We’re finally having some fun 
Adding a link to the last time we dug in on recs - 2019!!!
Chinatown / Little Italy can be expanded to plenty of downtown that’s slightly differently labeled but within walking or quick cab distance.
Midtown - if you can be more specific where / near what sights, we can be more helpful on what to eat.
I don’t know how much of this will appeal to your husband, but presumably you’re used to getting him something he’ll enjoy while the rest of you are more adventurous.
+1 to @small_h, @bcc, and @boneappetite suggestions already.
In Chinatown, I always recommend Dim sum go go - order off a menu rather than carts, good vegetarian and non-pork selections (if that matters) and Joe’s Shanghai for (still) the best xlb
But it’s Chinatown, so you can actually get fresh dim sum for breakfast at bakeries (and excellent coffee too), so you can alternate with bagels if you want 
Speaking of bagels, Kossar’s is not that far so get a bialy too, and try their bagels so you can compare to Russ&D.
You’ll love Essex market - you can probably go a few times and eat different things each time (and also - everyone can get different things, which can be helpful too).
A nice way to get the view / skyline is go to Time Out Market across the bridge - you can hang out there for sunset views (or not). Good food too - Wayla (LES, excellent modern Thai) is now serving there as well.
If the “kids” decide to do the cruise, your husband and you could take advantage of the smaller number and try somewhere like Via Carota for dinner. Make a rez at L’Artusi or I Sodi - should be possible this far in advance - in case VC is its usual difficulty level.
You might want to take a look at Cote - the Korean steakhouse. Gives you steak, because NYC, but with a twist, because Korean banchan and sides.
I’d agree that Mercado (including Spanish Diner, but there are 3 areas) is the best of the options at Hudson Yards, but I’d question whether one actually needs to go to HY at all - it’s far, and not that exciting (unless you get tickets to the Vessel).
Oh one other new-ish alternative is the redone South Street Seaport - lots of big food names. And if you really want a ferry ride, the Staten Island ferry is right there.
