UPPER WEST SIDE. Co-owned by celebrated chef Tom Valenti, this restaurant sports a decor that is sure to impress even the most discerning of diners. Posh, elegant, suave ­ each of these accurately defines the space, which features chairs covered in smooth brown velvet, rustic iron chandeliers and lamps, stained wood-paneling, white walls adorned with subtle stenciling, and a high, coffered ceiling. The 'Cesca experience comes with a lofty price tag, but then impossibly bold Southern Italian fare like potato gnocchi with ragout of braised veal, wild striped bass with riso, or honey glazed squab with carnaroli rice ... well, let's just say that some indulgences are bargains no matter the cost. Pre-theatre menu is $31. TRAIN: 1,9,2,3 to 72nd and Broadway

WEST VILLAGE. Don't let the diminutive size of Ino fool you ­ this Italian wine bar serves up munchies that are huge on taste! Lone lunchers or small groups are most common here, and you will see many worker-bees who have dashed out for a quick noontime bite. Favorites are the creative sandwiches and the classic bruschetta. Light appetites should try the Panini, which comes in variations such as prosciutto with soft Italian cheese and sweet onion or roasted vegetables and goat cheese.

UPPER EAST SIDE. Ahhh, the Sunday Brunch. When it's done well, you simply can't beat it, and 212 does it very well, indeed. Trademark dishes from the regular lunch and dinner menu make appearances, such as grilled artichoke and chopped arugula salad, pan-seared tuna rolls, and penne with chicken and roasted tomatoes. But you'll also find about 35 other things, including create-your-own omelettes, sandwiches and burgers, fresh fruit smoothies, and waffles. It's also the only restaurant in town that offers baby food at brunch, which makes it quite popular with families. Prix-Fixe lunch $20, Monday-Friday.

NOLITA. Attractive, contemporary dining room specializes in comfortable classics like meat loaf, steak and fries, and fried chicken.

MEATPACKING DISTRICT. Tucked away in a lately trendy area of the West Village known as the Meatpacking District, 5 Ninth serves as a link between the past and the future. On the one hand is the restaurant's setting: It's a beautiful 19th century brownstone that has been stylishly refurbished yet retains its age-old charm. On the other hand is the eclectic cuisine, which draws inspiration from all over the world, resulting in outstanding seasonal dishes like roasted monkfish with Sichuan bean paste or grilled Spanish mackerel with charred lamb heart, capers and radish. Three-course lunch prix fixe: $24. TRAIN: A, C, E to 14th St