2. Replacing Scopa on the corner of 28th Street and Madison Avenue is Pranna, a restaurant and bar serving an eclectic array of dishes from South Asia. Encompassing 15,000 square feet, the Gramercy Park venue is designed with fixtures and furnishings that highlight the double-height ceilings and Asian cultures that inspired the menu. Interior accents include a custom crystal chandelier, a black granite bar, a glass-enclosed mezzanine, and a 60-foot-tall carved wall embedded with sculptures made from steel, wood, plaster, and fiberglass. For groups, there's the Gold Room, a private area that seats 20 boardroom-style, 30 banquet-style, or holds 50 for receptions.

3. Designed specifically for private gatherings is the Event Space, a joint venture between the Paige Restaurant Group and Staffing & Events byDavid. Earlier this month, this 5,500-square-foot venue took over the ground-floor spot formerly home to Lotus Space, which was, and still is, decorated with three large rectangular arches, glossy floors, and white walls. In addition to a full inventory of audiovisual equipment and high-speed Internet access, the Event Space also provides in-house catering, staffing, and drive-in access. The site holds 300 seated or 565 for receptions.