The cuisines of New York City are a microcosm of the cultures found around the city, from Afghan to Vietnamese. We have all manner of choices for you, from sushi and sashimi to pizza and pasta, plus burgers, steaks, and fine international dining. You can even play games or do some sightseeing while you eat! Here is but a small sampling of the culinary universe that is NYC.

ITALIAN

You haven't tasted pizza until you've tried the coal-oven sensations at Angelo's Pizza. They use the finest and freshest ingredients (served by the pie). Try either of their white pies (ricotta or mozzarella) for the purest presentation of their great flavors. New York Eats says, "it's the best thing to happen to 57th St.; the pizza is very fine, indeed." Attractive wood and brass furnishings add to the perfect meal. A great budget-conscious choice. 1697 Broadway, 212-245-8811. Additional locations: 117 W. 57th St. btw. Sixth & Seventh Aves., 212-333-4333; 1043 Second Ave. at 55th St., 212-521-3600 The cuisine at Bice Ristorante is a sumptuous combination of traditional and new trends in Italian cuisine. With dishes such as tagliolini con aragosta, ossobucco, costoletta di vitello, and tiramisu della Bice, just to name a few. Combined with an extensive wine selection and an elegant-casual atmosphere, it makes for a memorable dining experience. 7 E. 54th St. btw. Madison & Fifth Aves., 212-688-1999

If you like a side of history with your pasta, Patsy's one and only location was Frank Sinatra's favorite. It still attracts celebrities who enjoy the stuffed calamari, veal chops Siciliano, and pastas served with Patsy's world-famous sauces (made from the freshest ingredients, they are available at the restaurant, in better supermarkets, and specialty food stores, and come in six varieties: marinara, tomato basil, fra diavolo, puttanesca, vodka, and pizzaiola). 236 W. 56th St., 212-247-3491 Giant-size portions and classic Italian dishes are what draw people to Tony's Di Napoli. Located in the heart of the theater district, Broadway celebrities have made it their home away from home. Tony's captures the essence of Authentic Old New York Southern Italian cuisine. Delicious home-style recipes include veal parmigiana, chicken cacciatore and homemade ravioli - all in family style platters that serve 2-3. (Individual plates are also available.) According to Zagat, the restaurant serves "Portions big enough to make grandma proud - at modest prices." 147 W. 43rd St., 212-221-0100

MEXICAN

Satisfy your craving for delicious Mexican food in Cancun's festive, homey atmosphere. Enjoy a mix of authentic favorites - such as enchiladas and sizzling fajitas - or try one of their seafood specialties, such as the shrimp Cancun, the red snapper salsa verde, or the crabmeat-stuffed avocado. Cancun features a vast selection of frosty margaritas. 937 Eighth Ave. btw. 55th & 56th Sts., 212-307-7307

In the heart of the Theatre District, Sombrero serves gourmet Mexican cuisine in an upscale, theatre-themed environment with palate-pleasing daily specials, like crispy red snapper burritos, shrimp margarita, salmon Vera Cruz - and great margaritas! There's a great $17.95 three-course prix fixe dinner, too. 303 W. 48th St. btw. Eighth & Ninth Aves., 212-586-4853 TA Cocina offers superb Mexican food at modest prices. Feast on grilled jumbo shrimp, roasted poblano chile with seafood, fried red snapper, grilled sirloin, chicken breast enchilada, and more. Every Sun.-Thurs., they've got 2-for-1 frozen margaritas in 11 flavors! 714 Ninth Ave., 212-586-0821

GREEK

Kellari Taverna is home to exceptional contemporary and traditional Greek dishes, including grilled whole fish, prime chops and meats, an array of tasty dips and spreads, kid braised in yogurt with goat butter risotto, a variety of Greek cheeses baked or flamed "Saganaki"-style, and a selection of raw and marinated seafood. The pre-theatre menu includes an appetizer and main course, and the decor is elegant and appealing, designed to resemble a subterranean wine cellar with rustic beams, an open kitchen, and warm lighting. 19 W. 44th St., 212-221-0144