A running list, in the order they came to mind, of favorite restaurants:
Coco Pazzo, La Esquina, Raoul's, Chin Chin, Rosa Mexicano (East Side), Orsay, E.A.T., Pastis, Balthazar, Matsuri, Ye Waverly Inn, Francisco's Centro Vasco, Indochine, El Teddy's, Cafe Cluny, Carlyle Hotel (Bemelman's Bar), P.J. Clarke's, Serafina, La Lunchonette, Cafe Boulud, Freeman's, Sant Ambroeus, Rickshaw Dumpling, Shake Shack, Blue Smoke, Bar Pitti, Kelley & Ping, Nobu and Nobu Next Door, Odeon.
[more]Kate & Andy Spade
The Meatpacking District
The Meatpacking District is a small area on the west side of Manhattan that runs from the Hudson River to 11th Avenue and includes West 13th, 14th, and 15th Streets; Little West 12th; and Gansevoort--all now a-glitter in fashionable shops and cafés, including Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen. The area is known for restaurants as well: Florent, the neighborhood’s first love, is kept company by Buddakan, Del Posto, Pastis, and Frank’s. The Gansevoort is the chic hotel in the neighborhood--a lovely contrast, or complement to, a rowdy evening of shots and beers at Hogs & Heifers.