UPPER EAST SIDE. Ahhh, the Sunday Brunch. When it's done well, you simply can't beat it, and 212 does it very well, indeed. Trademark dishes from the regular lunch and dinner menu make appearances, such as grilled artichoke and chopped arugula salad, pan-seared tuna rolls, and penne with chicken and roasted tomatoes. But you'll also find about 35 other things, including create-your-own omelettes, sandwiches and burgers, fresh fruit smoothies, and waffles. It's also the only restaurant in town that offers baby food at brunch, which makes it quite popular with families. Prix-Fixe lunch $20, Monday-Friday.

EAST VILLAGE. This intimate restaurant is one of the East Village's best. True to its name, 26 Seats doesn't offer much in the way of space, but what they do offer is excellent French dining at an affordable price. Starters such as Saucisson Lyonnais (garlic sausage with potatoes and Balsamic vinaigrette) and Pissaladiere (caramelized onion tart) set the tone for well-executed entrees. Try the Poulet Moutard, a grilled Balsamic chicken breast with ginger and sautern mustard, or the Entrecote au poive, a ribeye steak with peppercorn sauce. A small but worthy wine list and daily soup and dessert specials will complete your meal. Reservations suggested.#13;#10;

UPPER EAST SIDE. If you're looking for a great place to have brunch on the Upper East Side, you'll find that this eatery ranks highly with locals. 540 Park is renowned for its "power breakfasts" and brunches alike. After hours, the restaurant morphs into the infinitely popular Feinstein's, one of the Upper East Side's most exclusive places to grab an expensive cocktail ­ the kicky cosmos are tops ­ and catch a fabulous cabaret act here, either. Breakfast and brunch reservations are neccessary. TRAIN: B, Q, N, R to Lexington Ave; 4, 5, 6 to 59th St

LOWER EAST SIDE. Dining on New York's Lower East Side is at a premium but, with this hip little neighborhood gem, you can't go wrong. Once the tragically-named Ray's Chirping Chicken, 71 Clinton Street now enjoys the patronage of various Big Apple celebs, most of whom agree that Chef Dufresne's New American cuisine is worth the week-long wait to get a table at this his chic store-front eatery. Specialties include Dufresne's tasty grilled squid, beer-braised short ribs and vegetable lasagna. Reservations are a must. TRAIN: J, M, Z to Essex St

MIDTOWN WEST. When Alain Ducasse opened his much-anticipated restaurant in Midtown, he did so to much fanfare and media attention. He did not disappoint. Each dining area is exquisitely decorated, with artwork and antiques from the owner's private collection. Guests are presented with a veritable parade of decadence ­ a wax-sealed wine list, white-gloved servers and a meal worth every cent of its hefty price-tag. Featured entrées on the prix fixe menu may include anything from breast of squab or duckling wrapped in fig leaves to spinach-wrapped lobster or lamb roast breaded with dried fruit. When the smoke clears, you sign your bill using the Montblanc pen of your choice. As can be expected, you'll want to save room for dessert. Reservations are necessary. Prix fixe menus: 3-course $150, 4 course $185; tasting menu $265. TRAIN: 1, 2, 3, 9 to 59th St-Columbus Cr