Craving a taco? Dos Caminos SoHo will satisfy you in a crunch. Part of a chain known for its wide variety of tacos, enchiladas, and addictive guacamole, the SoHo branch is favored by many a Big Apple native and visiting movie star, and is almost always packed. Sit indoors or outdoors, but if you hit the bar, be prepared to order the most popular specialty: the Strawberry Pisco. Otherwise, take your pick from more than 150 types of tequila, or the specialty cocktails with a Mexican flair.

475 W. Broadway
212-277-4300
www.brguestrestaurants.com

Named after the famed American 1920’s Paris chanteuse Josephine Baker, the moody, elegant Chez Josephine, at the southwestern tip of the Theater District, is always hopping. Musicians drop by — Harry Connick, Jr. is no stranger here — to tickle the ivories on the house piano. Don’t fret about making your show on time; early pre-theater dinners and after-theater suppers are catered to. Chez Josephine’s urbane host, Jean-Claude Baker, created the restaurant in memory of his Follies-star stepmother. Loving attention goes into every detail of the décor and the delicious, eclectic French menu. The food is as stellar as the patrons.

414 W. 42nd St.
212-594-1925
www.chezjosephine.com

Northern Italian cuisine excels at the trendy Barolo Restaurant, which offers exquisite indoor and outdoor seating and transforms dining into an art experience. Pasta lovers will relish the fresh homemade penne in creamy tomato sauce with vodka, Italian bacon, and salmon roe, or can live dangerously with the chocolate tagliolini with wild mushroom sauce and truffle oil. There are 1,500 wines to select from with the assistance from a sommelier, and 20 are offered by glass. The two bars include one outdoors to serve the guest in the large garden. Reservations strongly recommended. Hours: Daily, noon to midnight.

398 W. Broadway
212-226-1102
www.nybarolo.com

Whether you dine street-side or inside, Euro Glam flows throughout Downtown Cipriani. Every table offers an up-close view of the young and beautiful clientele. The buzz in the air and the Venetian cuisine make for an Epicurean delight for the discerning. Part of the famed and fabled European Cipriani chain, the scene here caters to the tastes of younger wealth and privilege. Dessert is a must. Crepes are perfection. A secret Upstairs Cipriani is found (where else?) up a flight of stairs and admits club members only, guaranteeing guests privacy with their pasta.

376 W. Broadway
212-343-0999
www.cipriani.com

A highly exclusive yet romantic getaway in the heart of the West Village, The Waverly Inn requires you either know someone or are someone if you expect entry into this authentic carriage inn-style restaurant and bar that’s open only for dinner and after-theater suppers. (A hotel concierge is often capable of nabbing one of the highly prized reservations.) It has the intimacy of a private club whose regular patrons include celebrity literati, artists, and such A-listers as Jennifer Aniston. Rub shoulders at the packed bar or escape to the romantic fireplace for indoor dining. Extra secret: The Waverly Inn has a hidden private courtyard for al fresco dining, removed from the sidewalk hustle and paparazzi. Its traditional American fare spiced with some international dishes caters to an eclectic clientele. The food is well prepared, but the draw is the romantic flavor and the unique mix of personalities.

16 Bank St.
212-243-7900

Bar Pitti, located right where Greenwich Village meets SoHo, is more than just a place to see and be seen while dining al fresco. It’s also practical, with Tuscan entrees that can be prepared quickly, so that patrons on a tight schedule receive speedy service and a satisfying repast. Catering both to tourists and trendsetters, this pleasant oasis is near bouncy boutiques, edgy galleries, and Off-Broadway theaters. Dig the food, but not the crowds? Washington Square is only a short walk away, so order take-out and picnic in the park. Only wine and beer are served at Bar Pitti, which is open daily from noon to midnight. Reservations available for parties of four or more.

268 6th Ave.
212-982-3300

A favorite among NYC musicians and roadies, The Spotted Pig is the hot West Village go-to spot for sound and scene. Fitting smoothly into the spin-off category of “gastro-pub” (somewhere between restaurant, bar, and pub), The Pig offers Irish/English and Italian cuisine, an impressive wine list, and prestigious brew at a rockin’ bar. Nothing is lost in hyphenation: This local blends cultured décor with cool bar vibes and gourmet plates from a fine chef. The extended hours (noon to 4 a.m. weekdays; 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. weekends) portend the venue’s versatility as a weekend brunch bar as well as an evening club stop. Reservations suggested.

314 West 11th St.
212-620-0393
www.thespottedpig.com

Fashioned after Belgium’s traditional frite shops and topped with a New York flourish, Pommes Frites, in the East Village, dispenses only one item: French fries. The secret here is that the potatoes are twice fried, giving them their golden crispy shell. Personalize your pommes by size (regular, large, and double orders, from $4 to $7.75) and sauce. While there is ketchup, most connoisseurs opt for one or two of the 30 or so other options, such as Parmesan Peppercorn, Vietnamese Pineapple mayo, or Irish Curry. For something a bit heartier, try poutine – a habit-forming French-Canadian concoction of fries and curd cheddar cheese smothered in chicken gravy.
123 2nd St.
212-674-1234
www.pommesfrites.ws

Resembling a psychedelic Baskin-Robbins, the Rice to Riches dessert café offers “rice pudding with a makeover” – spiced up with exotic flavors from all over the world. First select a flavor: French toast, mascarpone with cherries, rum raisin, cheesecake, or traditional vanilla (there are others, and you can mix ‘em). Next, add a topping: oatmeal coconut crumble, fresh fruit, or chilled espresso – or keep your pudding naked. Servings start at $5, and you can keep the dish and the customized spoon when you’re done. Sweet.
37 Spring St.
212-274-0008
www.ricetoriches.com

Think Los Angeles’ Farmers Market, only urban. The Chelsea Market is a one-stop gourmet haven made up of food stalls on the ground floor of the former National Biscuit Company factory. Shop for hard-to-find wines, organic cheeses, Bolivian coffee, even lobster. Familiar names like Fat Witch Bakery, Morimoto, and Buddakan can be found here, as can some of your favorite Food Network stars (shows are filmed on the premises). There are also roving musicians, weekly salsa and tango lessons, rooftop films, and lots more that a farmer could not even begin to imagine.
75 9th Ave.
www.chelseamarket.com