To continue the conversation, the restaurant suggestions are great (glad to hear that Resto still exists). Because I've been traveling for work for many years I learned long ago that going to the bar is often the smartest thing to do, as well as the most interesting because you have a chance to talk to other diners and sometimes we even wind up sharing our food back and forth. When I'm solo I always bring a book with me which tends to be a conversation starter.
Once at Iluna Basque in San Francisco I was at the bar, ordering pinxtos (tapas) as my meal and this big Chinese wedding party came in. The host of the party was concerned that they were really loud (they were) and so ordered wine for everyone at the bar.
Regarding Les Halles, it's reliable not great. But Desmond's, an Irish bar, two or three doors up is a regular Bourdain hangout when he's in town. And by the way, he's a really nice guy.
i'll just reiterate either go early, or before 6:30 (the earlier the better) or after 9, 9:30 (at this point, later is better). If you are only 2 people, you should have a much easier time getting a table, even at a busier place like ABC Kitchen.
you might have a better chance if you're willing to sit at the bar. craft keeps one table available for walk-ins, and that's how i ate there the first time i went (i went on the early side). craftbar is around the corner and also great and lower-key. i second union square cafe and gramercy tavern-- both great places for bar dining. boqueria is great but might have a wait. i've walked in to gotham bar and grill before (slightly south of gramercy, but very close). a little further north is les halles, which is solid and reliable. and if you're looking for a more formal, upscale experience, it's a longshot, but it's always worth calling eleven madison park in the afternoon to see if they've had any cancellations.
Go visit Chef Jehangir Mehta's restaurant "Grafitti " its in East Village. He has awesome fusion food. His another restaurant is Methaphor, I have to yet try it.... Another Camaje Bistro...What kind of cuisine you want to try..
I'll second the rec on I Trulli. You might also consider Artisinal although you might have to dine at the bar which is not such a bad thing. If Pizza Fresca is still there on 22nd St I'd also recommend that.
There are lots of great places in that area, but it's also very popular. On a Saturday night, just before Christmas, NYC is full of visitors, so a long wait is likely unless you go very early (like 6-ish) or very late (after 10 or 10:30.)
Besides the places already mentioned, off the top of my head: Periyali (Greek); Union Square Cafe (fun to eat at the bar there - and easier w/no res); Tia Pol (Spanish - further west in Chelsea, but really good); everybody but me seems to love The Breslin; Boqueria (tapas and interesting sangrias)...
It's really hard to say where you could walk in on any given evening, but there are quite a number of restaurants in close proximity to each other in Gramercy, so you should be able to score in one of them.
Gram Tav is right behind Craft. There are several other interesting spots on the same block with GramTav, and on 27th street across Park Ave So are both I Trulli and Blue Smoke.
I don't know if this is typical, but my husband and I were able to walk into Gramercy Tavern on a Saturday night around this time of year last year for a late dinner (around 9p) in the more casual bar area up front and had a FABULOUS meal. It's so cozy and festive for the holidays. I highly recommend it.
I don't know if it's "typical," but places often thin out after 9 pm, even on a Saturday night. OP should keep the time of evening in mind and I'm guessing they'll be successful.
Depending on what time you are going, Il Cantinori is one of the best Italian, feel at home, restaurants in the city (IMO). 32 East 10th Street, New York, NY 10003, (212) 673-6044. They get busier as the night goes on, but amazing food and exceptional service.
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Once at Iluna Basque in San Francisco I was at the bar, ordering pinxtos (tapas) as my meal and this big Chinese wedding party came in. The host of the party was concerned that they were really loud (they were) and so ordered wine for everyone at the bar.
Regarding Les Halles, it's reliable not great. But Desmond's, an Irish bar, two or three doors up is a regular Bourdain hangout when he's in town. And by the way, he's a really nice guy.
Besides the places already mentioned, off the top of my head: Periyali (Greek); Union Square Cafe (fun to eat at the bar there - and easier w/no res); Tia Pol (Spanish - further west in Chelsea, but really good); everybody but me seems to love The Breslin; Boqueria (tapas and interesting sangrias)...
Gram Tav is right behind Craft. There are several other interesting spots on the same block with GramTav, and on 27th street across Park Ave So are both I Trulli and Blue Smoke.