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| SOHO/ TRIBECA (Houston to Canal; Layfayette and points west) Capsouto Freres: French. 451 Washington @ Watts; 24/23/$59; 966-4900; Renowned for their soufflé for dessert; Charming bistro worth the trip; Wonderful wines, beautiful décor and attentive service; Standard French fare including steaks frites; Welcoming bar scene; Been around since 1980; Just a solid, reliable option in TriBeCa that locals flock to. Estancia 460: Argentinean. 460 Greenwich @ Desbrosses-Watts; 21/15/$40; 431-5093; Rustic setting with outside seating; Hearty menu with Italian inspired dishes as well – many pasta options; Seared meats on the grill stand out. Portions are very large. There is a romantic vibe and setting and excellent service; Every Thursday – Strip SSteak for $19.95. Lunch and Brunch menus available. Dylan Prime: Steakhouse. 62 Laight @ Greenwich; 24/23/$66; 334-4783; TriBeCa location; Date friendly; Stylish and far less pretentious than others; Cool bar scene; Superb food; Feel of a lounge as much As steakhouse. Lobster & White Truffle Mac N Cheese side; Salmon Tuna tartare; Gorgeous dining room; Giant Martinis; Cheese Fondue appetizer; Rib Eye is excellent; Seared Yellowfin Tuna; Pick your own sauces; Tons of salads and sides. Female friendly. Sushi Azabu: Japanese. 428 Greenwich @ Laight; 25/21/$60; 274-0428; What a sleeper; On the ground floor is Japanese-Mediterranean fusion and downstairs is fresh from the Ocean sushi; They employ an attentive staff and the decor is relaxing and pleasant; Try the ‘Koi Course” with 10 pieces of sashimi to sample. Limited number of rolls; Better suited for those willing to try Omakase. Wolfgang’s Steakhouse: Steakhouse. 409 Greenwich @ Hubert; 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. Locanda Verde: Italian. 377 Greenwich @ Moore; Greenwich Hotel; 24/23/$59; 925-3797; Majorly popular hotspot; Celebrities and sexy cliental; Date central; Beautiful setting; Lamb meatball sliders and Sheep Milk’s Ricotta are standouts; Weekend brunch; Try Chef Andrew Carmellini’s “My Grandmother’s Ravioli” or one of the daily specials; Medium sized menu – check it out. Very unique offerings. Tribeca Grill: American. 375 Greenwich @ Franklin; 22/20/$58; 941-3900; DeNiro owned, classy New American restaurant. Spacious, reliable, great service, and an occasional celebrity. Seared sea scallops stand out; Extensive, pricy drink list. High end but quality. Flor de Sol: Spanish. 361 Greenwich @ Franklin; 22/20/$45; 366-1640; Excellent for Tapas served by an ultra sexy staff in a great date environment; Super strong Sangrias. Festive mood; Perfect for those looking for a large selection of Tapas. Wednesdays: Flamenco dancing and live music; Mojito-downing at the wooden bar. Try the skirt steak as well for a flavorful meal. Tuesdays: Martinis $6; Lychee Cosmos; The Harrison: American. 355 Greenwich @ Harrison; 24/21/$59; 274-9310; Upscale New American from new chef Jimmy Bradley; Limited menu of top prepared food; Like dining in the Hamptons; Great Appetizers including Buffalo Mozz;. From owners of The Red Cat restaurant in Chelsea; Pork Shank and Veal T-Bone and the Hanger steak stand out. VietCafe: Vietnamese. 345 Greenwich @ Harrison-Jay; 22/17/$33; 431-5888; Amazing for lunch featuring unbelievable sandwiches; Trendy looking spot for dinner; Modern preparations of Viet classics; Almost a brasserie feel. Open kitchen. Nobu: Japanese. 105 Hudson @ Franklin; 27/23/$83; 219-0500; Celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa owned; Peruvian influence; Off the chart good. Ridiculously fresh sushi and fish/ seafood dishes; Fancy & Trendy; Celeb Hot Spot; Go to Nobu, Next Door for slightly cheaper / same food at same address. All locations, now all over the world, provide that over the top experience, sponsored by Robert DeNiro. Zutto: Japanese. 77 Hudson @ Harrison; 21/17/$39; 233-3287; Perfect back up plan to Nobu in area; Truly delicious sushi selections; Unique specials; In business 28 years. TriBeCa favorite; No competition in this price range. Il Giglio: Italian. 81 Warren @ Greenwich; 25/19/$67; 571-5555; First up, the service will blow you away- super friendly and helpful; Outstanding food including a free antipasto; Veal chop stuffed with Mozz; Quaint setting that can be used for a date or family outing; Closed Sundays; Calamari Fra Diavolo is outstanding; Shrimp Scampi done different ways. Diamond in the ruff worth the trip.
Acappella: Italian. 1 Hudson @ Chambers; 25/22/$68; 240-0163; First up – gorgeous interior featuring well spaced tables and well lit brick walls on one side with paintings on others- old world feel; Tuxedoed waiters- amazing service; Free grappa after dinner; Not a huge menu (15 entrees) but wow; Veal Chop, Lamb Chop, Branzino, and pasta dishes… yum; Appetizers are flat out incredible. City Hall: Seafood. 131 Duane @ Church-WB-Way; 21/21/$57; 227-7777; First up – love the décor; Giant space with lots of room and a long, welcoming bar; Business types fill the place at lunch; Surf and Turf at its best- though price; Professional ‘America’ seafood house; Crab Cake stands out; 6-7 different cuts of steak available; Oysters and seafood raw towers; Even my fav, Lamb Shank on menu. Blaue Gans: Austrian. 139 Duane @ Church-W. BWay; 21/18/$47; 571-8880; Another Kurt Gutenbrunner owned Austrian restaurant; Cheaper than Wallse; The Schnitzel stands out. Sausage city; Berlin bistro setting; Great beer selection- 1 liter drafts available; Brunch and lunch available; Unique experience with so few German/Austrian restaurants in the city. Corton: French. 239 W B-Way @ Walker; 27/23/$115; 219-2777; Chef Paul Liebrandt and owner Drew Nieporent bring us this Michelin 2-star rated, NY Times 3-star rated masterpiece; 65-seat dining room with vaulted ceilings and vine and leaf embossed walls; Chef’s tasting menu ($155) or 3-course prix fixe ($85); Cocktails are in the $15 range so expect to sign over a paycheck; Seasonal menu – see website. Bouley: French. 163 Duane @ Hudson; 27/27/$100; 964-2525; Might bankrupt you but Michelin 1-star rated and NY Times 3-star rated food will always impress; Owned by master chef David Bouley; Country cooking at its finest; Ever-changing menu- see website; $36 prix-fixe lunch the way to go- or the tasting menu for dinner; Gorgeous setting and impeccable service; Go on- try it! Dungeness Crab appetizer. Ushi Wakamaru: Japanese. 136 W Houston @ MacDougal-Sullivan; 27/15/$70; 228-4181; Very small, under the radar Sushi star; Ultra fresh fish, possibly still alive; A la carte & omakase options; Super tasty rolls; Near perfection with Tokyo level quality. Giorgione: Italian. 307 Spring @ Greenwich-Hudson; 24/20/$45; 352-2269; Known for amazing Wood oven individual pizzas; Also showcase a mouthwatering array of pasta dishes and salads; Appetizers include Buffalo Mozz and a great Lobster, Crabmeat Calamari and Shrimp salad; Kind service is a hip west Soho location complete the scene. Nice wine list. Aquagrill: Seafood. 210 Spring @ 6th Av; 27/19/$58; 274-0505; Fish heaven; Raw bar- endless oyster selection; Popular and always packed; Seafood still fighting for life on your plate it’s so fresh; Two levels – date friendly; Extremely helpful staff to educate you on fish. Ever-improving quality and reputation; Quality of service elevates them; Crabcakes beyond outstanding; Splurge on the seafood plateau. Blue Ribbon: American. 97 Sullivan @ Prince-Spring; 26/18/$52; 274-0404; Late night dining specialists; Eclectic menu including Fried Chicken, Cheese Fondue, Oxtail, Burgers, Lobster...has it all! Fairly small in size; Tons of items to choose from- huge menu; Oyster perfection; Just a fabulous restaurant – nothing wrong; Even pigeon on the menu. Raw bar. Blue Ribbon Sushi: Japanese. 119 Sullivan @ Prince-Spring; 26/19/$58; 343-0404; Fresh Sushi, known for possibly the best Sashimi in Manhattan; Works of art; Mind blowingly good; So very fresh your order may swim to you. Cooked dishes outstanding as well. Make-it-yourself Miso soup. Only real downside is the cost, which is fairly substantial; Special rolls or Sushi/Sashimi Platters are way to go. Jean Claude: French. 137 Sullivan @ Houston-Prince; 22/16/$41; 475-9232; A romantic bistro that will make you think you are in Paris; Ideal date spot- though slightly crampt; Solid food- cash only. Affordable, rustic fare with big portions & tastes. Hanger steak; Steak au poivre; Crème Brulee and the grilled seafood salad are excellent. Not a huge menu. I think an ideal early Sunday dinner or lunch spot. Mezzogiorno: Italian. 195 Spring @ Sullivan; 21/18/$44; 334-2112; Outdoor seating in nice weather; Pleasant dining experience; Tuscan classics that are always solid. Mozz di Bufala; Sauteed calamari; Baby artichokes; Prosciutto di Parma; Amazing pasta dishes including Tagliolini with crab meat in a spicy marinara; Lots of veal dishes, sea bass and individual pizzas available. Great menu. Raoul’s: French. 180 Prince @ Sullivan-Thompson; 24/20/$55; 966-3518; Truly authentic first-rate French fare in an authentic bistro setting; Been around since 1975; Always popular and just like dining in Paris; Romantic ambiance; Back garden; Can’t go wrong here; Steak au poivre; Duck breast are amazing. Il Corallo Trattoria: Italian. 176 Prince @ Sullivan-Thompson; 22/14/$27; 941-7119; Bargain basement cheap; Massive menu; Known for huge choice in brilliantly prepared pastas. Service/ setting is iffy. But food wows you. Also – cheap beyond belief- Appetizers all under $10, pastas $8-$14; Many great pizza entrees as well; By large menu, I mean about 100+ things to choose from. Aurora: Italian. 510 Broome @ Thompson-WB-Way; 25/21/$47; 334-9020; Incredibly freshpasta and ingredients; Beautiful, relaxing décor- farmhouse setting; Top service; Top of the line. Sexy space- though slightly small – but worth it for an amazing menu of standard and creatively new selections. Midrange pricing helps; Serve brunch as well (cocktail included). Just a happy place. Bistro Les Amis: French. 180 Spring @ Thompson; 22/17/$42; 226-8645; Charming Soho French bistro with the usual classics plus some special preparations; Romantic, smallish place; Fair pricing & great service; Steak Frites with herb butter. Excellent, huge brunch menu; Gravlax, French Onion Soup, Mozz & Tomato salad appetizers stand out; Coq au vin, healthy dinner salads, Lamb shank, Duck & Steak frites. Kittichai: Thai. 60 Thompson @ Broome-Spring; 23/27/$57; 219-2000; Décor is exquisite; Eye candy; Incredible drink & food; Theatrical design; Overwhelmingly impressive to eat here; You will pay well above genre but worth it. Kittichai: Thai. 60 Thompson @ Broome-Spring; 23/27/$57; 219-2000; Décor is exquisite; Eye candy; Incredible drink & food; Theatrical design; Overwhelmingly impressive to eat here; You will pay well above genre but worth it. Brunch served weekends 11-3; Affiliated with the Thom Bar lounge; Oxtail soup on the menu – my favorite; Arctic Char, Chilean Sea Bass. Dos Caminos: Mexican. 475 W B-Way @ Houston; 21/21/$43; 277-4300; 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. Novecento: Argentinean. 343 WB-Way @ Broome-Grand; 22/18/$45; 925-4706; Delicious steaks; Trendy area. Not a typical steakhouse – this place is fun! Bistro digs. Skirt steak and empanadas are excellent; Sitting at the bar for your meal is fun if looking for a casual evening; Good for private parties; They even have some pasta dishes and other non-traditional steakhouse items. Marc Forgione: American. 134 Reade @ Greenwich-Hudson; 24/23/$65; 941-9401; The former Iron chef earns 1 Michelin star for his work here; Focus is on farm-to-table cuisine; Website is like reading a book on the seemingly self-indulgent team; But – food is excellent and the décor modern and attractive; Great Brunch available featuring a bottomless Mimosa for $14 and a good Bloody Mary; Limited menu and website features pictures of the food which is cool. Nam: Vietnamese. 110 Reade @ W-BWay; 22/19/$39; 267-1777; Love this menu; Professional, spacious, mature setting; High end experience at fair prices; Traditional cuisine. Bamboo & faded photo ambience; Stir fried noodles amazing. Hip and lively. Go with some Pho and spring rolls for lunch or a hot prepared dish for dinner. Papatzul: Mexican. 55 Grand @ W-BWay; 23/17/$38; 274-8225; Fusion of ultra gourmet and traditional classics at this rustic, yet lively space; Affordable pricing and super-strong drinks add to the experience. Name means: Mayan for “Food of the Gods”. The classic combo to get here: Fish Tacos and a large Margarita; Also of note – you won’t break the bank here. Duane Park Café: American. 157 Duane @ Hudson-WBWay; 25/21/$54; 732-5555; Extremely good dishes in an upscale yet trendy location; Can’t go wrong; Affordable for genre. Stately décor which features live Jazz and throwback burlesque acts; Medium-sized location reminding one of the old south; Certainly a great date spot; Seafood Bouillabaisse stands out. Pepolino: Italian. 281 W B-Way @ Canal; 25/18/$52; 966-9983; High end Northern Italian; Two levels- better upstairs & quieter; Cool, modern feel with excellent service; Tasty classics of highest caliber. Try the Mussels or the Braised Lamb Shank; Like dining in a townhouse – charming; Brunch and lunch available; Fabulous Antipasto; A dozen to die for pasta selections; Calamari stew. Churrascaria TriBeCa: Brazilian. 221 WB-Way @ Franklin; 23/19/$65; Brazilian; All you can eat MEAT. Heaven. Skewers of Meat from friendly servers. Nicer, larger than other locations. Fun, though expensive experience. Massive buffet will keep non-carnivores happy; Tip for newcomers – don’t grab all the meat they throw at you- wait for the best of the best (short ribs and steak). Mercer Kitchen: American. 99 Prince @ Mercer; 22/23/$56; 966-5454; American-French fare; Mercer Hotel Restaurant; Very sleek and cool; Celeb spot; Upscale professional crowd; Impeccable. Run by Jean-George Vongerichten; Try the butternut squash soup; Raw bar; Individual pizzas available; Skate, Sea Bass, Salmon, Haddock, Lobster, Steak and Lamb stew all on menu; Lure Fishbar: Seafood. 142 Mercer @ Prince; 23/23/$58; 431-7676; Go early to enjoy the hopping bar scene; Ultra fresh seafood including sushi; Cruise ship level service, with the setting reminiscent of a yacht’s interior; Sexy patrons; Fish so fresh it will swim to your plate; Also feature superb sushi; Lunch, Brunch, Happy Hour or Dinner; Excellent raw bar; Lobster Roll; Large menu. Balthazar: French; 80 Spring @ B-Way-Crosby; 23/23/$54; 965-1414; French; Insanely popular; Brunch specialist; Dinner date spot; Epic good; Happening. Keith McNally owned; Absolute spot-on Paris brasserie; Models, celebs, and tourists in the crowd. L’Ecole: French. 462 Broadway @ Grand; 24/20/$52; 219-3300; Students trying hard to impress at the French Culinary Institute; Overall inexpensive for the service & quality; Breeding ground for chefs. Best way to go is the price fixe to sample all the food; It is $47, served 5:30-7pm Mon-Sat; Brunch, lunch and a bar menu offered; Great wine list; Bun: Vietnamese. 143 Grand @ Crosby-Lafayette; 20/17/$31; 431-7999; Extremely innovative; Rice vermicelli appears in many forms; Noodles to die for- several Pho soups to try; Menu is enormous & plenty of space to enjoy; 60+ menu items in total; Cocktail menu as well; More upscale than average Vietnamese; Oh yeah – everything is dirt cheap for NYC. Ed’s Lobster House: Seafood. 222 Lafayette @ Spring-Kenmore; 23/16/$42; 343-3236; You might as well be in Maine; Lobster Rolls & other Lobster classics; Very popular; Incredible Chowder. Same owner as Pearl Oyster Bar; Daily specials include Friday’s Lobster Fra Diavolo; Open daily for lunch; No better way to take a break from Soho shopping than stopping for a Lobster Roll. Pravda: Russian. 281 Lafayette @ Prince; 22/23/$48; 226-4944; Keith McNally managed; Incredible caviar list as well as a giant list of Vodkas- infused and straight; Great Martinis; Expert Russian, French influenced cuisine; Great for parties. This is a fun, happy hour bar/ restaurant; Vodka drinkers delight; Champagne and Caviar. Order a sampler platter and experience Russia. | |
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