Some of the best restaurants in the city are located in this part of Manhattan because it's also the site of some of the most expensive housing in the city. After shopping and touring Museum Mile, it's time to reward yourself.

One Fish, Two Fish ($-$$)

1399 Madison Avenue (at East 97th Street)

East 96th Street station (6 train)

212-369-5677

www.onefishtwofish.com

If you find yourself uptown, this busy place is a good refuge for the kids to be themselves, even if your kids refuse to eat fish. The extensive menu includes steaks, burgers, salads, and vegetarian dishes in addition to seafood. The seven-day brunch special and early-bird menu make this a good choice. Live classical jazz Sundays from 1 P.M. to 3 P.M.

Park Avenue Autumn/Winter/Spring/Summer ($$-$$$)

100 East 63rd Street (at Park Avenue)

East 59th Street station (4, 5, or 6 train); Lexington Avenue-East 59th Street station (N, R, or W train)

212-644-1900

www.parkavenyc.com

This is both a neighborhood favorite and a busy business lunch restaurant. The name — and the menu — changes with the season. It serves rustic American bistro fare. The food combinations are creative (salmon pastrami), but there are items on the menu that the kids will eat (a burger with fries). The service is excellent. After 8:30 P.M., take advantage of the “pay your age” prix fixe menu from $25 to $65. It's also a favorite spot for weekend brunch.

Petrie Court Café ($$)

In the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Avenue (between East 82nd and East 83rd streets)

East 86th Street station (4, 5, or 6 train)

212-570-3964

www.metmuseum.org/visitor/dining_petrie.asp

This is a lovely place to rest and refresh after admiring the Met's outstanding collection. The café is located on the first floor in the European Sculpture Garden and boasts views of Central Park. Petrie's offers European-style waiter service and a full menu featuring hot and cold entrées, salads, and desserts for lunch and dinner. There is also a continental breakfast starting at 9:30 A.M. and weekend brunch. Reservations are recommended.

Serendipity 3 ($$)

225 East 65th Street (between 2nd and 3rd avenues)

East 68th Street-Hunter College station (6 train)

212-838-3531

www.serendipity3.com

This kid-oriented place deserves a spot at the top of your list. There are cheddar burgers to die for, and the frozen hot chocolate is a signature dish. There are many other fun kid drinks, but this is a full-service restaurant as well with soups, salads, sandwiches, and entrées. The restaurant has a wonderful ambiance that reminds you of Alice in Wonderland, Grease, and a sweet-sixteen party all at once. Save room for dessert. This is a great place to go after a day of shopping at Bloomingdale's, but be prepared for a wait or try off-hours such as 2–4 P.M. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Tony's Di Napoli ($$-$$$)

1606 2nd Avenue (between 83rd and 84th streets)

East 86th Street station (4, 5, or 6 train)

212-861-8686

www.tonysdinapoli.com

Tony's Di Napoli is a family favorite, much like Carmine's (see pages 280 and 297). Bring a big appetite and share — the food is served on platters meant for two to three people. There's a balloon man who makes balloon animals on Sundays. It's crowded, so get there before 6:00 P.M. or expect to wait. There's another branch in midtown at 147 West Forty-third Street (between Sixth and Seventh avenues).