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Flanked by Barneys, Hermès, and other luxury shops, shoebox-size Viand—open since 1976—feels like the kind of lunch counter that Holly Golightly might have stopped into for coffee and a danish while early morning window-shopping in her gown and tiara outside Tiffany's. Its color scheme much akin to that of its legendary turkey sandwich (browns and off-white), the amiable and bustling diner caters to a workday regulars, surgery-stretched society, ladies and tourists in search of a slice of Americana. All belly up to the diner-length counter or squeeze into two-person booths along the nearby facing wall. The turkey, prepared fresh daily, is typically moist and flavorful but has its off days, in which case Russian dressing rescues a dry sandwich. Among other hot and cold sandwiches, the humble sardine is divine. Burgers, omelets, salads and "diet delights"—standard, solid diner fare—round out the menu and everything is served almost faster than it can be ordered. If you were singing Moon River all night, treat those mean reds with some cinnamony rice pudding or, for a lighter finish, go with one of Viand's zingy egg creams. You'll be just mad about it. — Colleen McKinney

Sardine sandwich, $7; hot turkey open sandwich, $15.50; egg cream, $2.50