HotelChatter

· Maialino at the Gramercy Park Hotel
3-course lunch for $24.07
This isn't a proper list of recommended restaurants without a good Italian entry. Maialino is one of restauranteur Danny Meyers' places (he of Gramercy Tavern, The Modern (another Jaunted favorite), Shake Shack and more) and it's pretty much the opposite of Olive Garden. Here you'll find a focus on Roman cuisine, with nary a mention of alfredo sauce. Thank god.

· Norma's at Le Parker Meridien
3-course lunch for $24.07
Let's talk about the perfect place to go for a chatty lunch over good food, in a good environment that just also happens to be a hotel. It's Norma's. Additionally, the location makes it easy for lunch if you work or are staying in Midtown West. From Midtown East, it's a quickie cab ride.

· Mercer Kitchen at The Mercer
3-course lunch for $24.07 or 3-course dinner for $35
Mercer Kitchen is one of those restaurants where, if you think you're a scenester, you'll end up sooner or later. Make it sooner, for dinner at the $35 NYCRW price, because otherwise you'll find yourself tired and hungry after Soho shopping and dropping way, way more here on a regular night. Try it at the $35 rate to see if you'll like it, first. Plus, it's underground and who doesn't love an underground restaurant?

· Plein Sud at The Smyth Tribeca
3-course lunch for $24.07 or 3-course dinner for $35
The Smyth Tribeca was the first NYC home of the Kardashians while they filmed their many reality shows, but since the focus has shifted to the Ks at the Gansevoort Park, The Smyth is working to regain its dignity. Luckily they have a solid restaurant option in Plein Sud. We love that they are offering the dinner option as well for NYCRW, and are located right down in Tribeca, where it's typically just a range of meh-trendy options for Restaurant Week. (Talking 'bout you, Megu).

Want some more NYCRW recommendations? Check out our brother site Jaunted's list here.

[Photo: HotelChatter]