New York restaurants bounce back

New York's resilient restaurateurs opened more than 200 restaurants in the year following the 11 September attacks, despite massive economic uncertainties, according to figures compiled by the city's top restaurant guide.

The 2003 Zagat guide, published last week, said that although the number of openings had fallen from the record 311 two years ago, it was much higher than expected. Just over 100 restaurants closed.

Diners are still splashing out on food at the city's top restaurants, with the average meal at the city's most expensive restaurants jumping 7.4% to £57.13.

Overall, the average cost of a meal in the city fell by 1%, the first drop since the early 1990s, from £23.50 to £23.28.

The top rated restaurants for food include Daniel, Jean Georges, Le Bernardin and Nobu, which all score 28 out of a possible 30 points. Alain Ducasse, the most expensive restaurant in the city, scored 27.

Major openings in New York for the coming year include Thomas Keller, who is launching a branch of his Napa-based restaurant, French Laundry.

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 5-11 December 2002