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Best restaurants: East Side

By Julie Gordon, Special Sections Editor, and William Sealy, Special to amNewYork | Julie.gordon@am-ny.com

August 2, 2007

East Village

ChikaLicious Dessert Bar 203 E 10th St., 212-995-9511 You can watch the chefs as they prepare ornate, mouth-watering desserts.

La Palapa 77 St. Marks Pl., 212-777-2537 The tables are extremely close together, but who cares with Sangria and margaritas this good?

Lower East Side

Il Laboratorio del Gelato 95 Orchard St., 212-343-9922 Choose from more than 100 homemade gelatos and sorbets served to you by "scientists" outfitted in white lab coats.

Katz's Delicatessen 205 E Houston St., 212-254-2246 The oldest deli in the city, Katz's is still the best place for a corned beef sandwich or bowl of matzoh ball soup. But don't think it's in any way pretentious. You grab a ticket, wait in line to order, serve yourself water and then seat yourself.

Gramecy/Murray Hill

Azuki Sushi 239 Park Avenue South, 212-228-3611 Tasty sushi plus free wine (with a $15 per person minimum) equals happy customers.

El Rio Grande 160 E. 38th St., 212-867-0922 This often crowded, after-work spot is more tolerable than other Murray Hill staples because of its quesadillas and outdoor seating.

Midtown East

Rockefeller Center Concourse 48th to 50th streets, Fifth to Sixth avenues Underneath the giant Christmas tree spot lies several favorite chain eateries, including Tossed, Auntie Anne's, Pret a Manger and, obviously, Starbucks.

Burger Heaven 536 Madison Ave., 212-753-4214 The burgers are fantastic, and service is fast.

Upper East Side

La Maison du Chocolate 1018 Madison Ave., 212-744-7117 Satiate your sweet tooth at this classic French chocolatier with a knowledgeable staff and divine chocolates.

Via Quadronno 25 E 73rd St., 212-650-9880 People watch at this trendy Milanese panini bar.