Once a dark and desolate corner of the city, Tribeca today is home to wealthy young families who enjoy high-end loft living. Foodies make the trek to this revitalized area for some of the best restaurants in the city.
At the top of the list is Bouley (163 Duane St, tel: 212-964-2525, C1). Big windows onto the street reveal the kitchen where you might spot celebrity chef David Bouley at work. Inside, patrons enjoy haute cuisine in a refined romantic atmosphere. Dig into the five-course tasting meal, or order dishes like the Cape Cod baby squid with scallops and crabmeat, and remember, high quality doesn’t come cheap.
You might find yourself next to Nicole Kidman, P. Diddy, or Robert DeNiro at crowded Nobu (105 Hudson St; tel: 212-219-0500,  C2), which De Niro helped launch with chef Nobu Matsuhisa more than a decade ago. Patrons are wowed by his nouvelle haute Japanese cuisine: a house favorite is broiled black cod with miso, and the sushi and hand rolls are consistently excellent. The $150 tasting menu is a good way to discover why it’s so hard to get a seat here. You might have more luck at the simpler and cozier Nobu Nextdoor, next door.
American Cut (363 Greenwich St, tel: 212-226-4736, C2) serves a new American menu, featuring horseradish-encrusted salmon and duck-fat fries, in a cozy and classy space with dim lighting and excellent bartenders that’s made it a low-key Tribeca favorite. Enjoy the outdoor seating in warm weather.
For Euro-glamor and the best Bellini in town, head just north of Tribeca to Cipriani Downtown (376 W. Broadway, tel: 212-343-0999; E3), perfect for spotting models and celebrities. The food isn’t bad either: try the octopus carpaccio, the lobster salad, or the freshly made ravioli.
