Great Restaurants a tier below NYC's top restaurants (in price)

[realhiphop]

I'm looking for a comprehensive list of recommendations for great restaurants that are a tier below Le Bernadin, EMP, Gotham B&G, Daniel with regards to price. I'm pretty open to all types of cuisine. The one caveat is that I'd like to keep entrees in the $20-$30 range.

Thanks for your help!

[JMJD]

Would say Devi is a great choice (high end Indian, romantic atmosphere)....there's also Perilla which is nice.... Have also enjoyed Dovetail on the UWS. Curious to see what others respond as this is something I'm always looking for....

[ChefJune]

I wouldn't put Gotham in the same group with the others you listed...

The first ones that come to mind are Beacon and Tocqueville. They are great favorites of ours. We adore the Essence of Lobster Soup and the Wood-Roasted Oysters at Beacon, and the Best-in-the-US potato gratin; and from Tocqueville, our mouths water at the thought of the Foie Gras and Scallop and the Asparagus Salad. ;)

[realhiphop]

How's Extra Virgin on West 4th?

[rrems]

Not bad, but we went there once not long after it opened and have not been tempted to go back. I think it is also not quite in the category you are looking for. Some suggestions:

Dovetail
Scarpetta
Convivio
Bar Blanc Bistro
Perilla
Harbour
Compass
Olana
Cru
Aldea