Masa
Masa, in the Ten Columbus Circle building, is the premier Japanese restaurant in New York City. This cash-only restaurant has only a few seats and a bare aesthetic, but the food more than makes up for it. The restaurant doesn't have a menu. The chef prepares whatever he wants and brings it to your table. Make sure to skip breakfast because meals can often last for 10 or more courses.
Masa
10 Columbus Circle, Time Warner Center
New York, NY 10019
(212) 823-9800
masanyc.com
Per Se
Per Se is three stories above Masa in the Columbus Circle building. The head chef Thomas Keller, one of the top U.S. chefs of his generation, also runs the French Laundry in Napa, California. Per Se values craft as much as flavor, constructing elegant amuse bouches and extravagant main courses. Each diner has the choice of a smaller vegetarian prix fixe menu, or a nine-course chef's tasting.
Per Se
10 Columbus Circle, Time Warner Center
New York, NY 10019
(212) 339-8363
perseny.com
Le Bernardin
Eric Ripert's Le Bernardin is one of New York's premier French restaurants, having stepped in after the fading away of high-end French restaurants in the early 1990s. Although all of its meat preparations are top-class, it is known for its fish, which are always accompanied by complex sauces. Expect to see some pan-Asian influence in your meal.
Le Bernardin
155 W. 51st St.
New York, NY 10019
(212) 554-1515
le-bernardin.com
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Momofuku Ko
David Chang's recent New York blockbuster is an up-and-comer on the culinary scene. After opening Momofuku Ssam Bar and Momofuku Noodle Shop, Chang entered the race for Michelin stars. Although Chang is of Korean descent, he doesn't limit himself to any nationality's flavors. He goes to the Greenmarket to find the best local ingredients and comes up with a new menu every night. Try the pork buns.
Momofuku Ko
171 1st Ave.
New York, NY 10003
(212) 777-7773
momofuku.com
