Urbanista’s favorite foodie Laura Kaufmann devours the Restaurant Week lineup so you don’t have to. You didn’t have anything in your fridge anyway, so what’s your excuse for not making a rezzie?

Ah, Restaurant Week. That wonderful time twice a year when Urbanistas on a budget can dine guilt-free at some of Manhattan’s top food joints. While RW has changed dramatically since its inception shortly after 9/11 (gone are the days of $20 dinners, and many of the ‘best’ restaurants have either opted out, or offer lunch only), there are still some great ways to take advantage of the deal. Here are some recommendations and tips for summer session, taking place July 16 to 20, and July 23 to 27:

Lunch Suggestions:

Asiate The Mandarin Oriental’s gorgeous restaurant with a view. Past years’ RW menus have featured scrumptious bento boxes. Service is always exceptional.

Anthos The newest offering from sexy restaurateur Donatella Arpaia and star chef Michael Psilakis. Garnering rave reviews since opening, a RW lunch is a terrific chance to experience this exciting new Greek restaurant in midtown.

db bistro moderne Daniel Boloud’s classic power lunch spot in midtown with an elegant French-American menu. Service is always excellent, and always offers some fun people-watching.

Kittichai Hotel 60 Thompson’s sensual Thai restaurant is a lovely spot to indulge in a leisurely lunch to end the workweek. Great seating for groups.

Lupa One of NYC’s best Italian trattorias, and a member of the Battali/Bastianich empire. A great spot to expand your palate.

Perry St. Jean Georges’ elegant sun-filled dining room on the west side. The food is terrific, and the service flawless. Take advantage of the opportunity to check this one out.

Dinner Suggestions:

Mai House I’m not sure if words will do justice to how much I love this newly opened Vietnamese restaurant in Tribeca. The décor is… and my waiter was… and oh my god, the food… Why haven’t you booked your table yet?!

JoJo A sleeper hit on the Upper East Side; this is a beautiful French restaurant housed in an intimate townhouse. Bring a date, and save room for dessert!

The Modern – Bar Room I don’t recall ever having one bite of anything that was less than divine at this sleek Danny Meyer restaurant within the MOMA. The menu of small plates is top notch, as is the impressive wine list.

Megu New York This Tribeca restaurant is beautiful to see and be seen in. Sushi is fresh, and the meats served on sizzling hot river rocks to be cooked at the table are terrific. Their extensive sake list is a ton of fun to explore.

Spice Market Yet another pick courtesy of Jean-George; this one hasn’t been featured on RW’s dinner list in quite some time. If you’ve still not experienced this restaurant, now’s the time. Food is served family style, so it’s most fun to go as a group.

Tips:

Do Lunch. These are the easier tables to book, and many of the best restaurants don’t offer dinner deals. Restaurants are typically less crowded, and less rushed to turn over your table, so your dining experience may be more enjoyable. Hey, it’s summer–you deserve a two hour lunch break!

Book Early. Dinner tables fill up fast! If you’re notoriously last minute about these sort of things, visit Opentable to quickly and easily view the remaining options.

Tip Well. Waiters hate Restaurant Week; while their level of service remains the same, meal prices, and conversely, their tips, decrease. So don’t skimp; 20 percent–the NYC standard–is appropriate.

If the restaurant’s entrees are normally priced under $20-25, skip it. You’re not getting any sort of deal (many not-so-chichi restaurants have jumped on the RW bandwagon to drum up business). Wait until the crush is over, and book a reservation at your leisure any other time of the year. Great example–Artisanal. Generally affordable anyhow, and their amazing fondue (the real reason to go!) is not offered on the Restaurant Week prix fixe.

Visit Nycvisit.com for full details. NYC & Co, New York’s tourism and marketing organization, is the creator of Restaurant Week, and lists all details and a full listing of restaurants on their site. Make sure to note restaurants with a * next to them; those spots offer the prixe fixe deal through Labor Day.

So what are you waiting for?! Pick up that freshly manicured finger of yours and start making those rezzies!

xoxo, Your Friendly Food&Drink Editor

Ps, First choice booked? Email laura@urbanistaonline.com for more suggestions.