EAST VILLAGE:
(Houston- 13th; East of 3rd Ave)
Gotham B&G: American. 12 E 12th @ 5th; 27/25/$75; 620-4020; New American; $31 prix fixe lunch; Terrific food; Always wonderful. Manhattan institution; Perfect service; Dates, Business or Casual. Majestic room & epic service; Soft Shell crab in season. You can’t go wrong here.
Strip House: Steakhouse. 13 E 12th @ 5th Av; 24/22/$68; 328-0000; Dark, hip joint; Amazing steaks; 1950s scene; Red interior reminding one of Moulan Rouge; Pin Up Photos, yet very female friendly; Amazing Sides; Just a different take on carnivore experience.
Japonica: Japanese. 100 University Pl(near 4th Av) @ 12th St; 22/14/$45; 243-7752; Excellent Sushi- crazy fresh & giant in size; Japanese classic dishes – tempura, dumplings. Favorite of NYU students.
S’MAC: American. 345 E 12th @ 1st-2nd Av; 23/8/$15; 358-7912; All they serve in Macaroni and Cheese; Served about 15 different ways with a multitude of toppings; Done in hot skillets; So yummy.
Hearth: American. 403 E 12th St @ 1st Av; 25/20/$62; 646-602-1300; Upscale yet relaxed; Exactly what the East Village needed; Pricy yet inspired New American selections; Limited, seasonal menu- ever changing with daily specials. Excellent food.
Cacio e Pepe: Italian. 182 2nd Av @ 11-12th; 22/17/$40; 505-5931; Moderate prices, warm service; Solid fare. Garden in the spring & summer; Italian Gem. Try the signature pasta dish served in Parmesan wheel.
Tree:
French. 190 1st Av @ 11-12th; 21/18/$40; 358-7171; Very popular Bistro in the Village. Romantic back garden; Excellent French selections at great prices. Not a sizable place; Delicious homey cuisine.
Barbone: Italian. 186 Av B @ 11-12th St; 24/19/$43; 254-6047; Known for stellar pasta dishes; Top shelf treatment from chef-owner; Affordable and pleasant dining experience here. Back garden; Masterful. Mercadito: Mexican. 179 Av B @ 11-12th; 24/18/$39; Tapas-style Mexican; Margaritas are outstanding; Designer Tacos. Small plates of shareable Mexican food. Also, a cheese fondue; Open kitchen;
Lan: Japanese. 56 3rd Av @ 11th; 25/18/$47; 254-1959; Awesome fish; Not just sushi- has excellent cooked dishes; Jap food here as whole amazing. Everything so fresh as it caught in front of you. Tokyo-like.
Kanoyama: Japanese. 175 2nd Av @ 11th St; 26/17/$51; 777-5266; Sushi lover come here; Fresh amazing fish; Incredible bargain for a ‘26’; Friendly servers; Sushi served straight from the Japan Sea it seems; Bluefin Toro is notable.
Xunta: Spanish. 174 1st Av @ 10-11th; 21/14/$28; 614-0620; Keeps it simple – Fabulous tapas; Potent and tasty Sangria. Welcome to a lively side street in Madrid; 56 tapas to choose from; Flamenco guitar on Tues/ Sat; Raucous crowd at times.
Momofuku Ko: Japanese. 163 1st Av @ 10-11th St; 23/14/$30; 777-7773; David Chang’s most affordable place; Always packed – the master does his genius on noodle soups & hall of fame pork buns.
Gnocco Café:
Italian. 337 E 10th @ Av A-B; 22/17/$37; 677-1913; Fried Dough appetizer; Garden; Date spot; Heavenly food. Quality pastas- especially gnocco; Relaxed atmosphere with modest tabs.
Dieci: Italian. 228 E 10th @ 1-2nd; 23/20/$39; 387-9545; Japanese ownership adds new flair to Italian cuisine; Small plates; Absolute perfection for service. Affordable pricing; Risotto, Lamb Bolognese; Yummy!
Ippudo: Japanese. 65 4th Ave @ 9-10th St; 25/23/$26; 388-0088; Home of perfect ramen noodles done many ways; Noodle heaven; Best not to venture from this menu item; Tranquil, serene setting; Cool décor.
Holy Basil: Thai. 149 2nd Av @ 9-10th; 22/19/$31; 460-5557; Upscale Thai – Fancier than others; Still dirt cheap; Dark, sexy; Delicious entrees; Diamond in the ruff; Pretty cool date spot for a quick bite.
Knickerbocker B&G: American. 33 University Pl(near 4th Av) @ 9th St; 20/18/$46; 228-8490; Focus is on steaks at less than steakhouse prices; Large portions; 70s décor. Non-pretentious; Live weekend Jazz; Dependable- notch down from top meat emporiums. Soba-ya: Japanese. 229 E 9th @ 2-3rd Av; 23/17/$26; 533-6966; Soba noodle specialist; Array of broths; Relaxing atmosphere; Very inexpensive; The broth- a veggie stock is delicious.
Hasaki: Japanese. 210 9th @ 2-3rd; 23/14/$41; 473-3327; Has wonderful classic Japanese selections & sushi as well. Large menu; Tempura is great; No reservations. Focus is on the swimmingly fresh fish.
Itzocan: Mexican. 438 9th St @ Av A – 1st Av; 24/12/$34; 677-5856; Unbelievable find featuring very inexpensive but perfectly prepared Mexican; Great value- Good as it gets! Hole in the wall setting; Cash only but you’ll have plenty after bill; UES location is better with French-influenced cuisine.
I Coppi:
Italian. 432 9th St @ Av A-1st Av; 24/20/$47; 254-2263; Gorgeous, welcoming Italian. Year round back garden is key here; Incredible pastas & entrees; Wines list superb & extensive. Great people.
Cafe Mogador: Moroccan. 101 St. Mark’s @ Av A-1st; 22/17/$27; 677-2226; Neighborhood mainstay; Young, hip scene; Garlic-laded entrees; Mussels with shallots & olive oil; Dirt cheap as well.
Klong: Thai. 7 St Marks Pl @ 2nd-3rd Av; 21/17/$25; 505-9955; Extremely affordable street food reminiscent of Bangkok; Cool overall vibe and open very late; Great soups, curries and Pad Thai variations.
Bao 111: Vietnamese. 111 Av C @ 7-8th; 21/19/$38; 254-7773; Hip, upscale food; Great, flavorful dishes; Powerful drinks; Trendy for the genre. Sexy date spot- rare for this cuisine and for area. Give it a try!
Kafana: Serbian. 116 Ave C @ 7th-8th; 20/15/$29; 353-8000; Tasty regional pork dishes stand out; One of only a few Serbian places in area; Try 2-person mixed grill; Balkan cuisine has arrived at last. Dok Suni’s: Korean. 119 1st Av @ 7th-St Mark’s; 22/14/$30; 477-9506; Cozy quarters- Vintage Korean newspapers on the walls; Fantastic food, hip crowd; Crowded & popular; They grill the meat for you; Excellent drinks. Yuca Bar: Latin American. 111 Av A @ 7th St; 21/16/$30; 982-9533; Funky; Inventive cuisine; Mojitos; Sangria; Candle lit. Young energy with a cool “in” scene; Great meat dishes, tapas & empanadas.
Pylos: Greek. 128 7th St @ Av A-1st Av; 25/23/$45; 473-0220; Reasonable prices for Greek; Elegant décor and staff; Sexy gem and amazing homemade quality dishes; Hellenic wines and modern dishes transport you to the islands.
Bourgeois Pig: French. 111 E 7th St @ 1st Av – Av A; 23/21/$48; 475-2246; Café feel yet sexy and enticing; Top drawer Cheese Fondues; Cheese plates; Basically a cheese specialist. Known for excellent wines and cocktails.
Kyo Ya: Japanese. 94 E 7th St @ 1st Av – Av A; 29/24/$79; 982-4140; Undiscovered genius; Multi-course set meals; Sweet potato tempura; Every dish prepared with care; Features “Bozushi” – hand pressed sushi; Japanese small plates is the style; King Crab appetizer.
Caracas Arepa Bar: Venezuelan. 93 E 7th St @ Av A-1st Av; 25/14/$20; 529-2314; As good as Arepas can get; Tons of varieties to choose from; Immensely popular; Incredibly tasty food; Always a line to get it for a seat as it is small- but worth it.
Bonjoo: Korean. 107 1st Av @ 6th – 7th St; 21/14/$36; 505-7974; Dimly lit, sexy scene & great date spot; Amazing scallion pancakes; Stewed beef short ribs; Delicious traditional Korean fare that is a welcome relief from traditional BBQ houses.
Haveli: Indian. 100 2nd Ave @ 6th; 24/17/$31; 982-0533; Love this place; Upscale for hood; Nicest of the 6th Street Indian restaurants; Great food. Large menu of cared for dishes; Perfectly spiced; Two levels- spacious setting. Tasteful décor.
Banjara: Indian. 97 1st Av @ 6th; 23/15/$31; 477-5956; Impressive Indian; Vividly spiced food; Fancier décor than competition on 6th Street(Indian alley); Staff makes effort to please you.
Mancora: Peruvian. 99 1st Av @ 6th St; 21/15/$26; 253-1011; Peruvian; Bargain basement, yet high end quality Peruvian fare; Large, filling servings; Homemade meals; Authentic. Fish, the best Chicken and meat dishes to die for; Large selection on menu. Zerza: Moroccan. 304 E 6th @ 1-2nd Av; 22/20/$38; 529-8250; Authentic food, attentive service; Meticulous care put into the cuisine & served beautifully. Lamb & chicken tanginess. Belly Dancers on Saturday; Small plates of Moroccan food.
Brick Lane Curry House. Indian. 306-8 E 6th St @ 2nd Av; 21/14/$32; 979-2900; Fiery, flavorful curries; Huge portions at great prices; Step up from usual 6th St restaurants in little India; Curries ranked in terms of burn factor; For ‘hot’ lovers.
Awash: Ethiopian. 338 E 6th @ 1st-2nd Av; 22/12/$24; 982-9589; Tasty platters of flavorful food combined with the traditional Bread; Eat with your hands; Extremely cheap and a great experience. Easily the best genre of African food and they nail it here. Great to share. Food richly spiced.
Buenos Aires: Argentinean. 513 6th St @ Ave A-B; 22/15/$38; 228-2775; Under the radar; Authentic cuisine; Grilled meats and perfection in empanadas; Succulent steaks; Carnivores playground; Large, inexpensive wine list.
Mermaid Inn: Seafood. 96 2nd Av @ 5-6th; 22/17/$43; 674-5870; Fresh from the ocean seafood and fish; Laid back, top service and affordable prices make this a top seafood choice. Upscale fish shack; Crazy good lobster rolls.
Frank: Italian. 88 2nd Av @ 5-6th; 24/14/$33; 420-0202; Homey feel; Cool and fun; Chalk board menus; Dirt cheap for food this good; Tight – but doable; Absolute diamond in the ruff; Not fancy.
Takahachi: Japanese. 85 Av A @ 5-6th; 23/14/$41; 505-6524; Well priced fresh Sushi; Hot dishes too- ever changing menu; Creative rolls; High quality with a bill you can live with.
Jewel Bako: Japanese. 239 E 5th @ 2-3rd Av; 25/22/$55; 979-1012; Sushi so fresh it seems alive; Omakase is $50 or $90. A la carte – affordable. Considered the #1 sushi place downtown; Gorgeous bamboo setting; Epic good quality.
Degustation: French. 239 E 5th @ 2nd-3rd Av; 27/21/$61; 979-1012; Small 16 seat tasting bar; Spanish-infused small plates, French style; 12-15 items on the menu – all epic in quality; Like sitting at a sushi bar. Lavagna: Italian. 545 E 5th @ Av A-B; 25/19/$39; 979-1005; Intimate Italian; Wine List is outstanding; Value priced top notch food; Ideal date spot; Wonderfully prepared food. Diamond in the ruff.
Euzkadi: Spanish. 108 E 4th @ 1-2nd; 20/18/$37; 982-9788; Tapas central. Served in a fun, upbeat setting; Great prices and an overall solid Spanish experience. Popular for parties; Flamenco Tuesdays.
Indochine: Vietnamese. 430 Lafayette @ Astor-4th St; 20/19/$49; 505-5111; French-influenced dishes; Super sexy staff serve up high-end Vietnamese classics with a French spin; Large, upscale menu; Unique food. People watching- fun scene.
Chinatown Brasserie: Chinese. 380 Lafayette @ Great Jones; 21/22/$48; 533-7000; High end Dim Sum any time; Peking Duck, BBQ Ribs; Gorgeous two-level setting; Trendy & date friendly; Ultra fresh ingredients- you’ll note the difference.
Aroma: Italian. 36 E 4th St @ Bowery-Lafayette; 24/18/$40; 375-0100; Near Astor Place, this amazing & fresh gem always supplies a top experience. Cool for a pre-dinner drink as well; The menu has many creative entrees that are sure to satisfy; Worth a look. Duck salad, Veal, Gnocchi…all top shelf.
Sala: Spanish. 344 Bowery @ Great Jones; 22/19/$40; 979-6606; Dark, sexy setting; Roomier than usual Tapas house; Delicious small plates; Sangria calling your name; Date central; Fairly inexpensive & reliable.
Nomad: African. 78 2nd Av @ 4th St; 21/17/$33; 253-5410; Cool, almost spiritual décor inside; North African, French cuisine; Great spices; Tasty – unique food to try. Bargain- try couscous royale entrée.
Perbacco: Italian. 234 E 4th St @ Av A-B; 25/18/$43 253-2038; Italian-style Tapas - Small plates; Great preparation. Charming staff. Excellent wines. Casual setting that works food magic; Small like a Tapas place, however.
Five Points: American. 31 Great Jones (3rd St) @ Bowery-Lafayette; 24/21/$47; 253-5700; New American cuisine; Incredible Brunch; Large, open kitchen; Skylit location; Eclectic Menu & popular with stylish crowd; Brook running through middle; Top notch service; Seasonal menu.
Bond Street:
Japanese. 6 Bond ( 2nd St) @ Lafayette (NoHo); 25/22/$59; 777-2500; Stylish, sexy set-up; Trendy, unique sushi selections; Hip and popular; Cool downstairs lounge; Impress a date; Not extremely roomy so reserve; Japanese small plates as well.
Mercat: Spanish. 45 Bond St@ Bowery-Lafayette; 22/20/$50; 529-8600; Great, lively restaurant; Solid list of Tapas and also prepared foods; Open kitchen- date friendly; Fun for groups as well; Best new Spanish of 2008 from Time Out NY.
Il Buco:
Italian. 47 Bond St (2nd St) @ Bowery-Lafayette; 25/23/$59; 533-1932; Unimaginably good Italian; Heavenly creations in a charming, perfect setting; Great date place & great scene; Stylish and cool; See website. Seasonal menu; Dining in a charming living room. Chef Ed Witt. Best wine list.
Supper:
Italian. 156 2nd St @ Av A-B; 25/19/$35; 477-7600; Inexpensive amazing Italian; Wine bar next door while you wait for a table; Incredible pastas. Simple yet superb; Always packed.
Il Bagatto: Italian. 192 2nd St @ Av A-B; 23/16/$38; 228-0977; Down to earth, unreal good food; Classic selections; Reasonably priced wines. Famed for homemade pastas; Fairly tight seating so go early!
Prune: American. 54 1st St @ 1-2nd Av; 24/16/$48; 677-6221; Chef is a genius; New American; Known as Brunch haven- gets packed; Epic food; Too small- 10 tables; Food produced is work of art.
The Elephant: Thai-French. 58 1st St @ 1-2nd Av; 22/16/$36; 505-7739; Tightly packed but a great atmosphere; Incredible food; Cocktails are amazing; Duck confit; Salmon tartare; East Village mainstay for trendy cool.
Boca Chica: Pan Latin. 13 1st Av @ 1st St; 20/16/$29; 473-0108; Tons of fun and very lively place; Very inexpensive and a good time; Bohemian crowd. Known for great shrimp dishes. Creative, strong drinks.
