Sometimes you’ve got the urge to splurge ...

1. The Grocery - Innovative farmfresh cuisine in a tiny, elegant setting: as transcendent as NYC gets. 2. Chanterelle - The city’s best spot for foodgasms, with elegance done to perfection. 3. Eighty One - Creativity saved on the name is channeled into impeccable locally sourced menu.

4. Gramercy Tavern - Danny Meyer’s pride and joy is classy but not crabby, and soaring on its second wind courtesy of laid-back chef Michael Anthony. 5. Momofuku Ko - David Chang’s East Village answer to Per Se, loaded with wit, flair, and originality.