The newly-renovated Hall of Ocean Life at the American Museum of Natural History has finally reopened; its beloved 94-foot-long blue whale model now lives in a spectacular technological marine environment complete with video projections, interactive computer stations, and shimmering blue light.

The museum is located at Central Park West between 79th and 81st streets, within walking distance of these fine restaurants.

Alice’s Tea Cup

102 W. 73rd St. (between Amsterdam and Columbus avenues)

(212) 799-3006

Choose from more than 100 brews at this Wonderland-themed tea room, whimsically decorated with mismatched chairs and storybook paintings on the walls. Scones, homemade peanut butter and lapsang souchong-smoked chicken are delightful adult bites, and there are special kids’ plates.

Ruby Foo’s Dim Sum & Sushi Palace

2182 Broadway (at 77th Street)

(212) 724-6700

There’s noisy fun at restaurateur Steven Hanson’s spectacularly kitschy Upper West Side kitchen, an eyeful in Chinese red and black with a grand staircase and a pan-Asian menu of sushi, dim sum and entrees.

Metsovo

65 W. 70th St. (between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue)

(212) 873-2300

Down-to-earth Greek dishes are lovingly prepared in this romantic, flower-filled Lincoln Center townhouse, aglow with candles and a fireplace. Heaping platters of mezedes (appetizer plates) and house-special mountain pies stuffed with lamb, eggplant or greens and feta are standouts.

Ouest

2315 Broadway (at 84th Street)

(212) 580-8700

By now, even Ohioans probably know about chef-owner Tom Valenti’s temple to ribs-tickling Manhattan-American bistro cooking, which is strong on rich sauces, herbs and wine.

Spazzia

366 Columbus Ave. (at 77th Street)

(212) 799-0150

The team behind popular Spartina downtown serves Italian food with a Mediterranean spin. Well-priced pizzas and pastas join an engaging selection of Ligurian specialties.