions.

3)  - Brazilian brunch at it is best. This is east village feel meets latin america in a brunch format. It overlooks a cute garden in the east village and you can sit outside (rare in NY)

Dinner - Informal

Corner Bistro - Not the fanciest burger in NY as that would be DB Bistro, Not the most organic burger in the city, but the best value/taste combination in the city hands down. This tiny bar in the west village is no bistro. They have 3 things on the menu, Burger, Bacon Burger and Bacon Cheeseburger but they do it all well.  Wash it all down with $2 drafts of McSorley Ale and it is good.

Dinner -formal

Girogios of Gramercy - Great food, wonderful small gramercy feel to it without the crowds. This is a true NY gem and I still can't explain why on a Saturday at 5pm I can get on OpenTable and it is free. Perhaps I am wrong but everyone I have sent there love it. My parents always want to go.  They treat you like a fancy restuarant (demi-courses and starters) but without the price.

Novita - Also in the Gramercy area but great northern italian food. Simple classic presentation with great consistancy. I have always had good meals there.

Nobu - People will complain it is hard to get in or it is pricey, but for really amazing sushi with great presentation and tastes you can't go wrong. Rock Shrip in Ponzu is one of the best dishes as well as the Miso Cod. I have not tried the uptown one but have been to the Tribeca one many times.

Jean Georges - In the world on NYC high cultured food, the best value is still Jean Georges. Per Se has nothing on this place at 2.5x the cost. More innovative without being silly, more rich without being overbearing and amazing service. It is the best meal I have eaten and way better than Per Se.  You might say how could it be value at 90/plate. I have been to a ton of 75/plate places that don't offer what Jean Georges does and it outclasses others that are more money. I took my mom there for her 60th birthday and she loved it.

I will add more and if people want to know about a specific place let me know. Or try YELP, a Bessemer Ventures Partners backed company (shameless plug)