This fabled restaurant has impressed foodies and novices alike since it moved across the from Paris to Manhattan in 1986. Le Bernardin is very civilized and sophisticated, and it’s certainly not the place for a quick bite. The sauces star chef Eric Ripert creates are light, aromatic and perfectly balanced, the ingredients are seasonal and stunning and the presentations are museum-worthy. Seafood is the star, and the menu features such knockout dishes as poached halibut with marinated grapes and cherry tomatoes and organic Chilean turbot in a lemon-miso broth. The wine list is equally exquisite.

Le Bernardin Information:

• French, Seafood menu. Lunch, dinner. Closed Sundays. Bar. Jacket required. Reservations recommended. Credit cards accepted.