Best restaurants for special occasions

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).

Top tasting menus

In a town so full of dining options, it's challenging enough choosing a place to eat out, let alone knowing what to order once you get there. For a little peace of mind, try leaving the decision to the chef. Here, a list of some of the city's best tasting menus.

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:

Ring in the new at brunch

You survived the count down to midnight, avoided the crowds at Times Square, and drank your fair share of champagne. Instead of hiding out in bed the next day nursing a hangover, why not continue the celebration and head directly to brunch? Restaurants around town are offering a variety of festive New Year's Day options. Here are a few best bets.

Tavern: A jewel on the green

It's a tradition among New York's glutterati to dismiss Tavern on the Green as an overdecorated tourist trap that serves catering-hall fare.

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.

Oysters however you like them

Since oysters are supposed to be an aphrodisiac, what better time to indulge than on St. Valentine's Day? Here, some of our favorite place to get them.

Shore thing: 10 places to dine by the water

Here is a selection of places to eat -- or just sip a drink -- by the water's edge.

Here's the Beef - Classic City Steakhouses

Park Yourself in the Parks For A Meal

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

They're the tops

Even the most plebian of rooftop restaurants takes on a certain glamour based solely on its distance from street level. Here are some of our favorite places at the top of the town.

Eat Out

Where to get a great meal in the great outdoors.

Dinner in the garden

Dinner in the garden is one of the best ideas summer ever had. While backyard patios are scarce among the skyscrapers, there is no dearth of restaurants where you can sit outdoors among the trees and chow down on cooking that ranges from Italian elegance to homey all-American standards.

Dinner al Fresco - Some Not To Miss

Romantic or boisterous. Here are some favorite places for dining under the stars.

Where to go for great steak

Everybody likes steak - well, just about everybody. Whether you're looking for tradition or up-to-the minute, here are some of our favorite places to get a great piece of beef.

Dinner by the fireside

'Tis the season to get cozy. Here are eight of our favorite places where you can snuggle up in front of a fire while you chow down on anything from a tasty burger in the Village to a family-style Italian feast in Queens.

Restaurants with Music

Whether you're looking for cool jazz or eclectic cabaret, here are restaurants with music to put you in the mood for dinner.

Romantic Restaurants

Romance comes in all shapes and styles, whether you find it in a Bronx auberge or Midtown power spot.

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 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.