Some great spots to check out in Manhattan. This list is a work in progress. I'll add more as they come to mind and do write in with your reviews and suggestions. Enjoy!
Sushi Samba
87 Seventh Ave. S. (Barrow St.)
http://www.zagat.com/r/sushisamba-manhattan-0
Tasty West Village place for sushi, drinks. Head upstairs to the roof deck on a nice evening.
Otto
1 Fifth Ave. (enter on 8th St., bet. 5th Ave. & University Pl.)
http://www.zagat.com/r/otto-manhattan
Fun, Greenwich Village venue to grab a glass of vino, yummy pastas, pizzas, cheese, and gelato to boot.
Yama
122 E. 17th St. (Irving Pl.)
http://www.zagat.com/r/yama-manhattan
Casual but AWESOME sushi joint in Gramercy Park.
Jewel Bako
239 E. Fifth St. (bet. 2nd & 3rd Aves.)
http://www.zagat.com/r/jewel-bako-manhattan
SPECIAL sushi destination in the East Village.
Buddakan
75 Ninth Ave.(bet. 15th & 16th Sts.)
http://www.zagat.com/r/buddakan-manhattan
Great place in Chelsea for cocktails and dinner. A dramatic space, Sex in the City was filmed here.
Boqueria
53 W. 19th St.(bet. 5th & 6th Aves.)
http://www.zagat.com/r/boqueria-manhattan
Hopping tapas joint in the Flatiron district. LOT of fun.
Pipa
38 E. 19th St.(bet. B'way & Park Ave. S.)
http://www.zagat.com/r/pipa-manhattan
Another popular tapas spot in the Flatiron District.
Eataly
200 Fifth Ave.(bet. 23rd & 24th Sts.)
http://www.zagat.com/r/eataly-manhattan
Popular Mario Batali establishment in the Flatiron District. A vibrant scene worth checking out.
Cookshop
156 10th Ave. (20th St.)
http://www.zagat.com/r/cookshop-manhattan
This Chelsea spot was jumping last time I was there. Great wine list, cocktails and delicious food. Nice outdoor seating area as well.
Right by the High Line which is worth a spin.
The Standard Grill
848 Washington St.(bet. Little W. 12th & 13th Sts.)
http://www.zagat.com/r/standard-grill-manhattan
Another jumping spot right by the High Line.
Pastis
9 Ninth Ave.(Little W. 12th St.)
http://www.zagat.com/r/pastis-manhattan
One of my favorite spots, located in Meatpacking district. Lovely for brunch outside, fun for drinks and dinner. Order a bellini. Yum!
The House
121 E. 17th St.(bet. Irving Pl. & Park Ave. S.)
http://www.zagat.com/r/house-the-manhattan
CHARMING Gramercy Park place for brunch, dinner or drinks.
L'Express
249 Park Ave. S.(20th St.)
http://www.zagat.com/r/lexpress-manhattan
I go here a lot. Tasty Flatiron place for brunch, seriously so, but also fun for dinner, delicious drinks, or late night treat. They're open 24 hours.
2nd Avenue Deli
162 E. 33rd St.(bet. Lexington & 3rd Aves.)
http://www.zagat.com/r/2nd-ave-deli-manhattan
One of the city's most famous delis - great bagel sandwiches, etc., located in Murray Hill.
Penelope
159 Lexington Ave.(30th St.)
http://www.zagat.com/r/penelope-manhattan
Nice place for brunch. Delicious pastries, etc., located in Murray Hill.
Red Cat
227 10th Ave.(bet. 23rd & 24th Sts.)
http://www.zagat.com/r/red-cat-manhattan
Tasty place in Chelsea for lunch or dinner.
Gascogne
158 Eighth Ave.(bet. 17th & 18th Sts.)
http://www.zagat.com/r/gascogne-manhattan
Beautiful garden at this Chelsea restaurant. Maybe more of a date place but I've been with girlfriends on a summer evening and enjoyed it thoroughly.
Resto
111 E. 29th St.(bet. Lexington Ave. & Park Ave. S.)
http://www.zagat.com/r/resto-manhattan
Yummy food, great wine list and vibe, located in Murray Hill.
Little Owl
90 Bedford St.(Grove St.)
http://www.zagat.com/r/little-owl-manhattan
Nice West Village spot for dinner.
Po
31 Cornelia St.(bet. Bleecker & W. 4th Sts.)
http://www.zagat.com/r/po-manhattan
Adorable and delicious food at this West Village space.
Frank
88 Second Ave.(bet. 5th & 6th Sts.)
http://www.zagat.com/r/frank-manhattan
One of my favorite joints in the East Village. Fun, casual, tasty. heads up-cash only. Cool wine bar nearby called Winebar.
Il Bagatto
192 E. Second St. (bet. Aves. A & B)
http://www.zagat.com/r/il-bagatto-manhattan
Delicious and lively Italian in the East Village. Cool bar in the basement with a fun+funny bartender named Angie. P.S. Cash and Amex only.
Mercadito
179 Ave. B(bet. 11th & 12th Sts.)
http://www.zagat.com/r/mercadito-manhattan
I highly recommend this East Village Mexican.
Gusto
60 Greenwich Ave. (Perry St.)
http://www.zagat.com/r/gusto-manhattan
Solid food, good drinks, vibe/scene.
Barbuto
775 Washington St.(bet. Jane & W. 12th Sts.)
http://www.zagat.com/r/barbuto-manhattan
Good Italian fare in a cool setting. Lively scene.
Market Table
54 Carmine St.(Bedford St.)
http://www.zagat.com/r/market-table-manhattan
Fine New American place for dinner.
Spotted Pig
314 W. 11th St.(Greenwich St.)
http://www.zagat.com/r/spotted-pig-manhattan
Solid food, good cocktails and always jammed. There's a bar upstairs as well. Celebrity sightings common up there.