NYC Eats
 

I've had great response on my "show" questions, now I need some restaurant ideas. We will be staying around Times Square but will be at a show in Greenwich Village on a Saturday night. In looking at suggestions from other ?'s, my Fodor guide says that reservations are essential. How far ahead of time would they need to be made? For example, at Joe Allen's? Suggestions for the Village? Thanks again.

Error on previous post. The theatre we will be going to is in the East Village. Shows you what I know about NYC at this time. Looking forward to the trip. ML

If you're in the East Village, eat at Zen Palatte on Union Square East. Amazing Asian Vegetarian restaurant. I bring all my out of town guests there and they love it. I'm also fond of Frutti del Mari on 2nd Ave.

I can vouch for Frutti del Mare but be forewarned about two things: 1) they don't take reservations thus you should allow a short bit of time to wait for a table (if you go at about 6PM or 6:30 it's not likely to be a very long wait) 2) they don't take credit cards - bring cash! Food is great and it's a lively atmosphere - all locals not tourists - very good food with large portions and reasonable prices.

If you're going to Joe Allen's or any other restaurant in the theater district on a weekend, then definitely make reservations early that week to play safe.

Marsha, <BR>First let me say that the East Village is a bit grungy but very hip and very young. For a restaurant in that nabe, I recommend First, located on First Ave. between 5th and 6th streets. It's New American food, cool setting. For less trendy and more darling, I suggest taking a short cab ride to the West Village, aka Greenwich Village. Po (31 Cornelia St.)is a fabulous Italian place. It's small and you need reservations (and don't be late or you'll lose your table). Waterloo (145 Charles) is a Belgian restaurant with terrific mussels and french fries and other tasty entrees, both seafood and otherwise. <BR> <BR>It's hard to recommend not knowing anything about your tastes. If you want to email me with your preferences, I'd be happy to give you a more tailored list. Why? Just because I love eating in NY and want everyone else to as well.

Marsha, <BR>If you are planning to see Blue Man, another good Belgian restaurant right across the street from the theater is Belgo.

If you're staying in the village, definately do not miss eating at 'Il Mulino.' Check it out on Zagat's and you'll see it has been rated among the best Italian restaurants for many many years. I hear the wait,even w/ reservations, on a weekend can be horrific. We made reservations for lunch on a Thursday or Friday and was seated almost immediately. The food is every bit as good as we had read and/or heard about!

Il Mulino is great, but very pricey and reservations are difficult to get and you will have to wait a while for a table even with reservations. For fast, plentiful and delicious, if you like meat, try 2nd Ave Deli, on 10th Street. Lean Corn Beef or Pastrami on Rye with mustard. Yum. Not to great on atmosphere, though. For great atmosphere and good food try Danal on 10th b/w 3rd and 4th Ave, or Il Buco on Bond. Very homey. For outdoors try Cloister Cafe, 9th b/w 2nd and 3rd, though not for food, only for bowl of coffee or drink. Inexpensive outdoor try Yaffa Cafe on ST Marks, east of 1st Ave. <BR> <BR>That should get you started. <BR>

Marsha, it would help if we knew what part of the East Village you were going to be in, Sounds like you are seeing an off bway play, and heck by the time you get here it might even be closed, lol. <BR> <BR>Also you might want to see a bway production and you can get half price tickets to that evenings performance at TKTS at 2 World Trade Center or in Times Square. We do that ALOT and have seen most of what's playing right now. <BR> <BR>As you have already guessed there are SO MANY good restaurants here, that it is hard to choose sometimes and since it is pretty easy to get around the city you really will have lots of choices. <BR> <BR>What kind of restaurant are you looking for? We have lots of favorites in that area starting with Tsunami which is on <BR>W.4th St. close to NYU and Washington Square Park. Really good sushi and some nights it is all you can eat for $20. <BR> <BR>And of course no one has mentioned <BR>Veniero's on East 11th St. which is a MUST for anything sweet, (you gain 5 pounds just walking in, but since you will be walking eveywhere here, it's ok, you can walk it off and come back!!) <BR> <BR>So have a great time and if you need any more info on the city, please let me know. I live 5 blocks from the Empire State Bldg. <BR> <BR>gail

I would recommend you look at the Zagat and the City Search web sites- You can read ratings, see menus, websites etc to find restaurants to your liking...all sorted by location.

If you are looking for an excellent Japanese restaurant. I highly recommend Cotan which is located on 121 West 3rd St (West3rd&MacDougal). The food is authentic Japanese and not like the other restaurants who have altered the food to American taste. It's the best japanese restaurant I have ever been too.