Very good service and food near 42nd & 3rd?

[Olive123]

For an early-ish lunch, price unimportant. Italian, french, japanese, new american are all fine. Any suggestions? Convivio was unavailable, but that was 1st choice.

Many thanks!

[RGR]

If you're willing to walk up to 49th St., b/t 2nd & 3rd, Pampano begins serving lunch at 11:30. Excellent modern Mexican cuisine with an emphasis on fish and seafood. If the weather is conducive, the second floor outdoor terrace is lovely.

http://www.modernmexican.com/pampano

[Miss Needle]

Yasuda is on 43rd, near 3rd.

[Olive123]

Should have noted - Yasuda was second choice, also not available. The lunch is at 11:30, and neither Yasuda nor Convivio opens until noon.

[Miss Needle]

I see. Yes, the time is kind of important as a lot of places don't open til noon.

There's Kuruma Zushi and Sushi Zen (more Central than East). And you've got Pera on Madison. I haven't been there but have read good things about it. Every time I pass it, it's pretty busy.

Riingo is a nice looking restaurant in the hood, but I have to say I was really disappointed in the food when I was there.

ETA: Oops. Sushi Zen doesn't open til 12P.