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Lower Manhattan has visibly healed since the events of September 11, 2001, its new skyscrapers, re-landscaped parks and renovated waterfronts contributing to a dynamic panorama. With so much to see and do, the neighborhood can make a person hungry. Feast on these suggestions, good for every size pocketbook and occasion.

Manhattan's southern tip is steeped in colonial American history, no more so than at Fraunces Tavern, where George Washington said farewell to his troops. Well, say hello to Porterhouse Brewing Company, inhabiting its historic premises and featuring heady brews as well as crab cakes, chicken wings and cheeseburgers. The Bridge Café, whose quarters date back to 1794, is another storied saloon. The former brothel and fisherman's lair is located at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge; today you'll find hearty American fare and a very respectable Scotch list. The nearby Paris Café, established circa 1873, blends an antique pub setting with a contemporary menu and major-league beer list served until 2am.

Workers in the Financial District have to hustle, so there are lots of good, quick lunch spots to accommodate them, including the homespun Zaitzeff for Kobe beef and organic veggie burgers, Toloache Taqueria for top-notch Mexican eats, and the bare-bones Alfanoose for fantastic falafel. Pizza is always a big-time NYC attraction, and at Adrienne's Pizzabar the trays of excellent thin-crust pies are ready to go. For an alfresco nosh, cruise over to the sailboat- and yacht-filled North Cove Marina, next to the World Financial Center. There's no better place to picnic than from Ed's Lobster Bar Kiosk, or Quality Burger, where the patties are flipped on an outdoor grill, to be leisurely consumed at tables shaded by umbrellas. Hot-shot chef Zak Pelaccio is behind two new outdoor kiosks in Battery Park, convenient to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferries: Fatty 'Cue, which traffics in brisket and pulled pork, and Fatty Snack, keeping it simple with shakes, soft-serve ice cream and a few savory items.

For an afternoon break, head to the cobblestoned Stone Street, a pedestrian walkway lined with eateries and drinking establishments. Stop in at Financier Patisserie for a pick-me-up espresso and an éclair, or settle in at one of the communal tables set up outdoors. When the weather is nice, Stone Street is basically one huge happy hour, the various businesses all blending together and evoking a European beer garden.

Let's say you're visiting over the weekend and want a memorable brunch. Red, a spirited Southwestern restaurant in the charming South Street Seaport, has delicious fajitas, huevos rancheros and bacon-and-egg quesadillas with crunchy hash browns. Outdoor tables offer prime views of street life and busking musicians. Another fine brunch option (though on Saturdays only) is Harry's Café & Steak, so popular that reservations are highly advisable. Wonderful dishes, such as duck and mushroom hash with poached eggs, include unlimited mimosas.

For dinner, get dressed up for the sexy SHO Shaun Hergatt at the Setai hotel, where there's a $35 tasting menu in the lounge and a spectacular $75 chef's tasting menu in the dining room. Wall & Water, in the Andaz Wall Street hotel, is another looker, serving stylish, market-to-table comfort food. Craving a classic steakhouse experience? The baroquely beautiful Delmonico's and the polished MarkJoseph Steakhouse fit the bill. If you're looking for a luxurious Italian experience, Cipriani Wall Street operates out of a landmark Greek Revival building that once housed the New York Stock Exchange. Bayard's is another architectural masterpiece, the former home of the New York Cotton Exchange. These days its elegantly appointed dining rooms are reserved for private events, except for the Blue Bar, whose nautical interior brings to mind a clipper ship. Cocktails and light fare are available Monday to Saturday evenings.

BLT Bar & Grill at the W New York - Downtown hotel straddles the fence between chic and casual, a modern, bi-level tavern that offers inventive New American dishes and an extensive bar menu. Les Halles Downtown, a lively French brasserie, is famous as the home base of chef-at-large Anthony Bourdain. It's also the go-to spot for satisfying, inexpensive steak frites and mussels. The Grill Room, a spacious, welcoming steakhouse in the World Financial Center, overlooking the Hudson River, features a value-driven menu and one of the most romantic sunset views in town. Sequoia, at the end of Pier 17, has awe-inspiring views of the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge. The seafood-themed menu offers big portions at affordable prices and can be enjoyed on the wraparound outdoor patio.

While Lower Manhattan is most active during the day, there's plenty of nightlife, so long as you know where to go. Vintry Wine & Whiskey is the classiest of watering holes, with 80 wines by the taste, glass or bottle and more than 100 whiskies, serving until 4am Thursday to Saturday. Ulysses' Folk House, dedicated to James Joyce via myriad photos and an Irish-inflected menu, also keeps the party going until the wee hours.