Flanked on one side by a city park and the Lemon Ice King of Corona on the other, Park Side Restaurant dishes out first-rate fare so authentic that Italian-Americans jam the joint. Not that every night here isn’t special, but on Fridays there’s a lobster fest, fairly priced and perfectly prepared. Years ago, the park was conscripted by Italian immigrants who built a bocce court complete with colored hanging lights, a barbeque pit, and long benches to accommodate their ongoing game – now the perfect spot for a celebration of any kind.
107-01 Corona Ave., Queens
718-271-9321
www.parksiderestaurantny.com

Part grocery store, food distributor, and opera house, Sapori d’Ischia is – despite its industrial location – one of the most atmospheric restaurants in Queens. Fine produce lines the restaurant’s walls, permitting you to shop between courses, and the tableside preparation of the fettuccini Alfredo, done in a giant wheel of Parmesan, is a show in itself. Thursday brings pass-the-hat opera night, when singers from Manhattan stages come to show off. Top that off with some balsamic cream vinegar to take home, and you have the perfect evening.
55-15 37th Ave., Woodside
718-446-1500

Possibly Brooklyn’s best-kept secret, Ferdinando’s Focacceria Restaurant has been in the same location since 1904, back when its Carroll Gardens neighborhood went by the much rougher name of Red Hook. Managing to survive the gangsters of the ’20s, the hippies of the ’60s, and the cash-wielding yuppies of the ’80s, Ferdinando’s seats about 35 at best, and maintains hours that revolve around owner Frankie’s family life; he’s only open late on Saturday nights. Still, where better to find authentic panelle (indescribably delish chick pea fritters), pasta con sarde (a Sicilian sardine dish also featuring fennel, pine nuts, and dried grapes., caponatina (of eggplant) and cannoli that’s homemade, right down to the cream. A once-in-a-lifetime meal!
151 Union St. (at Hicks St.), Brooklyn
718-855-1545

The haute pizza at the charming Upper East Side Argentine restaurant Nina’s may spoil you for any other pie. Credit the garlicky homemade sauce, lighter-than-air dough, and the cheese combo known only to those who work in the kitchen. No topping is needed, but carnivores who order the addition of sausage are in for a treat (best enjoyed with wine and one of Nina’s delicious salads).
1750 Second Ave.
212-426-4627

With only 24 seats, intimate dining takes on new meaning at Donguri. Abounding with charm amid exposed brick walls, chef Hitoshi Kagawa’s kitchen delivers the delectable cuisine of Japan’s Kansai region on handsome, handmade tableware. Consider the brilliant tasting menu. (The New York Times also praised several of the individual dishes.) Advance reservations are a must.
309 East 83rd St.
212-737-5656

Not only delicious but gorgeous to gaze upon, no wonder the hibiscus margarita is such a big draw at the enticingly elegant Pampano, a thoroughly modern Mexican restaurant co-owned by chef Richard Sandoval and opera tenor Placido Domingo. Specialties are seafood from the coasts of Mexico, while the drinks must be from heaven.
209 East 49th St.
212-751-4545
www.modernmexican.com

Twin to its namesake Paris sister and founded on the philosophy of exceptional personalized service, New York’s Hotel Plaza Athenee dishes up the most elegant brunch in town, at Arabelle ($69, plus tax and tip). Perch like royalty in one of the Louis XV armchairs, a great place from which to look up and relish the dreamy gold-domed and hand-painted mural ceiling. Arabelle’s exquisite buffet offers trays of steamed lobster, chilled shrimp, a wide variety of salads, seafood selections, meats, terrines, and pates — but leave room for your entrée. The vanilla-spiked brioche French toast and pan-roasted Atlantic halibut are favorites.
37 E. 64th St. (at Madison Ave.)
212-606-4647
www.arabellerestaurant.com

From the cozy red velvet banquettes and marble pedestals to the blooming orchid chandeliers and vintage posters, everything at Benoit – including chef extraordinaire Alain Ducasse’s menu – echoes the Parisian original, opened in 1912. Weekend brunch bustles, so arrive early. Featured appetizers include a rich quiche Lorraine and perhaps the city’s best onion soup gratinee. For the main course, the steak tartare with French fries “L’ami Louis style” and eggs benedict delight. Afterwards, the hazelnut parfait fairly drips with an artful — and rich – chocolate sauce.
60 W. 55th St.
646-943-7373
www.benoitny.com

Artichoke Basille’s Pizza & Brewery – a pint-sized parlor with no room to sit, no formal menu posted, no credit cards accepted, and no brewery service available – is nonetheless worth the effort. The line out the door is the first sign it’s good. More proof? The signature, extra creamy, spinach and artichoke white pie. Even the (oversized) traditional slice holds its own with a deep, flaky crust and just the right variety of cheeses. Non-pizza lovers may go for the meatballs, cheesy stuffed artichokes, and broccoli rabe side.
328 E. 14th St. (at 1st Avenue)
212-228-2004

Good house wines and drinks for $5 and a dozen plump oysters for $1 each – can this truly be a French bistro? Yet Café Deville, with its airy main room and doors opening onto the sidewalk, is a throwback to days gone by. Drop in between 4 and 7 pm for those happy-hour specials and stay through dinner (lovely steak frites, moutard fish, and decadent desserts). The music tends to creep up, so remind the attentive manager to check the volume. There is also a DJ spinning in an intimate clubroom on the lower level, so after-dinner plans may only be steps away.
103 3rd Ave. (between 13th and 14th Sts.)
212-477-4500
www.cafedevillenyc.com