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| WEST & CENTRAL VILLAGE (N of Houston to 12th; Layfayette West) Jarnac: French. 328 W 12th @ Greenwich; 23/20/$52; 924-3413; Neighborhood spot; Romantic; Worth every penny; Quaint. Jarnac BLT with unique ingredients; Ever-changing menu; Bistro heaven. Pastis: French. 9 9th Av @ 12th; 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. Barbuto: Italian. 775 Washington @ Jane-W 12th; 924-9700; 22/18/$50; Beautiful setting, especially in summer; Freshly prepared meals with stunning presentation. Season-driven kitchen with unique entrees; Eclectic scene Malatesta Trattoria: Italian. 649 Washington Av @ Christopher; 23/16/$32; 741-1207; Hugely popular, this classic West Village red-sauce / red wine mecca serves amazingly inventive and tasty meals; Outdoor seating available. 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. La Ripaille: French. 605 Hudson @ Bethune-W 12th; 23/20/$48; 255-4406; Like visiting a quaint French village Bistro in France; Traditional dishes; Amazing service. Warm, cozy- a neighborhood standby. Wallse: Austrian. 344 W 11th 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 10th; 23/23/52; 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. 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. Gusto: Italian. 60 Greenwich @ Perry; 22/20/$53; 924-8000; Like dining in Italy; Fantastic brunches featuring multiple Bloody Mary types; Pastas are rustic with such things as wild boar & oxtail ragus; Large, fun menu, complex at times; Wine list.
Grano Trattoria: Italian. 21 Greenwich @ W 10th; 23/18/$40; 645-2121; Packed with local regulars; Known for brick over pizzas; Homemade pastas; Large menu; Like dining in someone’s living room. 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. Mexicana Mama: Mexican. 525 Hudson @ Charles-10th; 23/13/$35; 924-4119; Creative, Fantastic, affordable food; Tiny, cramp. Mouthwatering Dishes. Best for lunch or non-formal dinner; Outstanding food; Chile roasted tacos. Casa: Brazilian. 72 Bedford @ Commerce; 24/20/$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. EN Japanese Brasserie: Japanese. 435 Hudson @ Leroy; 23/25/$55; 647-9196; Gorgeous; Tapas like small plates; Décor is outstanding and transporting- recreation of a Japanese home & pond; Sushi & more. Large, spacious spot. Tons of Sake. Dell’Anima: Italian. 38 8th Ave @ Jane; 22/18/$53; 366-6633; Quaint, high end newcomer; Exquisite ingredients used in unique preparations; Bruchetta is excellent; Dinner can be pricy if you order wine. Tartine: French. 253 W 11th St @ W 4th 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 4th @ Bank-12th 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. El Charro Espanol: Spanish. 4 Charles @ Greenwich-7th Av; 22/15/$42; 242-9547; Reminds one of old Spain; Spanish classics, tapas and more; Great drinks; Hidden gem. Rustic basement scene; Been around forever; Garlic city. Maremma; Italian. 228 W 10th St @ Bleecker; 22/21/$53; 645-0200; An energetic owner pays homage to a cowboy region of Italy on Tuscan coast; Different spin on dishes; Colorful and flavorful specials; Unique Italian experience- downstairs better; Sevilla: Spanish. 62 Charles @ W 4th; 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 4th; 25/13/$41; 646-486-2185; Unreal Lobster Rolls; 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. Extra Virgin: Mediterranean. 259 W 4th @ Charles-Perry; 22/18/$42; 691-9359; Sexy environment and scene; Sunday Brunch; Excellent fare & outdoor seating in summer. Fries with Gorgonzola fondue; Sweet-pea Risotto; Fish dishes, pasta…has it all. Annisa: American; 13 Barrow @ 7th Av & W 4th; 27/23/77; 741-6699; Very expensive but so highly reviewed it makes it. Foodies dream; Complex dishes impeccably prepared; $75 tasting menu; Chef Anita Lo; Check out menu on line (click the name here!) Sushi Samba: Japanese. 87 7th Av @ Barrow; 22/21/$46; 691-7885; Fancy, cool & trendy; Date Spot; Great food; Party atmosphere; Brazil inspired sushi joint; High energy; Fancy drinks; Great for groups. Market Table: American. 54 Carmine @ Bedford; 23/19/$49; 255-2100; Very popular space started by two successful chefs; Top service, New American menu; Barnyard-chic décor; Seafood is outstanding. Snack Taverna: Greek. 63 Bedford @ 7th 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-6th; 26/23/$78; 777-0303; #1 in Zagat’s (not by Iannation) for Italian; Mario Batali’s Restaurant; Wildly popular; Epic food; Flawless service; Carriage house setting; The Village flagship of the Batali empire; Carriage house setting. Probably overpriced for quality. Little Owl: American. 90 Bedford @ Grove; 24/18/$54; 741-4695; Mediterranean influenced; Extremely tiny (10 tables) but epic good food; Soft Shell crab; Intricate cuisine; Flawless preparation. Surya: Indian. 302 Bleecker @ Grove-7th; 24/18/$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. Fish: Seafood. 280 Bleecker @ Jones; 21/14/$39; 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. Perilla: American. 9 Jones St @ Bleecker-W 4th; 25/20/$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. Po: Italian. 31 Cornelia @ Bleecker – W 4th; 24/16/$48; 645-2189; Close to perfect cooking; Small; $50 6-course tasting menu way to go; Extremely small place; Always packed. Palma: Italian. 28 Cornelia @ Bleecker; 23/20/$48; 691-2223; Known for mouth watering Sicilian specialties; Mediterranean influenced food; Adoring staff, happy to serve you; Garden in summer; Romantic- like dining in Italian countryside; Smallish. Home: American. 20 Cornelia @ 4th St; 22/17/$44; 243-9579; Midwestern style roasted chicken; Mac ‘n’ cheese in a skillet; Genius takes on comfort food; Eclectic menu; Fabulous brunch. Smallish. Pearl Oyster Bar: Seafood. 18 Cornelia @ Bleecker- W 4th; 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. Le Gigot: French. 18 Cornelia @ Bleecker- W 4th; 24/19/$53; Small place, only 11 tables, but cozy location; Incredible food; Not a huge menu but contains classics – duck, escargots etc; Parisian experience. Great staff. Aki: Japanese. 181 W 4th @ Barrow-Jones; 26/13/$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. Mercadito: Mexican. 100 7th Av @ Bleecker-Grove; 24/18/$39; Tapas-style; Margaritas are outstanding; Designer Tacos. Small plates of shareable Mexican food. Also, a cheese fondue; Open kitchen; Wild Ginger: Thai. 51 Grove @ Bleecker-7th Av; 20/18/$27; 367-7200; Can’t go wrong; Bottom prices; Relaxing; Tasty; Bamboo setting. Transforming experience it is not – but what Pad Thai. Las Ramblas: Spanish. 170 W 4th @ Jones-Cornelia; 23/17/36; 646-415-7924; Under the radar; Modern Tapas; Amazing Sangria; Service is friendly – like Barcelona! Incredibly small- prepare to wait to be seated. Stools. 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. Cabrito: Mexican. 50 Carmine @ Bedford-Bleecker; 22/17/$36; 929-5050; Mexican comfort food; Incredible tacos; Roasted goat; Wall tile décor but- Laid back, fun & tasty – what Mexican should be. Do Hwa: Korean. 55 Carmine @ Bedford-7th Av; 21/19/$38; 414-1224; Amazing BBQ meats; Grill it yourself; Younger, pre-club crowd; Unique cocktails. As authentic as Korean BBQ gets; Modern décor. Soto: Japanese. 357 6th Av @ Washington Pl– W 4th; 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 10th St @ 5th-6th Av; 23/22/$46; 505-7777; Scrumptious Med small plates; Fireplace highlights a homey-décor; Romantic – order wine and relax; Seafood specialist. CamaJe: French. 85 MacDougal @ Bleecker-Houston; 23/15/$35; 673-8184; American twists to the food; Bistro feel and setting; Walls adorned with artists’ works; Romantic, like a Paris street. Lamb stew amazing. 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. Il Mulino: Italian. 86 W 3rd St @ Sullivan – Thompson; 27/18/$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. Otto: Pizza. 1 Fifth Av @ 8th 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 wines Cuba: Cuban. 222 Thompson @ Bleecker; 22/20/$37; 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. 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; 25/18/$52; 982-5089; Impossibly good; Affordable pricing for quality; Popular, date central; Bohemian; Compared to Babbo; Hospitality top shelf; Tough to get a table- call a week ahead; Perfect rustic Italian fare- Mario Batali. 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. Negril: Jamaican. 70 W 3rd St @ LaGuardia; 20/17/$34; 228-9440; Large Caribbean clientele; Jamaican/ Caribbean food; Reggae Cool; Jerk chicken and a solid breakfast. Also a Chelsea location- see website. | |
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