New York City (NYC) Restaurant Recommendations
- Thread starter Nex Superne
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Asia de Cuba
Asian/Latin fusion. Pretty damn good.
http://www.chinagrillmgt.com/restaurants-and-bars/asia-de-cuba-morgans
Asian/Latin fusion. Pretty damn good.
http://www.chinagrillmgt.com/restaurants-and-bars/asia-de-cuba-morgans
you know what, don't wait on line for Ramen, you're here to visit, not waste your time. Try any of the Ramen Setagaya locations, one on St. Marks, one on University Place and one on 1st ave (all are on the Lower East Side, each branch serves a different style), but i'd recommend going to the St. Marks location, go there REALLY hungry, have your ramen, then walk across the street to Baoguette, and have a spicy Catfish Bahn Mi. trust me. but again, may just be too much food.iddqd said:
Nex Superne
Member
Restaurant Week is a great opportunity to try restaurants that you may not normally visit at much lower cost (lunch $24.07, dinner $35.00). However, beware of a few caveats:Kreuzader said:Is anyone participating in Restaurant Week? This is the first time I'll be in good enough financial shape to consider doing it
1) The very top tier restaurants (e.g. Le Bernardin) do not participate
2) In general, don't expect any expensive ingredients or complex dishes
3) Participating restaurants can get very busy; potentially worse food and rushed service
4) Some restaurants cut corners on their menus, offering very limited choices and leaving signature dishes off
5) Many restaurants have year-round prix fixe deals that are identical to the RW deals
That said, there are still many gems to be found. Some highlights IMO:
Aldea - "New" Portugese
Alto - Northern Italian, formal
Café Boulud - French
Convivio - Southern Italian
Maialino - Roman
The Modern, Bar Room - French, Alsatian
Perry St - French with Asian accents
SHO Shaun Hergatt - French with Asian accents, formal
Unfortunately, many of these places are probably booked already.
Wellington
BAAAALLLINNN'
I don't do this on a regular basis, but my friends and I went to this amazing fried chicken spot yesterday, come to find out it's one of the most highly rated fried chicken locations in the city.
New Caporal Fried Chicken
http://www.yelp.com/biz/new-caporal-fried-chicken-and-shrimp-new-york
The chicken itself is *unbelievable* in terms of flavor and tenderness. I went in skeptical because of the location and the venue itself, it's a hole in the wall. I couldn't stop eating, I was stuffed and I wanted more. I literally ate myself into a stupor and could not function for over an hour afterwards. It's also open 24 hours, so this will be added to my roster of late night dining locations since I usually hang out in Washington Heights anyway.
I know this topic is for fine dining, but golf ham this place has me craving more already.
New Caporal Fried Chicken
http://www.yelp.com/biz/new-caporal-fried-chicken-and-shrimp-new-york
The chicken itself is *unbelievable* in terms of flavor and tenderness. I went in skeptical because of the location and the venue itself, it's a hole in the wall. I couldn't stop eating, I was stuffed and I wanted more. I literally ate myself into a stupor and could not function for over an hour afterwards. It's also open 24 hours, so this will be added to my roster of late night dining locations since I usually hang out in Washington Heights anyway.
I know this topic is for fine dining, but golf ham this place has me craving more already.
Nex Superne
Member
Charles' Country Pan Fried Chicken is probably the front-runner. Many people think they have best southern fried chicken in NYC.Davidion said:
http://www.chow.com/videos/show/the-perfect/11719/the-perfect-fried-chicken
I think I may go to NYC if I can get a few days off from work hopefully in September.
Places I plan to eat at, my placeholder plan is this (right now constricted to my poor paycheck as a foodtruck cook):
One meal a day costing 30-40
One cheap meal probably specialty NYC "slow, fast food"
One street meal depending on belly space.
Places I really want to eat at:
Momofuku Ssam Bar - Being a huge lover of Momofuku style cooking and I reread the cookbook alot, I think this will be the one to visit and I'm willing to spend a decent amount on it). If my friend comes along we can probably get two prix fixe lunches and whatever else we think we can consume.
Shake Shack - gotta see what the fuss is all about
Papaya King - seems like a NYC staple
Italian - Not sure on what we can do for affordable Italian. Italian in Los Angeles sucks dearly unless we wanna pay $50/pp and up.
French bistro? - I've always been curious about Brasserie Les Halles since I'm a big Anthony Bourdain fan but if there is a better alternative point me in that direction.
How is Tori Shin's omakase menu? I want to try yakitori from Japanese chef's on the East Coast to see how it compares to over here.
Not looking for: Chinese/Korean/Vietnamese - we got plenty of that on this side of the country
Suggestions for good streetfood and cheapeats are also welcomed!
Lots of questions and I don't expect all to be answered but any tips for my potential/probable trip will help me mentally plan this out.
Places I plan to eat at, my placeholder plan is this (right now constricted to my poor paycheck as a foodtruck cook):
One meal a day costing 30-40
One cheap meal probably specialty NYC "slow, fast food"
One street meal depending on belly space.
Places I really want to eat at:
Momofuku Ssam Bar - Being a huge lover of Momofuku style cooking and I reread the cookbook alot, I think this will be the one to visit and I'm willing to spend a decent amount on it). If my friend comes along we can probably get two prix fixe lunches and whatever else we think we can consume.
Shake Shack - gotta see what the fuss is all about
Papaya King - seems like a NYC staple
Italian - Not sure on what we can do for affordable Italian. Italian in Los Angeles sucks dearly unless we wanna pay $50/pp and up.
French bistro? - I've always been curious about Brasserie Les Halles since I'm a big Anthony Bourdain fan but if there is a better alternative point me in that direction.
How is Tori Shin's omakase menu? I want to try yakitori from Japanese chef's on the East Coast to see how it compares to over here.
Not looking for: Chinese/Korean/Vietnamese - we got plenty of that on this side of the country
Suggestions for good streetfood and cheapeats are also welcomed!
Lots of questions and I don't expect all to be answered but any tips for my potential/probable trip will help me mentally plan this out.
Nex Superne
Member
The prix fixe lunch ($25) is a good idea. To get the most out of dinner, you'll need a bunch of people so you can try a large portion of the menu.Zyzyxxz said:
Shake Shack is definitely better than In-N-Out (probably by a notch or two), but don't wait on a ridiculous line for it; since there are several locations now, it shouldn't be much of an issue. Their housemade custards and concretes are good.Zyzyxxz said:
Clearly better than the hot dog carts, which you should avoid. Gray's Papaya is the other popular one. Both are perfect for a cheap meal on the go.Zyzyxxz said:
In Brooklyn, Franny's and al di là are very good, though you should be wary of lines. Lupa and Maialino are the obvious choices if you want Roman fare. For something more upscale, Convivio has a nice lunch deal ($28).Zyzyxxz said:
I like Bourdain too; unfortunately, Les Halles is pretty shit. It may have been decent when he was actually cooking there, but it's been a tourist trap serving third-rate bistro fare for several years now. If you want a French bistro, Balthazar and Benoit (Alain Ducasse) are the best in NYC, though they may be redundant since you have Bouchon in LA. For something even better that's French bistro-like, Minetta Tavern is great. Reservations can be a nightmare to get, but eating at the bar is a nice option. The oxtail and foie gras terrine, roasted bone marrow, burgers and steaks are really top-notch.Zyzyxxz said:
Very good, perhaps the best in the country. Tori Shin is pricey for yakitori, but I think it's worth it.Zyzyxxz said:
As mentioned in the OP, Midtown Lunch is a great resource for both street food and cheap eats.Zyzyxxz said:
Make sure to stop by Artichoke in the East Village for their Sicilian slice (ignore their other slices, including their signature artichoke and spinach). Almost as good as Di Fara's, with about 5% of the frustration. Other really good pizza places are listed in the OP. Motorino has a very nice prix fixe lunch deal on the weekdays: $12 for a pizza and a salad or ice cream.
DO NOT MISS:
Jean Georges offers the cheapest Michelin three star lunch on the planet: $29 for two courses including amuse-bouches and petit fours, Monday-Saturday. The tuna ribbons and the parmesean crusted chicken confit are both excellent dishes, and you can add an additional course for $14.50, dessert for $8. Make reservations early!
Hcbk0702 said:
Thanks. Will definitely check it out.
Hcbk0702 said:
I love your thing with Jean Georges. :lol
Shake Shack is fine but there are tons of places on par, if not flat out better. I'd try Burger Joint, Peter Lugers (if you can get in), BLT Burgers (Lamb Merguez), for starters.
Italian is all over the place. If you get a chance, hit up Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, hit the places in Brooklyn that hcbk already mentioned, and try Piccolo Angelo, Convivio, Alta, for starters. Old school, new school.
I'm surprised you don't like Les Halles; I ate there a few months ago and entirely enjoyed the food. I guess if you're coming in for some of the best the city has to offer it's not going to hang with the big boys, but I didn't think it was a poor restaurant by any stretch of the imagination.
Re: Tori Shin, I haven't been but how are the prices compared to Yakitori Totto? Totto is pretty damn good but pricey as well.
fallengorn
Bitches love smiley faces
Whenever people ask me about Shake Shack I will say it's the best greasy burger out there. Plus there's also the Shack Stack which I've started to get into, much to the detriment of my arteries.Davidion said:
YESZyzyxxz said:
fallengorn said:
I'll go to my grave saying that Shake Shack is nothing special, but food is such a personal experience. Many of the places mentioned in the OP I would not recommend at all, yet there are plenty of places I adore that others surely look down upon.
Zyzyxxz, for Italian, you have many options in NYC, but most are overrated. My gf's dad is from Italy, only speaks Italian unless you put a gun to his head, and out of the dozens of Italian spots he's been to in NYC over the years, there's only a handful that he (and his family when they fly in) can tolerate. I'd recommend you try Pepolino.
iddqd said:
Note: After typing this all out, I realized that this guy already has gone to NYC and is probably back by now. For anyone else curious, here's my two cents.
My answer: It depends entirely on what you're looking for in a bowl of ramen. You can look up Yelp reviews for any ramen house in New York, you'll find both people singing their praises and trashing on it. There are so many factors that go into a bowl of ramen, that it's really hard to define what "good" ramen is without delving into personal tastes.
I'm going to suggest Sapporo. They have two locations, I've only been to the original though, not Sapporo East. Nothing puts me in a good mood quite like a bowl of their Sapporo Special, with some of that red pepper mix tossed on top and mixed in. Large bowls of ramen, pretty reasonable prices, $8-10 for a bowl last time I was there.
Along those lines, but not for ramen, folks should also consider checking out:
Sake Bar Hagi - This place has strange hours. They only open at 5:30pm, and a few hours later the place is packed, but if you can time it right and get in there it's worth the trip. They have sake and soju, of course, but the real appeal is all the (supposedly authentic) "pub cuisine" they serve. Wasabi dumplings, tofu "steak" with teriyaki sauce...it's all very unique and yet very casual. I usually skip the fancy alcohol, grab a big frosty mug of beer to start and then some house sake. Be warned, this place looks cheap, but the small portions + alcohol means it's easy to rack up a decent tab here. Usually I drop around $40-50 by myself with tip, minimum when I get over here. Chump change for the OP though, I'm sure.
Go Go Curry - This place gets hyped a lot, but for a good reason. Go for the Katsu curry, or the Grand Slam if you're hungry and want to try all the toppings. Considering how close to Times Square this is, you get a nice full meal for $8-12. I think anyone with an open mind to food should try this place at least once.
I'm definitely not as knowledgeable on the food scene in NYC as some others, but there is a BYOB French Caribbean place, if you go between 6-8 pm it's a $25 prix fix, with everything on the menu (at least that's how it was last time I was there). VERY reasonable price, it's not the best food NYC has to offer, but it's great food for a great price. Plus it's a little shop with a husband and wife running it, can't beat that 
oh and the byob.......
http://www.yelp.com/biz/a-cafe-and-wine-room-new-york#query:food%20and%20wine%20cafe
oh and the byob.......http://www.yelp.com/biz/a-cafe-and-wine-room-new-york#query:food%20and%20wine%20cafe
Zyzyxxz said:
For Indian you should probably hit 6th street between 1st and 2nd, unless you're leaving Manhattan at some point in which case Jackson Heights or even Edison in NJ will provide a better Indian food experience. If you're going to 6th st, my personal recommendation is Mitali East.
As for steakhouses, here are some of my gold standards.
Wolfgang's
Lugers
BLT Steak
Bull & Bear
Went to Keens recently and it was good but not great, their fabled mutton chop included. Avoid AJ Maxwell's like the fucking plague.
commish said:
Setagaya used to do a fantastic shio, and was at one point the best in the city for that. However, they began opening other locations where the food quality wasn't as consistent, and their flagship store on 1st Avenue reopened as another ramen store. Their status is somewhat in doubt; I still don't know what's going on with them.
If I'm defaulting to cheaper ramen, I'd stick with Sapporo, Men Kui Tei, Menchanko Tei. Otherwise, it's Rockmeisha or Ippudo for me. Ben meaning to check out Minka again, but it's just too inconvenient. Rai Rai Ken is worth another look too.
Still need to go to Mitsuwa at some point.
TxdoHawk said:
Hagi is a great little place, I'd recommend you check Sakagura if you like Hagi. Go Go is good, but in my opinion they're absolutely decimated by Curry-Ya over in the East village.
For further good Japanese that's more mid-range than ultra high check:
Aburiya Kinnosuke
Soba-ya
Soba Totto
Sakagura
GiJoccin said:I'm definitely not as knowledgeable on the food scene in NYC as some others, but there is a BYOB French Caribbean place, if you go between 6-8 pm it's a $25 prix fix, with everything on the menu (at least that's how it was last time I was there). VERY reasonable price, it's not the best food NYC has to offer, but it's great food for a great price. Plus it's a little shop with a husband and wife running it, can't beat that
http://www.yelp.com/biz/a-cafe-and-wine-room-new-york#query:food%20and%20wine%20cafe
Good look, danke. Between this and tat chicken place, I need to scout Harlem one of these days.
Nex Superne
Member
Jean Georges wouldn't make my personal list of top five NYC restaurants, but that lunch deal! Anyone who's even mildly interested in restaurants should check it out at least once.Davidion said:
I agree, but if talking exclusively about thin-patty, fast food-style burgers, Shake Shack is pretty good.Davidion said:
I'm not comparing Les Halles to "the best the city has to offer", just against other bistros. It doesn't come close to measuring up in terms of technique and execution of classic bistro staples, IMO.Davidion said:
Probably about 20-30% more on average, but it is clearly a step above Yakitori Totto/Torys in terms of chicken/salt quality and cooking technique.Davidion said:
Agreed with Davidion. Setagaya has declined since their expansion efforts. Ippudo has a very different style though, so you may not like it.commish said:
I don't eat much Indian food in NYC, but consensus favorites include Southern Spice, Nirvana, and Tamarind. Devi used to be considered one of the best, but their chef left a while back.Zyzyxxz said:
The steaks can be really, really good, but like all steakhouses, it can be inconsistent. There's a very limited supply of top-level prime beef available, so it's entirely possible to get just a good steak instead of a great one at any of NYC's top steakhouses on a given night. That said, when Luger's porterhouse is on, it is ON. Most of the sides aren't worth writing home about and the service is generally mediocre, but don't miss the thick-cut slab bacon and make sure to bring plenty of cash (they don't take credit, which is ridiculous).Zyzyxxz said:
Speaking of BYOB, Apiary in the East Village has corkage-free Mondays. Scott Bryan, formerly executive chef at Veritas, is currently the chef there and he's incredibly talented. The restaurant seems to be a favorite among wine geeks.
captscience
Member
Davidion said:
Have you tried Minetta or the steak at the Breslin? Both I think were better than recent steaks I've had at Wolfgang's and Lugers.
The steak at Ma Peche just got a very nice write up by Richman. Wasn't a big fan of the place on my first visit though.
captscience
Member
Davidion said:
I have a total crush from afar on one of the cooks there. Blonde, tats, used to cook at John Dory. If I was otherwise, erm, attached, I'd have you get me into the kitchen! :lol
Wellington
BAAAALLLINNN'
Any good restaurant week recommendations other than the ones HCBK already listed?
Nex Superne
Member
The odd thing is that all the restaurants I listed above, with the exception of Maialino and The Modern Bar Room, have year-round prix fixe lunch deals. RW is really less and less of a deal the more you look into it. :lolWellington said:
I neglected to mention it, but dinner at Adour would be a great choice. Didier Elena is a phenomenal chef.
Other potentially good options: A Voce, Allegretti, DBGB, Del Posto (though I hated my meal there), Dovetail, Esca, Gotham Bar and Grill, Le Cirque, Lupa, Nougatine, SD26, Tocqueville.
so next week I am going to New York. My uncle is taking us out to eat at Nobu Next Door. I never ate there before so I googled it to see what some users thought and from what I am reading the place is overpriced. Any NY gaffers ever eat here and what did you think about the place?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Nex Superne
Member
You can probably have a decent enough meal there. It's overpriced and very fusion-y though, and there many Japanese restaurants in NYC that are much, much better.xero273 said:
Nex Superne
Member
You can get an okay pie there, but there are much better options now. The past few years haven't been kind to the older guys like Lombardi's, Grimaldi's, Joe's on Bleecker etc. Grimaldi's is probably the best of that bunch, at least, while Lombardi's is the worst. It's devolved into a tourist trap.levious said:
Nex Superne
Member
Perhaps, because the Manhattan Totonnos are pretty terrible.Davidion said:
Yama said:
Word is the quality has gone down, but I've not gone myself, even though it's all of half a block from my office.
levious said:
Yeah you essentially have to take the train all the way down to Coney Island and walk north a half a dozen blocks. I've not been for a couple of years, but it's a relatively desolate portion of the neighborhood.
Accessibility is king is NYC, and it can easily block rep from translating into actual business.
Nex Superne said:
I'm not a pizza hound, but I've heard the same.
Nex Superne
Member
I've heard that the food is somewhat worse, but the main detriment is their move from a townhouse to a rather soulless corporate setting.Yama said:
Nex Superne
Member
I've heard mixed things about it. Any dishes that stood out?beat said:
I went to Fresh Basil's yesterday. They had great pasta. 663 LEXINGTON AVE (56th & Lexington)
There's also:
Ben Benson's Steakhouse - 123 W 52nd St
Café Centro - MetLife Building, 200 Park Ave. at E.45th St
Union Square Cafe - 21 E. 16th Street
The Gotham Lounge - Fifth Avenue Presbyterian, 7 W 55th St
Ruby Foo's - 1626 Broadway
And my personal favorite, hole-in-the-wall joint:
Silk Road Palace - 447 Amsterdam Avenue
There's also:
Ben Benson's Steakhouse - 123 W 52nd St
Café Centro - MetLife Building, 200 Park Ave. at E.45th St
Union Square Cafe - 21 E. 16th Street
The Gotham Lounge - Fifth Avenue Presbyterian, 7 W 55th St
Ruby Foo's - 1626 Broadway
And my personal favorite, hole-in-the-wall joint:
Silk Road Palace - 447 Amsterdam Avenue
Nex Superne
Member
Yeah, you can skip Japanese.cvxfreak said:Good thing I found this thread, because I'm going to NYC in 2.5 weeks.
Coming from Tokyo, I'm not interested in the French or Japanese places as much (Tokyo has legendary French food too), but I'll be eying the steakhouses or the Italian food.
Among the top-tier French places, Le Bernardin may be the most interesting, as even Tokyo doesn't have a Western seafood specialist restaurant at its level.
Nex Superne
Member
Edited the OP with updated ratings. The Michelin NYC 2011 and Zagat NYC 2011 guides were both released today.
2011 MICHELIN NYC STARS
THREE STARS
Daniel
Jean Georges
Le Bernardin
Masa
Per Se
TWO STARS
Alto
Chef Table at Brooklyn Fare (New)
Corton
Gilt
Gordon Ramsay at The London
Kajitsu (New)
Marea (New)
Momofuku Ko
Picholine
Soto (New)
ONE STAR
Adour
Aldea (New)
Annisa
Anthos (Closed)
Aureole
A Voce Columbus
A Voce Madison (New)
Blue Hill
Bouley
Breslin, The (New)
Café Boulud
Casa Mono
Convivio
Danny Brown Wine Bar & Kitchen (New)
Del Posto
Dovetail (New)
Dressler
Eleven Madison Park
Gotham Bar and Grill
Gramercy Tavern
Jewel Bako
Kyo Ya
LAtelier de Joël Robuchon
Laut (New)
Marc Forgione
Minetta Tavern
Modern, The
Oceana
Peter Luger
Public
River Café
Rouge Tomate
Saul
Seäsonal
Shalezeh
SHO Shaun Hergatt
Spotted Pig
Sushi Azabu
Sushi of Gari
Veritas (Undergoing chef change)
Wallsé
wd~50
2011 ZAGAT RESULTS
Top Food: Le Bernardin (29! The first NYC restaurant to surpass 28 since 1996.)
Top Service: Per Se
Top Décor: Asiate
Most Popular: Gramercy Tavern
Best Newcomer: Maialino
2011 MICHELIN NYC STARS
THREE STARS
Daniel
Jean Georges
Le Bernardin
Masa
Per Se
TWO STARS
Alto
Chef Table at Brooklyn Fare (New)
Corton
Gilt
Gordon Ramsay at The London
Kajitsu (New)
Marea (New)
Momofuku Ko
Picholine
Soto (New)
ONE STAR
Adour
Aldea (New)
Annisa
Anthos (Closed)
Aureole
A Voce Columbus
A Voce Madison (New)
Blue Hill
Bouley
Breslin, The (New)
Café Boulud
Casa Mono
Convivio
Danny Brown Wine Bar & Kitchen (New)
Del Posto
Dovetail (New)
Dressler
Eleven Madison Park
Gotham Bar and Grill
Gramercy Tavern
Jewel Bako
Kyo Ya
LAtelier de Joël Robuchon
Laut (New)
Marc Forgione
Minetta Tavern
Modern, The
Oceana
Peter Luger
Public
River Café
Rouge Tomate
Saul
Seäsonal
Shalezeh
SHO Shaun Hergatt
Spotted Pig
Sushi Azabu
Sushi of Gari
Veritas (Undergoing chef change)
Wallsé
wd~50
2011 ZAGAT RESULTS
Top Food: Le Bernardin (29! The first NYC restaurant to surpass 28 since 1996.)
Top Service: Per Se
Top Décor: Asiate
Most Popular: Gramercy Tavern
Best Newcomer: Maialino
Nex Superne said:
I went here about three months ago based on the suggestion from this thread. Had the porterhouse for three and a bunch of appetizers plus dessert.
Without going too much into detail, it was fantastic. We had the room at the very top and since it was late, we had the room to ourselves for most of the meal. Like you said, there are clay pipes lining the ceiling, and overall, it was just such a nice place to be in. Service was great, too. Tried their own special Bloody Mary and I loved it. Nothing like what you would order anywhere else, completely their own. I would definitely recommend this place for steak lovers. Might try Peter Lugers next time I'm visiting.
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