Recommended Restaurants
-
momofuku ko
for: 8-course menu with wine pairing
-
babbo
for: beef cheek ravioli, tripe, gnocchi, sweetbreads, any pasta
-
blue hill
for: remarkable ingredients
Ratings and Reviews
08/12/08
unimpressive, overpriced fare in an upscale cafeteria/semi-tourist trap.
26 Seats |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
French |
Service |
|
07/28/08
french onion soup is fantastic, country pate and calamar are very good. duck breast and flank steak entrees are exceptional, especially for the price. pleasant dinner in a quaint space.
5 Ninth |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
American, Fusion, Southeast Asian |
Service |
|
03/15/08
the food is good but not memorable enough to justify the price point. however it has one of the more tasteful spaces in MPD.
Alta |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Mediterranean, Spanish, Tapas |
Service |
|
03/15/08
ordered everything on the menu for $350, which is a great deal for party of 8+. a lot of hits and some misses.
Aquagrill |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Seafood |
Service |
|
10/20/08
good brunch option but should've gone for dinner instead. blowfish tails are really good but skip the bloody mary and order wine instead.
09/28/08
the citrus poached squid salad is excellent, beet lasagna hearty, vanilla bread pudding tasty. good wine list. the downstairs rooms would be perfect for large birthday parties.
August |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
European |
Service |
|
10/11/08
request the garden. pumpkin soup, tarte flambe, orata and suckling pig are delicious. wine options under $50 are scarce.
07/28/08
outstanding food and service. tripe, beef cheek ravioli, gnocchi, black spaghetti, duck and sweetbreads are superb. our server and sommelier were incredible. memorable dining experience.
Balthazar |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
French, Bistro |
Service |
|
06/04/08
the brunch is highly overrated and filled with tourists. the bloody marys are weak. dinner is an improvement but you can find better spots for the price.
Barmarche |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
International |
Service |
|
03/15/08
i enjoy going here or bread next door for a lazy lunch. cool space, a bit warm in the summer when the windows are open but chill vibe. bass taquitos and grilled cheese are tasty but the steak and eggs are very salty. slow service.
BLT Burger |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
American, Hamburgers |
Service |
|
08/10/08
the burgers are ok and the sweet potato fries are only slightly better. walk over to corner bistro if you want a better burger for less.
10/02/08
brilliant dishes and service from start to finish. the quality of the ingredients is unrivaled.
11/16/08
o-toro (blue fin belly) is about the most amazing piece of sushi i've had. hamachi kama (yellowtail collar) is incredibly delicate. hokkaido (uni from northern japan) is deeper in color, more flavorful and creamier than domestic uni. even simple pieces like hirame (fluke) and hamachi stand above other manhattan sushi restaurants. solid service.
Bondi Road |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Australian, Seafood |
Service |
|
03/09/08
tasty aussie fare with a surfer vibe. generous portions and fun servers. the check was surprisingly low for the amount of food we consumed.
Boqueria |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Spanish, Tapas |
Service |
|
12/26/08
excellent tapas, cool space. croqueta jamon and datiles con beicon are the best i've had in the city so far. also try the pinxto moruno, chorizo and fuet. good wine selection, though not a variety by the glass. flatiron/east chelsea nabes could use more restaurants like this.
08/26/08
exceptional simple dishes with good beverage options, including a small wine list. must try the desserts.
01/03/09
masala, vindaloo and goan are well made. phaal curry is extremely spicy but worth trying. best indian option off of 6th but not BYOB. wine list is limited so stick to beer.
Buddha Bar |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Asian, Fusion, Sushi |
Service |
|
04/16/08
the overpriced dishes are mediocre in this club/restaurant with bumping bass. the service is incongruently good, but you couldn't pay me enough to go beyond the velvet rope into this gaudy disaster.
Butter |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
American |
Service |
|
06/18/08
the large modern space is sharply contrasted by the tiny portions. the tuna tartare is miniscule but flavorful. the fettucine is literally the smallest pasta entree i've seen. the rack of lamb is good. go for the scene.
Cafe Habana |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Mexican, Cuban |
Service |
|
03/09/08
bustling, down-to-earth cuban diner good for corn on the cob, pollo mirador, beans and cuban sandwich. cheap.
Caffe Falai |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Italian, Dessert |
Service |
|
01/11/09
for bold coffee and amazing desserts, caffe falai is the place. crepe cake and flourless chocolate are phenomenal. fluffy gnocchi. affable staff, solid wine list.
11/08/08
one-of-a-kind menu. amazing sweetbreads and duck hearts. good headcheese, lamb's tongue, cockscomb and jamon iberico. solid wine list and service.
Chikalicious |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
American, Dessert |
Service |
|
04/26/08
started out with the 3-course dessert with wine pairing and wound up ordering everything on the menu. delicious desserts and excellent service in a tight space. sit at the bar if there's room.
03/08/08
a large midtown restaurant that serves forgettable americanized pan-asian cuisine. it's good for business dinners but not much else.
03/27/08
the made-to-order dim sum is one of the most innovative i've seen and tasted. joe ng does a great job putting a fancy spin on familiar dishes.
06/04/08
if you're in the mood for all-you-can-eat protein, this is the place. everything tastes the same. salty. good for large unpretentious groups, including work outings.
Cookshop |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
American |
Service |
|
03/10/08
satisfying food with quality ingredients in this cozy space. try the heritage baby chicken rotisserie.
01/27/09
spectacular dinner filled with courses executed with exacting precision. artful plating, from the canape to the petits fours and every course in between. the service is truly unrivaled. worth dressing to the nines, sitting upright and keeping my elbows off the table.
03/08/08
the $50 tasting menu is a bargain, each consecutive dish better than the last. the smoked cheese rice cracker crusted asparagus with poached egg remains one of my all-time favorite dishes. the wine list is succinct and approachable. degustation is a must for foodies.
06/26/08
the colorful dumplings while pretty to look at are not authentic. the other dim sum items fall short on flavor and rely on the sauces to do the heavy lifting. better than jing fong but it's no golden unicorn or kings seafood (39 e broadway).
Dylan Prime |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Steakhouse |
Service |
|
10/23/08
ny strip was cooked to order. good cocktails, appetizers and accessories. aloof server. great for business, not dates.
03/09/08
the creamy lobster roll is the thing to order despite the hefty cost--around $24.
03/15/08
this speakeasy has a fortune teller front. the gnocchi, monkfish and lamb chops are excellent. they serve some mean cocktails here, but i find most of them a bit too sweet and tart.
03/10/08
my friends raved about this place, but i didn't find it to be anything special. in EV's defense, i was there for brunch. i enjoyed the bold coffee served in a tin cup however.
09/26/08
outstanding food and space. polipo (baby octopus), langua (beef tongue) and pici in broccoli rabe sauce are superb. good wine list, tasty desserts. request the patio if warm.
Fette Sau |
Rating |
Brooklyn, NY |
Food |
|
Barbecue |
Service |
|
10/02/08
charred to a crisp on the outside and a bit too salty and dry on the inside. sauces lack boldness regardless of the mix. still one of the better bbq options in new york. fun space, good beers.
03/08/08
the carpaccio and the different olive oil varieties are the most memorable part of my dining experience. the rest of the plates around the table were good but lacked excitement.
Five Points |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
New American, Mediterranean |
Service |
|
07/26/08
went there for lunch but my dish fell short of living up to the hype.
04/29/08
simple italian dishes made with quality ingredients. the pork shoulder on polenta is delicious. great service, cozy yet lively dining room. down-to-earth prices and good wines.
03/08/08
freemans is in my top 5. from the walk down the alleyway to the rustic interior and cramped tables, the entire dining experience is uniquely new york. try the artichoke dip, devils on horseback, prawns, mac & cheese, filet mignon and the bananas foster. for brunch, try the buckwheat pancakes and bloody mary. lunch is nice and quiet but it's not the same experience.
Bread |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Italian |
Service |
|
03/11/08
the food is good enough to keep me coming back but what i really like is the gentle price and the approachable wine list. it's a good scene with chill, stylish diners, and the long, narrow space and candle-lit tables make it an ideal casual date spot. the service can be european--a bit aloof and slow. expect a lazy lunch.
06/04/08
consistently excellent and piping hot dim sum. a bit pricier than 88 palace or kings seafood. go on a weekday to avoid a long wait.
03/15/08
the perfect spot for everyday folks looking for a hearty meal. the monstrous bacon cheddar cheeseburger is impossible to keep in one piece but you'll leave more than satisfied.
03/09/08
i could watch the cooks assemble pies in the open kitchen all day long. the sauce is on the saltier side but not enough to keep me from standing in line.
Hearth |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
American, Italian |
Service |
|
09/26/08
gnocchi is the lightest i've had. my quail app and pork entree were solid choices. nice wine list.
10/08/08
wow. mark prepared a special game tasting menu for fall with very thoughtful wine (and amazing beer) pairings. absolutely spectacular dinner. every dish and accompanying wine were superb. the service was well-timed and affable despite our large group. mark has an inspiring story about how he became the executive chef and you can't help but instantly root for him. his sincerity is such a rarity these days. it's an easy getaway from manhattan and definitely my next date spot. laid-back vibe and well-behaved crowd, cozy and comfortable space and one-of-a-kind experience. truly a special place and exactly the type of restaurant i'd like to frequent over and over.
Highline |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Thai |
Service |
|
04/20/08
highline and its patrons try too hard. the food is too americanized and lacks the complexity of real thai. if you have out-of-towners who enjoy redbull vodka and a clubby vibe, this may be a good starting point.
03/09/08
i rarely repeat restaurants, but i've eaten here at least 30 times, mostly around 2:30am. good crowd, excellent space, nice bar and a remodeled subterranean dining area. polpette, gamberoni, polenta, prosciutto pesto panino and truffle egg toast with bottarga are must-try dishes. the food quality and service are consistently excellent and the check is always reasonable. the servers are great at narrowing down the extensive wine list for the table. some excellent reds in the $35-45 range.
05/11/08
sat at the bar and ordered the tasting menu. pretty amazing to watch brendan at work. excellent food, wine and service.
Jewel Bako |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Japanese, Sushi |
Service |
|
09/28/08
quality sushi and sashimi. all of the white fish sashimi melt in your mouth with amazing creamy flavors. nice balance of fish and rice in the sushi. omakase is highly recommended. good sake list, great service.
03/09/08
you aren't a true new yorker until you've eaten pastrami at katz's. if you put a dollar in the tip jar, you'll magically wind up with a larger sandwich. the matzah ball soup goes well with the sandwich.
04/29/08
you can see damien cooking as you enter. very cool. chicken appetizer and duck breast are excellent. great creme brulée. the tasting menu looks promising.
Kuma Inn |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Filipino |
Service |
|
11/08/08
excellent deep-fried pork belly, drunken shrimp, chinese sausage, baby octopus and coconut rice. will return to taste my way through the menu.
La Esquina |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Mexican |
Service |
|
03/10/08
enter through the unmarked door down a flight of stairs through the kitchen to uncover the bar and the dining room, one of the most unique spaces in nyc. the dishes are light with good citric flavors. the cricket tostada is a fun appetizer to order for the table, for the concept more than the taste itself. the server describes tequila as one talks about wine. definitely worth a reposado tasting.
L'Ecole |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
French |
Service |
|
03/24/08
the 3-course prix-fixe lunch menu is a great deal. the open seafood ravioli or the country pate are excellent starters. the lamb chop is superb. all the desserts are good, my favorite being hot chocolate cake. these FCI students really know what they're doing.
11/12/08
nice little space. staff was accommodating while we waited for the last guest to arrive. swine of the week is fantastic and the orecchiette w/pancetta, even better. good wine list.
01/10/09
food is simply superb. the sommelier helped select some amazing reds and sparkling wines from the extensive wine list. service is well orchestrated and the check is very reasonable for the exceptional dining experience. i highly recommend carving out three hours with your friends for the prix fixe dinner.
06/13/08
down a flight of stairs leads you to the perfect escape from the most annoying intersection of soho. go during happy hour to sample tasty appetizers and oysters with a glass of sauvignon blanc. good service, unique space.
Matsuri |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Japanese, Sushi |
Service |
|
12/06/08
fresh sushi and good sake selection. space is a bit too large for my taste.
Mercat |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Spanish, Tapas |
Service |
|
05/09/08
the tapas rank among the city's best. excellent recommendations from the server, including the wine. great space. check adds up quickly if ordering mindlessly.
Momofuku Noodle Bar |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Southeast Asian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean |
Service |
|
06/29/08
after two disappointing experiences last year, i decided to retry it. the momofuku ramen was much better this time around. more flavorful, far less salty. try the pork buns, sweetbreads and duck breast as well. octopus salad is on the salty side.
Momofuku Ssam Bar |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Southeast Asian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean |
Service |
|
08/01/08
the food and service were far better on my last visit. try the pork buns and crispy pig's head torchon. some dishes are still a bit salty.
Monkey Town |
Rating |
Brooklyn, NY |
Food |
|
International |
Service |
|
02/08/09
sat in the screening room for a group dinner with a menu consisting of snails, frogs, python, turtle and alligator. a very unique experience all around. good, fun cocktails.
Nobu |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Japanese, Sushi |
Service |
|
04/29/08
the sushi and washu beef are amazing. unless it's a business dinner, make sure to pay attention to the sake orders before the table winds up with a four-figure tab.
Pastis |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
French |
Service |
|
09/28/08
if you live in the city long enough, you will inevitably wind up at pastis in the dreaded mepa. pastis is just as over-hyped as balthazar. the braised beef is good, steak frites is better. skip the french onion soup. the service, while polite, can be a little slow. wine list is tiny but reasonably priced.
Peasant |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Italian |
Service |
|
03/10/08
dishes like the gnocchi, porchetta and orata (granted you like seabass) are very simple and delicious. the subterranean wine bar offers the same menu with translations plus a meat and cheese tray. for a chill night out with your friends, order the tray, a couple of pizzas, wine and grab a seat at the community table.
Perilla |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
New American |
Service |
|
12/30/08
spectacular pork belly app. elk osso buco was extremely tender though the marrow was stuffed. duck breast was slightly overcooked with most of the fat trimmed. doughnut dessert highly reco'd. good wine list.
06/10/08
porterhouse is outstanding. bacon, burgers, fries and creamed spinach are good choices as well. service is on par with what i expect from a steakhouse.
Pravda |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Russian |
Service |
|
09/28/08
unique subterranean space is good during winter though loud and packed at times. the food is surprisingly good, especially the calamari. good selection of russian vodka. the most unique of keith mcnally's lineup.
Prune |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
New American |
Service |
|
09/28/08
sat downstairs. loved the sweetbreads, marrows, head-on shrimp, whole branzino, asparagus tips and yolk, radish & butter, goat cheese and fried oysters. met gabrielle on our way out. great experience. prune's brunch is also amazing.
Public |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
International, Fusion |
Service |
|
09/26/08
went for the scene and was pleasantly surprised by the food. foie and lamb sirloin are both good choices. my friend's pork loin was too dry.
Pylos |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Greek |
Service |
|
11/03/08
good brunch. will return for dinner.
Sakagura |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Japanese |
Service |
|
01/27/09
one of those solid restaurants that makes midtown stand a notch above east vill for japanese cuisine though kyo ya is still better for small delicate dishes. great sake selection but you also pay for it.
05/08/08
great weekday lunch spot if you work nearby. the pork sausage is spectacular. good burgers and fries. the carrot cake is simply amazing.
03/09/08
the vibe is great when the windows are open and the dining room is bustling. the food is reliable though lacks excitement. it's a safe spot to take out-of-towners who stick to familiar dishes. also good for a late bite.
Shake Shack |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
American, Hamburgers |
Service |
|
03/09/08
now open year-around! try the double shack burger with a side of cheese fries and you'll understand why so many interns have to endure the long lunch line for this treat.
09/28/08
beef noodles in dark soup, pork leg w/mustard greens and fried red snapper w/chili & basil sauce are my favorites. the outdoor space has a good vibe underneath the "cocktail umbrella" parasol. very fair prices.
08/30/08
simple dishes using local ingredients in a cozy yet airy space. good burger and fries.
12/26/08
accommodating staff and excellent dishes. my kind of space and crowd. spectacular sliders, scallops, pork chop and beignets. steak & eggs for brunch is also amazing.
The Modern |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
French, American |
Service |
|
04/29/08
dined at the bar, which has friendlier prices. excellent food and gregarious bartender.
03/09/08
savory, upscale pub food. the calf's liver is a bit too much but everything else is excellent. great for late night eats and a pint of guinness.
02/04/09
simple dishes made really, really well. take their handmade mustard for example. it's the best i've had and it's just mustard. the handmade sausages are spectacular. i recommend trying some of the more adventurous items. great service. will be back for more.
04/29/08
quality food, great service, huge wine list. the space is a bit large and can get loud. good place to take your parents or clients.
11/21/08
amazing kakuni, good sushi and italian dishes. good fall menu. i recommend choosing a region and sticking to it. mixing pasta and sushi was not the best idea. nice small space, open kitchen.
08/07/08
off-the-menu mac & cheese w/truffles is superb. tuna tartare is excellent and the trout w/caramelized carrots is very simple and delicious. great wine recommendations. solid staff, cool space. and yeah, it's a scene.
05/20/08
scallop and soft shell crab apps are delicious. loved the wild boar ragu w/crispy gnocchi. great space and good crowd.
Tailor |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Dessert, Eclectic |
Service |
|
03/09/08
highly recommend the pork belly. unfortunately most of the other dishes struggle with clashing flavors. i would however go back for the cocktails.
Back Forty |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
American |
Service |
|
09/26/08
order the pork jowl nuggets and whole drum fish special if available. donuts are outstanding. the crab boils nights are also a must. great cocktails.
Katsu-Hama |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Japanese |
Service |
|
09/28/08
the uber tender berkshire pork tonkatsu curry is now my favorite lunch dish in midtown. perfect for a quick sit down. they also have a variety of takeout packs.
07/26/08
exceptional food, wine and ambience. bone marrow, scallops and veal cannelloni are superb. great service. our server recommended a unique bottle of effervescent wine that aerates as it's poured.
Gottino |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Italian |
Service |
|
09/28/08
everything about our dining experience felt intimate. excellent wine and food recos from the affable staff, solid wine list and specials, creative dishes, well-behaved crowd, cozy space and fair prices. a true standout.
04/20/08
my favorite place for tasty dishes and incredible cocktails. like m&h and little branch, death & co bartenders shake up some serious cocktails but i love that they serve dinner here. try the whiskey sour w/egg white, old fashioned and oaxaca. the staff is solid and the crowd is well-behaved.
Bacaro |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Italian |
Service |
|
03/27/08
downstairs is an experience even before the food arrives. the menu is distinctly different than peasant. the gnocchi and spaghetti with anchovy sauce are delicious and the tiramisu is rich and flavorful. polpette and polpi apps are ok. excellent service and nice wine list. get there before 8 to avoid a long wait.
03/10/08
good fish and chips at a fair price with a fast food feel. i like that they're serving sustainable pollock and not over-fished cod.
Bun |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Vietnamese |
Service |
|
04/16/08
bun is an upscale vietnamese joint that serves excellent traditional dishes with quality ingredients. no more duck tongues and hearts, however.
04/29/08
excellent food, nice wine list, friendly service, cozy dining room with a cozier back bar. steamed egg with polenta and gorgonzola is decadent. all around a solid dining experience.
Solex |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
French |
Service |
|
03/09/08
solex is more food-focused and service-oriented than bar veloce and carrera. the éclair wellington is delicious. the wine list contains some unique french wines. the space is modern, and i think they recently dimmed the lights to make it cozier.
06/13/08
tasty tapas. the caramelized pork belly packs a little crunch and still melts in your mouth. wylie dufresne oversees the menu and his pinball machine has a new home in the newly expanded space. personable bartenders.
Bereket |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Turkish |
Service |
|
08/10/08
good late bite in this hole in the wall before heading home. shish kebab combo, doner kabab sandwich, turkish coffee and hummus are all tasty but their baklava and kadayif are my favorite.
Bianca |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Italian |
Service |
|
11/28/08
good, simple italian dishes especially for the price. try the mussels and the tagliatelle. decent wine list.
06/04/08
ordered the steak frites. the fries are crisp and flavored well, but i was unimpressed with the overcooked steak. everyone else around the table really enjoyed their entrees however.
09/28/08
in the world of korean fried chicken, bon chon is king over bonbon. however the batter is non-greasy and addictive. the strips are ok but the wings, drumsticks and shrimp are better.
09/28/08
decent chorizo pambazo and pork enchiladas in a charming space. ok guac, tasty sangria, good french press coffee.
Buenos Aires |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Argentinean, Latin American |
Service |
|
06/01/08
aside from the spectacular empanadas, i was overall disappointed with the food. sauteed sweetbreads were overcooked and chewy and the blood sausage had rubbery parts i had a hard time getting over. the flan and caramel meringue desserts were absolutely terrible. the staff seemed aloof and inexperienced.
Burger Heaven |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
American, Hamburgers |
Service |
|
03/10/08
hardly heavenly. but hey, it's midtown.
Burger Joint |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
American, Hamburgers |
Service |
|
07/26/08
hawk a table as you wait in line. burgers are good but i'm still all about shake shack. fries are better here however.
04/29/08
a gimmicky joint with ok burgers and decent cupcakes. service couldn't be colder.
Cafe Colonial |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Brazilian, Latin American |
Service |
|
03/09/08
a crowded brazilian cafe good for lunch and brunch. try the steak salad and the pulled pork sandwich. the banana french toast is good too but it's no novecento.
06/04/08
mole oaxaqueño and coffee are good. for a mexican hole in the wall, the prices are way too steep.
03/09/08
the french moroccan dishes are delicious. try the meatballs, couscous and the coffee. during the rush, it becomes a scene filled with young, attractive clientele hawking your table.
08/17/08
try la de pernil (pork shoulder w/mango salsa) and los muchachos (chorizo, white cheese and jalapeños). yoyos are good almost as dessert. tiny place, wait can be long.
12/21/08
a kitschy diner vibe with food to match it.
02/20/09
food and wine are comparable to the LES location with a few additional items including pasta and a full cocktail menu. even on opening night, the service felt well-oiled, a couple of them being bar milano alums. the dentons were working the front of the house and joe was greeting the diners. 'inoteca provides much-needed quality food and soul in this neighborhood. just like the LES location, it's open until 3am.
03/10/08
the food here can easily be thrown together by anyone, but the concept of a diner staffed almost entirely with models and actors is still unique to the coffee shop. it's a decent central place to meet up with your friends before heading out to the next spot.
Cong Ly |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Vietnamese, Asian |
Service |
|
12/14/08
pho was far better on the second try. good broth that's easy on the MSG though pho bang is still the best in manhattan IMO.
04/20/08
the menu is overwhelming, filled with dishes you've never heard of or wouldn't dare touch--precisely why i love this place. try the fried fresh squid, fried pork chop, house special pork ribs, hot sizzling (pork & shrimp) w/chinese broccoli, house special chicken, fukan rice, seafood chow mein and pork, chicken & duck congee. then move on to deep-fried frog and preserved egg congee. the private tables with the lazy susan are perfect for large groups.
05/26/09
slightly better than the bowery location. goose intestines and duck tongues are the more adventurous items on the menu but delicious. this is not the type of place for americanized chinese food.
Corner Bistro |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
American, Hamburgers |
Service |
|
08/01/08
amazing fat burgers and crispy fries. perfect with a mcsorley's dark. the line is a breeze compared to shake shack and burger joint.
Crif Dogs |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
American |
Service |
|
03/09/08
the good-morning dog (bacon-wrapped hot dog with a fried egg and cheese) and cheesy tater tots will hit the spot after a long night of drinking. CD lost its liquor license to PDT next door so no more PBR with your dog, which is probably a good thing.
03/09/08
packed with weary soho shoppers sipping on frozen margaritas. still lighter than the cheese-heavy mexican fare, but la esquina is more memorable for the price.
08/10/08
the best spot for banh xeo (crepe stuffed with shrimp, pork, sprouts) and chao tom (shrimp paste on sugar cane). delicious cha gio as well. this subterranean spot is by no means a fancy establishment but it's on top of my list for vietnamese.
DuMont Burger |
Rating |
Brooklyn, NY |
Food |
|
American, Hamburgers |
Service |
|
04/15/09
awesome burgers though i wouldn't call it the best as many claim. get the regular size that comes with a brioche bun. the mini is served with ciabattina roll that you have to work to tear with your teeth.
05/04/08
this is the best deal in town. $3 buys you a satisfying lunch while $5 buys you a feast. try the fried pork & chive dumpling and the pork sesame sandwich.
03/09/08
cheap dumplings when you can't decide what to eat. a bit heavy on the flour and not as good nor cheap as excellent dumpling house but hits the spot.
Eatery |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
American |
Service |
|
04/29/08
good mac & jack. not bad for the area.
08/10/08
kangaroo skewers and emu carpaccio are delicious. calamari and poached green lip mussels are worth trying. skip the wallaby wings. the back patio is perfect for warm weather.
02/24/09
great spot for bacon, egg & cheese on roll, short stack and coffee.
Essex |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Latin American |
Service |
|
03/09/08
a crowded brunch scene to cure your hangover with the usual hair of the dog and somewhat bland jewish-latin fare. $16 pays for brunch and 3 drinks, 5 if the flustered server warms up to the table. but first you have to battle your way through the attractive crowd to deal with the cold hostess who turns out has a good sense of humor.
06/16/08
try the duck mousse and boudin noir while you still can. au revoir, florent.
03/10/08
a good french diner for a late bite before heading home if you live near there. the entire space was candlelit when i went and had a nice, chill vibe.
03/09/08
honest midwestern farm boy food. generous portions complement the barnyard decor.
04/15/09
must try the gnocco. good gnochetti and porcellino. reasonably priced, fun service, good casual date spot.
08/10/08
excellent all around. not to be missed during soft shell crab season.
Grotto |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Italian |
Service |
|
01/10/09
my type of space, friendly service, excellent carpaccio. for the price point, we were underwhelmed by the tonarelli alla carbonara and the overcooked/over-seasoned agnello. i wish the menu could complement such an unexpected, unique space and the cozy vibe.
HK |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
American |
Service |
|
04/29/08
good food for the area but definitely wouldn't go out of my way for it.
Jane |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
American |
Service |
|
03/09/08
great sunday brunch. steak and eggs are excellent, the french toast is a close second to novecento, the burger is satisfying, chocolate chip banana pudding is amazing, coffee is bold and strong, and the bloody mary is nice and thick. the salmon scrambled eggs are too salty however.
Japonais |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Japanese |
Service |
|
08/10/08
good quality sushi in a vast, modern space. most dishes are not authentic by any means. try the rock-- thin ny steak that cooks on a slab of sizzling hot rock. this chain is good for business dinners, not for dates.
Jing Fong |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Chinese |
Service |
|
06/23/08
dim sum is too cold by the time it hits the table mainly because the carts have a lot of ground to cover in this sprawling banquet room. any fried items are soggy and the shumai doesn't taste fresh. golden unicorn and kings seafood (39 e. broadway - not pings) are far better.
03/08/08
this is the real deal. better than grimaldi's, lombardi's and the likes, the pies have the perfect amount of cheese and sauce and comes out of the coal-brick oven with perfectly cooked dough.
Kanoyama |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Japanese |
Service |
|
10/27/08
quality, fresh sushi/sashimi. live maine lobster sashimi app is a must try. decent sake list but don't bother with the wine.
06/19/08
the food is authentic enough for ktown. the kimchi jigae, galbi, and seafood combo are tasty but jogi gui, naeng myun and bibimbop are better at kang suh across the street. tacky decor.
Kyo Ya |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Japanese |
Service |
|
08/04/08
delicate dishes in a serene subterranean den unassumingly tucked away in east village. kurobuta kakuni (pork belly) is decadent and ebi shinjo (shrimp mousse w/rice crackers) is innovative. good sake selection.
08/06/08
dined in the back patio with a large group. the chef prepared an adventurous tasting menu for us. highlights were watermelon pistachio salad with lavender gelee, rabbit liver w/sweet sausage and snail, and seared scallops with uni-chicken liver sauce. innovative dishes, byob, memorable night. will go back to try the regular menu.
03/09/08
las ramblas is such an underrated tapas joint. their plates are authentic and the chorizo is excellent. the service is always accommodating, and i feel at home in the tiny dining room.
04/14/09
went with a group of 45 or so for whole roasted lamb mechoui prepared by chef pierre thiam. too bad the first reviewer didn't have a good time, but we had a spectacular dinner with solid service. having said that, this restaurant seems more appropriate for intimate dinners; 2-4 ppl or so. most of the diners agreed that the the lamb was the best we've had–-cooked and seasoned perfectly. amazing flavor and the rare cuts contrasted with the skin were incredible. also loved the knuckle soup, grilled & marinated lamb liver, and tripe and feet stew. the millet couscous was good too. chef thiam is incredibly nice and talented and i'll be back to try dishes off the regular menu.
08/10/08
the restaurant is larger than john's and grimaldi's but the pizza ranks slightly behind them.
06/13/08
everyone's medium-rare burgers came out well done, which at $14-15 price range makes it tough to forgive. bacon slices resembled big bacon bits and the english muffin was too small for the burger. fun service however.
Mandoo Bar |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Korean |
Service |
|
04/29/08
you can see the mandoo being assembled in the front window. however it's not as good as the mandoo you can get at any number of the restaurants on the block.
Minca |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Japanese |
Service |
|
07/13/08
the minca ramen comes with tasty broth that's not too salty. the ingredients are nothing fancy. request extra pork slices and substitute the thin noodles with the thick and you're set.
Mottsu |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Japanese |
Service |
|
03/09/08
good sushi when you're in the neighborhood but nothing spectacular.
10/13/08
good ja jang mein (chinese style) and salt and pepper pork. soup dumplings are small with thick skin and the tong po rou is too chewy.
Nha Trang |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Vietnamese, Asian |
Service |
|
11/16/08
holy msg. tone down the umami and the soup base would be much better. cha gio is rather weak. good coffee w/condensed milk.
07/27/08
good cheap bahn mi if ctown feels like too far of a hike.
Novecento |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Argentinean, Latin American |
Service |
|
03/10/08
go here for the weekend brunch and order the best french toast in town. it's made with doughy challah and eats like pudding. the empanadas are pretty tasty too.
Nyonya |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Malaysian, Asian |
Service |
|
01/11/09
the beef rendang rice, nasi lemak, prawn mee and roti canai were all hits at the table. sweet & sour items are too tart however. despite the dated decor and indifferent service, i will be back to eat my way through the menu.
Otafuku |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Japanese |
Service |
|
03/08/08
cheap japanese fast food in a tiny space. order the takoyaki/okonomiyaki combo, pay $7 bucks and head home to pig out.
PDT |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
American |
Service |
|
03/19/08
make a res and enter the speakeasy through the phone booth inside crif dogs. fancier crif dogs go well with the tasty cocktails. the cheesy tots are excellent, chang dog and burger are ok. excellent service, cool bartenders and servers.
Perbacco |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Italian |
Service |
|
11/15/08
pumpkin ravioli and creme brulee di parmigiano are solid. pork belly is delicate and the beef cheek entree is excellent. however i didn't get the accompanying celery root puree and polenta chips. good wine list with a lot of options under $50. quaint space.
Pho Bang |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Vietnamese |
Service |
|
01/11/09
my favorite vietnamese restaurant. by far the best pho in the city. cha gio, grilled pork over rice, grilled beef & rice thread are delicious. quality nuoc cham, which is key since it seasons so many other dishes. must order the bahn tap (#24 on the menu - grilled pork on shrimp flavored chips). you will love it. service seems considerably warmer whenever a server recognizes me. cheap, a bit dingy and completely satisfying.
11/15/08
the fish sauce is watered-down. even the sriracha was runny. pho and cha gio are ok.
R.U.B. |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Barbecue, American |
Service |
|
12/20/08
beef brisket lacks tenderness and the ribs are dry and stuck to the bone. the sauce is ok. i don't know why i keep looking for bbq joints in the city that's comparable to KC bbq.
06/29/08
chewy noodles and tasty shio broth in a narrow space. overall not as good as ippudo or ramen setagaya.
08/10/08
good ramen in flavorful broth.
Republic |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Asian |
Service |
|
03/08/08
republic is a convenient place if you're in the neighborhood and can't think of where to go. the b&w photography of people wearing noodles is a bit disturbing but the space is actually well designed. the americanized noodle dishes are tasty enough but avoid the grilled chicken rice dish. it's dry and inedible.
Rice |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Thai, Asian |
Service |
|
03/09/08
an average pan-asian/thai chain if you are out of ideas and don't feel like anything too authentic.
01/11/09
chipotle of dumplings. resembles mandoo more so than chinese dumplings.
04/29/08
not a big fan of pan-asian cuisine as most places don't excel at any particular region but ruby foo's has surprisingly decent sushi. but it's in times sq.
Sala |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Spanish |
Service |
|
03/10/08
ate at the 19th st. location. excellent tapas and great service (sat in our friend's section). will try the bowery location soon.
06/04/08
what a crazy place. from the adventurous menu to our waitress grabbing us to dance to the lounge singer's tunes, it was a memorable meal to say the least. loved the tableside chopped liver, karnatzlach (garlic sausage), stuffed cabbage, kishka, sweetbreads, calves liver steak and latkes. the unborn egg, not so much. the walls are covered with photos and univ of delaware banners. arrive with a large group and throw a party with bottles of vodka frozen in a block of ice in hand.
01/11/09
jja jang myun is off. jjam ppong is watered-down with weak seafood flavor. not spicy enough and wrong noodles. hyo dong gak on 35th is the only authentic option in manhattan for these dishes.
Sigiri |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Asian |
Service |
|
06/04/08
tasty dhal vade, kotthu roti, curry, pittu and kiri-peni. cheap and it's byob.
10/27/08
good option for lunch in midtown. swedish meatballs and sparkling lingonberry drink are tasty. friendly but slow service. however they did comp us a couple of lingonberry drinks.
Sobaya |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Japanese |
Service |
|
08/09/08
good udon and big lunch specials. tempura and sauce are well prepared.
Son Cubano |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Cuban, Latin American |
Service |
|
04/29/08
live music is nice and all but you may find it difficult to hold a conversation. better for drinks than the cuban dishes.
03/10/08
the sushi is overpriced for the quality. the obnoxious format of the restaurant works better in miami than nyc. if you're yearning for a serene omakase at the sushi bar, book your res elsewhere.
04/20/08
upscale indian dishes here are lighter than the fare you find on curry row with more balanced flavors. however it's not the best indian in nyc as many claim. the space is a bit too large and obnoxious.
06/04/08
tavern on the green is one of a kind. the space is gaudy and dated but somehow works to create a charming destination. it's filled with stuffy, aging well-to-doers who probably order the prime rib every time. the staff is well oiled. the food here is about as traditional and boring as it gets, but when your parents fly up to visit you for the first time, take them here after a stroll through central park. they will love it.
10/11/08
the fried frog legs w/special french butter dish is amazing. good pho and cha gio. the caramelized pork casserole has a good flavor but a bit salty.
Tree |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
French |
Service |
|
03/15/08
from appetizer to dessert, everything is delicious in this cozy bistro. one thing that caught me off guard is that they only take amex but there's an ATM next door. either way, i will be back.
Veselka |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Eastern European |
Service |
|
03/09/08
good variety of dishes available 24/7 making this a good place to eat with your friends after a long night out. cheese blintz, kielbasa, peirogi and ukrainian meatballs are good choices.
10/11/08
good burmese option. mohinga (lemongrass and coriander noodle soup with fried onions) and thousand layered pancake with beef curry are both solid choices. friendly staff.
Yaffa Cafe |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
American |
Service |
|
03/09/08
the entire place feels like it's covered in wall paper, including the tables and chairs. it's a cheap place to hit up at 4am with your drunk friends but don't expect a mind-blowing meal.
03/08/08
you may have to wait in line with stylish japanese students to try various skewer combos, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, hai ire, squid, kimchi stew and sake. great food for cheap.
Yuca Bar |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Latin American |
Service |
|
11/15/08
good prix-fixe brunch option. try the yuca benedictos.
Dell'Anima |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Italian |
Service |
|
11/16/08
try the sweetbreads, bruschette, trofie, ravioli and pork chops. good wine list.
04/20/08
the advanced tasting menu is excellent. pig's feet aren't at all what i expected. the texture is a little gelatinous and the taste, superb. great service, fair prices. the server gave us a PEZ as we were leaving. nice touch.
Bar Boulud |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
French |
Service |
|
05/04/08
daniel was there when we went. simply amazing charcuterie for a very fair price. loved the head cheese. possibly the best boudin noir i've ever tasted. service was noticeably out of sync throughout our meal, but we still had a very enjoyable experience.
09/28/08
the go-to spot for izakaya. good takoyaki, okonomiyaki, bacon-wrapped scallops, yakitori, pork stew and pork feet.
Pata Negra |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Spanish |
Service |
|
04/28/08
quality ingredients, excellent service, cozy space. small and very approachable wine list. try the jamon iberico, lomo and desgustacion. will return to try the jamon iberico de bellota.
Ippudo |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Japanese |
Service |
|
04/08/08
hands down the best ramen in nyc. the broth is very flavorful and not salty. pork belly appetizer melts in your mouth. good karaage. super friendly service. hope it stays consistent.
09/26/08
simple, unpretentious food and vibe. excellent rare beer selection.
08/09/08
if you're familiar with the agony of the 10am resy battle, all i can say is be persistent. it's well worth it. the crescendo of our evening was the grated frozen foie gras over lychee, riesling geleé and pine nuts. other highlights were the sweet corn ravioli with chorizo and the split egg with caviar and chips. solid service. get the wine pairing.
Pho Cho Lon |
Rating |
Brooklyn, NY |
Food |
|
Vietnamese, Cambodian, Chinese |
Service |
|
06/18/08
food is outstanding, authentic. order the cha gio (fried spring rolls), bo nhung dam (beef fondue, rice paper), hu tieu nam vang (cambodian soup w/liver, shrimp, quail egg), goi sua tom (jellyfish, shrimp, cabbage), ech xao xa ot (frog) and sua hot ga (soda w/yolk, condensed milk).
03/28/08
crunchiest, tastiest, spiciest and non-greasiest chicken in manhattan. expect some subwoofer action on the weekends. the food takes forever but it's well worth the wait.
08/17/08
go around 3 for a shorter line and try the basil and artichoke slices. bready and over-hyped but still worth trying.
06/04/08
ali can seriously cook and entertain. he had the table cracking up the entire night. tried all the offal dishes. lamb cheeks, sardines, lamb heart and lamb brain are phenomenal. the duck dumplings are superb. a lot of new combination of familiar flavors throughout the night. overall one of the most memorable meals i've had. one thing to note is that it's cash only and each plate ranges $10-15 so the check can add up quickly if sampling several dishes.
11/23/08
the above 2-star rating is neither accurate nor fair. bacon peanut brittle is a must-order for $5. other musts are soft pretzel and sausage, caesar salad and fried chicken. the offerings are nothing fancy but the flavors are unbelievably satisfying. good cocktails and decent wines. friendly prices all around plus they give you cookies with the check.
07/26/08
the tonkotsu ramen and fried squid legs are delicious. the broth isn't quite as rich and deep flavored as ippudo but still very good. friendly service, very reasonable prices.
10/29/08
menu is a little different than the EV location and also noticeably saltier. still very good. expect a wait if arriving past noon.
Macondo |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Latin American |
Service |
|
08/10/08
unique tapas spin on central/south american street food. try the carne empanadas, buenos aires cocas, mofongo, chorizo with egg, papa rellena and peruana. cocktails are tiny and the wine list, brief. decent scene, fun space.
Porchetta |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Sandwiches |
Service |
|
09/28/08
the pork roast is absolutely delicious. i wish i could get a bag of the super crunchy skin. sandwiches are $9 and platter (no bread) w/beans and cooking greens will run you $12.
11/30/08
the noodles were undercooked and had to be plumped in the broth for a few minutes. the broth was a bit wan compared to minca but the toppings are identical – 1/2 hard-boiled, cured egg, seaweed, 2 pork slices, etc. byob for now. ramen was better on my second visit.
Baoguette |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
Vietnamese, Sandwiches |
Service |
|
02/24/09
not the best banh mi as serious eats writes. the roll itself is very good but the pate flavor was buried by the pickled veges. bun bo hue remotely resembles the real thing but it's not. it is tasty however. good summer rolls and papaya salad. awesome service for a sandwich shop. will go back if ctown feels too far.
01/15/09
possibly the best sweetbreads i've had. they resemble momofuku's nuggets but better and more delicate. pate de fegato is outstanding. must try the gnocchi, potatoes & cracklins, tajarin, bicerin and the salty caramel gelatti/sorbetti. emma is very personable. exciting menu, great wine list, solid service and cool space.
Bar Breton |
Rating |
New York, NY |
Food |
|
French |
Service |
|
02/08/09
unique menu, tasty dishes, cool space. the french toast w/caramel ganache and nutella banana crepe are solid. i enjoyed the chelsea galette (chorizo). cocktails are decent but not worth $12. inviting space. i'll return for more.
