A short walk from the American Museum of Natural History and Central Park--a slightly longer walk from Lincoln Center--the area around 75th Street and Broadway is a vibrant, busy part of Manhattan. During the day, families and tourists line the sidewalks. At night the neighborhood reflects Upper West Side sophistication. Restaurants range from casual to formal.
An upscale Italian restaurant located in a landmark brownstone, Arte Cafe offers pastas and brick-oven pizza. Heartier entrees include short ribs slow-cooked in Chianti and braised lamb shank. Especially appealing to value-hunters is Arte Cafe's reasonably priced prix fixe lunches and dinners. During the summer, diners can sit in the restaurant's outdoor garden.
Arte Cafe Trattoria
106 West 73rd Street
New York, NY 10024
212-501-7014
artecafenyc.com
Part bar, part restaurant, part neighborhood hang-out, Dive Bar boasts a huge beer selection. Menu offerings include hamburgers, salmon burgers and a pulled pork sandwich. The house specialty is a Quebecois dish called "poutine," which consists of fries, curd cheese and gravy. Diners can get breakfast all day.
Dive Bar
101 West 75th Street
New York, NY 10024
212-362-7518
divebarnyc.com
Specializing in foods with a Mediterranean twist, entrees at Isabella's include homemade Caesarecce Pasta with Spring Peas and Pancetta. For those looking for something quick to eat, this sunny restaurant offers a "Sunset menu" with a variety of salads. On the dessert menu is a dark chocolate "bag" filled with raspberry mouse and berries.
Isabella's
359 Columbus Avenue (at 77th Street)
New York, NY 10024
212-724-2100
brguestrestaurants.com
Well-reviewed restaurant Ouest serves an innovative menu of foods. Among its nouveau American cuisine dishes are Stewed Honeycomb Tripe and Seared Yellowfin Tuna Mignon. Ouest offers a prix fixe dinner on Mondays through Fridays from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and then from 9 p.m. until closing. Patrons should make reservations before going, as it does fill up quickly.
Ouest
2315 Broadway (between 83rd and 84th Streets)
New York, NY 10024
212-580-8700
ouestny.com
Those who are looking for a sweet dining experience will enjoy Sarabeth's. Breakfasts include the muffins that have made Sarabeth's famous, along with "Fat and Fluffy French Toast" and pumpkin waffles. An afternoon tea comes with a selection of finger sandwiches and a plate of homemade cookies. The dinner menu offers comfort foods such as meat loaf and chicken pot pie.
Sarabeth's West
423 Amsterdam Avenue (between 80th and 81st Streets)
New York, NY 10024
212-496-6280
sarabethswest.com
