1. 1. L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon

   57 E. 57th St., nr. Park Ave.; 212-350-6658

   Two seatings with live music and “light dancing,” according to the reservationist. The 6 p.m. early-bird special is a $165, six-course snack (plus $90 for optional wine pairings); the 9 p.m. is a wine-included $650 twelve-course extravaganza, plus a champagne toast, and—who knows?—maybe they’ll allow a little dirty dancing after midnight.

2. 2. Per Se

   10 Columbus Cir., 4th fl., at 60th St.; 212-823-9335

   Dinner by Thomas Keller, live music by the Mingus Dynasty quartet, and, as if that weren’t enough, a surprise gift bag (maybe some of that truffled popcorn). Two seatings: 5:30 for seven courses; 9 p.m. for nine, $500 and $650 respectively, service included.

3. 3. Del Posto

   85 Tenth Ave., at 16th St.; 212-497-8090

   Splurge with the seven-course tasting menu, featuring white truffles, for $175 ($300 with wine pairings), or eat yourself into an ecstatic food coma from the à la carte menu.

4. 4. Momofuku Noodle Bar

   163 First Ave., nr. 10th St.; 212-475-7899

   If you survive any of the food orgies above, come here on New Year’s Day for a rejuvenating bowl of pork-neck soup.

SEE ALSO:
Where to Eat Before You Get Hammered

Related:

• Archive: “Food Features”
• Articles by Robin Raisfeld | Rob Patronite
• Table of Contents: Dec 25, 2006 issue of New York | Subscribe!