1. 1. DB Bistro Moderne

   55 W. 44th St., nr. Sixth Ave.; 212-391-2400

   Do as Anna Wintour would do and order the famous $29 “DB Burger,” sans bun.

2. 2. Tintol

   155 W. 46th St., nr. Sixth Ave.; 212-354-3838

   Perfect for dainty Fashion Week appetites: Portuguese and Spanish tapas to nibble and wash down with good Iberian wines.

3. 3. Szechuan Gourmet

   21 W. 39th St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-921-0233

   This Flushing transplant has made some concessions to midtown palates. “This one is more General Tso’s chicken,” says the manager, “but the real Chinese food is 100 percent.”

4. 4. Esca

   402 W. 43rd St., at Ninth Ave.; 212-564-7272

   Not that anyone coming from Bryant Park does carbs, but the pastas, like spaghetti with fresh chiles, mint, and a one-pound lobster, are terrific.

Related:

• Archive: “Food Features”
• Articles by Robin Raisfeld | Rob Patronite
• Table of Contents: September 18, 2006 issue of New York | Subscribe!