ELITE LIST: Best New Restaurants for Business Lunches

01.         NEW YORK - A Voce Columbus 10 Columbus Circle (212.823.2523)

 

$17 to $29 for entrees; $29 for three-course prix fixe

A Voce Columbus, opened in September 2009, offers simple, regionally inspired Italian fare with a contemporary feel. Its prime spot in Midtown’s Time Warner Center is convenient for the media executives from nearby CNN, ABC and Hearst who populate its dining room. And the executive chef, Missy Robbins, comes recommended by the ultimate power couple, Michelle and Barack Obama, who were fans of her work at Chicago’s Spiaggia. avocerestaurant.com

The Classics: The Four Seasons, Michael’s, Harry’s Steak

 02.         LOS ANGELES - RH at the Andaz 8401 Sunset Blvd. (323.785.6090)

 

$17 to $22 for entrees; $23 for two-course prix fixe; $30 for three-course

After a $40million renovation, the Hollywood Hyatt has been rechristened Andaz West Hollywood. But the name of its French-inspired restaurant, RH, is a wink to the hotel’s bad old days: “Riot House” was the Hyatt’s moniker back when Robert Plant was a regular and Keith Richards once tossed a TV out the window. Open since January 2009, RH has traded rock stars for movers and shakers in the film and TV business, who appreciate its location midway between the sets of Burbank and Studio City and the Beverly Hills and Century City offices of talent agencies. CAA executives, for example, use the 10-seat chef’s table for regular meetings every few weeks. westhollywood.hyatt.com

The Classics: The Grill on the Alley (Beverly Hills), Craft Los Angeles, Spago Beverly Hills, The Ivy

03.         BOSTON - Post 390 406 Stuart Street (617.399.0015)

 

 

 $14 to $24 for entrees

Post 390, opened in October 2009 by real estate developer and Boston restaurant player Ken Himmel and partners, is attracting the city’s financial and insurance execs with its sleek take on tavern fare. Located across from the Hancock Tower and down the street from Liberty Mutual headquarters, Post 390 has an open kitchen, three fireplaces—including one that’s open on four sides—and stellar views of Boston landmarks. Try the clam chowder, turkey potpie or a milkshake for some comfort when the business talk gets tough. post390restaurant.com

The Classic: Locke-Ober

 04.         NEW YORK - Casa Lever 390 Park Avenue (212.888.2700)

 

 $37 for two-course prix fixe; $43 for three-course

Casa Lever, serving classic Milanese fare since October 2009, oozes power. It’s in the art hanging on the walls: a series of Andy Warhol silk screens. It’s in the architecture: Casa Lever is on the ground floor of Lever House, Gordon Bunshaft’s modern masterpiece. And it’s in the crowd: recent visitors include Anna Wintour, Larry Gagosian, Stephen Schwarzman, Agnes Gund, Pepe Fanjul, Ron Perelman, Jann Wenner and Peter Brant. casalever.com

05.           SCOTTSADALE, ARIZ. - Modern Steak 401 N. Wabash Ave. (312.588.8000)     

$10 to $27 for entrees

Sam Fox of the growing southwestern restaurant empire Fox Restaurant Concepts has two dozen eateries to his name, but his latest may be his best. Modern Steak, opened in October 2009, is a steakhouse where women can feel comfortable—it’s sunny and airy—and its menu is similarly egalitarian: The steaks, braised short rib sandwich and Kobe burger are joined by elaborate salads, pizzas and pastas. Located in the Scottsdale Fashion Square. Modern Steak attracts banking, real estate and media VIPs. foxrc.com

The Classic: Durant’s (Phoenix)

 

 

06.         MIAMI - Area 31 270 Biscayne Blvd. Way (305.424.5234)

$12 to $19 for entrees

There are the usual reasons for checking out Area 31, which opened in December 2008: stunning views from its perch on the 16th floor of downtown’s Epic Hotel, chic décor and the creativity of its chef, John Critchley. It’s also food-progressive: Area 31 gets its seafood from Major Fishing Area 31, designated by the United Nations for sustainable fishing, and supports the local Marine Mammal Conservancy. Perhaps because they live on the water, Miami’s businesspeople are especially responsive to Area 31’s mission—and the fact that it’s located just steps from most of the city’s financial institutions, law firms and magazine publishers. area31restaurant.com

The Classic: The Capital Grille

 07.         CHICAGO - Sixteen 401 N. Wabash Ave. (312.588.8000)

 

 

$18 to $26 for entrees; $32 for prix fixe

All the seats are good at Sixteen, named for its spot on the 16th floor of the Trump International Hotel and Tower. The restaurant has flourishes one might expect to find in a Trump building, like an enormous Swarovski crystal chandelier. But if you really want to impress your guest—and demonstrate your pull—get a table next to one of the panoramic 30-foot windows that overlook downtown’s magnificent architecture, the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Chef Frank Brunacci’s new American cuisine has won critical praise since the restaurant’s February 2008 opening; nonetheless, the real estate moguls and top lawyers who make up much of the lunch set are usually in and out in 40 minutes. trumpchicagohotel.com

The Classic: Morton’s (Wacker Place)

 08.         WASHINGTON, D.C. - Kellari Taverna 1700 K St. NW (202.535.5274)

$12.95 to $35.95 for entrees; $24.95 for three-course prix fixe

This New York import is sparking buzz in increasingly epicurean Washington. VIPs such as Nancy Pelosi, financier Ted Leonsis and Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy have been regularly sighted there since the Greek restaurant’s October 2009 opening. You’ll appreciate the flavors imparted by Kellari’s use of only first-pressed extra virgin olive oil in its cooking and the 100-plus Greek wines in its cellar. kellaridc.com

The Classic: The Palm

 09.         SAN FRANCISCO - La Mar Cebicheria Peruana, Pier 1.5 Embarcadero (415.397.8880)

    

$10 to $28 for entrees

Peruvian food is an emerging culinary trend across the country and La Mar, the first American outpost of noted Lima chef Gaston Acurio—who has also set up shop in Mexico, Chile, Brazil and Panama and is looking for space in New York—is the place to try it. Opened in September 2008, La Mar serves up distinctive versions of Peruvian staples like raw fish, ceviche and meaty stir-fries. It also attracts the area’s entrepreneurs, particularly in new media and technology, who aren’t afraid to be a little edgy with their power lunch. lamarcebicheria.com

The Classic: Tamarine (Palo Alto)

 10.         LAS VEGAS - Society Café Encore 3121 Las Vegas Blvd. South (702.248.3463)

 

$12 to $23 for entrees

As befits a restaurant in Steve Wynn’s new Encore hotel, Society Café Encore, opened in December 2008, is a dramatic space with Roman arches, swag drapes and a huge pink couch. But the food is basic American done with integrity. Breakfast, from an egg white frittata to buckwheat pancakes, is available all day while lunch choices include a lobster roll club, three kinds of sliders and a grilled chicken salad. Businesspeople in town for conventions join local power players to make Society Café Encore Vegas’ working lunch choice. encorelasvegas.com

The Classic: McCormick & Schmick’s

 

 

 

 

 

Curator