Need NYC Restaurant Recs

[Kittycat]

My husband and I are going to be in NYC on Sunday - through Wednesday for a convention. I'm looking for some restaurant recommendations between Javits ctr & the Empire State building (we're staying near there). The only restriction is that he doesn't eat fish, so the sushi places are out. Tapas is a favorite of ours, but I'm interested in seeing what all is out there. We also love Mediterranean, Persian & indian food.

TIA for your suggestions :)

[soleft]

1. If you like BBQ, this might be a fun option for lunch

You get your food on a tray and eat at a picnic table, but it's good stuff.

http://www.daisymaysbbq.com/

Also, you're not going to be far from Restaurant Row, near the theater district. Beware of priciness though.

http://restaurantrow.name/


If you love Indian and don't mind a bus or cab ride to the east village, 6th Street between 1st and 2nd avenue is lined with Indian restaurants.

[StrongBad]

2. There's a pretty dope Olive Garden in Times Square if you can swing it

:hide:

[quip]

3. What!!??? Olive Garden sucks! Their food is crap and isn't really Italian anyway!

move over :hide::hide:

[Kittycat]

5. LOL... Okay - seriously. A good place.

Like second honeymoon - first time REALLY away from the kids in forever - want a great meal, kind of place.

[StrongBad]

6. Though I lived in New Jersey for 23 years just across the river from NYC...

I don't have a good grasp on the geography of the city so am not entirely too familiar with what areas you're willing to explore and will be in your proximity.

That being said, since I'm Italian my family and I would always go to the Feast of San Gennaro festival in Little Italy every year and the highlight would always be going to a random non-chain Italian restaurant. Every time we've gone somewhere in that neighborhood the food was always fantastic.

However, if you're looking for something really upscale and classy (like getting dressed up in evening attire) I don't think those sort of places would fit the mold.

Sorry I'm being so nebulous, but there are so many good places to eat in NYC that I'm sure you'll find somewhere even if you have to resort to just looking around while there.

[DS1]

4. Well, if you're a lunatic with no sense of taste

and like to ramble on and on and on about irrelevant CRAP


There's the Olive Garden.

[Phillycat]

9. Do you have to have an Asian gardener, or can anyone go?

[DS1]

10. I'm just saying

he'd be useful at the sushi bar

[soleft]

7. Here's one that comes highly recommended.

This might be what you're looking for

http://www.becconyc.com/index2.htm

[Bake]

8. Sparks Steak House

Best steak in NY (or at least one of the best ...) if not the entire country.

Also notorious as the site of the gotti shooting of Mafia boss Paul Castellano.

Bake

[PVnRT]

11. Olive Garden near Times Square

:hide:

[malta blue]

12. Tagine near Port Authority for Moroccan food...

they have belly dancers too :)

On edit:
Here is a review
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/11620302/new_york_ny/tagine_dining_gallery.html

Now I must tell you that I have been there several times with friends who are close to the owners. I have never paid for my meals and have never even opened the menu - they just bring me food and drink - so I can't vouch for the prices, etc.

All I can tell you is that the food is spectacular, and it is an enjoyable dining experience.

[crispini]

13. Ah, that's exactly the area I hang out in when I'm in town.

Don't suppose you're staying at the New Yorker, are you? LOL. My home away from home. If you are, the hotel restaurant is not recommended.

Let's see, on 44th and 9th -- there is a very nice Italian place, 44 Southwest. There is also a lot of stuff in that general area that you can walk around and check out.

Dang, there is a really nice Thai place on 9th and probably 38th or 40th but I can't remember the name. It's very modern, all green decor and the duck is TO DIE FOR. Yummy!

The Irish place, Tir na Nog, is right there across from Madison Square Garden and around the corner from the New Yorker. A bit spendy but some yummy upscale stuff. And a zillion different kinds of beer. And of course the Stage Door Deli is right next door and you have to go get your deli on. LOL.

Not in the immediate area, but if you like Indian and you are up for a crazy experience, try Panna 2. I love this place.
http://www.panna2.com/

[Kittycat]

15. Hotel 373 5th Ave

Please don't tell me it's a dive. We were late booking for the convention, and had limited options through the agent in the even remotely near area to Javits. This one seemed to have good reviews on Trip adviser, so we went with it. I've heard it's referred to as Starbuck's Hotel by some. I'm assuming there must be one on the main level?

[northzax]

14. how rich are you feeling?

seriously. do you want to spend $50/head, $75/head or $500/head? all are perfectly reasonable options.