ontheroad.com Art of the Deal

The top three restaurants to perfect the Art of the Deal

Court a client at Four Seasons (99 E. 52nd St., 212/754-9494) in Midtown East, where power brokers from the publishing industry have long favored the Grill Room at lunchtime. Roomy banquettes allow for private conversation, while still affording an opportunity to see and be seen. To make an indelible impression at an important dinner, ask for a seat next to the pool, a shimmering square of Carrara marble. Dinner is about $65.

Negotiate a deal at Patroon (160 E. 46th St., 212/883-7373), where the decor exudes low-key dining luxury. With its clubby Midtown East feel and brawny American food, Patroon is an ideal place for bare-fisted negotiating. If the mohair-covered banquettes aren't private enough for your secret negotiations, consider one of the three private rooms, from the wine cellar for 12 to the upstairs room for 70. And when the last document has been signed, retire to the plush cigar lounge for a fine hand-rolled cigar. Dinner is about $85.

Celebrate a deal at Baldoria (249 West 49th St., 212/582-0460), Midtown sibling of the super-exclusive Rao's (the East Harlem restaurant where, if you're not a regular, a celebrity, or in the company of one or the other, you're usually not granted eating privileges). The menu is an upscale version of what you'd find in a neighborhood Italian restaurant–market-fresh salads and hearty pastas, plus enormous steaks–with an excellent wine list to help you celebrate the closing of that big deal. Dinner is about $50.