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How unfamiliar do you mean? Is it a cuisine I've never eaten before, or a country where I don't speak the language?

I'm a big believer in preparation for a big meal - I seldom go to top-ranked restaurants without deliberately selecting them for one reason or another, so I tend to know what their house specialties are. I'm less apt to order the night's special if it's a place I'm not apt to visit again; I want to see what their usual stuff is.

It's different if it's a business meal or for pleasure, too, and it depends on how large the group is. It may even involve what I had for dinner last night, or what I had for lunch.

The biggest question here is what you like, what makes you mouth-hungry, and what makes you skip right over it. I'm not much of a believer in asking staff for recommendations; no disrespect to them, but they just met me, how the heck would they know what I'd like?

There are lots more factors here, too, but this should do for a start.

Order something you always wanted to try but could never get. or you could follow these rules:
Remember the first entree item on the menu is the most popular one ordered. The last entree item on the menu is the second most popular. the third entree item is the third most popular.
Never trust waitstaff on their selection, and never order the specials the first time you try a restaurant.

Ethnic Restaurants...If it's an enthicity with which I'm familiar, I'll go for a favorite dish; or to "test" the place, order something uncommon. For example, you'd be surprised how many Mexican restaurants have no clue about mole.

Fine Dining...I'll ask the server for a recommendation or "the specialty of the house." If I'm given any advanced warning, I'll surf the net for reviews on the place.

If I'm just winging it, I'll take my chances and hope for the best.

Lucky you. I always look for something I've never had or am not likely to make at home. Doesn't hurt to ask the server. If I see sweetbreads I am all over them! Where are you going? Think of this as a great adventure, go with what grabs you.

i tend to go for things i can't or don't make myself at home. i almost always go for a special. i don't know if there's any truth to it but i feel like the specials are a great way to try out what the chef can do with the best of what available that day.

In a very upscale restaurant, especially one I know I won't be visiting again anytime soon, I almost always go with the tasting menu, especially if it's offered with a pairing. I've also found the prix fixe menu to be an excellent starting place. Once in a while there will be an item or two that are NOT featured on the tasting menu, and that just sound too fabulous to pass up, so I'll order a la carte.

But, in general, I always narrow down the options to a few that sound especially interesting, based on my mood, my personal preferences, etc., then ask the waitstaff for more detailed explanation of the dishes I'm considering. If I don't already know, I'll definitely ask about the CHEF's specialties, signature dishes, or personal favorites.

Hubby almost always asks what the waitperson recommends and likes -- I listen up, but almost never ask that myself. Although some professional captains do a great job with recommendations -- they ask relevant questions of the diner, explain what makes a few signature dishes so special, and tell why they personal prefer something. But, most waitstaff, in my experience, aren't particularly reliable, even at the better establishments.

Besides, I find that, more often than not, the response is an evasive or *qualified* one, as in, "Well, it really depends on what you like..." Well, DUH! [eyes roll]

If time allows or as I walk into the restaurant, I always try to notice what others around me have ordered or what servers are bringing out to other customers.

My understanding is that specials which "really let the chef play around" with an ingredient are the exception rather than the norm. Every chef I've ever heard speak of specials has said they are a way to get rid of an item that isn't selling. Which can mean it isn't at its freshest. That makes me wary.

During the first visit I usually look for what I have dubbed the 'CFUD'. Can't F--- It Up Dish. Maybe this is something a bit simpler or with a more mainstream approach. Then if I feel like the establishment has really solid cooking I will try somethig more on the creative/unusual side.

these are great recommendations. I did my homework on which restaurants were notable, but did not make note of which dishes were particularly delicious.

I like the idea of choosing an ingredient too. My eyes tend to gloss over as I read one delicious description after another - and if I am not in the mood for something in particular, it has always felt like roulette.

someone early on asked where we were going and though I posted it on the "where the heck should I eat in NYC" thread, here you go...
Wednesday - Babbo
Thursday -
Friday - Daniel
Saturday- The Spice Market

I have hopes of working in Nobu on Thursday but that is still up in the air.

I haven't been to any of these places, but have been doing copious amounts of research on price, reputation, etc. And now my wonderful dilemma is, "what shall I eat?"

Check www.MyRestaurantDiary.com They have menus for tons of places all over the country. You can even get discount certificates there as well. I went to Nobu next door once and loved it. No reservation required from what I recall. They have sampler dinners that are quite pricey, but you get to try many different things. If you are willing to try anything, that's how I'd go.