Alain Ducasse – Essex House, New York City
With outposts in Paris and Monaco, Alain Ducasse’s New York restaurant was widely ridiculed when it opened in 2000 for such silly touches as offering patrons a choice of expensive pens with which to sign the check. Since then, it’s shed the unnecessary pretensions without sacrificing its dedication to the little details, and not just in the food: Women will appreciate the special upholstered stool placed next to her chair, which eliminates the dilemma of exactly where to deposit her purse. Insist on reserving your table in the fall, in order to enjoy the decadent white truffle tasting menu, an extravagance that will leave you with a new understanding on why they’re so expensive and highly sought after. (Don’t make any breakfast plans for the following day.) Every diner leaves with a goody bag, so don’t be shy about asking to have any course you can’t finished wrapped to take with you; it includes a heavenly breakfast brioche.

Eaten here? Add your notes on best dishes -- click EasyEdit