David Geffen Hall was probably the last place most New Yorkers would think to go for a chopped cheese sandwich, that is until New York City chef Kwame Onwuachi took this iconic NYC staple out of the local deli and into a shimmering space in Lincoln Center, elevating it accordingly with a steamed bun, dry-aged beef, smoked mozzarella, and shaved black truffles. Within weeks of opening, the celeb chef's first New York City restaurant was lauded and applauded by locals and media alike for bringing delicious African and Caribbean flavors and interesting twists on classic New York dishes to Lincoln Center, and specifically back to San Juan Hill, an area that once housed a vibrant community of Black and brown residents who were removed for the center's development. A couple of years in, this is one of New York City's highest-rated restaurants and one of the city's hottest reservations. The vibes are relaxed and upscale, with comfortable booths, marble tables, floor-to-ceiling gold link chains, and cloudlike light fixtures that change color—all set to a loud and lively soundtrack of classic and contemporary hip-hop. The menu is inspired by the chef's experience working in some of New York City's top kitchens; his mom's Creole cooking; and the Nigerian, Trinidadian, and Jamaican foods he grew up eating in the Bronx. Standouts include egusi (a one-pot soup) dumplings, Jamaican curried goat patties, and a flavorful pastrami sandwich, served on the bone, coated with a Nigerian-inspired suya (spice blend) with a side of warm bread. Just be sure to leave room for the Harlem Chocolate Factory white chocolate cheesecake.
