Here's my NYC list (in no particular order):
Mike's Bistro - quickly becoming my favorite NYC restaurant. Ambiance is excellent, and the duck gnocchi is outstanding. The steak is also top 3 for me (they only have one to choose).
Le Carne - The first steak that blew my mind. Though as time went on, I became progressively more disappointed.
Deli Kasbah - Definitely not the best in the world, but their food consistently excellent, especially their steak strips and brazilian steak.
ETC - Yes, it's in Teaneck, not in NYC, but the last three times I've been there, it has rivaled Mike's and at least once has far surpassed it. The menu is constantly changing, but the best dish we had there was pomegranate steak strips. Un.real. I think I'm going there Sunday night for the "tasting menu," seven smaller dishes of the chef's best dishes. <licks lips>
Can't wait to try:
Tierra Sur - I hope to try in August.
Ladino Tapas - I hope to try in the coming weeks.
Random notes: The pepper steak at Le Marais, as I've mentioned before on DDF, is spectacular. Don't care for much else, or the ambiance for that matter. I found the sushi at TPG to be the best sushi I've had the pleasure of eating. I've been underwhelmed by Clubhouse, but can appreciate the ambiance... at times. Last, I heart Benny's pizza in Brooklyn. Man, that stuff be good.