Raymond's Cafe on 6 Ave somewhere in the 20s (NY). It was always packed and the food was always well prepared and fresh. It was always comforting knowing that I could depend on it being there in that part of town.

Lutece and La Caravelle, mid-town East. Both were low-key with impeccable service and non of that pretentious Le Cirque crap.

The falafel guy in the diamond district in NY. Piping hot, spicy, garlicky fresh falafel.

The old Russian Tea Room.

Truffles restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel. Again, excellent non-pretentious service to accompany their excellent food.

Cha Liu dim sum restaurant at Yonge & Eglington (Toronto). Friendly service, good non-greasy dim sum.