"Haute" Ethnic Cusine - does it exist? What is the closest we get?

[JohnnyBooy]

I'm thinking "haute" Afghani, Moroccan, Egyptian, Senegalese, Lebanese... or even Caribbean restaurants in Manhattan. Do they exist? If not, what's the closest we get?

Thanks!

[JungMann]

Ilili purports itself to be haute Lebanese, though it elevates Lebanese food by using fusion techniques and ingredients a la Tabla.

Maybe it's me, but I have a hard time defining a "haute" version of the cuisines you've listed. Is the haute-ness of a place defined by its ambience? Because there are plenty of beautiful Maghrebi restaurants. Is it price? Because Merkato 55 has certainly redefined the price point for African food. Plating? Technique?

[erica]

Tabla is a bit haute..Indian

[doona]

Definitely Tabla. Pylos is semi-haute Greek (you didn't mention that, but its great). Then there's also Marketo 55 that just opened. http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/...