The Authentic Source for
Kurt Gutenbrunner's Austrian café inside the Neue Galerie has impeccable service, a beautiful dining room with period objects and lavishly upholstered banquettes, and fine cuisine. Especially gemütlich (pleasant) is the breakfast service. Cakes and pastries are also superior. Classical music Wednesday and Thursday evenings as well as Friday afternoons are an additional pleasure.
After more than 80 years on Christopher Street, Li-Lac moved to lower Eighth Avenue near West 4th Street. With a stunning selection of traditional American dipped chocolates, the new store is bright and airy, and the selection and service remains impeccable.
All varieties of seafood and shellfish are prepared here with one goal in mind: to enhance the simple perfection of each ingredient. The food is neither complicated or intimidating. From the crab cakes or wild striped bass ceviche to other signature dishes such as grilled loup de mer or butter poached lobster, dining at Oceana is a totally gratifying experience. Three-course prix fixe menus are de rigeur here. Ethan Koelbel helms the kitchen following the departure of Chef Ben Pollinger in August of 2016. A small note: while the majority of the patrons are suit-and-tie, the dress code has seemingly relaxed in the days since Oceana's rebirth, and one might dine in a t-shirt and jeans unmolested these days.
For over thirty years, Il Mulino's flagship restaurant in Greenwich Village has remained top rated in New York’s elite dining scene. With an emphasis on authentic preparations from the Abruzzo, Italy, Il Mulino delivers expertly crafted dishes with exemplary service in our home at West 3rd Street.
Il Buco is doubtless one of the most charming restaurants in New York City. Its beginnings as a rustic antique store echo throughout the decor, with "Primitive American" country tables, candles & kerosene lighting, artisanal chandeliers and antique furnishings. The Mediterranean menu complements the decor, and includes an extensive list of seasonal appetizers accompanied by a menu of pastas and entrées that changes daily according to market. The cuisine is inspired by Italy as well as the Iberian Peninsula, with special attention placed on selected imports of Italian products, including the finest Umbrian olive oil produced exclusively for il Buco. All products are selected based upon a commitment to traditional artisan craftsmanship and are available for purchase. For long term residents who love the old haunts of the literary and famous, Il Buco is a must-know location. The restaurant and its famed wine cellar inhabit a space long thought to have inspired Edgar Allan Poe's The Cask of Amontillado. We can't vouch for the veracity of that tale, but we can say that the wine cellar at Il Buco really does have a character all its own. For visitors who want to get a feel for Old New York, this is certainly a great place to stop in for a glass of wine and a small plate. Those looking for a romantic spot should ask for reservations in the cellar, where candlelight flickers and mystery whispers.
In November of 2021, Gotham reopened with new owners for the first time since 1984. After closing for 18 months during the pandemic, Gotham came back with an updated name—trading “Bar and Grill” for “Restaurant”— a redesigned interior by its original architect James Biber, and a new menu with longtime former pastry chef Ron Paprocki in the role of executive chef. Historically decorated with an unprecedented six three-star New York Times reviews, Gotham’s new owners—former Managing Partner Bret Csencsitz and environmentalist Kevin Conrad—sought to honor this legacy while ushering Gotham into a greener, more mindful era. Filling the restaurant with books, music, and art to complement its world-class dining, Csencsitz’s stated goal is to make Gotham “the most meaningful restaurant in New York.” Arts and dining programming, from evening jazz to exclusive wine dinners, make Gotham a vibrant, ever-evolving destination like the city it calls home. Over the years a host of iconic chefs have cut their teeth in Gotham kitchen. With Gotham’s four decades of culinary history behind him, Paprocki has captured the spirit of Gotham’s approachable yet unforgettable cuisine while introducing his own vision for the menu. The goal to provide unpretentious service in an environment that inspires you and your conversation remains the same today as in 1984.
Set in a small jewel box of a space in Astoria, with a Mr. Miyagian style tough love reservation policy, Koyo is another must try for Japanophilics. Seasonally driven sushi and kaiseki inspired omakase.
French comfort food in an intimate setting, a survivor of the 1980s keeps on producing Tribeca's most beloved bistro menu. Just as the atmosphere of the Odeon benefits from the intersection of early 20th century aesthetic sensibilities and modern dining accoutrements, it also excels marrying an American menu with that of a French bistro, resulting in a offering of cuisine that surpasses either solitary influence is capable of by itself. Steak tartare and French onion soup gratinée anchor the appetizer menu, while the seared Yellowfin tuna and strip steak frites are the hands-down best entrees. Well, except for the Angus hangar steak, which is among the best in the city. Oh, and the crisp spring chicken is likewise unbeatable. Upon further consideration, the entire entree menu is beyond reproach. A brasserie menu is also available, with favorites like croque monsieur, warm goat cheese salad, and an unbelievable BLT supplementing a menu already filled to bursting. Fans enjoy the reliability and quality as well as informal service that make Odeon so enjoyable. The casual atmosphere is slyly deceptive, since the seemingly relaxed service only seems that way while remaining among the most attentive and hospitable service you're likely to find in New York, let alone Tribeca. The old-school ambiance that the Odeon exudes makes it a popular daily lunch haunt for the triangle below Canal, as well as a perfect place for a romantic dinner, power lunch, or a relaxed evening with friends.
Tough to find a spot to match the cluttered, comfy, surf shack feel provided here. Cold beer, unpretentious - pretentious sounding cocktails - are slurped by crowds who also enjoy the Mediterranean bar food. Popular spot to watch soccer matches, an international feel, and an antidote to some of the hipster vibe descending on the neighborhood.
Tyson Ho brings whole-pig barbecue from North Carolina to the wilds of Bushwick with 24-hours a day of slow-smoked, stem-to-stern hog. This is New York City’s first and only joint specializing in traditional Carolina whole hog BBQ. The pigs are smoked slowly over live embers which we burn down from hardwood logs. A self-proclaimed church of pork celebrating the craft of American country hams, lard, and salami. We encourage you to go pray at the alter. Of course it wouldn't be authentic Carolina without the 3,000 square foot beer garden offering 20 fun & funky beers on draft, over 40 bottles of craft beer, and enough whiskeys to drown a small Carolina donkey.
From the team that brought the beloved Uncle Boons, a COVID Casualty, Thai Diner resurrects some of the favs from the previous establishment along with some new, and excellent Thai-American dishes. Festive and fun atmosphere with plenty of outdoor seating and a techno-diner decor.
One of New York's hidden gems, The Bonnefont features "FreNoCal," a distinctive French à-la Northern California cuisine created by Executive Chef/Owner Nicole O'Brien, a nod to her Sonoma County wine country roots. Libations feature a carefully curated selection of wines from small producers in the United States and France; unusual liquors such as single malt scotch from France; and unique small craft beers. Chef Nicole will work with you to create a special event menu, including non-alcoholic and special dietary requests. Both plated and buffet-style options are available.
For over 40 years, Il Mulino New York has prepared authentic Abruzzese cuisine with unparalleled service. Zagat has rated Il Mulino New York as Manhattan’s No. 1 Italian restaurant for decades and has said the restaurant provides “one-of-a-kind” cuisine filled with delicious flavors, creating an “outstanding Italian classic” restaurant where “every dish is a masterpiece.” Il Mulino New York reflects the infectious enthusiasm and joy in bringing the Italian tradition of fine food and hospitality to your table. Simple, straightforward, wholesome and always fresh – it’s the Il Mulino New York tradition. Steps off of Madison Avenue and a short walk from Central Park, the Uptown outpost on 60th Street brings minimalist elegance to life. Il Mulino New York classics from our flagship location are served alongside new favorites complementary to the classic flavors of West 3rd Street.
Rich Torrisi joins Mario Carbone and Jeff Zalaznick take a break from Italian specialization to explore the depths of French cuisine at Dirty French, located in the Ludlow Hotel. Torrisi brings bold fresh take to classic dishes such duck à l’orange and Bouillabaisse Noirm restyling them with flavors that reflect the breadth of global French Culinary influence. Decor more grit than glitz, lend casual bohemian feel to an outstanding addition to the NYC culinary scene.
The formerly mobile-only ice cream dream of Douglas Quint and Bryan Petroff brings their eclectic menu of soft serve ice cream to four walls, with the same inventive toppings, daily specials, and a full-on selection of sundaes, cones, and floats, as well as some of the best milkshakes in the city. Multiple locations around the city.
Pio Pio Hell’s Kitchen is a departure from the original Pio Pio concept, with the same high standards of food quality and service that New Yorkers have come to know. The beautifully designed, and architectural award-winning space, offers a modern but relaxed atmosphere and deliciously food. From inventive fusion ceviches, to traditional Peruvian fare, the Pio Pio Hell’s Kitchen menu aims to please everyone.
Alexandra Raij's third restaurant in Chelsea, where she first made a splash in 2004 with Tia Pol and later with El Quinto Pino, has made a name for herself in creating excellent tapas and a terrific atmosphere. After establishing Piquillo at JetBlue's sexy Terminal 5, her handsome 34-seat restaurant gets its moniker from a Basque reference to a smallish serving of wine. Little wonder that the offerings on the wine list here are solely from the Basque region. And moreover, it's just around the corner from her El Quinto Pino, making this little corner of Chelsea almost as Basque-ified as Elko in Nevada. Insider tip: the seafood specials are out of this world.
Barbalu is the marriage (literally) of husband and wife team Stefano BARBAgallo and Adriana LUque. Their new Italian restaurant is now open just a stones throw from the South Street Seaport. The couple prove their continued commitment to this historic district with the decision to rebuild in the same location as their old restaurant Barbarini, which was completely destroyed by Superstorm Sandy. This new iteration serves up classic and homey Italian fare in a laid back and welcoming atmosphere.
The warm kitsch of El Almacen strikes at the hot and untempered iron of Williamsburg's South American offerings.
In contrast to the perennially-crowded nearby Tia Pol, El Quinto Pino has a more sedate feeling, perhaps given its clever layout. The restaurant got a sleek makeover in early 2010, and the menu by renowned chef-owner Alexandra Raij has some stunning options. While much has been written about the divine garbanzos with spinach and its classic salmorejo, a heavenly thick tomato soup with small pieces of chorizo and hard-boiled egg, it is the solid meat dishes that really impress here. Those wonderful gambas, head-on shrimp with garlic, the pringa, a mixed-meat sandwich served in waxed paper, as well as an open-faced beef brisket are truly heavenly. A nice variety of Spanish wines, beer and other drinks make this intimate setting a great place to kick back after a long day at work.