The Financial District & South Street Seaport--If you're sightseeing in the area and in need of nourishment, also consider the restaurants in TriBeCa, which are a stone's throw away.

If it's a perfect cut of meat you're after, you can't go wrong at MarkJoseph, at 261 Water St., at Peck Slip (tel. 212/277-0020; subway: 2, 3 to Fulton St.), a Seaport-area yearling that scores as Manhattan's best steakhouse.

Tribeca--Burritoville is at 144 Chambers St., at Hudson Street (tel. 212/964-5048).

Chinatown--To help cool my palate after a spicy Asian meal, and one of my favorite stops in Chinatown is the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, 65 Bayard St., between Mott and Elizabeth streets (tel. 212/608-4170). The ice cream is made on the premises and is a contender for best ice cream in the city. But what separates the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory from all the others are the exotic Asian-inspired flavors such as ginger, mango, almond cookie, litchi, green tea, and the incredible red bean. If you have room after your Chinatown feast, don't miss it.

Espresso, Anyone?--With the increasing encroachment of Chinatown upon what was formerly Little Italy's turf, north of Canal Street, the neighborhood made so famous in movies such as The Godfather, has lost much of its appeal. More importantly, the quality restaurants are gone. Though there are still many Italian restaurants, especially along Mulberry Street, there are none I can in good conscience recommend. Sadly, the street has become a tourist trap with waiters trying to lure customers off the streets by waving menus at them. I do, however, recommend the very appetizing combination of a dinner at Chinatown in an Asian restaurant followed by coffee and a pastry at one of Little Italy's pasticcerie. My favorite is Caffé Roma, 385 Broome St., on the corner of Mulberry (tel. 212/226-8413), the cannolis (try the chocolate-covered) and tiramisu are spectacular. Open 8am to midnight daily. Another you might want to try is Ferrara, 195 Grand St., between Mott and Mulberry streets (tel. 212/226-6150). Founded in 1892, the pasticceria claims to be America's first espresso bar. Cafe seating is available so you can enjoy instant sweet-tooth gratification. Open daily 8am to midnight (to 1am on Sat).

Soho & Nolita--Also consider the second outpost of hot Mexican Dos Caminos tel. 212/277-4300 at 425 West Broadway (at Houston).

Also consider Lombardi's Pizza, 32 Spring St., between Mott and Mulberry streets, tel. 212/941-7994.

Greenwich Village--There's a nice branch of Burritoville at 298 Bleecker St., near Seventh Avenue (tel. 212/633-9249). The downtown branch of the original uptown Gray's Papaya is at 402 Sixth Ave. at 8th Street. (tel. 212/260-3532).

The original John's Pizzeria is at 278 Bleecker St., near Seventh Avenue (tel. 212/243-1680). Also you'll find Murray's Bagels at 500 Sixth Ave., between 12th and 13th streets (tel. 212/466-2830).

The East Village & Noho--Also consider the all-kosher Second Avenue Deli, 156 Second Ave., at 10th Street (tel. 212/677-0606), for kosher Jewish deli fare extraordinaire.

There's also Moustache at 265 E. 10th St., between First Avenue and Avenue A (tel. 212/228-2022), for good, affordable Middle Eastern. A second location of authentic chip shop A Salt & Battery is at 80 Second Ave., between 4th and 5th streets, (tel. 212/254 6610). Burritoville is at 141 Second Ave., between St. Mark's Place and 9th Street (tel. 212/260-3300).

Chelsea--In addition to the choices listed, Burritoville is at 264 W. 23rd St., between Seventh and Eighth avenues (tel. 212/367-9844).

Union Square, the Flatiron District, & Gramercy Park--Also consider Craftbar, 47 E. 19th St., between Broadway and Park Ave. South, (tel. 212/780-0880), for a casual, more affordable alternative to the gorgeous American cooking at pricey Craft.

Zarela Martínez, the owner of first-rate Mexican restaurant Zarela, opened a second spot: Danzón, 126 East 28th St., between Park and Lexington avenues (tel. 212/252-1345), an attractive two-story restaurant that specializes in the seafood-heavy cuisine of Veracruz, on the Gulf of Mexico.

For celestial baked goods and gourmet sandwiches and salads, try Le Pain Quotidien at ABC Carpet & Home, 38 E. 19th St., between Broadway and Park Ave. S. (tel. 212/625-9009).

Times Square & Midtown West--Steak lovers might also consider Nick & Stef's Steakhouse, 9 Penn Plaza, at Eighth Avenue and 33rd Street (tel. 212/563-4444; www.restaurantassociates.com/nickstefssteakhouse); and Shula's Steakhouse, in the Westin Times Square Hotel, 220 W. 43rd St., at Eighth Avenue (tel. 212/201-2776).

Also consider Aquavit, which offers elegant but wonderfully value-priced Scandinavian meals in its lovely cafe.

A second outpost of Grand Sichuan International dishes up killer Szechuan Chinese fare at 745 Ninth Ave., between 50th and 51st streets (tel. 212/582-2288). A branch of Joe's Shanghai, 24 W. 56th St., just west of Fifth Avenue (tel. 212/333-3868), offers straight-from-Chinatown soup dumplings and other Shanghai dishes. Check out stylish Zen Palate, at 663 Ninth Ave., at 46th Street (tel. 212/582-1669), for Asian-nouvelle vegetarian cuisine.

There's cafeteria-style Mangia at 50 W. 57th St., between Fifth and Sixth avenues (tel. 212/582-5882). Two nice branches of Burritoville are at 352 W. 39th St., at Ninth Avenue (tel. 212/563-9088), and 625 Ninth Ave., at 44th Street (tel. 212/333-5352).

If you're looking for the quintessential New York Jewish deli, you have your choice between the Stage Deli, 834 Seventh Ave., between 53rd and 54th streets (tel. 212/245-7850; www.stagedeli.com), known for its jaw-distending celebrity sandwiches; and the Carnegie Deli, 854 Seventh Ave., at 55th Street (tel. 800/334-5606; www.carnegiedeli.com), for the best pastrami, corned beef, and cheesecake in town.

Also consider Emerald Planet, on the lower concourse level at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, down the hall from the skating rink (tel. 212/218-1133); their freshly made wraps and smoothies make for a healthy, yummy lunch on the go for ambitious sightseers.

There is a very nice outlet of John's Pizzeria in Times Square, 260 W. 44th St., between Seventh and Eighth avenues, (tel. 212/391-7560).

Midtown East & Murray Hill--The lower concourse of Grand Central Terminal, 42nd Street at Park Avenue, has developed into a quick-bite bonanza that makes it an ideal choice for lunch -- and the setting is an architecture-lover's delight. Head downstairs from the main concourse and choose among the many outlets, offering everything from bratwurst to sushi. Standouts among the bounty include Junior's, an adorable offshoot of the Brooklyn stalwart, serving deli sandwiches, terrific steakburgers, and their world-famous cheesecake in their own waiter-serviced dining area. (With a few exceptions, most of the other outlets are takeout counters; diners can then avail themselves of the abundant and comfortable seating at the center of the concourse.) Little Pie Company serves up the Big Apple's best pies, hands down, plus fresh-baked morning muffins and the concourse's best coffee. Cafe Spice Express, serves up terrific Indian fare, while countermates Christer's and Knodel, specialize, respectively, in traditional batter-dipped fish 'n' chips and terrific German-style brats, wieners, and sausages. There's also an outpost of popular pizzeria Two Boots. If you want beer or wine to accompany your meal, visit one of the two bar cars, which sit near tracks 105 and 112. For a complete list of vendors, check out www.grandcentralterminal.com.

In addition to the listings here, there's also a cafeteria-style branch of Mangia at 16 E. 48th St., just east of Fifth Avenue (tel. 212/754-0637); and a Burritoville, at 866 Third Ave. (actually on 52nd St. between Lexington and Third aves.; tel. 212/980-4111). Also consider Ess-A-Bagel at 831 Third Ave., at 51st Street (tel. 212/980-1010).

The Upper West Side--Also consider the legendary Central Park Restaurant, Tavern on the Green, Central Park West and W. 67th Street (tel. 212/873-3200). Food is not the attraction here; it's mediocre at best, but don't let that stop you from coming to experience dining in one of the city's best settings. Views over the park are wonderful and in good weather try for a seat in the outdoor garden with its whimsical topiary shrubs and Japanese lanterns. Also a great place to visit during the holidays.

For fun family-style Italian, there's also the original Carmine's at 2450 Broadway, between 90th and 91st streets (tel. 212/362-2200), in addition to the choices below. And the original branch of Ruby Foo's is at 2182 Broadway, at 77th Street (tel. 212/724-7700), which serves the same creative dim sum and sushi fare as the Times Square location in another fanciful space.

For breakfast or lunch, also consider Barney Greengrass, the Sturgeon King, 541 Amsterdam Ave., between 86th and 87th streets (tel. 212/724-4707), one of the best Jewish delis in town.

You'll find some of the best bagels in New York on the Upper West Side including H&H Bagels, 2239 Broadway, at 80th Street (tel. 212/595-8003); Absolute Bagels, 2788 Broadway, between 106th and 107th streets (tel.212/932-2105); and Columbia Bagels, 2788 Broadway, at 110th Street (tel.212/222-3200).

Near Lincoln Center, John's Pizzeria, 48 W. 65th St., between Broadway and Central Park West (tel. 212/721-7001), serves up one of the city's best pies in a nice brick-walled dining room. For good burgers and diner fare, visit EJ's Luncheonette, 447 Amsterdam Ave., between 81st and 82nd streets (tel. 212/873-3444).

For French baked goods, sandwiches, and salads of a divine order, also consider Le Pain Quotidien, at 50 W. 72nd St., between Columbus Avenue and Central Park West (tel. 212/712-9700).

And what would the Upper West Side be without its own Burritoville -- or two? There's one at 166 W. 72nd St., near Broadway (tel. 212/580-7700), and a second at 451 Amsterdam Ave., between 81st and 82nd streets (tel. 212/787-8181).

Vegetarians and health-minded diners might also like to consider Zen Palate, which has an outpost at 2170 Broadway, between 76th and 77th streets (tel. 212/501-7768).

For non-vegetarians and the non-health-minded, consider the cheapest, yet in some ways, most comforting indulgence: Gray's Papaya, 2090 Broadway, at 72nd Street (tel. 212/799-0243). This 24-hour hot dog stand is a New York institution. Hot dogs go for 75 cents and the "Recession Special," two hot dogs and a drink, overly sweetened papaya, piña colada, or orange juice, is a whopping $2.45.

The Upper East Side--There's also a branch of EJ's Luncheonette, the retro all-American diner, at 1271 Third Ave., at 73rd Street (tel. 212/472-0600). Burritoville is at 1489 First Ave., between 77th and 78th streets (tel. 212/472-8800), and 1606 Third Ave., between 90th and 91st streets (tel. 212/410-2255).

For divine baked goods and gourmet sandwiches and salads, also consider Franco-Brussels import Le Pain Quotidien, which has three Upper East Side locations: 833 Lexington Ave., between 63rd and 64th streets (tel. 212/755-5810); 1336 First Ave., between 71st and 72nd streets (tel. 212/717-4800); and an easy walk from Museum Mile at 1131 Madison Ave., between 84th and 85th streets (tel. 212/327-4900).

Harlem--Also consider Patsy's Pizzeria and Sylvia's, 328 Lenox Ave., between 126th and 127th streets (tel. 212/996-0660), once the best soul-food restaurant in Harlem has sadly turned into a tourist trap. If you are determined to go, make it for the Sunday gospel brunch which is an absolute joy.

Brooklyn--Consider The River Café, 1 Water St. (tel. 718/522-5200). At the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge, with spectacular views of the New York skyline, this could possibly be the most romantic, special-occasion restaurant in New York. Service is good, prices are steep, the continental cuisine more than adequate, but nothing can top that view.

The fabulous Grimaldi's Pizza is located at 19 Old Fulton St., between Front and Water streets (tel. 718/858-4300).