More New York Restaurant Picks

Some more favorite restaurants from the past few months...

(While I try to keep up with restaurant openings and closings, things change frequently in the dining world and I would recommend calling ahead before you visit.)

Novita has been a hidden gem for years.  It was recently recognized with a review by the New York Times, but it's an old favorite of mine.  Fantastic Italian food, and their funghi misti, pastas and mille foglie are especially good.  Quiet yet still lively, it's a great place for dining either with a group or tête à tête. (212-677-2222, 102 East 22nd Street, at Lexington Avenue.)

Minetta Tavern serves up French bistro fare in a comfortably casual dining room.  Though for me it still can't top Balthazar, it's a solid choice for good bistro food. (212-475-3850, 113 MacDougal Street)

The talented and innovative Paul Liebrandt is chef at sleek manhattan restaurant Corton. Though pricey, this contemporary French cuisine is worth it, serving dishes like foie gras with apple, and wild duckling with turnip gelée and crispy polenta. (212-219-2777, 239 West Broadway)

Marea is a seafood delight. From the appetizer of sea urchin with lardo and sea salt to the crudo to the wonderful seafood pastas and finally the entrees (like dover sole with lemon or another simply grilled fish), it's a wonderfully briny meal beginning to end.  (212-582-5100, 240 Central Park South)