HELLS KITCHEN/ MIDTOWN WEST/ THEATRE DISTRICT (38th-59th, West of 6th)
Whym: American. 889 9th Av @ 58th; 21/18/$41; 315-0088; Creative Cuisine; Great use of exotic spices; Nightclub feel with a bar scene; Eclectic menu; High energy space; New America “scene” restaurant.
Lili’s Noodle Shop & Grill: Chinese. 200 W 57th @ 6th Av; 23/15/$31; 586-5345; Endless menu of both Chinese & Japanese specials; Amazing signature dishes; Creative, spicy options; For my money the best non-formal Chinese restaurant outside of Chinatown;
Nobu 57: Japanese. 40 W 57th @ 5-6th Av; 26/24/$82; 757-3000; Celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa owned; Peruvian influence; Off the chart good. Ridiculously fresh sushi and fish/ seafood dishes; Fancy & Trendy; Celeb Hot Spot; Larger than Soho version and more comfort – same quality. Patsy’s:
Italian. 236 56th @ BWay-8th; 21/18/$51; 247-3491; Old school feel; Restaurant decorated with celebrity memorabilia; Southern Italian classics; Sinatra’s old stomping grounds. At home cooking. Bricco:
Italian. 304 W 56th @ 8-9th Av; 21/17/$45; 245-7160; Wonderful service; Amazing Anti-pasta; Brick Oven pizzas; Overall solid all the way around; Friendly staff. Famous ceiling with kiss marks.
Guantanamera:
Cuban. 939 8th Av @ 55-6th; 21/15/$36; 262-5354; Lively, energetic Cuban fare; Live music; Sugarcane Mojitos; High energy; Date spot. Authentic food surprisingly good; Cigars. Molyvos: Greek. 871 7th Av @ 55-6th; 22/19/$53; 582-7500; Greek greatness; Expertly prepared dishes; Pricey; Stylish. Spacious setting; Affordable $37 Prix fixe. Popular for lunch; Noted for Moussaka and whole fish specials. La Bonne Soupe: French. 48 W 55th @ 6th; 18/14/$28; 586-7650; Authentic French food; Bistro feel; Cheese Fondue menu; French soups including perfection in French Onion. Large place.
Il Corso: Italian. 54 W 55th St @ 6th Av; 23/20/$54; 957-1500; High end fine dining; Tables are separated nicely; Creative selections; Classy establishment & a friendly, professional staff. The Risotto and Tiramisu stand out.
Tang Pavilion: Chinese. 65 W 55th @ 5-6th Av; 23/17/$38; 956-6888; Roomy quarters with spacious seating; Upscale, different types of selections; Shanghai style; Excellent service; Eight Jewelry Duck – Mmm; Can’t go wrong here. Milos, Estiatorio: Greek. 125 W 55th @ 6-7th; 27/23/$77; 245-7400; Highest end Greek; Spectacular setting and unparalled service; Whole fish so fresh it personally greets you; Artic Char; Dover Sole from Holland; Sea Bass from NC; All selections served grilled with olive oil, herbs and lemon. Resort like décor;
Yakitori Totto: Japanese. 251 W 55th St @ BWay-8th Av; 26/16/$46; 245-4555; Various forms and styles of Chicken on a stick. See website; This is a particular type of Japanese cooking and it is the best in the city. Try something original- it is gourmet!
Wondee Siam: Thai. 792 & 813 9th Av @ 52-54th; 45909057; 23/10/$23; Memorable food; Take-Out; Authentic; Cramp set-up; Spicy food. Has a loyal fan base and it always popular. Extremely authentic and serviceable and nearly free.
Omido: Japanese. 1695 Broadway @ 53-54th; 24/22/$51; 247-8110; Inventive sushi so fresh it may greet you at the door; Gorgeous décor with top service; Non-touristy in tourist area; Great prepared dishes as well.
Remi: Italian. 145 W 53rd @ 6-7th Av; 22/22/$61; 581-4242; Venetian meals prepared flawlessly; Risotto dishes stand out; Lively space great for dates or groups; Tuna-filled ravioli; Murals set the décor. Taboon: Middle Eastern. 773 10th Av @ 52nd; 25/20/$48; 713-0271; Middle Eastern; Flat out awesome place; To die for Fresh bread; Festive atmosphere; Oasis; Relaxed setting. Stone oven prepared foods; Tsatsiki & hummus unreal.
Victor’s Café: Cuban. 236 W 52nd @ B-Way-8th Av; 22/19/$49; 586-7714; Lively Cuban; High energy dining; Delicious Cuban classics & modern takes on traditional dishes; Strong, creative drinks.
Bar Americain: American. 152 W 52nd @ 6-7th Av; 23/22/$60; 265-9700; Owned by Bobby Flay – his American brasserie; Mega Bistro; Very spacious though a bit noisy; Eclectic menu including a top Raw Bar and steaks.
Ben Benson’s: Steakhouse. 123 W 52nd @ 6-7th; 23/18/$69; 581-8888; Biz class favorite; Gigantic steaks; Life threatening Martinis; Veteran service. Wood & brass décor; Creamed spinach here; Tenderloin or porterhouse or filet.
Bluechili: Pan-Asian. 251 W 51st @ B-Way – 8th Av; 21/17/$39; 246-3330; Beyond the ordinary; Creative dishes and a cool décor make the experience worthwhile; Inventive; Sushi as well as soft shell crab. Ruth’s Chris:
Steakhouse. 148 W 51st @ 6-7th Av; 25/20/$66; 245-9600; New Orleans themed; Large, sizzling steaks; Tender, cooked in butter. My personal favorite in the city. Relaxed, cool setting – not gruff; Great décor and friendly –normal- staff. Chez Napoleon: French. 365 50th @ 8-9th Av; 20/15/$45; 265-6980; Old fashioned setting; Great service; Large menu with all the French classics; Excellent food! Pre-theatre; Family-owned.
Bann: Korean. 350 W 50th @ 8-9th; 24/24/$48; 582-4446; Upscale version of Korean; Cook it yourself Bar-b-q; Also have prepared dishes; Trendy bar as well; Beautiful inside; Service is solid; Undiscovered. Certainly a higher end version of the old favorite the cheaper versions of which found in Korea town.
Thalia:
American. 828 8th Av @ 50th; 23/22/$47; 399-4444; Creative dishes; Great for Brunch as well; Very good date spot with spacious, well done décor. Fun location near nightlife. Excellent Raw Bar. Spacious bar area. Gracious service.
Palm:
Steakhouse. 250 W 50th @ B-Way-8th; 24/17/$66; 687-2953; Gargantuan steaks and enormous lobsters; No-nonsense; Saloon type décor. 2nd Av location been around nearly 100 years; Old style feel.
Toloache: Mexican. 251 W 50th @ B-Way – 8th Av; 23/1/8/$46; 581-1818; Bold new flavors at this creative new Mexican; Huge tequila selection ( 100+) & potent Margaritas; Décor is murals of Mexican scenes.
Churrascaria Plataforma: Brazilian. 316 W 49th @ 8-9th; 23/19/$71; All you can eat MEAT. Carnivore Heaven. Skewers of Meat from friendly servers. Giant all you can eat buffet/ salad bar keeps even vegetarian happy. Ruby Foo’s: Pan-Asian. 1626 B-Way @ 49th; 20/23/$43; 489-5600; Tons of tourists & located in Times Square; But, amazingly fun and a perfect place to take visiting family; Huge menu of sushi to Asian classics; Disneyland for the eyes;
Del Frisco’s: Steakhouse. 1221 6th Av @ 49th; 25/23/$70; 575-5129; Great setting; Solid all way round; Pre-theatre deal; Top beef served in a Texas-elegant setting; Generous with portions and drinks. Perfect service and a can’t go wrong experience.
Gazala Place: Middle East. 709 9th Av @ 48-9th; 24/10/$22; 245-0709; Druse style cooking; Homemade Pitas- best in city; Amazing Hummas platters; BYO; Storefront setting- more like a diner; Lamb & Chicken Kabab platters.
Delta Grill: Cajun. 700 9th Av @ 48th; 21/17/$35; 956-0934; Apologies to foodies but this place has outstanding southern and Louisiana classics; Jumbalaya is the best; Crawfish amazing; Gumbo; Blackened catfish; Also, cheapo bar specials cool laid back décor.
Pongsri: Thai. 244 W 48th @ BWay- 8th Av; 21/13/$25; 582-3392; Though a 4-location chain, they deliver extremely reliable fare; Spicy excellence; Huge selection of dishes; Pad Thai perfection.
Wu Liang Ye: Chinese. 36 W 48th @ 5-6th Av; 22/13/$32; 398-2308; Inventive food; Unique Chinese choices and the classics; Great spices and hot dishes are hot. Beware of iffy service and not the greatest décor; Upscale Chinatown
Meskerem:
Ethiopian. 468 47th @ 9-10th Av; 20/12/$23; 664-0520; Flat Breads and incredible Stews; Eat with your hands; Authentic African. Perfectly Spiced. Also located- 124 MacDougal @ Bleecker.
Pam Real Thai: Thai. 402 W 47th & 404 W 49th @ 9-10th Av; 22/10/$22; 315-4441; Duo of small finds that deliver amazing food at discount prices; Diamond in the ruff; Authentic. Tight quarters better enjoyed off-peak; Cash only.
Blue Fin: Seafood. 1567 B-Way @ 47th; 21/22/$56; 918-1400; Seafood palace; Crowded; Noisy; Cavernous, sleek; Great food. Steve Hanson owned; Despite touristy location – great meal will be had. Hell’s Kitchen: Mexican. 679 9th Av @ 46-7th; 23/16/$43; 977-1588; Creative dishes; Walk in only; Small location; Great food; Toxic Margaritas; Sleek interior. One of the first ‘upscale’ Mexicans.
Daisy May’s BBQ: BBQ. 623 11th Av @ 46th; 23/6/$23; 977-1500; Amazing smokey ribs, chicken and Southern classics; Tasty sides; Get it to go; Stay – if you like a dive-diner setting. Real south in NYC.
Pomaire: Chilean. 371 W 46th @ 8-9th Av; 23/16/$42; 956-3056; Restaurant Row comes through again; Spicy pre-theatre fare; Personal, ultra friendly service; Colorful room with indigenous art; Fish entrees stand out.
Lattanzi: Italian. 361 W 46th @ 8-9th Av; 22/18/$53; 315-0980; Pre-Theatre favorite; Wonderful back garden, friendly service, romantic setting; Food not bad either! Perfect before show.
Becco: Italian. 355 W 46th @ 8-9th; 23/17/$44; 397-7597; All u can eat Pasta for $22.95- 3 selections to choose from; Other great selections on menu choices (way to go); Nice bar; Massive $25 a bottle wine list; Yet still upscale & perfect pre-theatre.
Sushi of Gari: Japanese. 347 W 46th @ 8-9th; 26/15/$62; 957-0046; Melt in your mouth fresh sushi; Absolutely straight from the sea; Unique combos; Order ‘off-menu’; Omakase- $~75. Sushi is served as works of art; Can order a la carte as well.
Bourbon Street Bar: Cajun. 346 46th @ 8-9th Av; 20/23/$40; 245-2030; Classic New Orleans setting complete with wrought iron fencing; Alligator on menu; Classic Jambalaya; Tasty cuisine and great place to have a drink anytime.
Queen of Sheba: Ethiopian. 650 10th Av @ 45-6th; 23/16/$28; 397-0610; Great portions of flavorful dishes to share of the classic Ethiopian bread; Iffy service made up for by top quality cuisine; Trendy scene.
Breeze: Thai. 661 9th Av @ 45-46th; 21/15/$33; 262-7777; French influenced Thai food; Pre-theater location with unique selections; Addictive dumplings; Progressive look; Grilled salmon not to be missed.
Bali Nusa Indah: Indonesian. 651 9th Av @ 45-46th; 21/15/$42; 974-1875; One of NYC’s only Indonesian restaurants; See menu in hyperlink – they have dozens of selections; Spicy dishes can be very hot; Unique flavorings and worth the venture on a weekday out;
Film Center Café: American. 635 9th Av @ 44-5th; 20/17/$27; 262-2525; Amazing all you can drink brunch; Great Low key bar scene; Upscale diner fare for a diner; Trendy and excellent food. Artists from the school.
44 & X Hell’s Kitchen: American. 622 10th Av @ 44th; 22/19/$45; 977-1170; Essentially a storefront with outdoor dining in summer; Fancy versions of comfort food; Incredible mac n cheese; Lively bar scene as well.
Marseille:
French. 630 9th Av @ 44th; 20/22/$47; 333-3410; Mediterranean influenced; Unique menu with classics and innovative dishes; Spacious setting with a nice pre-drink bar area; Sexy scene. Cool décor Carmine’s:
Italian. 200 44th @ B-Way; 20/15/$40; 221-3800; Garlic King; Legendary Italian institution; Family Style; Massive portions; Great for a group; Loud and always packed; Incredibly fun if not the best quality wise.
Virgil’s Real Barbecue:
BBQ. 152 W 44th @ B-Way-6th; 20/13/$33; 921-9494; American; Known for perfect ribs; Meat lover’s heaven; Burgers and Barbecue chicken. Barn-like joint; Fairly authentic. Fun time. Pulled pork, beef briskets.
Sushi Zen: Japanese. 108 W 44th @ B-Way – 6th Av; 25/20/$58; 302-0707; Flat out incredible sushi; Omakase or a la carte – still amazing; Fresh beyond belief. Unique rolls. The chef is a master of preparation Jewel of India: Indian. 15 W 44th @ 5-6th; 21/19/$36; 869-5544; Traditional dishes; Spicy food; Lunch buffet for $16.95; Bi-level space- spacious; Above average in every way if not outstanding.
Esca: Seafood. 402 W 43rd @ 9th Av; 25/20/$69; 564-7272; Italian-Seafood; Mario Batali owns; Top of the line fresh fish and amazing pasta dishes; Excellent setting and service. Whole fish. Very pricy.
Chez Josephine: French. 414 W 42nd @ 9-10th; 20/21/$50; 594-1925; Tribute to Josephine Baker; Fine French food; Elegant and welcoming. Fun decorations reminding one of her day; Large menu.