Restaurants/Bars
“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well” – Virginia Woolf
In a city with over 17.000 restaurants, deciding where to go to dinner can be downright overwhelming. These are some of my favorite and frequently recommended places. While some are neighborhood favorites for impromptu dinners and others are for special celebrations, time and time again they have all served me well.
~ Back Forty
190 Avenue B
www.backfortynyc.com
On the edge of the East Village this casual spot serves up simple “locavore” fare with a side of farmhouse chic. Billing itself as a burger joint, Chef Peter Hoffman goes beyond the bun with delicious “Garden Sides” like cauliflower gratin and “Core” entrees including roasted baby pumpkin—one of the most delicious vegetarian entrees I have ever tasted. Try a couple of their classic cocktails with a modern twist and you may be tempted to order a second round of beer battered onion rings or fresh from the fryer donuts. (Serving dinner nightly and weekend brunch)
~ Blue Hill*
75 Washington Place
www.bluehillnyc.com
If you can’t make it to the farm this slice of the country in a cozy village townhouse will bring the farm to you. With “just-picked” freshness in simple salads and organic meats and vegetables, the short journey from the farm to the table ends with a delicious reward for the palate. While not inexpensive, investing a little green here just seems right. (Serving dinner nightly)
Blue Hill at Stone Barns
~ Blue Hill at Stone Barns**
630 Bedford Road, Pocantico Hills, NY
www.bluehillfarm.com
Prepare to be transported. Just a short drive up the Saw Mill, nestled in the Hudson Valley lays a garden of earthly delights where “fresh direct” never tasted so good. Inspired by the day’s harvest from the restaurant’s working farm, Chef and Co-Founder Dan Barber creates daily feasts of pastoral pleasures. Luxury takes on new meaning when your taste buds are awakened by the velvety richness of a carrot soup whose star ingredient began its day firmly rooted. Book two months in advance and spend the time preparing for what could quite possibly be one of the greatest dining experiences of your life. (Serving dinner Wed-Sunday and Sunday lunch.)
~ Bricco
304 West 56th Street
www.bricconyc.com
Whether you are looking to forget a bad day or just in need of a little “pasta comfort,” this cozy nook offers a cure for whatever ails you. If you are lucky, gracious owner and host Nino Catuogno will greet you at the door and whisk you away to a cozy table by the brick oven. Simply delicious thin-crust pizzas, home made pastas and fresh seafood make this Midtown favorite a true oasis from the maddening crowds. The private dining rooms upstairs are perfect for both small and large celebrations. (Serving dinner nightly and weekday lunch)
~ ‘Cesca
164 West 75th Street
www.cescanyc.com
A pioneer in the burgeoning Upper West Side restaurant scene, this southern Italian hot spot has maintained its stalwart reputation of consistently innovative and fresh takes on traditional pasta and other Italian favorites. The open kitchen facing a relaxed and rustic dining room turns out consistently comforting dishes complemented by a fantastic wine list. Reservations are encouraged, or arrive early and snag a seat at the bar or at one of the communal tables in the always buzzing front “bar room.” (Serving dinner nightly and Sunday brunch)
~ Cookshop
156 10th Avenue
www.cookshopny.com
Celebrate the bounty of the season at this market-driven farmhouse on the edge of Chelsea. Whether your tastes lean more toward the NY Strip or Vermont Leg of Lamb you will feel right at home amongst the clean fresh flavors and charming staff. Now open for breakfast and weekend brunch the ever changing menu holds even more possibility. (Serving dinner and lunch daily and weekend brunch)
~ Eleven Madison Park*
11 Madison Avenue
www.elevenmadisonpark.com
Danny Meyer has firmly secured another jewel in his multi-faceted crown with Chef Daniel Humm at this Madison Square gem. Walk through the art deco marble archways and into a dramatic dining room of soaring proportions. With views out of an Alfred Stieglitz photograph, this is indeed one of the most beautiful restaurants in the city. As soon as the delectable and artfully prepared amuse bouche arrives you know you are in for a truly luxurious evening. Chef Humm’s brilliant pairings of market fresh ingredients and unique flavor combinations like Gnocchi with Hawaiian Prawns and Arctic Char with Sweet Potatoes and Figs will send you into sheer culinary bliss well worth the pretty penny you will leave behind. (Serving dinner Monday through Saturday and weekday lunch).
~ Gotham Bar and Grill*
12 East 12th Street
www.gothambarandgrill.com
The pioneer that literally took fine dining downtown, over two decades later continues to evolve gracefully with the times while ushering in a new generation of American sensibility. Through master Chef Alfred Portale’s sophisticated, yet always playful cuisine, this 80s grand classic has mellowed into a simple elegance expressed though fresh, regional ingredients executed with French technique. Nestled on a tree-lined Village street, you can rely on this perennial favorite to whisk you into a “New York state of mind”. (Serving dinner nightly and weekday lunch)
~ Gramercy Tavern *
42 East 20th Street
~ www.gramercytavern.com
Step into Americana personified and elegantly modernized as only famed restranteur Danny Meyer could conceive at this enduring Flatiron favorite. With a charmingly relaxed tavern room in front and a beautiful high-beamed formal dining room in the back, this enduring classic offers unparalleled market-driven American cuisine. Whether you stop in for impromptu tavern fare like the delicious pulled pork sandwich or reserve well in advance for the dining room and enjoy a full tasting menu of seasonally inspired dishes like striped bass with white sweet potato and American caviar sauce, you will be sure to return to this bucolic retreat named Outstanding Restaurant of 2008 by the James Beard Foundation.
(Serving dinner nightly and weekday lunch, Tavern serving lunch and dinner daily)
~ Hundred Acres
38 MacDougal Street
www.hundredacresnyc.com
From the team that brought us Cookshop and Five Points, this friendly newcomer has settled cozily into its SoHo neighborhood with the familiarity of an old friend. The never fussy kitchen delivers a Southern-influenced seasonal menu featuring farmhouse favorites like golden fried chicken and deviled eggs worthy of a blue ribbon. Whether you prefer the charming garden out back or bustling bar in the front of the house, this reasonably priced spot will comfort your stomach and your wallet.
~ Little Giant
85 Orchard Street
www.littlegiantnyc.com
Fast for the entire day and then let yourself melt into the warm comfort of what co-founder Julie Taras Wallach calls “belly-filling goodness.” With homespun classics like buttermilk chive biscuits and “die and gone to heaven” mac and cheese—the menu at this tiny Lower East Side New American is full of locally sourced artisnal delights. Snag one of the coveted tables in this tiny powerhouse, order one of great microbrews or fresh fruit infused cocktails that change with the season and enjoy the warm, “green” glow. (Serving dinner nightly and weekend brunch)
~ The Little Owl*
90 Bedford Street
www.thelittleowlnyc.com
Darling of the Food Network and Philly native, Chef Joey Campanaro has created a tiny empire of gastronomic delight on this West Village corner. Masterful layering of bold Mediterranean flavors with seasonal ingredients results in one of the most simply refined yet deliciously satisfying menus in town. New York magazine named Joey’s burger (served at lunch only) the best in the city. One of the toughest reservations in town—if you are feeling lucky show up early because at this neighborhood hotspot tables are saved for walk-ins.
(Serving dinner nightly, lunch Tuesday through Friday and weekend brunch)
~ Market Table*
54 Carmine Street
www.markettablenyc.com
The warmth of this Village New American begins with the friendly welcome and will envelop you like a warm blanket throughout your stay at this Little Owl spin-off. The simply conceived dishes with an unexpected punch of flavor like sangria marinated hanger steak and sliced hamachi with Fuji apple and hazelnuts will make your taste buds swoon. The casual aesthetic punctuated with flickering candles, butcher block tables and a convivial staff creates the perfect backdrop for simple food done simply well.
(Serving dinner and lunch daily and weekend brunch)
~ Red Cat
227 10th Avenue
www.theredcat.com
Fall into an oasis of cool without pretense at this straightforward Chelsea bistro that in its ten years has asserted itself as both a neighborhood hangout and dining destination. Owner Jimmy Bradley takes his Italian-American heritage, blends it suavely with his New England upbringing and delivers consistently innovative yet uncomplicated fare in this relaxed and cozy setting. Seemingly simple dishes like sautéed zucchini with toasted almonds and pecorino or the tempura of green beans with sweet hot mustard provide the perfect balance to heartier fare like the double cut pork chop or prime New York shell steak. Whether you opt for a light nosh to accompany a bottle from the diverse and affordable wine list, or decide to settle in for a full meal on a cold winter’s night, you will enjoy either in stylish comfort.
Reservations:
Oh the reservation game in New York, it can be a blood sport, especially if you don’t have auto redial. OpenTable is a great way to book 24/7; however restaurants do not always open up their full availability online so if OpenTable gives you “no tables available within two hours of your requested time” call the restaurant directly. Also, restaurants always have “no-shows” and late cancellations so arrive early, put your name in with the host and relax at the bar.
* Reservations recommended and accepted one month in advance
** Reservation required and accepted two months (calendar) to the date, phone lines open at 9am