Cocoran

Mini temple of soba(cousin to ramen) or buckwheat noodles. Cocoran emphasizes the health benefits of various ramens. The ramen and the accompanying appetizers are not expensive so you could order a few things and eat an interesting meal. There are three small tables and a counter around an open kitchen. I ordered cabbage with miso and sesame seeds, potato and okara croquettes and a cold soba- Oroshi with ginger and scallions. The cabbage with miso was crunchy and sweetly delish. Potato and okara croquettes were freshly fried and flavorful. My soba was served on a tray with a large wood spoon- very cool. The buckwheat noodles were al dente and the broth made more flavorfull by the other sauces from my two appetizers. If you love soba....
GO!
61 Delancey St. near Ludlow

Zeri Otto Nove

Aurthur Swchwartz the food guru from WOR once told me that Zero Otto Nove near Aurthur Ave. was the best pizza in town. This was before the proliferation of great authentic pizza in NYC. It still rises to expectations at it's new Flatiron branch. The restaurant is cavelike and elegant. The pizza speaks to greatness. Margherita for $13.95 offers a slightly doughy sweet crust, a little char and a ton of flavor. The sauce is a knockout. A side of cauliflower with parseley, garlic, soft and tasty. This spot is a welcome addition to Manhattan. Much more to try.
MUST GO!
15 West 21st. bet. 6th and 7th. Ave.

La Silhouette

Former high end restaurant people opened this posh spot in the Theater District. $21 prix fixe lunch for two courses is a major deal for this level of food. I added on the dessert for $10 which was well worth the cost. La Silhoutte offers French/American comfort and does it mighty well. If you go for lunch there are three choices each among the appetizers, mains and desserts. I had the grilled leek salad with duck procuitto, and grilled red onion dressing, Amish chicken with wild mushrooms, and olive, caper jus. For dessert the cheesecake with strawberry rhubarb compote and mango sorbet. Each course was better than the one before it. The grilled leek salad was a lovely start with winey red onion dressing. Amish chicken was pure comfort with it's lovely mushrooms and bread dippable jus. The star was the cheesecake- light and perfectly set off by the compote and sorbet. Uber professional service.
MUST GO!