Best restaurants in the neighborhoods

Ron Ciavolino's favorite wine bars

Love 'em or hate 'em, a new crop of wine bars -- Xai Xai, Bar Boulud, Solex -- has spawned some hearty buzz. For a reality check, we sat down with our favorite vino vet, Ron Ciavolino. The 71-year-old head of wine studies at the Institute of Culinary Education has never fallen for wine trends, passing over trite descriptions like "mellow" and "oaky" in favor of the more florid "This Riesling is like skipping through a field of lavendah!" (bellowed in his ear-shattering native Brooklyn accent).

Noodles and more noodles

In the East Village, it's hard to walk a block without passing a noodle bar. Considering that these low cost restaurants serve tasty fare in huge portions, it's no surprise that they've become so popular.

Family-style dinners -- with or without the family

While you might want to take a break from your family after the holidays, family-style dining can still be lots of fun. Whether it's big bowls of pasta to pass around, appetizer-like dishes to share or endless salad bar selections to choose from, restaurants that cater to serving groups help keep up the convivial feel of the night. So grab some friends -- or family, if you dare -- and dig in at one of these places:

New York City restaurant

Grand Central Oyster Bar

There is no other restaurant in New York - nor in the world - like the Grand Central Oyster Bar.

Top Vegetarian spots

Hey, vegetarians, we feel for you. We know it gets tiring digging through meat-laden menus for that one, lonely vegetarian option when out with friends.

Great risotto

While risotto can include anything from spring vegetables to summer berries, fall is an especially appealing time to dig in, thanks to the bounties of the autumn harvest. The creamy concoction serves as a base for bigger things when ingredients such as squash, corn and mushrooms are added. Here are some of our favorite risotto combinations around town this season:

Steak frites to die for

While you can¹t throw a stone without hitting a French bistro in this town, the same can¹t be said for a quality serving of steak frites. This en francais version of meat and potatoes calls for soft, fall-off-the-bone-tender beef, and thin, crisp fries. Here's where to get them.

Tried and True Neighborhood Restaurants

The city's neighborhood restaurants serve up well-prepared comfort food.

Park Yourself in the Parks For A Meal

The city's parks are a delight at this time of year.

Where to go, after the show, for dinner

Once the theaters let out, the dinner show begins. Here are 10 places in the theater district where you can get a bite.

Where to eat in Brooklyn

Here are some of our favorite places in the borough, from DUMBO to Bay Ridge.

Where to eat near Lincoln Center

You've just come from a performance, and you need something to eat. Here are some of our favorite places.

Where to get a bite in Tribeca

If you're heading downtown to shop, to relax in the parks, or just to hang around, here is a selection of restaurants.

Where to get a bite uptown

Whether you're trekking Museum Mile or rambling around Central Park, here are choices for dinner, all above Columbus Circle.

Newcomers -- and old favorites -- on Park Slope's Restaurant Row

Fifth Avenue is food nirvana in the Slope, with a clutch of new restaurants taking their place among neighborhood favorites like Blue Ribbon and Al Di La. Here's a quick look at some of the places along the avenue that are worth a visit.

Where to get a glass of wine and a bite near MoMA

We know, we know. We know all about the Danny Meyer restaurants in the brand-new MoMA. But something tells us the place is going to be mobbed this weekend. And there's a good chance you'll wait forever for a shot at a table in any of them. So, we offer a choice of places right in the neighborhood to go for a drink and a bite after you've admired the art and the building.

Where to eat in Chelsea

From old favorites to new arrivals, five places to get a bite in Chelsea