Maruzzella Ristorante

1483 First Avenue, New York, NY 10075, 212-988-8877, www.maruzzellanyc.com

This mid-priced Italian offers decent food in a newly renovated, romantic dining room. Appetizer specials like asparagus or white bean salad can be excellent, pasta dishes are usually reliable and the veal Milanese is generous and tasty. The service is attentive and they let you linger and enjoy the atmosphere over a glass of wine while you look at the menu or sip coffee after your meal. The food might not be memorable once you leave but you will have enjoyed the experience while you're there.

Quatorze Bis

323 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075, 212-535-1414

Quatorze Bis always seems to be bustling with an older, respectable looking crowd who seem to be enjoying themselves. Delicious classic French food from the creamy potato and leak soup (oh, so rich!) to the proverbial steak au poivre with frites. This is a great place for brunch, too, as the chef really knows how to make an omelet and also lovely for a drink by the bar even if you're not eating. It has the feel of someplace that would offer a great souffle or decadent chocolate cake for dessert and we were disappointed to find it didn't. But otherwise, it's a little touch of expensive civility in the city.