Balthazar, a French brasserie "with attitude " transplanted to trendy SoHo. Eight reservation takers deal with over 1,000 calls a day. Tel: 001 212 965 1414. Bouley Bakery, small, semi-informal newcomer bakes breads and organic products on the premises. 120 West Broadway (between Duane and Reade Streets). Tel: 001 212 964 2525.
Indochine, expensive Vietnamese-French place in Greenwich Village. Wear anything as long as its black. Lafayette St (between Astor Pl and 4th St). Tel: 001 212 505 5111.
Le Chantilly, haute French cuisine, pricy menu in an elegant setting. 106 East 57th St (between Lexington and Park Avenues). Tel: 001 212 751 2931.
Casa La Femme, sumptuous Egyptian restaurant with tented tables and snobby staff. 150 Wooster St. (between Houston and Prince Streets). Tel: 001 212 505 0005.
Lot 61, a vast, art-filled former garage, popular for hors d'oeuvres and pink cocktails. 550 West 21st St in Chelsea. Tel: 001 212 243 6555.
Jean Georges, named after its award-winning chef and owner, Jean-Georges Vongerichten. French cusine described as "dazzling" by food critics.
Trump International Hotel, 1 Central Park West (between 60th and 61st Sts.) Tel: 001 212 299 3900.
Tribeca Grill, Robert De Niro's joint serves New American food in a cool warehouse setting. 375 Greenwich St. (Franklin St) Tel: 001 212 941 3900.
Le Cirque 2000, Sirio Maccioni's recently relocated and enlarged Midtown French restaurant with over-the-top decor and long queues for reservations. NY Palace Hotel, 455 Madison Ave. (between 50th and 51st Streets) Tel: 001 212 794 9292.
River Cafe, wonderful views from this romantic waterside location under Brooklyn Bridge where several couples get engaged every night. 1 Water St. (Brooklyn Bridge). Tel: 001 718 522 5200.