Best restaurants for winter

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.

Restaurants worth the wait

New Yorkers hate to wait ... unless it's to get into the restaurant du jour. In which case it's all part of the fun. These blazing-hot eateries don't take reservations, so go early or late, or give in to cooling your heels with fellow trend-setters.

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.

Sustenance for a shopper

Come December, the city¹s department stores become second homes for many New Yorkers.

Pumpkin season: where to indulge a seasonal taste

So much more than a squash, the colorful pumpkin is now in season. The familiar orange gourd, thought to originate in North America, lends itself well to a variety of preparations, both savory and sweet. And though I¹m sure you¹ll still crave classic pumpkin pie, here¹s where you can taste pumpkin in other culinary creations.

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.

Mexican food to count on

There¹s no shortage of places to get Mexican food in these parts, but most of them are about as authentic as Sanjaya Malakar¹s take on Besame Mucho. If you're looking for U-shaped tacos with shredded Kraft cheese, you¹ll want to steer clear of these authentic Mexican places.

Where to get great lasagna

When winter bites hard – as it has the past few weeks – there's nothing like lasagna for supper. Here's where to get it.

Dumplings for the New Year

With celebrations of the Asian New Year in full swing this week, what better way to get into the spirit of the holiday than by getting out and taste testing some delicious dumplings. Most New Yorkers have a favorite place they go to for their fix of these tasty meat- or vegetable-filled morsels. Here are a few of ours:

Where to go for latkes

As they used to say, "You don't have to be Jewish to love Levy's." And you don't have to be Jewish to love latkes. This is the season to eat them, so we've listed seven restaurants where you can get them.

The best spaghetti in the city

Is there a soul who doesn't weaken at mention of the word: 'spaghetti'? Whether you're talking silky carbonara or rustic puttanesca, spaghetti with cream and mushrooms or spaghetti the way you loved it at seven--with meatballs and red sauce, here are amNew York's choices for best in show. For readers' picks, click here.

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.

Mangia!

The city's favorite foods often come with an Italian accent. Whether you crave Northern Italian or Sicilian; homey pastas or sophisticated entrees, there's a restaurant for you. Here are 10 places we love.

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.

Tried and True Neighborhood Restaurants

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

Eat cheap

Everybody has a favorite restaurant. But what everybody wants to know is: Where do you go for a meal on the cheap? Here are some of our favorite places where you can eat well, and not break the bank.

Rooms with a view

These restaurants give you a great view of the great outdoors.

Here's the Beef - Classic City Steakhouses

A Great Cup of Coffee -- or a Pot of Tea

Bring a laptop, spend the day. Some choices for a good cup of coffee or tea.

Where To Get A Good Breakfast

Forget the leftover pizza, here are 10 places to chow down on a hearty breakfast.

Hot Chocolate Gets Real

We tasted hot chocolate all over New York. Here is a list of our favorites.

Tap into American classics

When you want a casual meal, or a place to eat and hang out for the night afterward, there's no better place than a pub.

All-American Burgers

What's more comforting than a classic burger -- thick, juicy, done to a T and capped with melted cheese.

The best sandwiches in New York City

Some people call them sandwiches. Some people call them sangwiches. And some people even call them samiches. Whatever you call them, you've been eating them all your life.

Best Bar Snacks

There's nothing better than a great drink after work. Unless, perhaps, you enjoy a great drink with fabulous – and sometimes free – bar snacks. If that's of interest to you, check out one of the following spots for tasty grub at your local pub.

Great grilled cheese

As the cooler weather settles in, there's nothing more comforting at the table than a warm grilled cheese sandwich. Whether a classic American on white or a fancy raclette on baguette, here are some varieties that will keep you satisfied.

Southern food in the city

In the mood for some good old Southern cooking? Here'are some great places to warm your heart and your tummy.

Great soup

Soup is the universal comfort food, and virtually every cuisine has its own take on this primordial favorite. These local soup specialists need just a New York minute to ladle up savory, satisfying meals-in-a-bowl.

New steakhouses in town

Steak is the new salmon, judging by the number of steakhouses that have opened in the past year or so. Herewith, a quick look at some of our favorites among the newcomers.

Great wings

Chicken wings are a guilty pleasure no longer reserved for Super Bowl parties or sports bar fare. Thought to originate at Anchor Bar in Buffalo, N.Y., in 1964, they are more popular now than ever. Here are some of the city's best spots to roll up your sleeves and dig into the spicy, messy treat.

Turkey with no trouble

You say you want tradition, but you don't want to bother cooking the dinner? Never mind, the city's top chefs will do it for you. All you have to do is make a reservation. Do it soon, though. Plenty of other people have got the same idea.

Cupcakes and more cupcakes

Saying you don't like cupcakes is a little like saying you don't like Mom. Or the flag. The question, then becomes: who's got the best ones. Here, a sampling of some of our favorites all around town.

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.

Mac and cheese, please

When it comes to macaroni & cheese, we're just kids at heart. This all-American dish is the ultimate comfort food: cheap, cheesy, and easy to love. Here's New York's finest mac & cheese, both takeout and dine-in.

Britain's best: Fish and chips

Despite what you may think about British food, this classic battered dish proves the English can make some delicious eats.

Best NYC cheesesteaks

Philadelphians are just as particular about their cheesesteaks as New Yorkers are about their pizza. So, when someone claims to have an "authentic" version outside the City of Brotherly Love, it's usually met with scoffs.

Coming in from the cold

It's pretty chilly out there. How to warm up a cold and stormy night? Round up a bunch of friends and head out for stick-to-the-ribs comfort food. Here are 10 places to find it.

Bar Bites

It's beginning to be that time of year. Holiday party-givers always seem to feed you just enough to leave you feeling too full for dinner, and too hungry to ignore the fact. Here are ten swell places to assuage the post-party pangs.

Thai to die for

Everybody has a favorite Thai place. Here are 10 whose cooking and style move them well above the neighborhood storefront.

Pasta, pasta, and more pasta

Spaghetti, tortellini, ziti. Fusili, lasagne, rigatoni. With meatballs, with anchovies, with lobster. With red sauce, with carbonara sauce, with clam sauce, with alfredo sauce. However you look at it, pasta is one of our favorite foods. Here's where to find it.

The New Classics

There are newer takes on old favorites all the time. Herewith, we present a guide to ten restaurants all over town who have put a new spin on tradition.

Healthy food for a healthy new year

Party's over, and it's time to get healthy. Herewith, a guide to 10 spots where you can eat a little better in the new year.

Bargain Bites

If there's anything better than eating well, it's eating well on the cheap. Here are some of our favorite places where you can get a deal on a meal.

Lunch to go -- takeout to die for

Take-out places and food carts dot the city with everything from upscale hot dogs to barbecue.

Beating the lunchtime blahs

Lunchtime ought to be more interesting than a tuna-salad sandwich. Here are 10 of our favorite lunch places.

Indian food worth celebrating

Indian food is one of the world's great cuisines, and New York is full of terrific restaurants that serve it. Here are ten we like.

Italian restaurants

Pizza or pasta, Italian cooking is the hometown star. Here are some of our favorite places, where you can mangia to your heart's content..

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.

New Restaurants to Brighten Up Winter

Ten new arrivals on the restaurant scene can brighten up winter.

Romantic Restaurants

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

10, Oh So French, Eateries

The city's restaurants can take you to the heart of France, be it Provence, Paris, or in between.

Hearty Winter Fare

To escape the cold, head to Mexico, India, Egypt, Italy, or the Caribbean via these NYC eateries.

10 Spots for Winter Drinks

Where do you go after a movie or a night at the theater? Where to stop for a drink and warm up.

Bistro Mania - 10 Worth A Visit

The city's bistros are treasured institutions. Here are 10 of our favorites.