Where to eat in NY?
#21
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One more thing, I have to agree with Mike, Cite has a great fixed priced wine tasting dinner. I believe it's served after 8pm. The food is fabulous and the wine great. It is located in on 51st between 6th & 7th. Also I can add soe good soho places that just came to mind, Savoy and Zoe.
#22
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The best advice I could give is to not spend a lot of money on food in NY! I've never been to Melbourne, but if there are good restaurants there, don't expect to find a lot better in NYC! Don't get me wrong, they have good food there, but if you are from a big city where you can get good food, NYC is no big treat. You always hear about the "great food in NYC" but what you should really go for is the cultural experience!! The museums are simply amazing and you won't see better theater anywhere else. Unless you only enjoy eating out for fun, I would concentrate less on food options and more on the culture. What are you more likely to remember about a vacation---the overpriced average meal or the spectacular performance you saw at a theater? Think about it!
#24
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Wow! Your responses have been amazing. I almost have my own guide to restaurants in NY without having to check out Zabars or chowhound.com (which sounds fabulous - can't wait to look at it!).
Just in response to a few questions - Merilee, I'm coming from Melbourne Australia (not Florida). Which by the way, CPJ, has some fantastic restaurants and food. And we're not heading to NY just for the food - its the total cultural experience, I agree - but since we have to eat, we might as well eat well. I'm sure we'll find a balance.
And Kim - we're staying in an apartment at 160 Bleecker St. which I found (after much internet hunting) through Signature Suites Greenwich Village. Don't really know that much about them, but they've been lovely to deal with and since there are 4 of us we are getting somewhere (hopefully) nice for the same amount it would cost us for a hotel with alot less space. And we really wanted to stay in the village because it sounds so great!
But back to restaurants, how far in advance would we need to book Il Mulino for example (we are in NY Mon - Thurs nights)? Also, do you need to book at most places or can you just turn up?
And lastly, thanks to those who have passed on their encouragement for visiting NY. Its obviously an extremely difficult time, but I'm really glad that you will enjoy having us. Your spirit over the last few weeks has been inspiring, and if spending money in NY is a way I can help, then I'm there with open pockets.
Just in response to a few questions - Merilee, I'm coming from Melbourne Australia (not Florida). Which by the way, CPJ, has some fantastic restaurants and food. And we're not heading to NY just for the food - its the total cultural experience, I agree - but since we have to eat, we might as well eat well. I'm sure we'll find a balance.
And Kim - we're staying in an apartment at 160 Bleecker St. which I found (after much internet hunting) through Signature Suites Greenwich Village. Don't really know that much about them, but they've been lovely to deal with and since there are 4 of us we are getting somewhere (hopefully) nice for the same amount it would cost us for a hotel with alot less space. And we really wanted to stay in the village because it sounds so great!
But back to restaurants, how far in advance would we need to book Il Mulino for example (we are in NY Mon - Thurs nights)? Also, do you need to book at most places or can you just turn up?
And lastly, thanks to those who have passed on their encouragement for visiting NY. Its obviously an extremely difficult time, but I'm really glad that you will enjoy having us. Your spirit over the last few weeks has been inspiring, and if spending money in NY is a way I can help, then I'm there with open pockets.
#25
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Il Mulino takes reservations one month in advance. If you call three weeks in advance you probably wont get a reservation. If they don't have the reservation you want for, say Monday, try Tuesday, they may have it. They are notorious for keeping people with reservations after 8pm waiting for up to 45 minutes for their table. If you don't mind, eat earlier to avoid that inconvenience. If you like lamb chops, they are the best I've ever had. If Claudio is your waiter, he's probably the best waiter I've ever had. You will be staying one block away from Il Mulino. BTW, drop by Cafe Reggio at some point for espresso- it's the oldest cafe in the village, and soaked with history. Also one of the best under $5 meals can be had at Mamouns next door-very good fellafel. (One of the great things about New York is that you can talk about a $4 and a $120 a person meal in the same paragraph!)
You need reservations at all the upscale restaurants, unless you drop in at an off hour. Many of the restaurants have a bar area where you can eat (though not at Il Mulino.) You can always get seated if you drop by near the opening time (usually 6pm). However, don't feel you need to have reservations for all your dinners. There are great restaurants near you in the Village or Soho. You can pick two or three and go to them and you will almost certainly be seated at one, especially on a weeknight. Also, even without a reservation, you can try the upscale restaurants and your chances of getting in are probably one in three.
Cheers.
You need reservations at all the upscale restaurants, unless you drop in at an off hour. Many of the restaurants have a bar area where you can eat (though not at Il Mulino.) You can always get seated if you drop by near the opening time (usually 6pm). However, don't feel you need to have reservations for all your dinners. There are great restaurants near you in the Village or Soho. You can pick two or three and go to them and you will almost certainly be seated at one, especially on a weeknight. Also, even without a reservation, you can try the upscale restaurants and your chances of getting in are probably one in three.
Cheers.
#27
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Jane -- I want to say first that we're thrilled to have you come visit, not just to spend money (although that is appreciated) but because we need your support and encouragement at this time! Please return to Melbourne and tell your friends and neighbors about the wonderful spirit of the people of NY!
Second, you've gotten many great recommendations for restaurants. I want to second (or third) Cite'. It has a $65 prix fixe dinner after 8 pm. Call for a reservation. You can order anything off the menu for 3 courses (it is a well-known steakhouse) and it includes 3 courses of wine and 1 champagne -- all you can drink. The wines are great and the food fabulous. You'll really enjoy it.
Another good suggestion if you like wine is my favorite, Les Halles. This is a french steakhouse (can you tell what we like?) with lots of other french bistro specialties and a very good wine list. The chef wrote the interesting restaurant tell-all, "Kitchen Confidential." I would also encourage you to sample some of the fabulous restaurants in the Tribeca area (easily accessible from the Village), not only because there are some real gems (not just Nobu, but Chanterelle, Duane Park Cafe, etc) but they also need your business since the area around there has been difficult to access for the last several weeks.
I always take visitors for dim sum in Chinatown on Sunday morning. It is a real treat -- I'll leave recommendations for specific places to others who know more than me.
One last idea: many of the museums, including the Met, MOMA and the Guggenheim have evenings with music and a bar. You can enjoy the art and then relax with a glass of wine on the roof deck of the Met or on the mezzanine, listening to a quintet. It's a lovely way to end the day.
Enjoy your visit!
Second, you've gotten many great recommendations for restaurants. I want to second (or third) Cite'. It has a $65 prix fixe dinner after 8 pm. Call for a reservation. You can order anything off the menu for 3 courses (it is a well-known steakhouse) and it includes 3 courses of wine and 1 champagne -- all you can drink. The wines are great and the food fabulous. You'll really enjoy it.
Another good suggestion if you like wine is my favorite, Les Halles. This is a french steakhouse (can you tell what we like?) with lots of other french bistro specialties and a very good wine list. The chef wrote the interesting restaurant tell-all, "Kitchen Confidential." I would also encourage you to sample some of the fabulous restaurants in the Tribeca area (easily accessible from the Village), not only because there are some real gems (not just Nobu, but Chanterelle, Duane Park Cafe, etc) but they also need your business since the area around there has been difficult to access for the last several weeks.
I always take visitors for dim sum in Chinatown on Sunday morning. It is a real treat -- I'll leave recommendations for specific places to others who know more than me.
One last idea: many of the museums, including the Met, MOMA and the Guggenheim have evenings with music and a bar. You can enjoy the art and then relax with a glass of wine on the roof deck of the Met or on the mezzanine, listening to a quintet. It's a lovely way to end the day.
Enjoy your visit!
#29
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Hi! here are some suggestions in the Village - for casual dining:
1) Tres Giovani - great italian restaurant. it's on Laguardia place between W3rd St. & W4th St.
2) Marumi's - Japanese restaurant. great sushi! try the spicy sashmi salad! it's a couple of doors down from Tres Giovani
3) Soba-ya - Japanese restaurant... no sushi only noodles. try the rice pudding for desert! it's on E9th St. between 3rd and 2nd Ave.
4) Cafe Espanol - spanish food. right on bleecker st!
5) Chat & Chew - this one is north of the village, by Union Square Park. come here if you want an old-fashioned all american meal! can't remember the exact address.
1) Tres Giovani - great italian restaurant. it's on Laguardia place between W3rd St. & W4th St.
2) Marumi's - Japanese restaurant. great sushi! try the spicy sashmi salad! it's a couple of doors down from Tres Giovani
3) Soba-ya - Japanese restaurant... no sushi only noodles. try the rice pudding for desert! it's on E9th St. between 3rd and 2nd Ave.
4) Cafe Espanol - spanish food. right on bleecker st!
5) Chat & Chew - this one is north of the village, by Union Square Park. come here if you want an old-fashioned all american meal! can't remember the exact address.
#30
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Try Vittorio Cucina on 310 Bleecker St.
Bet.Grove St. @ 7th ave. Lovely, romantic,moderate prices. Good food and service. Chez Michallet 90 Bedford St West Village bistro Friendly service good food. For brunch Grange Hall Barrow St. My husband and I will be celebrating my birthday on Saturday at Vittorio's. Hope you have a wonderful time in NYC. Lisa
Bet.Grove St. @ 7th ave. Lovely, romantic,moderate prices. Good food and service. Chez Michallet 90 Bedford St West Village bistro Friendly service good food. For brunch Grange Hall Barrow St. My husband and I will be celebrating my birthday on Saturday at Vittorio's. Hope you have a wonderful time in NYC. Lisa
#31
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You might check out the restaurant week deals that have been extended to 10/31. Some restaurants have a prix fixe lunch special for $20.01 and others serve a similar dinner for $30.01. List of restaurants is at www.restaurantweek.com.
#32
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Italian - Il Mulino on the high end. Il Baggatto on the cheap side. Big winner on 3rd St. between ave A/B.
Pizza - If you find yourself in the 20's on the East side, Franks on 23rd, just west of Lexington, a tiny brick hole in the wall has the best pizza in the city, hands down.
Deli - Go to Katz's. If you eat Pastrami, you'll go back down under a happy woman. You have to order at the counter, and while the guy is making your sandwich, tip him a buck and he'll throw on some extra pastrami and pickles.
Steak - If you can get to Brooklyn, Peter Lugers will make your trip. It is THAT MUCH better than any steak house in Manhattan.
I'm getting hungry.
Spanish - La Paella is a romantic place for tapas in the East Village, on 9th between 2/3rd ave.
Sevilla - I think its on W. 10th and Charles, is better for a party atmosphere with great paella, sangria, and its cheap.
Chat n Chew was mentioned above, its on 16th St. Just west of Union Square. Best Macaroni and Cheese around. If you are looking for a good meal in that area,
Blue Water Grill wont break the bank, and the jazz room in the basement is nice.
Now that I'm looking at your original post, you're probably here right now. oh well.
Pizza - If you find yourself in the 20's on the East side, Franks on 23rd, just west of Lexington, a tiny brick hole in the wall has the best pizza in the city, hands down.
Deli - Go to Katz's. If you eat Pastrami, you'll go back down under a happy woman. You have to order at the counter, and while the guy is making your sandwich, tip him a buck and he'll throw on some extra pastrami and pickles.
Steak - If you can get to Brooklyn, Peter Lugers will make your trip. It is THAT MUCH better than any steak house in Manhattan.
I'm getting hungry.
Spanish - La Paella is a romantic place for tapas in the East Village, on 9th between 2/3rd ave.
Sevilla - I think its on W. 10th and Charles, is better for a party atmosphere with great paella, sangria, and its cheap.
Chat n Chew was mentioned above, its on 16th St. Just west of Union Square. Best Macaroni and Cheese around. If you are looking for a good meal in that area,
Blue Water Grill wont break the bank, and the jazz room in the basement is nice.
Now that I'm looking at your original post, you're probably here right now. oh well.
#35
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The greatest food I have ever had is found at Daniel. Layer upon layer of flavour, you must have the tasting menu. It is worth the extra $$ to go to the "real" Daniel...the 2nd restaurant, Cafe Boulud, was great but not divine.
Other, less pricey , suggestions are Il Cortile in Little Itally ( really, anything in little itally for the experience if nothing else) and I highly recommend a tour through Dean and DeLucca, buying whatever looks fab to you, and then picnic in a nearby park.
Other, less pricey , suggestions are Il Cortile in Little Itally ( really, anything in little itally for the experience if nothing else) and I highly recommend a tour through Dean and DeLucca, buying whatever looks fab to you, and then picnic in a nearby park.
#36
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Two of my favorites with great food and wines but on the pricier
side,Town is high on my list,for fish,wines from the Campania region of Italy and for David my favorite chef,
go to Esca. For a great French meal on the eastside go to Le Perigord. If you are lucky that they extend the special New York restaurant deal you can have a wonderful meal for 30.00 plus tax and tip,they also have great wines.
side,Town is high on my list,for fish,wines from the Campania region of Italy and for David my favorite chef,
go to Esca. For a great French meal on the eastside go to Le Perigord. If you are lucky that they extend the special New York restaurant deal you can have a wonderful meal for 30.00 plus tax and tip,they also have great wines.



