In the city that never sleeps, knowing where to eat at 2 a.m. is crucial and Plaza Diner makes sure hungry diners are left full. The old-school diner with comfy booths, neon lights and a long counter table in the front serves massive-sized comfort food 24 hours a day except on Mondays when they close at midnight. Diners can feast on triple-decker turkey sandwiches to open-faced Reuben to eggplant parmigiana. Typical to diner service, the servers are quick, efficient and enjoyable to watch as they weave through the aisles taking order after order.
Plaza Diner
1066 Second Ave. (near 56th Street)
New York, NY 10022
212-980-8282
http://plazadinernyc.com
Steakhouses are synonymous with New York business lunches, but having lunch and S. Dynasty and truly soaking in the array of cultures in the city may impress the clients more than just meat and potatoes. Overlooking Lexington Avenue on the second floor of the Radisson Hotel is this traditional Chinese restaurant serving cuisine from different regions of China. The restaurant has multiple private rooms perfect for small business lunch meetings. The menu is expansive and familiar but the Chef's Menu is impressive with whole fish, fresh lobster and the traditional Peking duck.
Radisson Hotel
511 Lexington (48th Street)
New York, NY 10017
212-355-1200
http://www.sdynastyny.com
Just a 20-minute stroll from Grand Central is John's Pizzeria, a family-friendly restaurant serving New York's traditional dish, the pizza. The spacious, Italian-influenced space with opened second floor balcony serves diners delicious brick-oven, family-style pizza pies with multiple toppings. For the health conscious, John's also serves whole-wheat pies. The menu includes many other Italian fares such as pasta, panninis, sandwiches, entrees and salads.
John's Pizzeria
260 West 44th St. (between 8th Avenue and Broadway)
New York, NY 10036
212-390-7560
http://johnspizzerianyc.com
The décor and architectural design exudes romance at GILT but it is the New American, farm fresh menu that seals the deal. Rooms are vast and resemble the Grand Central with its high cavernous ceiling. Dramatic draperies hang from floor to ceiling while the contemporary seating modernizes the restaurant. The restaurant has been awarded the 2009 Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator and recently received a two-star Michelin Award in 2010. Diners may particularly enjoy the decadent Tasting Menu with items like slow-cooked egg, Tandoori spiced black cod and suckling pig or opt for the Grand Seven Course. Both have an option of the house Sommelier's wine pairings.
GILT at the New York Palace Hotel
455 Madison Ave. (between 50th and 51st Street)
New York, NY 10022
212-891-8900
http://www.giltnewyork.com