New York
Each year, more restaurants open in New York than any other US city.
Not all are studded with world-renowned chefs, like Thomas Keller’s Per Se, or Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Perry Street, but hidden in between the pizza joints and hot dog stands are thousands of quietly buzzing neighbourhood favourites. Many of the most noteworthy establishments are located downtown. From chic five-star restaurants, to classic eateries, to home-style diners, here are the best restaurants in America’s culinary capital.
Price Guide: Three-course dinner per head without drinks: up to $1-25, $$25-40, $$$40-60, $$$$60+
Restaurants
BLUE RIBBON SUSHI
119 Sullivan St / 212 343 0404
This tiny restaurant tucked away in Soho is arguably the best sushi in town and a perfect stop after shopping. Just be sure to go before 7pm or join the queue. Blue Ribbon shines in variety, delicate flavour, and textures, from its sushi and sashimi to rolls and entrées, with an impressive sake list. The green tea crème brulee is sublime; $$$$. A4
CHINATOWN BRASSERIE
380 Lafayette St / 212 533 7000
Okay, so it’s not really Chinatown, but the delicious shrimp and snow pea leaf dumplings and sticky rice rolls are authentic. Patrons dine under enormous red lanterns in this dimly lit restaurant with a pretty koi pond and private dining downstairs. Open Mon-Fri 11.30am to midnight; $$. B4
COOKSHOP
156 10th Ave / 212 924 4440 / www.cookshopny.com
Stop in at Cookshop for home-cooked American comfort food. If you don’t mind the crowds (even with a reservation secured the day before) head there for weekend brunch in a lofty kitchen-like atmosphere. The grilled Berkshire pork bacon is double-smoked and thick cut; other best picks are the venison sausage and house-smoked fish. The desserts are also excellent—don’t miss the roasted pears on a date turnover; $$. A3
DEL POSTO
85 10th Ave / 212 497 8090
Mario Batali’s (of Babbo and Lupa fame) mega Italian restaurant Del Posto seats nearly 200. The food can be pricey, and the service over-the-top (tableside with much flourish) but it is truly delicious. A 10-course tasting menu is a good deal at $120 per person, or $185 with wine pairing. Enoteca, off the restaurant’s main bar, has a smaller menu, but keeps a full wine list; $$$. A3
L’ATELIER DE JOEL ROBUCHON
Four Seasons, 57 E. 57th St / 212 350 6658
Check your expense account before visiting this French celebrity chef’s sleek new restaurant and first New York outlet. Reservations are a must and although the crowd can feel older and the service a bit stiff (it is after all in a Four Seasons), the food is sublime. The best seat is at the bar with a view of the open kitchen. Try the $160 per person tasting menu. Daily from 11.30am; $$$$. B1
Cafés
CAFÉ FALAI
265 Lafayette St / 917 338 6207
This all-white, modern café with chandeliers overhead is the latest offering from Falai, a popular East Village restaurant. The space can seem a bit stark at first, and the service is not especially friendly, but it serves up spectacular pastries. Chocolate and bread are made in-house; $$. B4
CAFÉ GITANE
242 Mott St / 212 334 9552
Excellent for breakfast and lunch, or a post-shopping glass of wine. Try the arugula, beets, apple and green olive salad with toasted goat cheese, or Moroccan couscous with chicken, peppers and raisins. Coffee comes with a smile and a small square of delicious dark chocolate; $$. B4
CHIKALICIOUS
203 E. 10th St / 212 995 9511
When it’s time for a sugar fix, head to this cute, dessert-only café for steamed apple pudding cake, or cheesecake that is melting wheels of fromage blanc on blocks of ice. Order the pre-fix menu, a three-course dessert offering for just $12. Open Wed-Sun from 3pm; $$. B4
JERRY’S
101 Prince St / 212 966 9464
For a laidback, traditional American brunch, head here. Settle into a booth and order the roasted potato, bacon and Manchego omelette with a side of crispy bacon before shopping in Soho. Breakfast Mon-Fri from 8.30am; $$. B4