When eating is not only a mouth affair

Republic in Union square is simple and well done. Thai food. Cheap. Great location. And an original and refreshing ambiance. There are some tables up front, but most seats are on communal benches. Everything is chilled out and somehow even posh, you'd forget your only paying like ten bucks.
>> Republic, 37 Union Square West, T. 212 627 7172 Gemma is located in the Bowery hotel. They took the Italian trattoria concept and pretty much nailed it. Well designed floor layout, with differently elevated sections. Random items like old glasses and candles and their wax line all the walls on random shelves.
>> Gemma, 335 Bowery, T. 212 505 9100 Babbo's near Washington square park is expensive, but it's probably Batali's best. While the decor or location might not quite inspire much creativity the food certainly does.
>> Babbo, 110 Waverly Place, North West corner Washington Square, T. 212 777 0303 Megu in Tribeca has the most astounding interior design of any restaurant that I've ever been to. To complex and convoluted to explain, but basically its feels like you're entering some combination of temple and labyrinth. Mind the costs.
>> Megu, 62 Thomas Street, T. 212 964 7777 Matteo A. Tunioli