Sure there's menupages.com & nymag.com (chock-full of opinions), but wouldn't you rather get restaurant advice from someone you know and trust...someone like your Mama Lunch Belle? The Lunch Belle has done her homework and made a list of restaurants and quick-stops for nabes all over NYC. As with most of The Belle's lists, this one is ongoing. You're welcome (in advance)! *For restaurants without links, please refer to menupages.com or www.nymag.com for addresses, phone numbers and further information.

• The Stanton Social: One of The Lunch Belle's favorite restaurants~American small-plates menu in a trendy/chic atmosphere~great brunch on weekends
• Freeman's: Great, nearly hidden restaurant situated on its own alley, allowing smokers and outdoor lovers to rejoice~hearty American comfort fare served in a rustic apres-ski-esque lodge~drinks, app's and desserts are better than the entrees
• Apizz: One of the city's best Italians served in the most rustic, charming and romantic spaces in town~great service, reasonable prices and delicious food make Apizz one of The Lunch Belle's favorites
• Tre: Authentic Italian served in a chic, yet comfortable, railroad-car shaped space~tasty prosecco-based cocktails and creative pastas
• Lil' Frankie's: Delicious salads and pizza served in a charming, old fashioned, shabby chic atmosphere~The Belle thinks that the pasta is sadly subpar...stick with the pies!
• The Smith: American bistro fare served in a completely renovated "Schiller's-esque" atmosphere~fantastic brunch plates, great service and amazing prices
• The Flea Market Cafe: Casual bistro overlooking Tompkins Sq. Park~serves the city's best French toast
• Esperanto: Yummy South American grub served in a festive and casual atmosphere~great mojitos and tasty food
• 7A Cafe: 24/7 diner with the best breakfast burrito in town~unfortunately, some of the worst service to be had in the East Village (if you can get over that, I recommend stopping in)
• Katz's Deli: Most famous deli in the city with the best pastrami in the country~casual & charming "only in New York" atmosphere
• Pylos: The Lunch Belle's favorite Greek restaurant~romantic, charming and gorgeously rustic atmosphere
• Mercadito: Authentic Mexican bites with stand-out tacos~casual & cozy
• cafecito (delivery): Best tres leches cake & fantastic Cuban fare
• Momofuku Ssam Bar: Outrageously delicious, unique and creative Korean/American fusion grub served in a hip, casual & totally East Village atmosphere~definitely a "must try"
• El Maguey y la Tuna: Great Mexican food served in a too-bright, gritty atmosphere
• Lavagna: Wonderful Italian food and wine list in an intimate and warm environment~make sure to try the whole fish preparation for two
• Schiller's Liquor Bar: French bistro fare served in a fantastically charming atmosphere reminiscent of cafes in Paris~perhaps a seat at the bar, a cocktail & a crusty baguette with butter & jam is the way to go here (entrees are forgetable)
• La Palapa: Mexican food served in a fun & lively pre-going-out-on-the-town atmosphere~go for the great ritas & queso fundido con rajas (appetizers shine here; entrees have been underwhelming on last two visits)
• Banjara: The Lunch Belle's favorite casual Indian in the city~make sure to try the coconut samosa
• Perbacco: Small-plates Italian with an extensive sharing menu perfect for picky palates~wonderful sommolier~cash only
• Lucien: French bistro fare served in a cozy, mirrored and romantic atmosphere~great nabe spot, though not a destination restaurant (The Lunch Belle spotted uber cute Rosie Perez on her last Lucien outing!)
• Kanoyama: Great sushi, sashimi and rolls served in a casual & friendly atmosphere~fast becoming one of the city's most talked-about
• Bowery Bar & Grill: American/Southwestern fare served in one of the best-looking digs in town
• Barrio Chino: Authentic Mexican with the most extensive tequila list in the city~no frozen margaritas here...this is the real deal served up in urbanly-chic & urbanly-tight quarters
• Gandhi or Haveli: No, this is not the same restaurant, but Gandhi or Haveli are perfectly suitable alternatives to Banjara for yummy Indian food
• Momofuku Milk Bar: Every dieter's worst nightmare and every sweet-tooth's dream~Chef David Chang's bakery concept featuring a unique spin on traditional desserts (Oh, and pork buns are also on the menu!)
• Dirt Candy: Chef Amanda Cohen believes that vegetables are natural candy created from the earth~delicious vegetarian cuisine that doesn't focus on tofu, seitan or tempeh 
• Red Egg (Chinese/Peruvian/Dim Sum)
  
• Sugar Sweet Sunshine (Bakery/Cupcakery)
• Prosperity Dumpling (Chinese/dim sum)
• C&L Dumpling House (Chinese/dim sum)
• Nice Green Bo (Chinese/dim sum)
• Vanessa's Dumpling House (Chinese/dim sum)
• Apiary (Continental, American)
• Artichoke Pizza  
• LevantEAST (French/New American) 
• DBGB (New American/French) 
• Les Enfants Terribles (French/African)
• Kampuchea/The Norry (Cambodian)
• Allen & Delancey (New American)
• Shopsin's (American/diner)
• Los Feliz (Mexican/bar scene)