New York restaurant recommendations for my friend going to New York soon (April 2011)

Barney Greengrass, Upper West Side.  Jewish Deli breakfast.  Simply the best smoked fish anywhere, ever.  Expensive (for breakfast, at least).  http://www.barneygreengrass.com/restMenu.php?list=all&cID=12

BLT Market, Central Park South: market fresh New American sometimes w/Asian flourishes.  Menu changes with the season but I had amazing cucumber wrapped peekytoe crab, hamachi w/avocado puree, pistachio crusted venison loin, Dover sole w/marcona almond ragout.  Expensive.   http://www.bltmarket.com/

Bouley, Tribeca: New American/French.  Ate at original location years ago and it was one of the best meals I’ve ever had.  Chilled asparagus soup w/lump crab meat, lamb chops w/fennel, duck breast w/honey, warm chocolate brioche w/maple, Armagnac, chocolate fudge ice cream.  Very expensive.  http://www.davidbouley.com/

Corton, Tribeca:  whimsical, meticulous, inventive, delicious “modern French” cuisine, in a most elegant setting.  Menu changes often but I had unforgettable foie gras w/hibiscus-beet gelee, so expect things like that.  Very expensive.  http://www.cortonnyc.com/

Dominick’s, Arthur Avenue, The Bronx.  Italian.  Cash only, no menu.  They tell you what’s good and you eat it.  And you like it.  Eventually the bill comes, handwritten on a post-it, and you pay it.  Worth the trip.  Moderate.  http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/dominicks-restaurant/

Great New York Noodletown, Chinatown.  Great Chinese food.  Baby bok choy, bbq baby pig, roast duck.  Inexpensive.  http://www.yelp.com/biz/great-ny-noodle-town-new-york

Johnny’s Pizzeria, Mount Vernon.  Pizza.  Not in NYC, but one of my favorite thin-crust pizzas.  There, I said it.  http://www.yelp.com/biz/johnnys-pizzeria-mount-vernon

Louie and Ernie’s Pizza, The Bronx.  Pizza.  My favorite pizza in the Bronx.  That being said, if you make one pilgrimage to the Bronx it should be to Dominick’s (see above).  http://www.yelp.com/biz/louie-and-ernies-pizza-bronx-2

Katz’s Deli, on Houston Street.  Jewish Deli lunch.  The best corned beef sandwich on the planet.  Inexpensive.  http://www.katzdeli.com/

Kefi, Upper West Side:  stellar Greek tavern food.  Grilled octopus w/bean salad, meatballs, selection of spreads w/pita, grilled branzino.  Moderate.   http://www.kefirestaurant.com/

Osteria Morini, Tribeca: Emilia-Romagna Italian.  Enjoyed fegatini (duck liver mousse), fresh creste pasta, mare salad, brodetto.  Moderate-Expensive.  http://osteriamorini.com/

Pylos, East Village: amazing “rustic Greek home cooking.”  Haloumi, giant bean puree, grilled octopus, honey-braised lamb shank.  Moderate.  http://www.pylosrestaurant.com/

Sakagura, Midtown East:  fantastic Japanese tapas.  Grilled eggplant with three sauces, agedashi tofu, fried chicken.  Moderate-Expensive.  http://www.sakagura.com/

I hope this takes care of some of your eating needs for this trip.  For breakfast, aside from Barney Greengrass, any Greek diner should suffice.