Reprazentin' the Morningside neighborhood, I would have to mention "A" - 'bout the size of a postage stamp -I haven't seen a smaller place to eat in this city that didn't have wheels on it- great Carribian-fusion food, great service, great great. And for dating... let's just say it's worked for me. Last I checked you still had to BYOWine - but it's a small (no pun intended) price to pay. Columbus and 106th street. If you're up in those nosebleed seats, you're not going to find much better.

Ino is the most overrated place in NYC that I've ever eaten in. The sandwiches were very greasy, woefully small, and compared unfavorably to panini that I've had in some delis. Not to mention the rude service, hustling us out the door. I know the place is small, but c'mon, there was no line at the time and it made the experience highly unpleasant.

If you love Fried Dumpling, check out Dumpling House. They have this sliced-beef sandwich (they fry the bread in a wok) that's amazing and journalist-salary friendly.

Re Inoteca, but it's too big to qualify for the list. (Esp. when you compare it to pokey little 'ino.) Inoteca has two floors, plenty of tables. Still, I highly recommend it.

Note to Bec: Po is great but has not been owned by Batali since 2000. He got too big (literally and figuratively) for such a tiny space. It's now owned by his former Po partner, who also owns Daddy-O.

Frank / Vera on 2nd Ave.

Still the champ!

Thanks for the info everyone, so glad to see a post about as I'm leaving for NY in 2 hours!

I like Yummy Noodle on Bowery, and Le Gigot on Cornelia. The tables (some, not all) are like little school desks and the servers are always so nice and friendly. I'm always afraid of the disgruntled actor/server.

UWS

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Bello Squardo - Mediterraean

Celeste - Italian

Gennaro - Italian

MTW

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Divane -Turkish

MTE

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Amma - Indian (unusual menu)

UES

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Beyoglu - Turkish (mezze)

Ivo & Lulu on Broome St., just west of 6th Avenue.

I like Basilica's on 9th Ave. in Midtown. It's about 2 tables wide. Only open for dinner, though.

I have pics of some of the food & wine at Ino

Best sandwich hands down: truffle egg toast. TO DIE FOR.

Ino's younger brother Inoteca in the LES is definitely on the list. The food is great, the wine fantastic, but the service is what makes it an incredible time.

Go later to avoid the crowd.

oh -- forgot one: Great Jones Cafe.

I'm pretty sure there are two Fried Dumplings -- one on Mosco and one on Allen. In addition to those, I'll have to agree with 'ino and Westville for normal nights, and Jack's Luxury for a special (and hopefully romantic) occasion. Her lobster dish is out of this world -- I wanted to pick up the plate and lick the sauce right off of it . . .

Salmon nameshi at SOY is the best bargain in NYC and the owner couldn't be a nicer woman. Everyone should have their Polaroid on the bulletin board there. I'm glad no one's mentioned Great Jones yet, making it even more crowded. Oh wait, damn.

I have to weigh in on the crucial Fried Dumpling location dispute -- is there more than one? This one http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/11647403

on Mosco St. is what I always thought was THE Fried Dumpling -- and gets my vote for best small restaurant in NYC. But maybe there's another?

I was once sitting with a bunch of execs at a press function and they started yapping about pricey restaurants 'round the world they enjoy. They wanted me, the New Yorker in the group, to chime in with my local faves. With a detailed and loving review of Fried Dumpling, I was able to change the subject gracefully and avoid having to explain to these gentlemen that a journalist's salary doesn't get me into Gramercy Tavern ... FD, I owe you one!

SOY on Suffolk b/w Delancey and Rivington. Best salmon nameshi, ginger lemonade; always experimenting.

I love Po. Although a Batali restaurant isn't quite a Mom and Pop, they've really been able to keep the service realy personal and the food is incredible (of course!)

Alhtough the last time I was there, the couple at the table next to us (late 40's) were discussing how rock hard he was in bed the night before, as well as the wife's masturbatory schedule. *shudder*

I knew I'd get those two mixed up. Anyway, I can never decide which one I like better, so I get a couple orders from each and hope I get a fresh batch. As long as there is food for sale and someplace to sit down and eat it, it's a restaurant. And the crew at the DH are lovely aren't they?

PS: Does Buddy like dumplings?

hi Hoyt... Fried Dumpling is on Allen, Dumpling House is on Eldridge :-) and i don't think it's snobbery, even the lovely folks at the Dumpling House don't consider it a restaurant...

http://cityrag.blogs.com/main/2004/week25/index.html#a0001598839