The best restaurants for celebrating the moments of your life

Gabriella Gershenson, staff food writer at Time Out NY, identifies the best neighborhood restaurants for celebrating the moments of your life.

Impress Your College Roommates

Next Door Nobu
105 Hudson St
212-334-4445
If at all possible, this little brother to Nobu is even more stylish than the original. Design by David Rockwell, the second space, decked out in cool bamboos, attracts a younger, more artistic crowd. And since Next Door Nobu does not accept reservations for parties smaller than six, you won’t feel silly if yoou have to wait an hour for your table—everyone does. Once you’re seated, impress your friends by making a smart selection from the extensive sake menu and ordering the omakase (tasting) meal. It’s identical to the one next door.

Married, With Children

Bubby’s
120 Hudson St
212-219-0666
This is one spot where fellow diners won’t begrudge you your aisle-clogging McLauren or curse the astounding vocal abilities of your youngest.  Bubby’s, an updated comfort food diner, is a favorite among Tribeca families precisely for these reasons, and for its tasty nosh. Standards on the kid- and adult-friendly menu range from alphabet to matzoh ball soup, where Bubby’s irresistible homemade pie has cross-generational appeal.

Parents’ Visit

Gigino at Wagner Park
20 Battery Pl
212-528-2228
Take your folks to the Statue of Liberty without having to brave the lines. Almost. Gigino’s at Wagner Park is a discreet northern Italian restaurant tucked away on Manhattan’s southernmost waterfront. An outdoor seat at this surprisingly chic, minimalist space affords a peaceful vista of the park’s green, joggers and inline skaters gliding past, a glorious view of New York Harbor, and yes, that statue.

Going Solo

The Harrison
355 Greenwich St
212-274-9310
Among the most beloved of Jimmy Bradley Manhattan restaurants is the Harrison, a sophisticated American eatery that doubles as both a destination and neighborhood spot. The11-seat bar at the elegant yet relaxed space is ideal for dining alone. Not only can you order from the full menu—favorites include plump fried oysters and the signature seasoned fries—you can watch the bartender mix your Harrison Tonic, a blend of Maker’s Mark and Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray.

Closing the Deal

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse in Tribeca
409 Greenwich St
212-925-0350
It seems so 1950s, but steakhouses, those de facto dens of male status, are still the perfect places for high-stakes business dinners (no pun intended). Wolfgang’s Tribeca is the second steakhouse opened by Wolfgang Zweiner, the former headwaiter of Peter Luger’s. Zweiner’s most recent effort maintains the grandeur and polish of his first location as well as its standing as one of Manhattan’s best steakhouses. The porterhouse for two is faultless, and the choice wine selection ensures there’s a client-wowing bottle at hand.