Hospitality runs high in this ultra chic Japanese restaurant where guests by are greeted [in Japanese] by the entire wait staff after being led through labyrinth of staircases and brought into main dining room, which lays is tucked away like a secret cavern behind a huge wall of an abstract Japanese flag. While the rumble of about 50 servers all yelling “Welcome” at the same moment sounds more like a rousing “YAY!”,it will without a doubt, simultaneously make you feel uplifted and aware of every new guest that enters the dining room during your meal. The food heavenly and every bite goes down like butter. Don’t miss the Crepe Cake for dessert and be sure to check out the lantern adorned bathrooms, where the smell of fresh eucalyptus is pumped though the vents. Be sure to bring your entire bank account to cover the bill or at least be willing to give up your first born…

Incredible!Dosa’s ( Indian crepe) with wonderful fillings and your choice of chutney. While you’re in the area checkout the Prada store.

Salad never tasted so good. Get the Steakhouse sandwich with avacado dressing… delish!

This place can turn anyone into a happy vegetarian for life ( or at least for the night). The flavors are great and you almost forget you’re sans meat. Don’t miss the Scallion Pancakes with Mango Salsa and the Black pepper soy cutlet main dish. I promise, even the staunch Carnivore and/or Tofu non-enthusiast will be pleasantly surprised :)

good celeb/trendy hot spot. One of the most visually stunning restaurants in the city. Don’t expect authentic or particularly mind-blowing food. Go for the atmosphere ( and the drinks) Be sure to chek out the downstairs. Chicken Samosas, Lemon Grass Mussels and Calamari Salad are the best. Be sure to order the Pataya.

Beat Damn Ethiopian food. Avocado appetizer is incredible. The owners are friendly and sweet.

You haven’t lived until you’ve had Mamouns. Just one bite and you’ll never think of falafel in the same way again. I get cravings for this stuff. It’s been around since the 70s and looks like it hasn’t changed a day. Let’s face it who can beat a $2 sandwich in New York? I’m passionate about this one folks.

Yet another one of my favorite places in the Village. I grew up going here and only recently realized it a member of the French restaurant a chain in New York that includes LeMonde and L’ express. Great place for brunch and over-all great french bistro food. (Think:Pastis minus the pretentious prices and people) Open 24 hours a day. Try the warm goat cheese salad and (my personal favorite) Croque Monsieur

One of my favorite places in the village. GREAT South-Asian food that combines a of Malaysian, Indian and Thai flavors. It’s a tiny place that has a beautiful garden in the back.Very peaceful atmosphere; a great place to go in the summer. Try the Indian stir-fry noodles and the Thai red curry with pumpkin :)

Butai has some really creative dishes including a five appetizer sampler that comes with it’s very own alcoholic beverage. The drink, a plum wine soda, serves as a palate cleanser and, more importantly,as a fun little addition to the dish that enhances the experience of sampling the [tiny] portions. (Let’s face it, it just fun to order something that comes with it’s own drink that comes with it’s own drink.) The spicy tuna roll was [melt in your mouth] fabulous, as was the asparagus tempura roll. The decor is very LA chic- tasteful, not over done. Be sure to check out the (co-ed bathroom) and try the Green Tea margarita :)