Aureole

Charlie Palmer's house of indulgence set inside Orson Welles' old crib. Leather banquettes and blooming bouquets, clubby wood paneling. All about the seafood, from grilled to sashimi, with stops off for classics like lobster meuniere. Staff is attentive without butting in. Prix fixe and tasting menus are budget-busting perfection. Moving to Bryant Park, but that's a ways off still. Regulars have Wellesian proportions, do not try to do this weekly.
(Photo Credit: Bill Milne)