Lincoln Center

You can’t really go wrong with any of the Boulud restaurants, a restaurant group (now called Dinex) that was born on the Upper East but has long been happily ensconced on the Upper West. Daniel Boulud is a pro who knows good food and whose people understand how to be gracious.

3. Boulud Sud

Boulud Sud itself is expensive, beautifully turned out and serene like a grande dame. Yet even the ways around the high expense are expensive. The pre-theatre prix fixe, a three-course dinner served from 5:00-7:00 PM Monday through Saturday, is $60. The tapas menu, served at the Bar & Lounge from 3:00 PM, is $6 each or 5 for $24. We recommend trying the tapas to assess whether you want to venture to the main dining room.

Boulud Sud 20 West 64th St (Broadway & Central Park West), 212-595-1313