|
|
| UNION SQUARE/ GRAMERCY (14th-34th; East of 6th) Ethos: Greek. 495 3rd Av @ 33-34th; 22/17/$41; 252-1972; Known for extraordinary fish; Very affordable prices; You can’t go wrong giving them a try. Taverna setting; Packed with locals & Greeks; Grilled octopus is flat out outstanding; Best bang for the buck in genre; Another location on 1st Av @ 50th; Best thing to do is order 3-4 appetizers and share 1 whole fish. Sushi Sen-nin: Japanese. 30 E 33rd @ Madison-Park; 25/19/$54; 889-2208; Fresh Fish, known for gorgeously prepared Special Rolls; Perfect for those preferring a la carte. Creative rolls that are delicious. Wolfgang’s Steakhouse: Steakhouse. 4 Park @ 33rd; 25/20/$74; 889-3369; Like Lugar’s; Incredible Porterhouse; Wildly popular; Vaulted ceilings. Laid back, with old-school cool; Gorgeous décor and fish-friendly menu as well. Hangawi: Korean. 12 E 32nd @ 5th-Mad; 24/24/$46; 213-0077; Vegetarian Food; Relaxing; Serene; Tranquil; Check shoes at the door. Only pure vegetarian place I have on this site; Just a very relaxing experience featuring great service; Try the dumplings to start and the Mongolian hot pot is excellent. There is a 6 course tasting menu for $40. Artisanal: French. 2 Park @ 32nd; 23/20/$54; 725-8585; Brasserie; Brunch friendly; Cheese-focused; Great wine list; Celestial fromage with signature Cheese Fondue & cheese flights; Good looking space with surprisingly good service. Standard French selections as well. Small portions though. Try the Mac n Cheese served in copper gratin dish. Very spacious and comfortable. Grilled cheese on dinner menu Mondays. Todai: Japanese. 6 E 32nd @ 5th-Mad; 18/14/$29; 725-1333; All you can eat Sushi; Hot and cold buffet; Huge selection; 100+ items to choose from; Hot & cold prepared foods; Giant Japanese buffet – rare to use menu. Perfect for lunch. Mishima: Japanese. 164 Lex @ 30-31st; 23/13/$36; 532-9596; Sushi awesome here; Equally good cooked items; Peaceful, tranquil; Eat upstairs; Affordable costs close the deal. They have a huge menu though only about 10 special rolls; Try a dinner box: Miso soup & salad with 3 items of your choice and you choose from sushi, sashimi, tempura, rolls, teriyaki etc. Breslin Bar: British. Ace Hotel; 16 W 29th @ 5th Av; 22/21/$53; 679-1939; Michelin 1-star rated from the owners of Spotted Pig; Meat-centric menu; Dark hunting lodge setting; No Rez policy; Excellent people watching- advantage of being in a hotel; Overall – more of a gastro pub than anything else; Limited dinner menu but note lunch, breakfast and brunch available. Resto: Belgian. 111 E 29th @ Lex-Park; 22/15/$45; 685-5585; Very popular, well reviewed scene; Energetic, with great bar; Belgian beers- one of the best collections; Lamb dishes are excellent; Trendy and often crowded. Ben & Jack’s Steakhouse: Steakhouse. 255 5th Av @ 28th-29th; 23/18/$68; 532-7600; Business professionals; Amazing sides- especially the creamed spinach and German potatoes; 2 former Peter Lugar servers own it; Communal porterhouse; NY Strip, filet all great; Nicely charred steaks; Extensive wine list; Plain, yet spacious setting; Very attentive service. Bacon as appetizer & seafood platter; Prime Rib. More extensive menu at this location – better setting. Les Halles: French. 411 Park @ 28-9th; 20/17/$44; 679-4111; French Bistro setting; Great Steak Frites; Down home fare; Cool look and decent date option; Trendy location; Sausages, Crepes suzette; Been around a long time and perfect for those new to French cuisine; Don’t expect the best service or the most stylish décor; 50% off wines on Mondays; Steak-centric menu; Lunch, Brunch, and Breakfast available. Sahara’s Turkish Cuisine: Turkish. 513 2nd Av @ 28th-29th; 23/16/$35; 532-7589; Huge portions of authentic Turkish food; Friendly, helpful service; All at a great price with left overs for sure; Local neighborhood favorite; The Mixed Grill Kebab platter is yummy; Even have 5 fish entrees including Branzini and Tilapia; Perfect for lunch as well. Black Duck: American. 122 E 28th @ Lex-Park; 21/19/$51; 448-0888; Cool, pub-like setting for delicious New American including many seafood dishes; Romantic, date friendly including a fireplace; Live Jazz on weekends; Tuna Tartare, Clam Chowder, Wasabi Tuna, Halibut, Braised short ribs all on menu. Pleasant surprise and always reliable. Dhaba: Indian. 108 Lexington @ 27-28th; 25/17/$29; 679-1284; Lively feel; Probably the best of the Curry Hill restaurants; Very popular with locals; Long, exciting menu. $9.99 lunch buffet. Tremendous bang for the buck here as it is dirt cheap for the quality; Heavily spiced dishes – vindaloo will burn you; Bollywood like décor; Very popular and well reviewed. Menu has it all. Turkish Kitchen: Turkish. 386 3rd Av @ 27-28th; 23/17/$40; 679-6633; So good; Under radar; Known for Sunday Brunch buffet; Succulent kebabs; Funky red-everywhere décor; Unique martinis. Ilili: Lebanese. 236 5th Av @ 27th; 25/23/$47; 683-2322; One of the better restaurants of its genre offering small and large plates best designed for sharing; Date-friendly, sexy décor; Lounge feel; Huge menu of truly authentic preparations; Prix-fixe available for lunch or dinner; Lamb Makloubeh and Duck Shawarma are a must as are Brussels Sprouts. Trendy, date friendly décor. I Trulli: Italian. 122 E 27th @ Lex-Park; 23/20/$56; 481-7372; Gorgeous place; Inside fireplace; Outdoor seating in a lush garden; Sleek and inviting. Brilliant wine list; Close to an institution; Homemade past with Rabbit Ragu- yum; Brunch, lunch and dinner served; I prefer it as a lunch option in the summer; All the pastas are homemade & incredible. Pricing is fair; Superb wine list – place can be seen as a wine bar. Blue Smoke: BBQ. 116 E 27th @ Lex-Park: 22/17/$42; 447-7733; Danny Meyer’s upscale rib house; Best BBQ in city; Live Jazz; Smokehouse; Melt in your mouth ribs; Excellent Sides; Excellent beers to choose from & excellent Bourbon bar; Pulled pork outstanding; You must try the Mac n Cheese; Lively setting; Perfect for the whole family. Hillstone: American. 378 Park Av @ 27th; 21/19/$38; 689-1090; Upscale pub highlighted by an excellent bar scene; Major after-work scene; Chicken fingers- off the menu; Upscale entrees and even sushi offered (multiple special rolls); Great place for a within-budget American meal. Other standouts: Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Veggie Burger, Grilled Artichokes, Rib Eye, Arctic Char, Crab Cakes. Primehouse New York: Steakhouse. 381 Park Av @ 27th; 24/23/$68; 824-2600; Huge selection of not just steak related items. See website menu. BR Guest group; Contemporary and date friendly; Caesar salad amazing; Sides outstanding; Raw bar; Mac n Cheese side; Excellent setting, date friendly; Really top service; Shrimp Dumplings, King Crab, Oysters, Bufala Mozz; Sea Bass, Lobster, NY Strip, Ribeyes (the best), Veal Chop, Arctic Char, Filet. Dos Caminos: Mexican. 373 Park @ 26-7th; 21/21/$43; 294-1000; Great upscale Mexican, though becoming more of a chain; Sexy, young, hip setting in all locations; Energetic scene perfect for Dates or larger groups; Margaritas will put you under; Guacamole is tremendous; Steve Hanson empire journeys on. Can be loud and service a bit iffy. Best of the mid-level Mexicans. A Voce: Italian. 41 Madison Av @ 26th; 25/22/$61; 545-8555; Michelin 1-star; New York Times’ highest 3-star rating; Seasonal Italian masterworks; Huge buzz about the place so reserve well in advance; About 16 entrees and 6 or 7 appetizers – mouthwatering descriptions on the menu; Chef Missy Robbins nails it; Check website as each location has different entrees (also Columbus Circle). Affordable for its quality. Bamiyan: Afgan; 358 3rd Av @ 26th; 19/18/$38; 481-3232; Best you’ll get in this cuisine; Chicken dishes are excellent; Pumpkin turnovers; Inspired rice dishes; Classic fare from part of the world few of us know. Cuisine is known for basmati rice-based dishes, chicken and lamb dishes; New experience – maybe best saved for lunch. Eleven Madison: French. 11 Madison @ 24th; 27/27/$160; 889-0905; Highest level of service and gorgeous décor at Danny Merer’s flagship 1-star Michelin rated and 3 star NY Times rated masterpiece; Seasonal menus- with dishes listed only by the 1 main ingredient; 4 course dinner $125; 3 course lunch $56; The wait staff will work with you to construct your meal; Anniversary central. El Quinto: Spanish. 226 W 23rd @ 7th -8th Av; 22/15/$42; 929-1855; Small in size but not charm; Around since 1930s; Shockingly good tapas on the huge menu & sangria; Massive portions; Try the seafood paella- enough for 3-4 people; Very kitschy and charming; Shrimp with garlic sauce is outstanding; Inexpensive Lobster; Service is fast and efficient. They have their game down. Bao Noodles: Vietnamese. 391 2nd Av @ 22-23rd; 20/15/$25; 725-7770; Known for the Pho Noodle dishes – all excellent; Great sandwiches. Also has fine Korean dishes. Not fancy, but cheap! Popular bar scene as well with a very cool regular bartender; Oxtail Pho stands out for me – about 20 Pho soups to choose from which is huge. Salt & Pepper shrimp – Mmm. BLT Prime: Steakhouse. 111 E 22nd @ Lex-Park; 23/21/$71; 995-8500; Steakhouse from chef Laurent Tourondel; Artful-contemporary setting that is date friendly; Very strong food- Kind of formal; Double Cut Bacon, Seafood Platter, Crab cakes are featured apps; Kobe beef available; Rib Eye, Hanger Steak, Short Ribs, Rack of Lamb all cry out; Excellent wine list. Maialino: Italian. 2 Lexington Av @ 21st St; Gramercy Park Hotel; 24/23/$67; 777-2410; Another Danny Meyer restaurant production; Signature roast pig dinner; Excellent breads and olive oils; Features an extensive menu with something for everyone; Huge wine list – many reasonably priced; Great scene as well; Weekend brunch; Spaghetti Carbonara & Sea Bass stand out; Cheese plates. Gorgeous interior. Novita: Italian. 102 E 22nd @ Lex-Park; 24/19/$55; 677-2222; Elegant, always improving fare; Standard and inventive fare; Great anniversary date spot. Tight-ish space (60 seats); Fresh Mozz; Bruchetta; Kobe beef carpaccio; Grilled shrimp with crabmeat; tuna rolls; About a dozen ultra fresh pasta dishes – all yummy such as Rigatoni with seared Yellowfin Tuna & Black spaghetti with seafood fra diavolo; Tamarind: Indian. 41 E. 22nd @ B-Way-Park; 25/22/$54; 674-7400; Rivals Tabla for upscale Indian; Great date spot; Stylish spot; Fun, up scale. Non-Standard, innovative dishes which take fusion concept to new heights; $24 lunch prix fixe. Gramercy Tavern: American. 42 E 20th @ B-Way-Park; 28/26/$99; 477-0777; Flawless food, service; New Chef Michael Anthony; Cheaper by the front Tavern which has own menu & a cool bar scene & amazing drinks; Expensive here b/c this place is an all-time NYC institution. Memorable evenings. Tasting Menu is way to go- $116 for tasting, $88 for choice; King Crab on menu; More affordable lunch tasting menu $58. Danny Meyer owned. Cocktails $13, beer $8. Do the tavern… Mari Vanna: Russian. 41 E 20th @ BWay-Park; 20/24/$65; 777-1955; Try not to have too many flavor infused vodkas before you eat so you can enjoy the authentic Russian food here; Chicken Kiev or Beef Stroganoff; Gorgeous elegant dining room – extremely fancy looking; For $75/ person you can get 4 cold appetizers, 2 hot, 1 soup and 2 entrees and 2 desserts; Order a la carte as well. Lunch available. Parea Bistro: Greek. 36 E 20th @ B-Way-Park; 23/22/$51; 777-8448; Amazing whole fish served here; Spacious and gracious service; Pricy but excellent Greek fare. Lively scene with energy to enjoy your meal; $29.95 early bird. Excellent date spot as it’s casual and fun; Grilled calamari; Appetizers as a whole excellent; Lobster pasta; Mediterranean Sea Bass; La Pizza Fresca Ristorante: Italian. 31 E 20th @ B-Way-Park; 23/18/$42; 598-0141; Casual, excellent Neapolitan pizzas; Endless varieties to choose from; Pizza is made in the tradition of Naples; Wonderful imported bufala Mozz used in pizzas and for an appetizer; Have many amazing pasta dishes available in full and half portions. $7/ beer; Nice wine list; Naples has found its way to Union Square Mizu: Japanese. 29 E. 20th @ B-Way-Park; 23/16/$363; 505-6688; Incredible sushi; Young, hip; Creative menu featuring both classic rolls and unique combos; Younger crowd enjoying saki. Best thing I like about this place is they have about the largest list of sushi rolls/ special rolls (all affordable) I’ve seen; Also have cooked items, Teriyakki etc. Just a huge selection which I appreciate. Barbounia: Mediterranean. 250 Park Av S @ 20th; 21/23/$51; 995-0242; The setting has a lot going on- formal yet fun and high energy; Service is excellent; The bread is legendary- famous flatbread; Hip cliental; Cocktails all $14, beer $7; Greek fondue on menu; Smallish, healthier looking portions; Extremely fresh; Charred octopus and beef carpaccio stand out; Fresh whole fish and some pastas as well; Lamb shank. Craftbar: American. 900 B-Way @ 19th-20th; 23/20/$52; 461-4300; Top Chef TV’s Tom Colicchio’s more casual sibling to flagship “Craft” down the block; Spot-on service; Nice mix of seafood/ shellfish and meat dishes with lots of appetizers and side dishes to choose from; Seasonal menu so check the website for changes; Brunch available – outstanding. Boqueria: Spanish. 53 W 19th @ 5-6th; 22/19/$46; 255-4160; Traditional Barcelona-style Tapas; No-Rez policy so go early; Extremely tasty small plates. Ultra creative; Smallish place. There is also a Soho location; Brunch 12-5 Sat/Sun; Tapas served all day as well as Artisanal cheeses; I’d suggest this place almost for lunch over dinner or an odd-hour weekend visit. Craft: American. 43 E 19th @ B-Way; 26/23/$78; 780-0880; Flagship of Top Chef TV’s Tom Colicchio; Relaxing, sophisticated environment; Spot-on service; Try the beef short ribs; Nice mix of seafood/ shellfish and meat dishes with lots of appetizers and side dishes to choose from; Seasonal menu so check the website for changes; Tasting is $110 a person; Most main courses under $35. Bocca: Italian. 39 E 19th @ B-Way-Park; 23/20/$49; 387-1200; Same ownership as Cacio e Pepe; Fun, enjoyable vibe; Features a pasta served in a pecorino cheese wheel – a must; Comfortable booths available; Dirt cheap weekday lunch specials; Very friendly service; Artisanal cheeses available; Truly excellent pasta dishes and appetizers while limited fish and meat-entrée selections. Pipa: Spanish. 38 E 19th @ B-Way-Park; 22/24/$44; 677-2233; Trendy &popular; Gorgeous setting in ground floor of ABC Carpet – chandeliers abound; Young crowd; Major Date scene; Sangria is delish & potent; Large Tapas selection and smooth service; Cheese and meat plates; Weekend brunch 11-5 with great menu; Cocktails $12; Yummy crispy calamari. Angelo & Maxie’s: Steakhouse; 233 Park Av @ 19th; 21/19/$55; 220-9200; Young and modern look; Corporate types; Great for lunch; Gigantic steaks and great sides. There is a less expensive, next-door bar and grill with top burgers. Overall, even main dining room cheap for genre. Martini’s are extra special; Filet Mignon & creamed spinach stand out. Large menu – fantastic desserts. Great bang for your buck. City Crab & Seafood: Seafood. 235 Park S @ 19th; 21/18/$42; 529-3800; Hugely underrated Seafood house; Very large menu, & large portions; Excellent soups, drinks as well as fresh seafood. King crab and seafood pastas stand out, as does salmon and chowder. All drinks and appetizers are half price if you go during happy hour which ends at 7pm. Ponty Bistro: Senegalese. 218 3rd Av @ 18th-19th; 23/17/$39; 777-1616; French inspired northern African cuisine; Value prices and extremely unique cuisine; Two for 1 house Martinis including Lychee martinis; Breakfast & Brunch also served; $25 prix fixe menu; Very friendly service and certainly worth a try to have a cuisine rarely found in NYC. ABC Kitchen: American. 35 E 18th St @ B-Way-Park; 24/23/$55; 475-5829; New hotspot from super-chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten; Seasonal delicacies; Ultra-fresh ingredients from farm to table; Country setting; Less formal than other restaurant in his empire; 12-15 appetizers, 7-10 entrees; Extremely popular and decently affordable. Rosa Mexicana: Mexican. 9 E 18th St @ BWay-5th Av; 23/21/$48; 533-3350; Flashy; Great date spot; Show off NY dining here; Guacamole made at table is best in the city, sorry Dos Caminos; Pomegranate Margaritas top notch and strong; Laut: Malaysian / Thai. 15 E 17th @ BWay – 5th Av; 24/14/$28; 206-8989; Massive menu – all extremely affordable; Large selection of soups for meals or appetizers; Dumplings galore; Dozen plus wok fried noodle dishes; Multiple curries, 2 dozen or so entrée specials; The focus is on different styles including Singaporean; Casual and low key; Can get cramp so go early or off-hours. Michelin 1 star. Olives: Mediterranean. 201 Park S @ 17th; 23/21/$57; 353-8345; Open kitchen run by Todd English; Hot looking staff & people in attendance; Great social scene at the bar; Creative takes on the Greek classics. You will pay for it; Fabulous wine list. Spacious, comfortable setting; Date friendly; The Fig & Prosciutto or Escargot Flatbread is popular; Ravioli with Oxtail ragu; Chatham Cod; Lamb Porterhouse. BLT Fish: Seafood; 21 W 17th @ 5th-6th Av; 24/20/$63; 691-8888; Laurent Tourondel owned; Falling off the bone fresh fish; New York Times 3 star rated; Excellent service with cool, made for dates, décor; Two levels with a different scene in each. The Whole fish is the best…tuna, snapper. Impeccably prepared; Gorgeous skylit room; Only downside is limited non-whole fish items. Aldea: Portuguese. 31 W 17th @ 5th-6th Av; 26/22/$65; 675-7223; Best of its genre in the city; Michelin 1-star rated; Modern setting, deft service, food made from the freshest local ingredients; Ask for a table by the open kitchen; Chef George Mendes prepares works of art; Delicious cocktails- all $12; Entrees are $25-30 and there are about 10 to choose from. Seasonal menu- see website. Casa Mono: Spanish. 52 Irving Pl @ 17th; 26/18/$57; 253-2773; Mario Batali’s take on Spanish cuisine; Negatives include the expense, size and elbow room; Positives include flat out outstanding Tapas; The Tapas range from $9 to $19 each and you’ll want to order at least 5 for a table of two; Just a delicious, perfect date experience best saved on a weekday or off-hours for greater attention. 1 Michelin star. Basta Pasta: Italian. 37 W 17th @ 5th Ave; 23/16/$43; 366-0888; Japanese-Italian fusion; Sushi dishes, amazing pasta dishes and main courses infused with both styles; Open kitchen; Adventurous, excellent pastas; Boring-ish (yet sleek) décor isn’t noticed when one is dining on pasta perfection. Signature dish is: Spaghetti with Parm & Prosciutto served in a half wheel of melted Parm cheese. Yum! Blue Water Grill: Seafood. 31 Union Sq @ 16th; 25/23/$54; 675-9500; Perfect date spot at what I consider the best in the Steve Hanson owned family; Two levels – ideal décor; Incredible fresh fish & shellfish options; Snazzy drinks; Sushi options; Jazz downstairs; Energetic scene; Stand outs include the Chilean sea bass, Lobster mashed potatoes, Mahi Mahi and the Sushi & Special rolls.
Union Square Café: American. 21 E 16th @ 5th; 27/23/$65; 243-4020; New American; So good, so popular; Inspired cooking; Walk-in Bar/ lively scene. Voted #1 Popular in Zagats; Danny Meyer owned; Seasonal ingredients; Down to earth yet perfect service; Every course will be cooked with inspiration.
Mesa Grill: American. 102 5th Av @ 15-16th; 24/20/$55; 807-7400; Iron Chef Bobby Flay’s Southwestern masterpiece; Margaritas are wondrous; Fun place, date spot; Bold flavors shown off in creative dishes. Must-try in area. Somewhat dated décor and Bobby Flay rarely there – to note; Try the Tuna Nachos, Mushroom Quesadilla, Port Tenderloin. Menu could be bigger. 15 East: Japanese. 15 E 15th @ 5th Av- Union Sq; 25/22/$79; 647-0015; Extremely high-end Japanese; Pricy but considered one of the top new places of 2008. Fresh beyond belief. Sushi/ Sashimi is outstanding; Try the exquisite Omakase; Also hot selections available; Very date friendly establishment; Authentic- closely reminding those in the know of Tokyo style sushi. Devi: Indian. 8 E 15th @ 5th Av –B-Way; 23/21/$54; 691-1300; Celebrity Chef Suvir Saran; Fancy, upscale Indian cuisine in this 75-seat, date friendly establishment; Innovative menu, if somewhat limited; Date spot. Highly exotic & flavorful spicing; Unusual, deftly spiced dishes. Gracious service; Prix fixe and tasting menus are available; Exotic cocktails. Artichoke Basille’s Pizza: Pizza. 328 E 14th @ 1-2nd Av; 24/9/$13; 228-2004; Just a storefront setting but the new trendy spot in the city for the best slice; Signature artichoke dip –topped pie; Long lines but this is the new “John’s Pizza” Da Andrea: Italian. 35 W 13th @ 5-6th Av; 23/17/$37; 367-1979; So good it’s scary; Homestyle, affordable cuisine; Treated like family; Mouth watering menu. Homemade freshly made pastas; Giant menu with all the classics and more; Very affordable; House wine is outstanding; Non-pretentious, date friendly and always reliable; Pretty much a no-brainer. | |
|