Gramercy Tavern

As if you needed another reason to visit this Gramercy institution, chef Michael Anthony just won the James Beard award for best chef New York. Truth to be told, we’d come for the impeccable service and cozy, farmhouse-style setting and the first-class cocktails, like the mortoni (Danny Meyer’s take on a negroni) and the concord grape crush. The menu depends primarily on the season, but if you spot ramp custard or any custard at all, order it.  The same goes for the open ravioli filled with the season’s best. produce. And the sweets are as good as the savories, thanks to Nancy Olson, who makes a mean bread pudding and homemade ice creams.
Don’t Miss Dish: Open Ravioli, but mostly depends on the season.
End With: Bread Pudding.
Drink This: Sample something from their outstanding cocktail menu
Price: $$$
Occasion: Meet the parents or the grandparents, anniversary, special evening, or table for one at the bar.