All restaurants listed below were found on Citysearch.com and NYmag.com with a $$$-$$$$ rating (above $35/entrée).
Chelsea Neighborhood
Buddakan
75 9th Ave
Phone: (212) 989-6699
Directions: A, C, E; 1,2,3 at 14th St; L at 8th Ave
Features an impressive modern Asian menu that plays second fiddle to the glitzy setting, replete with incredible chandeliers and soaring ceilings; it’s a NY must for the young and hip.
(buddakannyc.com)
Del Posto
85 10th Ave
Phone: (212) 497-8090
Directions: A, C, E at 14th St; L at 8th Ave
A large-scale sensory experience from the Batali-Bastianich team, this Way West Chelsea haute Italian wows with delectable cuisine and an off-the-charts wine list presented in a lavish, marble-and-mahogany room recalling a majestic palazzo.
(delposto.com)
East/West Village Neighborhood
Garage Restaurant and Café
99 7th Ave S
Phone: (212) 645-0600
Directions: 1, 9 at Christopher St.-Sheridan Sq.
What used to be a garage in the '20s is now a casual American restaurant famous for its live free jazz and late night meals. Out-of-towners and locals alike dive into the a la carte dinners and weekend prix fixes while watching the show.
(garagerest.com)
Flat Iron District
Craft
43 E 19th St
Phone: (212) 780-0880
Directions: N, R, W, Q, L or 4,5,6 to 14th St / Union Square
A minimalist star in the NYC firmament, Top Chef Tom Colicchio’s upscale, not uptight, Flatiron New American proffers pure, clean flavors via build-your-own menus crafted with impeccable ingredients accompanied with smooth service.
(craftrestaurant.com)
SD26
19 E. 26th St.
Phone: 212-265-5959
Directions: 6 to 28th St.; R, W to 23rd St.
The new iteration is still Italian fine-dining at its best, but the modern decor and a revamped menu are all new. The menu was rethought by executive chef Odette Fada and chef de cuisine Matteo Bergamini on a trip through Italy. The new dishes (like veal filet and sweetbread) can be ordered in small or large portions, and it puts an emphasis on wine (with more than 10,000 bottles).
Greenwich Village Neighborhood
Lupa
170 Thompson St
Phone: (212) 982-5089
Directions: 1, 2 at Houston St; N, R at Prince St “Could eat here every day” gush the legions of fans who love this casual, quartino-size Village member of the Batali-Bastianich-Denton empire offering its stunning rustic Roman fare and fantastic wines at tremendous-value prices.
(luparestaurant.com)
Minetta Tavern
113 MacDougal St.
Phone: 212-475-3850
Directions: A, B, C, D, E, F, V to W. 4th St.; 1 to Christopher St. /Sheridan Sq. or Houston St.
Keith McNally (of Balthazar, Pastis, Schiller's Liquor Bar and Morandi) has nailed it again. The French bistro menu emphasizes steaks and chops, but there are also well-executed fish, chicken and pasta dishes. Classic cocktails are another specialty.
Babbo
110 Waverly Place
Phone: 212-777-0303
Directions: A, B, C, D, E, F, V to W. 4th St.; 1 to Christopher St./Sheridan Sq.
Proverbial velvet rope and bouncers aside, once you do secure a seat, it’s a feast for the mouth, thanks to one of the best wine lists in the City as well as Batali’s signature dishes, including Spicy Two Minute Calamari and Barbecued Skirt Steak.
Lower East/West Side Neighborhood
Blue Elm
198 Orchard St.
Phone: 212-777-7733
Directions: F, V to Lower East Side/2nd Ave.; J, M, Z to Essex St.; F to Delancey St.; 6 to Bleecker St.
While it looks unassuming—compact space, dark wood walls, charcoal gray banquettes—the eclectic food is made with more care than you'd expect. Chef Malik Fall is Senegalese, but his cooking style is more French/Asian due to his training and globe-trotting. Accomplished dishes include crab-crusted and roasted portobello mushrooms as well as pan-seared scallops with sweet corn puree.
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Meatpacking District
Pastis
9 9th Ave
Phone: (212) 929-4844
Directions: A, C, E; L at 14th St-8th Ave
Worth all the fanfare, Keith McNally’s buzzing Meatpacking District bistro is still the place to be for delish French food and a front-row seat at a fabulous, all-hours scene. For a Parisian fix, nobody does it better.
(pastisny.com)
Son Cubano
405 W 14th St
Phone: (212) 366-1640
Directions: A, C, E; L at 14th St-8th Ave
At this happening Meatpacking District location, you feel like you’re in 1940s Havana as you down incredible drinks and authentic fare; it’s always a good time, though it’s hard to comprende your companions when the live music cranks up.
Abe & Arthur's
409 W. 14th St.
Phone: 646-289-3930
Directions: A, C, E to 14th St.; L to 8th Ave.; 1, 2, 3 to 14th St.
The contemporary American menu includes a raw bar, blue crab cakes, Creekstone Farms rib eye steak for two (with a choice of six sauces) and for dessert a crazy Ferris wheel of fritters to be injected with chocolaty or fruity sauces. For those who care more about cocktails, head straight to the elite basement lounge, Simyone.
Midtown Neighborhood
Casa Lever
390 Park Ave.
Phone: 212-888-2700
Directions: E, V to Lexington Ave./53rd St.; 6 to 51st St.; 4, 5, 6 to 59th St.; N, R, W to Lexington Ave./59th St.
The owners of Sant Ambroeus bring their Milanese cooking to the landmarked Lever House. The dining room has opened up to reveal street views, and now displays 19 original Warhol paintings. Light fare will be available all day, while the lunch and dinner menus skew toward the sea.
The Breslin Bar and Dining Room
20 W. 29th St.
Phone: 212-555-1212
Directions: N, R, W at 28th St.; 1 at 28th St.
The Breslin’s menu is, in her words (er, word), “meatcentric.” Bloomfield and her head chef, Peter Cho, have been perfecting their game terrines, crépinettes, sausages and other charcuterie, and promise diners the opportunity to order a whole suckling pig at the chef’s table. he tavern-style eatery wouldn’t be complete without its cask ales—there will be several, plus a proprietary brew from Sixpoint. As for cocktails, look forward to reimagined classics: The Ace Old Fashioned subs in reposado tequila for whiskey, and the Negroni takes red wine with a balsamic reduction in place of Lillet.
The Garden Restaurant and Wine Bar
57 E. 57th St.
Phone: 212-758-5700
Directions: N, R, W at Fifth Ave.-59th St.
This spacious restaurant and wine bar is set on the east side of the Four Seasons Hotel's monumental I.M. Pei-designed lobby. Breakfast and lunch are served daily with warmth and finesse, and brunch is offered on weekends. In the evenings, The Garden is transformed into an expansive wine bar featuring 200 wines by the glass and a variety of champagnes and sparkling wines. The menu includes small plates such as charcuterie, artisanal cheeses and steak frites, offered in a vibrant and comfortable setting.
Upper East/West Side Neighborhood
City Diner
2441 Broadway
Phone: 212-877-2720
Average entrée: Not available
Directions: 1 to 86th Street; 1, 2, 3, to 96th Street
Overstuffed sandwiches, soups, salads, vegetarian platters, pastas, seafood entrees and more, served up 24/7.
MXco
1491 Second Ave
Phone:212-249-6080
Directions: 6 at 77th St.
Average Entrée: Not Provided
Husband and wife John Dempsey and Maren Powell (El Centro, Hell’s Kitchen) replace their Upper East Side outlet Vynl with MXco. The menu emphasizes sharing with a trio of guacamole, ten types of tacos, and three flavors of queso. To drink: Carafes of margaritas come with mix-and-match fruit purée, and we're eyeing a frozen tres leches cocktail.
NoLita Neighborhood
Travertine
19 Kenmare St
Phone: 212-966-1810
Directions: J, M, Z at Bowery; B, D at Grand St.; 6 at Spring St.
Treviño’s Mediterranean dishes will, of course, be quite a bit more refined than the red-sauce dishes at Little Charlie’s (pastas such as pappardelle and spaghettini will be made in-house),you’ll notice a Charlie’s Linguine on the menu with pancetta, Long Island clams, and fire-roasted tomato sauce.
Upper East/West Side Neighborhood
Per Se
10 Columbus Cir, 4th Fl
Phone: (212) 823-9335
Directions: 1, 2, 3; A, C; B, D at 59th St-Columbus Cir
Voted No. 1 for Food and Service in NYC – Thomas Keller’s French–New American paragon presents an unforgettable experience via prix fixe spreads in world-class surroundings with majestic Central Park and Columbus Circle views; you’re in for the treat of your life. Jacket required.
(perseny.com)
Serendipity
225 E 60th Street
Phone: (212) 838-3531
Directions: 4, 5, 6 at 59th St; N, R, W at Lexington Ave-59th St
The restaurant is primarily a dessert spot, but the food, which is served in portions as generous as the desserts, is simple and tasty, from soups, salads, crepes and pasta to hot dogs and burgers. The real star remains dessert--sublime, sinful and massive.
(www.serendipity3.com)
Le Caprice
795 Fifth Ave
Phone: 212-940-8195
Directions: N, R, W at Fifth Ave.-59th St.
APiccadilly institution known as much for the scene as the food. The new spot echoes its predecessor’s black-and-white design, punctuated by a series of David Bailey photos. Chef Michael Hartnell Mediterranean-inflected menu displays Britishisms from grilled kippers and Welsh rarebit to kedgeree with poached eggs, plus salads employing lettuce like gem hearts and cos (what the Brits call romaine).
For more trendy restaurant suggestions, visit nycgo.com/dining
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