Restaurants - West & Central Village

WEST & CENTRAL VILLAGE (N of Houston to 12th; Layfayette West)

Ajna Bar: Asian. 25 Little W 12^th @ 9^th Av; 20/25/$60; 646-416-6002; Buddakhan version 2.0. You enter through a gorgeous slate hallway featuring buddahs; Dining room is picture-perfect and the Buddah bar is a great scene and place to start with a drink; Food is quite good as well; Service is mixed & it can be pricy; But, ideal for a date/ romantic (if loud) dining experience; Go on a Sunday-Thursday when its not as crowded for more attention. Menu features Sushi, Duck, Lamb – full sized dishes.

Paradou: French. 8 Little W 12^th @ Greenwich-Wash; 21/18/$46; 463-8345; Known for their brunch which features unlimited Champagne and breakfast for $29; True French bistro fare; Small-ish menu for dinner though it does feature my favorites: Oxtail Stew, Lamb Spare Ribs, and a Shell Steak with Potatos au Gratin; Also have an outside garden; Go for brunch!

Pastis: French. 9 9^th Av @ 12^th; 21/21/$47; 929-4844; Known as a top scale brunch spot; Celebs, models and Eurotrash; Bistro feel in tradition of Balthazar; Keith McNally owned; Open all the time; Essentially an upscale French diner. Parisian fix. Least crowded for breakfast and very loud at dinner; Best thing on the menu is the perfect French Onion Soup; Mixed service.

Barbuto: Italian. 775 Washington @ Jane-W 12^th; 924-9700; 23/19/$50; Beautiful setting, especially in summer; Freshly prepared meals with stunning presentation. Season-driven kitchen with unique entrees; Eclectic scene; Signature dish is Pollo al Forno; Top Chef winner Jonathan Waxman; Cool location set in a converted garage – which is opened in the summer. Superb wine list. Limited menu.

Malatesta Trattoria: Italian. 649 Washington Av @ Christopher; 24/17/$35; 741-1207; Hugely popular, this classic West Village red-sauce / red wine mecca serves amazingly inventive and tasty meals; Outdoor seating available. Features grilled calamari, spinach gnocchi and a cash only policy; Country house feel inside; Lots of specials; Fairly uncomplicated menu with Italian all-time classics.

Fatty Crab: Malaysian; 643 Hudson @ Gansevoort-Horatio; 22/13/$39; 352-3590; Street food; Incredible Brunch on weekends; Limited menu of Malaysian street classics; So good and unique. Chili Crab; Short Ribs; No Rez but quick turnover.

Wallse: Austrian. 344 W 11^th St @ Washington; 26/22/$69; 352-2300; Kurt Gutenbrunner owned free trip to Vienna (plus restaurant tab); Intensely authentic; Charming, semi-formal setting. One of the city’s best wine lists; Artful décor.

Antica Venezia: Italian; 396 West St @ W 10^th; 22/20/$52; 229-0606; Incredible service and décor in this romantic charmer; Great view of the Hudson and ideal romance spot. Anniversary heaven; Pastas and grilled entrees are wonderful; Extras – gratis cordials; Just a solid date spot. Menu features numerous classic Italian selections to please any palate; Reliable and consistent.

Morandi: Italian. 211 Waverly @ Charles; 22/20/$53; 627-7575; Very nicely presented dinner menu; Also brunch, lunch and a bar scene; Keith McNally inspired; Rustic Italian in a high energy setting; Very popular, and magnetic space. Very pleasant décor – comfortable – and great service; Tremendous appetizers including grilled calamari and octopus;

Perry St: American/ New French; 176 Perry @ West; 25/24/$67; 352-1900; From the Jean-George empire; Perfect service and an elegant, awe inspiring setting; NY Times 3 stars; Way far west location; Prix Fixe options; Crispy Calamari; Chili Crab Dumplings; Weekend brunch – 2 small plates & dessert for $28; Sea Bass, Crusted Tuna; Poached Lobster; Grilled Cod; Stirip Steak; Short Ribs & even a cheeseburger.

Gusto: Italian. 60 Greenwich @ Perry; 23/21/$53; 924-8000; Like dining in Italy; Fantastic brunches featuring multiple Bloody Mary types & 1 hour unlimited drinks; Pastas are rustic with such things as wild boar & oxtail ragus; Large, fun menu, complex at times; Wine list is strong; Large open space; Try it for lunch or a long dinner with friends. Lots of specials. Fun, fun scene.

Grano Trattoria: Italian. 21 Greenwich @ W 10^th; 23/18/$40; 645-2121; Packed with local regulars; Known for brick over pizzas; Homemade pastas; Large, huge menu; Like dining in someone’s living room. The style of a suburban Italian restaurant. Everything on the menu, everything affordable. Perfect for diners with discernable tastes. Ideal for lunch or dinner.

Piccolo Angolo: Italian. 621 Hudson @ Jane; 25/13/$39; 229-9177; Great food; Neighborhood spot; Tiny and Popular; Fun staff; Red sauce classics featuring giant sized meatballs; Food expertly prepared. Family style servings; Make a Rez and go early to avoid crowded setting; Lobster cannelloni; Garlic bread perfection; Very highly rated – very popular. Very casual – perfect spot for fun time.

Mole: Mexican. 57 Jane @ Hudson; 24/17/$34; 206-7577; Patrons rave the cooking at this mini-chain is as authentic Mexican as it gets; Friendly, speedy service and a huge menu make the experience worthwhile; Fish or crab tacos stand out; Memorable salsa; Giant portions; Fun atmosphere.

Casa: Brazilian. 72 Bedford @ Commerce; 22/20/$43; 366-9410; Diamond in the ruff; Truly delicious food for the genre; Not just meat/ steak dishes- menu has many traditional Bahia and Minas offerings; Seafood stew is tops. So are the caipirinhas. The concentration is on a unique, authentic experience. The feel is one of a Brazilian home and you’ll receive home cooking!

EN Japanese Brasserie: Japanese. 435 Hudson @ Leroy; 24/25/$59; 647-9196; Gorgeous interior- large and spacious; Tapas like small plates; Décor is outstanding and transporting- recreation of a Japanese home & pond; Sushi & more. Tons of Sake on menu; Extremely popular and great for big groups; Love the Sashimi small plates: 5 pieces for $22-25 and 15 for $39; Menu has a large mix of selections.

Dell’Anima: Italian. 38 8^th Av @ Jane; 24/19/$52; 366-6633; Quaint, high end newcomer; Exquisite ingredients used in unique preparations; Bruchetta is excellent; Dinner can be pricy if you order wine. Ever improving quality; Sexy crowd in this date friendly West Villager; Go next door to Andora- their sister bar for a drink while waiting; Weekend brunch. Clean, non-descript setting; Striped Bass- yum.

Tartine: French. 253 W 11^th St @ W 4^th St; 22/14/$30; 229-2611; Dirt Cheap French Bistro; BYOB policy & no Rez; Saucy chicken in garlic white wine; Packed always; Simple classics.

The Place: Mediterranean. 310 W 4^th @ Bank-12^th St; 22/23/$47; 924-2711; Ideal date setting – super romantic and cool; Fireplace dining in winter, outdoor in summer available; Char grilled calamari & tiger shrimp; Sexy scene with top service to boot. Braised Short Ribs; Hanger Steak; Seared Scallops; Very good brunch menu; Cod, salmon and a “loaded Seafood” dish. Mmmm.

El Charro Espanol: Spanish. 4 Charles @ Greenwich-7^th Av; 22/15/$42; 242-9547; Reminds one of old Spain; Spanish classics, tapas and more; Great drinks in this hidden gem. Rustic basement scene; Been around forever; Shrimp Ajillo, the paellas, and Sangria are all outstanding. Also top notch are the Margaritas- famous for them here. Huge, huge menu.

Ofrenda: Mexican. 113 7^th Av @ Christopher-W 10^th; 25/18/$39; 924-2305; Upscale moder Mexican with a happening happy hour from 4-7pm daily with $5 Margaritas and wine/ sangria; Most main courses under $20 with $30 quality; Then bend over backwards to serve you well; These guys get it – Mexican at its best and not overpriced. (as it shouldn’t be).

I Sodi: Italian. 105 Christopher @ Bleecker; 25/17/$56; 414-5774; The house special is the artichoke lasagna; Smallish place that gets crowded; Maybe the way to go is to eat at the beautiful bar; Foodies love the place; Somewhat of a limited menu but nice for a casual date; Creative wine list; Antipasta is delicious with cheeses and meats galore.

Sevilla: Spanish. 62 Charles @ W 4^th; 22/14/$38; 929-3189; Garlic lover’s paradise; Sangria is strong and flavorful; Tasty food; Friendly service. Genuine paella. Been around since 1941.

Mary’s Fish Camp: Seafood. 64 Charles @ W 4^th; 25/13/$41; 646-486-2185; Unreal Lobster Rolls – get it - $30 for the roll with fries; Fish Shack – laid back; Not formal; Always packed as food is that good. Huge menu of all seafood. Small place; Whole fish amazing- tilapia, red snapper. Plenty of other selections on the menu as well – all mouthwatering.

Extra Virgin: Mediterranean. 259 W 4^th @ Charles-Perry; 21/17/$42; 691-9359; Sexy environment and scene; Sunday Brunch is famous; Excellent fare & outdoor seating in summer. Fries with Gorgonzola fondue; Sweet-pea Risotto; Fish dishes, pasta…has it all; Try the

Chilean Sea Bass; Always crowded

and ever popular; Rare Yellowfin tuna; Fairly tight seating so go off hours.

Annisa: American; 13 Barrow @ 7^th Av & W 4^th; 28/24/$77; 741-6699; Very expensive but so highly reviewed: Michelin 1 star; Foodies dream; Complex dishes impeccably prepared; $75 5-course tasting menu; Chef Anita Lo shines; Check out menu on line- fabulous; First class service and stylish, modern décor; Incredible restaurant; 12 tables- make a Rez; Entrees- $30-$36;

Commerce: American. 50 Commerce @ Barrow; 23/20/$59; 524-2301; What a fantastic brunch place; Also, known for an incredible bread basket; No cash policy; Gorgeous neo-modern space with murals on the walls; This is a proper new-American restaurant- large list of appetizers that all sound delicious and creative, but with ingredients we all know; Cheese platters available; Mmm desserts.

Sushi Samba: Japanese. 87 7^th Av @ Barrow; 21/20/$46; 691-7885; Fancy, cool & trendy; Date Spot; Great food; Party atmosphere; Brazil inspired sushi joint; High energy; Fancy drinks; Great for groups. Bachelorette parties; You pay for the scene as much as the food. Food has gone down hill a bit but its still a fun weekend date spot. Rooftop in the summer.

Market Table: American. 54 Carmine @ Bedford; 23/20/$49; 255-2100; Very popular space started by two successful chefs; Top service, New American menu; Barnyard-chic décor; Seafood is outstanding. Great setting for a meal with friends or a date; Somewhat of a limited menu; Old Bay fries and sautéed broccoli rabe are amazing sides; Short ribs, Sea Bream, Halibut, Scallops. Brunch menu.

Blue Ribbon Bakery: American. 35 Downing St @ Bedford; 24/19/$43; 337-0404; Bistro-bakery – don’t eat too much bread! Perfect for brunch- massive menu featuring many sandwiches and served Saturday as well; Thriving vibe; Huge appetizer list; Wonderful cheese selections that can be ordered for table; Fresh fish, lamb and steak available; Large dessert menu;

Mas: American. 39 Downing St @ Bedford; 27/24/$85; 255-1790; Market driven cuisine with freshest ingredients; Six course tasting menu ($95); Four course prix fixe for $68; Epic wine list; Expensive so beware; Extremely well reviewed across the board; You can order a la carte as well; Check out website – well described menu that gets the mouth watering.

Snack Taverna: Greek. 63 Bedford @ 7^th Av; 22/16/$41; 929-3499; Laid back feel but still top notch Greek dishes; Gourmet all the way without the over the top Greek stereotype. Café setting, similar to being in a store. Incredible Moussaka. French-inspired dishes. All-Greek wine list.

Babbo: Italian. 110 Waverly Pl @ MacDougal-6^th; 27/23/$78; 777-0303; Mario Batali’s flagship Restaurant; Wildly popular; Epic food; Flawless service; Carriage house setting; Probably overpriced for quality. Received 3 stars from NY Times; Truly an experience to dine here; Pasta ($69) and traditional ($75) tasting menus available; Oxtail gnocchi; Quite a large menu for a top restaurant.

North Square: American. 103 Waverly @ MacDougal; 23/19/$47; 254-1200; They try to pass off as a quaint American bistro with great service and they succeed; Excelltn Brunch menu - $20 prix fixe includes a drink; Very nice dinner menu: Grilled Shrimp, Lobster Risotto, Tuna Tartare, Lots of salads, Roasted

Lobster, Short Ribs, Duck breast, Cod, Filet, Yellowfin Tuna, Rack of Lamb, Scallops, Arctic Char.

Blue Hill: American. 75 Washington Pl @ MacDougal-6^th Av; 27/24/$82; 539-1776; Michelin gives it 1 star and NY Times 3 stars; Farm to table philosophy; Freshest possible seasonal ingredients; Celeb hot spot but unpretentious; Well presented, smallish portions; Haut cuisine for sure; Critically acclaimed; Limited menu so check online 1^st but what is served, is memorable!

Little Owl: American. 90 Bedford @ Grove; 25/18/$54; 741-4695; Mediterranean influenced; Extremely tiny (10 tables) but epic good food; Soft Shell crab; Intricate cuisine; Flawless preparation. Bone-in pork chop stands out; Try brunch here… outstanding; Foodies flock here; Wildly popular and with limited space so reserve in advance; Skillet braised calamari; Lobster risotto; Fish options.

Surya: Indian. 302 Bleecker @ Grove-7^th; 23/18/$34; 807-7770; Vege dishes great; Brunch or buffet on weekends; Patio seating; Indian at its best. Extremely affordable; Large menu. Clay oven wonders are created. $11 weekend lunch buffet can’t be beat; Amazing location near all the Bleecker Street action; Naan is heavenly; Reliable Indian fare – only average décor.

Mercadito Grove: Mexican. 100 7^th Av @ Bleecker; 23/16/$37; 647-0830; You must order the famous guacamole tasting (3 types, $13); Mini portions of tacos that are out of this world; Prime outdoor seating; Extremely affordable; Weekend brunch; Potent Margaritas, lots of Tequila; Fun, party atmosphere that ensures a good time in this casual setting.

Fish: Seafood. 280 Bleecker @ Jones; 21/14/$36; 727-2879; Dive Seafood restaurant/ Comfort food; Provides a relaxed Environment but still nice enough for a fun date; New England Seaside shack; Truly quality food. Try the Lobster feast or selections from the raw bar; Red White & Blue special: $8 for ½ dozen oysters & a wine or beer. Very affordable pricing makes this place a must try. Noon-4pm, all u can eat Blue Crabs $21.95!

Perilla: American. 9 Jones St @ Bleecker-W 4^th; 26/21/$56; 929-6868; Owned by Top Chef TV show winner Harold Dieterle; Huge hit, and popular New-American spot; Small space; Complex, unique dishes. Often changing menu- see online. Grilled Branzino often on menu; Dark Chocolate Souffle; Spicy Duck Meatballs; Duck Breast entrée; Just 18 tables – make a Rez; 6 course tasting menu for $70 is a great deal. True winner of a restaurant.

Po: Italian. 31 Cornelia @ Bleecker – W 4^th; 24/16/$48; 645-2189; Close to perfect cooking; $50 6-course tasting menu way to go; Extremely small place; Always packed; Famous white bean bruschetta; Extremely romantic; What this place is, is a true West Village experience; Great service, unique menu and excellent cooking; Menu is seasonal so check website.

Palma: Italian. 28 Cornelia @ Bleecker; 22/20/$53; 691-2223; Known for mouth watering Sicilian specialties; Mediterranean influenced food; Adoring staff, happy to serve you; Garden in summer; Romantic- it’s like dining in Italian countryside; Smallish. Buffalo Mozz; Homemade dumplings & pastas; Sea Bass; Fisherman’s stew. Somewhat of a limited menu.

Home: American. 20 Cornelia @ 4^th St; 22/17/$42; 243-9579; Midwestern style roasted chicken; Mac ‘n’ cheese in a skillet is all the rave; Genius takes on comfort food; Eclectic menu; Fabulous brunch. Intimate setting; Short ribs to die for; Try the back patio or go off hours for more privacy; About 10 appetizers and 10 main courses to choose from.

Pearl Oyster Bar: Seafood. 18 Cornelia @ Bleecker- W 4^th; 26/15/$43; 691-8211; Unreal quality; Known for a perfect Lobster Roll; Fresh fish; Long waits to get in… but worth it! Informal – New

England seafood; No Rez; Lives up to the reputation. Insanely popular; Closed Sunday; Here is your order:

Combo seafood Cocktail & New England Clam Chowder – then Lobster Roll with shoestring fries.

Le Gigot: French. 18 Cornelia @ Bleecker- W 4th; 24/19/$54; Small place, only 11 tables, but cozy location; Incredible food; Not a huge menu but contains classics – duck, escargots etc; Parisian experience. Great staff. Very romantic environment; Lobster always on the menu; Lunch and Brunch menus available as well.

Aki: Japanese. 181 W 4^th @ Barrow-Jones; 25/15/$44; 989-5440; Small but amazing; Unique selections; Gorgeous preparation. Sushi that melts in your mouth with a Caribbean influence.. Discount pre-theatre prix fixe. Seats under 20 people but perfecto service. Above Down the Hatch bar; Universal rave reviews; Due to size, go on off-hours or weekday; Food gorgeously prepared.

Betel: Asian. 51 Grove @ Bleecker-7^th Av; 23/24/$53; 352-0460; Southeast Asian cuisine is a hip, date friendly setting; Exotic cocktails made from fresh ingredients; Hip, new spot; Food is an eclectic mix of creatively devised dishes including pork & scallop dumplings; poached chicken and crab salad and stir fried snapper; Beef ribs, Duck and some more traditional dishes served; Smallish menu for Asian.

Las Ramblas: Spanish. 170 W 4^th @ Jones-Cornelia; 23/15/$38; 646-415-7924; Under the radar; Modern Tapas; Amazing Sangria; Service is friendly – like Barcelona! Incredibly small- prepare to wait to be seated. Uncomfortable Stools; If I go back – will be at an off hour for comfort and to take advantage of amazing service. Tons to choose from.

Yama: Japanese. 38-40 Carmine @ Bedford-Bleecker; 23/13/$40; 989-9330; Sushi/ Sashimi ate “whale size” and scrumptiously fresh as if caught a few blocks away; Great value if not a stunning looker of a place. Often has lines and tight quarters.

Marinella: Italian. 49 Carmine @ Bedford; 22/16/$41; 807-7472; Wonderful home feel- you will feel like a regular; Northern & Southern Italian; So friendly as well; Like a living room. Blackboard menu; Relaxing vibe. Complimentary bruschetta; Favored by locals; Service can be a bit slow. Try the Veal Scaloppine Alla Valdostana or Smoked Mozz;

Do Hwa: Korean. 55 Carmine @ Bedford-7^th Av; 21/19/$38; 414-1224; Amazing BBQ meats; Grill it yourself; Younger, pre-club crowd; Unique cocktails. As authentic as Korean BBQ gets- without the madness of

Korea town; Modern décor. Kimchi considered outstanding. More of a pleasant ambience than many

of its competitors.

Soto: Japanese. 357 6^th Av @ Washington Pl– W 4^th; 26/20/$70; 414-3088; Adventurous sushi and rolls; Inventive and melt in your mouth good; Perfect cooked dishes as well; Visually stunning; Dishes considered works of art.

Alta: Mediterranean; 64 W 10^th St @ 5^th-6^th Av; 24/23/$46; 505-7777; Scrumptious Med small plates; Fireplace highlights a homey-décor; Romantic – order wine and relax; Seafood specialist. More spacious than your usual tapas-style restaurant; Cocktails/ wine: $11; Tapas – about 40+ to choose from, $5-$14… great prices considering the overall dining experience. Just terrific. Large dessert menu. Date central.

CamaJe: French. 85 MacDougal @ Bleecker-Houston; 22/16/$37; 673-8184; American twists to the food; Bistro feel and setting; Walls adorned with artists’ works; Romantic, like a Paris street. Lamb stew amazing. Menu is very eclectic with tons of varieties and categories of food including Mac N Cheese; Paninis; Cheese and meat plates; and seafood; The chef offers cooking classes; Small location and cheap.

Mamoun’s Falafel: Middle East. 119 MacDougal @ Minetta; 24/8/$17; 674-8685; The best damn falafel in the city; Known as a late-night haunt; Perfect for lunch or walking with on the street; Tasty beyond belief. Wildly popular.

Minetta Tavern: French. 113 MacDougal @ Bleecker-W 3^rd; 25/21/$65; Michelin 1 star rated, NY Times 3 stars; Keith McNally’s best restaurant; Ultra cool & trendy Village environment; The $26 Black Label Burger is amazing; This place keeps getting better; Known for Bone Marrow as well; Braised Short Ribs; Basically, the place is like a French steakhouse meets a NYC tavern. Beer $8, cocktails $15.

Il Mulino: Italian. 86 W 3^rd St @ Sullivan – Thompson; 27/19/$85; 673-3783; Epic quality food; Surprisingly large portions, often too big to finish; Impossibly tender osso buco falling off the bone with risotto; Effortless service, quality wine; Every dish is sparkling with quality. Works of art. Worth the $$ splurge. 2-3 free appetizers brought to table to start meal; Order off the daily specials!

Otto: Pizza. 1 Fifth Av @ 8^th St; 23/19/$38; 995-9559; Mario Batali owned; Gourmet Pizzas and great pastas; Dirt cheap for quality; North side of Wash Sq park; Great for parties. Designer pies; Incredible wine list – endlessly long; They also offer superior Gelato; Also a nice bar to have a drink sans pizza if you prefer; Detractors say the quality doesn’t match the prices.

Cuba: Cuban. 222 Thompson @ Bleecker; 22/19/$39; 420-7878; Mojitos rule the place; Lively, fun; Live music. The salsa and the halibut stand out; Authentic island tastes; Every night a party here. Consider trying one of the Paellas – seafood galore; Under the radar in terms of quality; Certainly a great place to consider for a fun Friday or Saturday night with friends. Large menu.

Tomoe Sushi: Japanese. 172 Thompson @ Bleecker-Houston; 25/8/$41; 777-9346; Affordable; Monster-sized, perfect sushi; Shoebox sized place, always with lines; Just off the boat fresh; Wondrous quality; Go off-peak hours.

Lupa: Italian. 170 Thompson @ Bleecker – Houston; 24/18/$52; 982-5089; Extremely good; Affordable pricing for quality; Popular, date central, hot spot; Compared to Babbo; Hospitality top shelf; Tough to get a table- they do take walk-ins if you go early; Perfect rustic Italian fare- Mario Batali influenced. Portions not huge but dishes always filled with flavor. Lamb short ribs delicious.

Jane: American. 100 W Houston @ LaGuardia-Thompson; 22/17/$40; 254-7000; Amazing, imaginative, and fairly priced American classics like the Jane Burger; Hanger Steak; and Ahi Tuna; Top of the line Brunch; Friendly staff; Great selection. Go for lunch or brunch only to get the best experience; Satisfying and inexpensive; French Toast and Bloody Marys stand out.

Negril: Jamaican. 70 W 3^rd St @ LaGuardia; 20/17/$34; 228-9440; Large Caribbean clientele; Jamaican/ Caribbean food; Reggae Cool; Jerk chicken and shrimp and a solid breakfast. My favorite: Oxtail Stew; To drink – Rum Punch, so good; Jerk it up at this fun alternative; Seafood Creole is amazing; Red Snapper; Curry Goat Stew; Other chicken and lamb dishes. Live Reggae on Wed; Rum lounge to chill in.

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