New York might be famous for its street carts and pizza
joints, but the gourmet gold lies in hidden parts of the city. Whether you’re a
native with an appetite for the interesting, or a visitor looking for a
memorable bite, this list will help you find the top restaurants in New York
City.
Vinegar Hill House
Brunch and drinks at the Vinegar Hill House is an experience
to remember. The restaurant is manned by one of the most talented chefs in
Brooklyn. Try the biscuits with poached egg, which come slathered in a
bacon-based gravy. Biscuits here are moist and flaky, and the pancakes are just
as succulent. There is a wait to get in, especially at dinner time, so it’s not
uncommon to find folks waiting in line well before their dinner begins.
Barney Greengrass
Barney Greengrass is a busy establishment, a lot like Katz
delicatessen if you’re familiar, but the wait staff is very accommodating and
has good personalities. If you’re into lox or pastrami, Barney’s is where you
want to be. The pastrami isn’t as fatty as some other joints in New York, and
it’s full of meaty flavor. Be wary, the restaurant is cash only so you will
need to hit the bank before you grab some grub.
Pilos
Pilos has the ideal atmosphere for a date night: intimate
with great ambient lighting. There are even pretty looking clay pots hanging
over each table for effect. The moussaka is a good place to start. It’s a
cheesy, spicy dish that is usually large enough to share. Pilos makes an
amazing braised short rib in red-wine sauce, which is served with potatoes to
compliment the tenderness of the meat. Pilos is where you go when you want
Greek food, but you’re tired of Gyros.
Yama
Yama has some interesting rolls outside of the vanilla sushi
affair you’ll find elsewhere in the city. It’s slightly larger than a hole in
the wall joint, and patrons who show up too late will need to wait. Try the
spider roll with a side of Yama’s spicy mayo. The fish is fresh and the waiting
staff is attentive. Overall, it’s one of the better sushi restaurants in
Manhattan.
Mary's Fish Camp
Mary’s has the style of a New England café, with décor
suited to the fish you’re about to eat. Most people go for the lobster roll,
which is buried somewhere under a mountain of French fries. The fries are
surprisingly good, nice and crispy without being too thick. The owner Mary also
tends to make appearances at the restaurant to add a personal touch to your
dining experience. If you like fresh fish, you’ll appreciate the open-kitchen
atmosphere to be found at Mary’s.
Waverly Inn
Waverly has the ambiance of a romantic restaurant, with the
professional wait staff too. The restaurant is famous for its famous patrons,
and the menus even include a short message asking diners to refrain from taking
photos at their tables. It’s a nice change of pace from the always-online
nature of dining with friends. The dish to try is the truffle mac n’ cheese.
It’s a bit on the pricey side, but it’s delicious and the truffle serving is
very generous.
Barbuto
Barbuto is run by Jonathan Waxman, who is credited with
pioneering so-called “California cuisine.” The food at Barbuto has distinct
French influences, but the pasta and pizza is some of the best you’ll find in
the city. More Italian-style than New York-style, the pies are loaded with
toppings. Barbuto is kid-friendly, so be aware that it might not be first
choice on your list of date spots. Portions are large enough to share, but
someone with a hearty appetite can probably polish off a pork loin on their
own.
Smile
The Smile is one of the better brunch spots to be found in
NYC, and a good place to take friends in from out of town. There are some
interesting choices to be found, such as the fig and cheese sandwich or the
grapefruit with the spiced cane sugar. Though you can eat at the bar, it’s
worth it to wait and get a table. The restaurant has a vintage kind of charm,
only made better by the $3 cups of endless coffee. There is also a fresh-fruit
dish with granola that is enough to get anyone excited about breakfast.
Georgione
Just off the Westside highway, tucked away far enough off
the beaten path to make you hunt for it, is Georgione. The décor is modern and
trendy, and the food is just as good. The owner makes occasional appearances in
the dining room to help oversee the wait staff too. The food is typical Italian
fair, with the tomato based dishes standing out the most. For dessert, try the
poached honey pear cake.
Al Di La
Al Di La has a decent brunch, but the pasta is what makes it
worth visiting. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, but the wait time
isn’t too bad, especially if you whet your whistle at the bar. Just don’t show
up with an empty stomach. Bolognese is
probably the best dish on the menu, featuring a creamy sauce that is
reminiscent of vodka sauce. Portions are family sized too, so you’ll have
plenty to share with friends. It’s worth it to let the meal draw out for a bit.
Bread is plentiful at Al Di La, and they fresh bake it each day.
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