EAST VILLAGE:
(Houston- 13th; East of 3rd Ave)
Momofuku Ssam Bar: Japanese. 207 2nd Av @ 13th St; 25/16/$48; 254-3500; David Chang’s 3 star NY Times rated eatery; Awe inspiring pork buns and an incredible hog feast; Rotisserie duck for lunch M-F; Assorted country hams on menu; Kimchi, Sirloin steak, roasted lamb; Odd mix to the menu; Setting wise – very uncomfortable back-less wood benches.
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.
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. Michelin 1-star; Just an insanely popular place that always pleases; Chef Alfred Portale; Expect to pay about $100/ person with a drink; By the way – the bar is excellent. 35 page wine list on line; Japonica: Japanese. 100 University Pl (near 4th Av) @ 12th St; 24/16/$45; 243-7752; Excellent Sushi- crazy fresh & giant in size; Japanese classic dishes – tempura, dumplings. Favorite of NYU students. Fans rave over the sashimi; Energetic chefs and you will never walk out hungry. No Rez during peak hours; Been around since 1978 and going strong.
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 and date friendly; $72 7-course tasting menu; Italian dishes as well from Chef Marco Canora; Great cheese plates available;
Northern Spy Food Co: American. 511 E 12th @ Av A-B; 23/18/$30; 228-5100; Better known for amazing lunch and weekend brunch; Market in the back selling local foods; Lots of farm-fresh ingredients and menu items (lots of salads); Fairly limited menu and not terribly creative, but the food is healthy and refreshing.
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/$44; 254-6047; Known for stellar pasta dishes; Top shelf treatment from chef-owner; Affordable and pleasant dining experience;. Back garden; Enjoy a martini at the bar beforehand, or a wine; Duck ravioli is special; Truly an exquisite experience; Offer 10+ appetizers, 8-10 pastas and 7-8 entrees along with specials; Mouthwatering. All pasta is homemade. Kanoyama: Japanese. 175 2nd Av @ 11th St; 26/17/$53; 777-5266; Sushi lovers 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. Rare varieties available; Cool sake bar recently added; Wildly popular with East Village hipsters; Go for the omakase; Massive menu – endless appetizers.
Matilda: Mexican-Italian. 647 E 11th St @ Av C; 23/19/$39; 777-3355; Very interesting concept of fusing Italian with Mexican works here; They do wonderful things with Mozzarella; More Mexican in my opinion but has pasta dishes we well; Speghetti with prosciutto and calamari; Tortilla Pizza for $12 are available; I’d get several appetizers (Tacos with shrimp or lamp and Quesadillas) and share!
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 Noodle Bar: Japanese. 171 1st Av @ 10-11th St; 24/15/$34; 777-7773; David Chang’s most affordable place (of his 4 restaurants); Always packed – the master does his genius on noodle soups & hall of fame pork buns. Small & hectic and the usual spartan décor; Cool date spot (if your back isn’t hurting); Enjoy a pork or shrimp bun – amazing; Also has Fried Chicken of all things on menu.
Mercadito Cantina: Mexican. 172 Av B @ 10th-11th; 23/16/$37; 388-1750; You must order the famous guacamole tasting (3 types, $13); Mini portions of tacos that are out of this world; Extremely affordable; Weekend brunch; Potent Margaritas, lots of Tequila; Fun, party atmosphere that ensures a good time in this casual setting. Graffiti: American. 224 E 10th @ 1st-2nd Av; 25/15/$48; 677-0695; Gorgeous little wine bar; Perfect for light fare before heading out; Also a great date spot or for a drink pre-dinner somewhere else; Foodies love this place; Fair prices – wine is $8 / glass or $25/bottle. Food is Eclectic in style with Indian influence. The chef has appreaed twice on the Iron Chef. 15 types of wine on the menu.
Gnocco Café:
Italian. 337 E 10th @ Av A-B; 24/17/$37; 677-1913; Fried Dough appetizer; Garden; Date spot- perfect in nice weather; Heavenly food. Quality pastas- especially gnocchi; Relaxed atmosphere with modest tabs for the quality. Can get crowded and cramp if not in the garden; Medium sized menu with scrumptious choices- most featuring mozzarella; Desserts are outstanding.
Ippudo: Japanese. 65 4th Av @ 9-10th St; 25/21/$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. Long waits as it is extremely popular; Inexpensive goodness; 2,717 reviews on Yelp – most I’ve ever seen and 90% are 4 or 5 stars;
Holy Basil: Thai. 149 2nd Av @ 9-10th; 22/19/$31; 460-5557; Upscale Thai – Fancier than others; Still dirt cheap; Dark, sexy and perfect for a 1st date; Delicious entrees at rock bottom prices; Diamond in the ruff; Pretty cool pre-game spot for a quick bite; Try seating on the balcony; Menu has all the usual Thai fair one would expect.
Knickerbocker B&G: American. 33 University Pl (near 4th Av) @ 9th St; 22/19/$46; 228-8490; Focus is on steaks, happily at less than steakhouse prices; Large portions; 70s décor. Non-pretentious; Live weekend Jazz; Dependable- notch down from top meat emporiums. Basically, a fin meat and potatoes type of restaurant; Get the T-bone; Overstuffed sandwiches are amazing. 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.
La Paella: Spanish. 214 E 9th St @ 2nd-3rd Av; 21/18/$37; 598-4321; Dark, sexy lighting perfect for dates; Great website listing all the menu options; Tons of Tapas to choose from including my favorite grilled calamari; They focus on the namesake dish, Sangria and a large variety of Tapas – just what most want; Service and table spacing could be better.
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. Try the sushi and sashimi combo for two for $54- comes with their distinctive Miso soup and salad; Even have some Korean items on the menu; Yummy Shabu-Shabu.
I Coppi:
Italian. 432 9th St @ Av A-1st Av; 23/20/$47; 254-2263; Gorgeous, welcoming Italian- love the décor; Year round back garden is key here; Incredible pastas & entrees; Wines list superb & extensive. Great people. Menu features Spaghetti allo scoglio with jumbo shrimp, calamari in a fra diavolo sauce; Lots of specials and affordable prices make this a must date spot.
Kajitsu: Japanese/Vegetarian. 414 E 9th St @ Av A – 1st Av; 27/24/$88; 228-4873; Michelin 2-star rated; They have a $55 5-course option and a $70 7-course option; Impeccable service; This is a vegetarian restaurant however, that carnivores love; Shojin cooking at its best; If you try vegetarian, go here.
Cafe Mogador: Moroccan. 101 St. Mark’s @ Av A-1st; 22/17/$30; 677-2226; Neighborhood mainstay; Young, hip scene; Garlic-laded entrees; Mussels with shallots & olive oil; Dirt cheap as well; Cous-cous and lamb tagine (long simmered stew) stand out; Simply put: incredibly well prepared & authentic Moroccan cuisine at Rabat level prices; Been around nearly 30 years.
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. Try the spicy Basil Noodles – a house specialty; 5-7pm Happy Hour; Pretty cool décor. Website link has been down. Fairly crowded and noisy but great food.
Kafana: Serbian. 116 Ave C @ 7th-8th; 23/18/$29; 353-8000; Wildly popular and probably the best Balkan restaurant in the city; 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; Small, cozy living room setting; Get the Sopska salad; Cheese and Spinach pies; Cash only; Meat-centric menu – dirt cheap. 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; 26/23/$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. Damn damn good; $15 prix fixe brunch with a drink; Large assortment of appetizers; Could use more variety of seafood but otherwise exquisite. Wildly popular & rave reviews.
Bourgeois Pig: French. 111 E 7th St @ 1st Av – Av A; 23/21/$48; 475-2246; Café feel yet sexy and enticing; Mimics the bourgeois lifestyle in décor; Top drawer Cheese Fondues; Cheese plates; Basically a cheese specialist. Known for excellent wines and cocktails- especially the champagne punch; Giant list of specialty drinks – amazing; Brushettas & Cheese & wine or cocktails!
Kyo Ya: Japanese. 94 E 7th St @ 1st Av – Av A; 27/24/$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. 10 course tasting “kaiseki” menu ($120); Chilean Sea Bass perfect; Order a la carte and you can afford it; Perfect for a date.
Caracas Arepa Bar: Venezuelan. 93 E 7th St @ Av A-1st Av; 25/14/$20; 529-2314; As good as Arepas (corn filled rounds with fillings) 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. Just wildly popular and authentic; Happy Hour drinks include $2 beers and a carafe of Rum Punch for $16;
Haveli: Indian. 100 2nd Av @ 6th; 24/17/$31; 982-0533; Love this place; Upscale for the neighborhood; Nicest of the 6th Street Indian restaurants; Large menu of cared for dishes; Perfectly spiced; Two levels- spacious setting. Tasteful décor. Try the Rogan Josh or Saag paneer. This place remains somewhat of a hidden gem and the best date-option for Indian in curry alley.
Banjara: Indian. 97 1st Av @ 6th; 22/15/$32; 477-5956; Impressive Indian; Vividly spiced food; Fancier décor than competition on 6th Street(Indian alley); Staff makes effort to please you. The butter chicken stands out; Large menu of most popular items; Excellent vegetarian dishes; Northern Indian focus; Dumpakht is on the menu – like an Indian pot pie (rare).
Mancora: Peruvian. 99 1st Av @ 6th St; 21/15/$31; 253-1011; 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. Try their excellent ceviche; Candle lit décor and somewhat trendy; You can order half a Rotisserie chicken with a side for $8!! 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; 24/15/$35; 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. The famous standard Chicken Tiki Masala excellent here; Pillowy Naan selections that are made for the curries.
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. Injera bread is light and flavorful.
Buenos Aires: Argentinean. 513 6th St @ Ave A-B; 22/15/$38; 228-2775; Under the radar; Authentic local cuisine; Grilled meats and perfection in empanadas; Succulent steaks- best being the skirt steak; Carnivores playground; Large, inexpensive wine list. Short ribs, and shrimp in garlic butter also outstanding; Even have a few pasta dishes and seafood selections. Something for everyone.
Jack’s Luxury Oyster Bar: Seafood / French. 101 2nd Av @ 5-6th; 26/15/$65; 979-1012; One of the most highly rated restaurants on MenuPages, Zagats and Yelp; Small plates of French influenced seafood dishes from owners of Jewel Bako; Way to go is to get the $50 tasting menu and sit at the bar; Restaurant is ultra small and cramp and seats 24; Limited menu in general; No website; However, food is works of art.
Mermaid Inn: Seafood. 96 2nd Av @ 5-6th; 22/18/$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. $1 Oysters at happy hour; Get the “Mermaid Mary” – variation on the Bloody; Bitburger beer on tap; Seared calamari; Lobster risotto; Bone-in pork chop; Fish tacos; Blackener catfish; Lobster & Truffle Mac n Cheese; Decent atmosphere!
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; 26/22/$55; 979-1012; Sushi so fresh it seems alive; Omakase is $52 or $95. A la carte – affordable. Considered the #1 sushi place downtown; Gorgeous bamboo setting; Epic good quality. Michelin 1-star; Chic setting lined with bamboo- though small; I suggest getting the Makimono Omakase (1 of each of the 9 large rolls) and the Selection of Sushi or Sashimi if you are a party of two- about $80 in total. Start with Miso!
Degustation: French. 239 E 5th @ 2nd-3rd Av; 27/21/$71; 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. Five course tasting menu ($50); Ten course as well ($75); Not for groups; You leave yourselves in the hands of the chefs when you come here (and eat in front of them too).
Lavagna:
Italian. 545 E 5th @ Av A-B; 24/19/$44; 979-1005; Intimate Italian; Wine List is outstanding; Value priced top notch food; Ideal date spot; Wonderfully prepared food. Diamond in the ruff. Wine list filled with top choices, well priced; $32 prix fixe from 6-7pm daily; Menu is full of creative dishes, but is somewhat limited in scope. Euzkadi: Spanish. 108 E 4th @ 1-2nd; 20/18/$37; 982-9788; Tapas central served with wonderful sangria; What a fun, upbeat setting; Great prices and an overall solid Spanish experience. Popular for parties; Live Flamenco Tuesdays; Duck meatballs are incredible; Cool, dark, hip setting- major date scene/ hipster spot; Fairly large menu and something for everyone to enjoy.
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. Across from the ever-popular Joe’s Pub so the crowd is trendy and usually noisy. Mixed service but overall reliable. Been around forever.
Butter: American. 415 Lafayette @ Astor-4th St; 22/23/$63; 253-2828; Besides excellent food, this is a hot nightlife destination; Cathedral-like ground floor- beautiful; Two other dining rooms too, each with own ambiance; Mac n Cheese as a side; Lots of steaks on menu; Limited entrée selection; $90 5-course tasting menu; The $14 cocktails are actually incredible; Pricy – but ideal date/ pre-evening hot spot.
Chinatown Brasserie: Chinese. 380 Lafayette @ Great Jones; 22/22/$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. The large array of dumplings are the signature here; Great for large groups; Like dining in a movie set. Easily the ‘coolest’ Chinese in area. Fantastic cocktails.
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; Doubles as a wine bar; The menu has many creative entrees that are sure to satisfy; Worth a look. Ossobuco, Lamb Chops…all top shelf. Stuffed calamari…mmm; Have a tasting menu.
DBGB: French. 299 Bowery @ 1st Av – Houston; 22/23/$50; 933-5300; Semi-open kitchen; More of a gastropub with a beer sommelier; Décor is the restaurants supplies stocked on shelves all around you – cool look; Meat-centric menu featuring an incredible burger; Try the ‘whole hog’ dinner for multiple guests; Lots of sausage entrees; Great menu as a whole & affordable for “Daniel”.
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; 21/20/$33; 253-5410; Cool, almost spiritual décor inside; North African, French cuisine; Great spices; Tasty – unique food to try. Bargain- try couscous royale entrée. Most dishes served in Tapas style – small plates; Features a pretty back garden and recent menu improvements add Spanish entrees as well. Grilled Calamari salad; Lots of expensive meat entrees under $20. Perbacco: Italian. 234 E 4th St @ Av A-B; 24/18/$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. Crème Brulee dessert is tops; Flash fried Calamari, shrimp and scallops; Grilled shrimp; Trio of Bruschette; Some brilliante dishes here; Unique menu – try it.
Five Points: American. 31 Great Jones (3rd St) @ Bowery-Lafayette; 24/21/$47; 253-5700; New American cuisine; Incredible Brunch- possibly the best in the city; Large, open kitchen; Skylit location; Eclectic Menu & popular with stylish crowd; Brook running through middle; Top notch service; Seasonal menu. Service as good as the menu; Go for brunch if your 1st time; Same owners as Cookshop.
Bond Street:
Japanese. 6 Bond (2nd St) @ Lafayette (NoHo); 25/23/$61; 777-2500; Stylish, sexy set-up; Trendy, unique sushi selections; Hip and popular; Cool downstairs lounge and this place features all-star level people watching; Impress a date; Not extremely roomy so reserve; Japanese small plates as well. Food wise, besides Sushi, the Chilean sea bass is outstanding as are the spicy crispy shrimps.
Mercat: Spanish. 45 Bond St @ Bowery-Lafayette; 21/20/$47; 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. Very popular on Yelp; Not a tapas place per se – more for a standard prepared meal. Excellent rice based dishes and innovative website.
Il Buco:
Italian. 47 Bond St (2nd St) @ Bowery-Lafayette; 26/24/$62; 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 (400 labels). They have a romantic wine cellar perfect for a party; Celeb magnet;
Supper:
Italian. 156 2nd St @ Av A-B; 25/19/$38; 477-7600; Inexpensive amazing Italian; Wine bar next door while you wait for a table; Incredible pastas. Simple yet superb; Always packed; Cash only; No Rez; You really feel like you are in Italy – date friendly – cozy atmosphere; Tons of daily specials; Mozzarella to die for; Seared & sautéed Calamari; Not a huge menu but specials rule the day.
Il Bagatto: Italian. 192 2nd St @ Av A-B; 24/16/$38; 228-0977; Down to earth, unreal good food; Classic selections; Reasonably priced wines. Famed for homemade pastas; One of the most popular dishes is the Grilled Calamari; Fairly tight seating so go early! Pleasant service; Not a huge menu but overall outstanding; After dinner drink selection caught my eye.
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; You must try the Bloody Mary (10 types to pick from) & order Eggs Benedict; Epic food; Too small- 10 tables; Food produced is work of art. Go early or be prepared to wait; Dinner is New American – casual setting.
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. Though the food isn’t gourmet – it is overall excellent ‘typical’ Mexican; Nothing is bad – all is what you expect in a festive environment; Perfect for group parties and event; Bar scene is solid.
