With close to 20,000 restaurants in the five boroughs I am never at a loss for dining options.  Although it feels as though I am constantly trying new places, I still manage to revisit more than a few favorites.  A couple, such as David Bouley’s elegant French mecca in Tribeca, Bouley www.davidbouley.com, I save for special occasions.  Others I frequent for specific meals, such as a bagel breakfast at Tal’s or the not-to-miss Sunday champagne brunch at Isabella’s www.brguestrestaurants.com.  (As an added bonus, while my brunch buddies wait for a table at Isabella’s, I can slip across Columbus Avenue and shop for vintage photos, antique silverware or alpaca sweaters at GreenFlea Market. www.greenfleamarkets.com) 

When I’m in a rush, I turn to grab-and-go spots like Two Boots Pizza, Chickpea and Artie’s Deli. There I can pick up a slice of vegetable-laden pizza, falafel-filled pita or egg salad-on-rye sandwich and eat as I walk down the street.  If time isn’t a factor, I drop by Savoy in SoHo, Carmine’s and Acqua on the Upper West Side and Tabla and Gramercy Tavern in the Flatiron District.  While the locations, cuisines and price ranges differ, these five favored restaurants share an emphasis on good service, creative recipes, and high quality ingredients. 

Savoy – Prince and Crosby Streets, www.savoynyc.com – In 1990 chef-owner Peter Hoffman opened his ode to locally produced foods in SoHo.  Almost 20 years later he continues to create wholesome yet innovative meals.  At his Federal-style townhouse I fell in love with stinging nettle soup, a rich, deep green, velvety dish.  This winter I returned again and again for grilled blue cheese sandwiches, parsnip and gruyere soup and arctic char with cider braised cabbage and potato and apple salad.  With a cozy, wood-burning fireplace on either floor, seasonal, New American fare and congenial, well-informed staff it is no wonder that Savoy remains a beloved establishment.  

Gramercy Tavern – E. 20th between Broadway and Park Avenue S., www.gramercytavern.com – Granted, the 3-course, prix fixe menu is painfully expensive and reservations are hard to acquire but Gramercy Tavern’s contemporary American cuisine never fails to please.  By the time I have gobbled up an appetizer of butternut squash risotto, entree of Spanish mackerel, dessert of Grand Marnier mascarpone cheesecake — plus the amuse, palate cleanser and plate of petit fours — and accepted my complimentary take-home muffin, I am full, content and happy that I splurged on such a divine meal.   

Tabla’s Bread Bar – Madison and 25th www.tablanyc.com – I now skip the pricier, second floor dining room and instead dine downstairs at the cheerful, mosaic-tiled Bread Bar.  Here the New Indian offerings are more casual but never any less delicious.  A trio of chutneys, warm naan bread, tandoori black pepper shrimp, saag paneer pizza, the 9-bean and lentil Navaratan dal, chicken tikka and striped bass ceviche are among the highlights of the menu.  Factor in cocktails such as the tart tamarind margarita, kumquat mojito and lemongrass and pineapple-infused Tablatini and it becomes obvious why Tabla is such a treat.    

Acqua – Amsterdam and 95th, www.acquanyc.com – Right around the corner from my apartment, the Italian bistro Acqua scores big points for proximity.  Likewise it earns marks for its delicious mushroom gnocchi, a lovely wilted spinach with white beans and pecorino romano salad and an environment friendly to single diners.  On warm nights alfresco dining is a must.  Bring a friend or a good book and savor the delectable rustic Italian food on Amsterdam.   

Carmine’s – Broadway between 90th and 91st www.carminesnyc.com – While the charter buses parked out front and the hordes of tourists milling inside chill my blood, the generous and flavorful family-style Italian at Carmine’s warms my tummy.  A great place to meet up with friends as well as take out-of-town guests, Carmine’s high points include  the garlicky red sauces, mixed greens salads, soft tomato and carmelized onion breads, and enormous bowls of cocoa-dusted tiramisu.  For smaller, less expensive portions, I stop by at lunchtime.  More often than not, I miss the crowds then, too.