Acqua at Peck Slip 7 Δ \\\
21–23 Peck Slip, 10038 Tel (212) 349-4433 Map 2 D2
Amid the tourist traps of South Street Seaport, this Italian restaurant stands out like a beacon, serving up New American-tinged Italian dishes prepared with organic ingredients. Service can be a little slow, so just sit back and enjoy the vaulted ceilings and warm earthy tones that make this a cozy, romantic spot. The lasagna is fantastic.
Bridge Café : \\\
279 Water St at Dover St, 10038 Tel (212) 227-3344 Map 2 D2
A charming café located just below the Brooklyn Bridge, this age-old restaurant is worth a visit while in the area.
Adventurers should try the specialty – buffalo steak with gnocchi. For the tamer, there are still plenty of options – from lobster pot pie and fresh fish to a grilled vegetables and goats’ cheese plate.
PRICE CATEGORIES The following price ranges are for a three-course meal for one, including a glass of house wine and all unavoidable charges including sales tax:
\ under $25
\\ $25–$40
\\\ $40–$60
\\\\ $60–$80
\\\\\ over $80
Stella Maris : 7 \\\
213 Front St, 10038 Tel (212) 233-2437 Map 2 D2
A welcome find in the Seaport area, Stella Maris is a pleasant bistro with sleek decor. The seasonal modern European menu puts the emphasis on seafood, including a superb black sole, and offers a few pub favorites. The Raw Bar features oysters, clams, and treats such as poached lobster. The outdoor terrace is a great place for brunch.
LOWER EAST SIDE
Grand Sichuan ¤ : \
125 Canal St at Bowery, 10002 Tel (212) 625-9212 Map 4 E5
A never-ending menu with all kinds of Sichuan, Hunang, and “Chinese-food American style,” as well as all types of hot (including spicy) and cold noodles and fried rice. It also offers a wide variety of vegetarian dishes. Spotty service and scant decor may be the reason for the quite affordable prices.
Katz Delicatessen : 7 \
205 East Houston St, 10002 Tel (212) 254-2246 Map 5 A3
A New York City classic, this Jewish deli continues to serve the best pastrami and corned beef towering sandwiches.
Don’t expect much from service or decor – it’s all in the pastrami and the very affordable prices. Famous for sending salami to the army, way before that scene from When Harry Met Sally (which is commemorated with a sign).
San Loco Mexico ¤ : \
11 Stanton St, 10002 Tel (212) 253-7580 Map 5 A3
You’ll be hard pressed to spend over $10 at this excellent value Mexican restaurant, which is popular with cost-conscious locals. All the Mexican favorites are on offer and come with a choice of four potencies of homemade sauce – mild, hot, serious, and stupid. Save room for the dessert.
Teany Café : 7 \
90 Rivington St, 10002 Tel (212) 475-9190 Map 5 A3
Rock star Moby owns this famous café offering all vegan and vegetarian sandwiches, salads, and nibblers. Great desserts, too, such as the chocolate peanut butter bomb and the warm rhubarb pie. The “afternoon tea service”
for one or two is worth a try. Service can be patchy.
Il Palazzo : Δ \\
151 Mulberry St, 10013 Tel (212) 343-7000 Map 4 F4
Il Palazzo ranks among Little Italy’s few good Italian restaurants, especially when it comes to service. A glassed-in garden boosts its charm. Homemade pastas and risotti are always good and inexpensive choices. Popular desserts include cannoli and tiramisu.
Joe’s Shanghai ¤ : \\
9 Pell St, 10013 Tel (212) 233-8888 Map 4 F5
When visiting this famous local restaurant, don’t miss the crab and pork soup dumplings. This dish is the main reason for long lines especially on weekends, but it’s worth it. The rest of the menu is hit and miss but it’s good value. Other locations may have better decor/service at the expense of food quality.
Sammy’s Roumanian : \\
157 Chrystie St, 10002 Tel (212) 673-0330 Map 5 A4
The Jewish-inspired menu at Sammy’s Roumanian offers traditional fare such as latkes, chopped liver, mashed potatoes with schmaltz (chicken fat), and a large selection of meat cuts. Try the garlic sausage with ice-cold vodka.
Impromptu entertainment and singalongs add to the fun factor.
The Orchard 7 \\\
162 Orchard St, 10002 Tel (212) 353-3570 Map 5 A3
Imaginative New American food is served up to a hip and young LES crowd. The decor is stylish, with subdued lighting. Don’t miss the steak tartare flatbread. Wines come at a good range of price points, ensuring there is something for every budget.
The Stanton Social 7 \\\
99 Stanton St, 10002 Tel (212) 995-0099 Map 5 A3
Groovy and gorgeous sums up the scene at this restaurant, where the atmosphere almost overshadows the food.
The eclectic tapas menu has many mouthwatering options from French onion soup and dumplings to mini burger
“sliders” – but beware: the cost adds up quickly. The cocktails are equally inviting.
wd-50 7 \\\\
50 Clinton St, 10002 Tel (212) 477-2900 Map 5 B3
Wylie Dufresne, a pioneer in the food revolution on the Lower East Side, serves serious food here but in a casual setting that suits the neighborhood. His eclectic modern American cuisine is known for innovative touches, like lamb flavored with banana consommé. If you can’t get a reservation, walk-ins are welcome for bar dining.
SOHO AND TRIBECA
Lombardi’s ¤ : \
32 Spring St, 10012 Tel (212) 941-7994 Map 4 F4
Among the top pizzerias of the city, the brick-oven baked pies come thin, charred, and oozing a delectable mozzarella. Lombardi’s pays the price for its popularity with big crowds and long lines, but a very welcome expansion now allows you and your friends to share the joy faster.
Peanut Butter & Co. : \
240 Sullivan St, 10012 Tel (212) 677-3995 Map 4 D2
A sandwich shop worth the trip to see the unbelievable combinations available with peanut butter. Yes, you can even get the famous Elvis Presley-inspired sandwich. Thankfully, you can get milk too, and plenty of other yummy desserts. Invite friends and bring your kids and your wallet won’t even notice it.
Pho Pasteur ¤ : \
85 Baxter St, 10013 Tel (212) 608-3656 Map 4 F5
A tiny restaurant in the midst of Chinatown, offering a cheap and fast choice of noodles. Try the Vietnamese rolls with lettuce leaves and rice noodles. You can even see yourself sweat in the mirrored walls in case you order any of their spicy dishes. Also try the large variety of Asian beverages.
Aquagrill : Δ \\\
210 Spring St, 10012 Tel (212) 274-0505 Map 4 D4
Aquagrill is a seafood-lovers’ paradise with very fresh ingredients. An oyster bar selection to die for, a reliable kitchen, and courteous service are all ingredients for success adding up to a busy dining room. The mussel soup with saffron comes highly recommended.
Balthazar \\\
80 Spring St, 10012 Tel (212) 965-1414 Map 4 E4
The jewel in restaurateur Keith McNally’s crown remains a popular draw, thanks to the Parisian brasserie setting, good- quality food, superb wine selection, and lively bar scene – you’ll find SoHo literati, VIPs, and tourists rubbing shoulders here. Balthazar is a good choice for both brunch and late-night dining. There is also an excellent on-site bakery.
The Harrison : Δ \\\
355 Greenwich St, 10013 Tel (212) 274-9310 Map 4 D5
A New England seafront house in the midst of TriBeCa offering good “re-engineered” American fare such as biscuits and gravy with chorizo and clams and a crispy chicken with chestnut stuffing. Very popular with the area’s 30-somethings, which means long lines at times.
L’Ecole 7 ˙ \\\
462 Broadway, 10012 Tel (212) 219-3300 Map 4 E4
This small and charming SoHo restaurant is used by the students of the French Culinary Institute to do their hands-on training. The place offers different tasting menus at reasonable prices considering the good quality of the food and unfailingly courteous service.
Lupa : 7 Δ \\\
170 Thompson St, 10012 Tel (212) 982-5089 Map 4 F3
An Italian trattoria courtesy of celebrity chef Mario Batali offering a cheaper alternative to its flagship Babbo.
Expect a wide variety of dishes such as smoked eggplant, excellent fresh pastas, and accomplished entrées such as pork saltimbocca. Excellent Italian wine list.
Minetta Tavern \\\
113 MacDougal St, 10012 Tel (212) 475-3850 Map 4 D2
This Italian bistro manages to be both casual and celebrity-friendly. The menu is short but perfectly formed, and each dish is prepared with great flair, from the petite omelette, frog’s legs, and tasty bone marrow to the incredible range of steaks. Open only in the evenings (5:30pm–2am). Reservations recommended.
Odeon : Δ \\\
145 West Broadway, 10013 Tel (212) 233-0507 Map 1 B1
One of the first restaurants to open in TriBeCa back in the 1980s, this “faux-bistro” offers good quality French- American fare. Don’t miss the steak tartare, but note that the burgers are also top notch. The decor is simple and the place is always packed with a mixed crowd.
Peep 7 \\\
177 Prince St, 10012 Tel (212) 254-7337 Map 4 D3
A hip SoHo single set descends on this hot-pink restaurant for tasty Thai and exotic cocktails. Be sure to stop by the bathrooms that give the restaurant its name – don’t worry, the mirrors are only one-way (looking out).
Prix-fixe lunches and dinner specials are a bargain.
Key to Price Guide see p296 Key to Symbols see back cover flap
Petite Abeille : 7 \\\
134 West Broadway, 10013 Tel (212) 791-1360 Map 1 B1
European cartoon favorite Tintin lends charm to the decor at this branch of a reasonably priced Belgian mini-chain.
The most popular dish is mussels and French fries, especially the all-you-can-eat offerings on Wednesdays. The list of imported beers is impressive. Also open for breakfast and weekend brunch, when Belgian waffles are a favorite.
Public : \\\
210 Elizabeth St, 10012 Tel (212) 343-7011 Map 4 F3
A taste of modern Down Under food with inventive creations such as Meyer lemon ceviche, and grilled kangaroo on falafel. Try fusion cocktails or the Australian beer on offer and enjoy the industrial-chic, high-ceilinged space that fills nightly with a stylish SoHo crowd.
Kittichai 7 ˙ \\\\
60 Thompson St, 10012 Tel (212) 219-2000 Map 4 D4
A high-end Thai restaurant in a beautifully designed space of the 60 Thompson hotel (see p281), Kittichai is a definite place to be seen. The menu offers an expensive selection, including “Thai tapas,” as well as seafood dishes such as monkfish with ginger, and desserts like banana spring rolls drizzled with a burnt honey sauce.
Nobu 7 ˙ \\\\
105 Hudson St, 10013 Tel (212) 219-0500 Map 4 D5
Chef Nobu Matsuhisa offers a menu of fantastic reach for those who can afford it and get a reservation. The menu features items such as tuna toro tartar, Peruvian-influenced ceviches and tempuras, not to mention a lengthy sushi menu. This high-profile spot attracts celebrities and mortals alike.
Bouley : 7 ˙ \\\\\
163 Duane St, 10013 Tel (212) 668-5829 Map 1 C1
The modern French cuisine of famed chef David Bouley has an impressive TriBeCa home, with vaulted ceilings and elegant decor worthy of the fine fare. For those who cannot manage the hefty tab, the four-course prix-fixe lunch menu is a worthy sampling of the master’s talents.
Corton : 7 ˙ \\\\\
239 West Broadway, 10013 Tel (212) 219-2777 Map 4 E5
After a 20-year reign in TriBeCa, the much-loved Montrachet has been renamed (Corton is a noted wine district in Burgundy) and given a revamped look and menu. The decor is cool and modern, and the chef has introduced modern French cuisine, like the foie gras with beets and blood orange, that has critics singing. A worthwhile splurge.
Megu : 7 ˙ \\\\\
62 Thomas St, 10013 Tel (212) 964-7777 Map 1 B1
Joining the latest trend in behemoth Japanese restaurants, Megu has an impressively decorated menu offering an outrageous option of dishes to be shared. Prime ingredients can quickly add up in the tab but some consider it the equivalent of dinner and a show. Can be noisy, especially on weekends.
GREENWICH VILLAGE
A Salt & Battery : 7 \
112 Greenwich Ave, 10011 Tel (212) 691-2713 Map 3 B1
Come here for the best fish-and-chips this side of the pond at rock-bottom prices. There are many different combinations of fish and platters to choose from. A vast selection of other side dishes as well makes the trip worth it, especially that infamously delicious deep-fried Mars bar.
Corner Bistro ¤ : \
331 West 4th St, 10014 Tel (212) 242-9502 Map 3 C1
The line outside indicates this isn’t your typical bistro food, but a dive that has developed a cult following for the juiciest and messiest burgers and the cheapest beer in town. Grab a spot in line that sometimes snakes by the bar and outside. Food is served on paper plates with lots of napkins.
Moustache ¤ : \\
90 Bedford St, 10014 Tel (212) 229-2220 Map 3 C2
Middle-Eastern casual eatery with consistently good and cheap food, including Turkish pitzas, merguez sausages, and lamb. The space may be too small for the crowd and service can be slow. Try the sibling East Village spot at 265 East 19th Street that includes an indoor garden.
Westville : ˙ \\
210 West 10th St, 10014 Tel (212) 741-7971 Map 3 C2
A no-thrills narrow eatery offering great-value meals of regional American cooking, aka comfort food staples, such as cod po’boys, burgers, mac ‘n’ cheese, and BLTs. Avoid rush hours since cheap prices can mean long lines.
So popular it spawned an East Village sister, cleverly called Westville East.
Key to Price Guide see p296 Key to Symbols see back cover flap
10 Downing : \\\
10 Downing St, 10014 Tel (212) 255-0300 Map 4 D3
Dine on nouveau French cuisine at this sleek restaurant that fills with a lively crowd of locals and visitors. Try the hearty cassoulet tossed with mini duck meatballs or agnoletti topped with peekytoe crab. For dessert the rich chocolate cake with a malt-flavored ice cream center is a real treat.
Blue Ribbon Bakery : \\\
33 Downing Street, 10014 Tel (212) 337-0404 Map 4 D3
An extensive tapas-style menu made out of cheeses and cold cuts with fantastic bread is complemented with soups, salads, and entrées such as filet mignon and burgers. An accessible wine list makes this an ideal place to pass time with friends and family.
Centro Vinoteca : \\\
74 Seventh Ave, 10011 Tel (212) 367-7470 Map 8 E5
This buzzing, split-level restaurant, with whitewashed brick walls and large picture windows, features creative Italian fare. Ease into the evening with piccolino (small plates), including fried cauliflower in a parmesan crust, followed by meaty main dishes such as lamb bolognese or rabbit stuffed with sausage and pine nuts.
One 7 \\\
1 Little West 12th St, 10014 Tel (212) 255-9717 Map 3 B1
The New American menu is designed around plates for one and plates to share, with a large selection of seafood platters as a group option. Most people come here for the hopping, trendy scene rather than the food, however.
There are three different lounge areas: choose one according to your mood.
Otto : 7 \\\
1 Fifth Ave, 10003 Tel (212) 995-9559 Map 4 E1
An upscale and fashionable pizzeria from chef Mario Batali. An amazing wine list and an array of side dishes and antipasti can quickly raise your tab in this usually crowded and upbeat place. Try the famous lardo pizza, which is exactly what it sounds like – pig lard slathered on pizza crust. Don’t miss the olive oil ice cream.
Pastis : Δ \\\
9 Ninth Ave, 10014 Tel (212) 929-4844 Map 3 B1
Among the pioneers in the Meatpacking District, this gorgeous Parisian bistro offers good-quality French fare in large portions. The ambience can be loud on weekends, with plenty of celebrity sightseeing. It also serves a good weekend brunch. If you can’t get a reservation, just show up and take your chances.
Pearl Oyster Bar : \\\
18 Cornelia St, 10014 Tel (212) 691-8211 Map 4 D4
Very successful raw bar in the Village with top-of-the-line fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The lobster roll is a smash hit as are the Prince Edward Island mussels. Unlike other places that use quality ingredients, service is amicable too, but be prepared for long lines at rush hours.
The Spotted Pig : \\\
314 West 11th St, 10014 Tel (212) 620-0393 Map 3 B2
Londoners will feel at home in Brit chef April Bloomfield’s Italian take on gastropub fare. This tiny spot fills up quickly, so get there early during peak times and enjoy drinks at the bar. Hand-cask beer from Brooklyn Brewery is great with the first-rate shepherd’s pie – and delicious.
The Waverly Inn and Garden 7 \\\
216 Bank St (Waverly Place), 10014 Tel (212) 243-7900 Map 3 C1
The quaint name belies the social scene, which on any given night might include celebrities, fashion editors, and VIPs. The homespun, well-priced menu features a selection of American classic dishes: clam chowder, pork chops with roasted apples, and the much-talked-about mac and cheese with shaved truffles.
Babbo : \\\\
110 Waverly Place, 10011 Tel (212) 777-0303 Map 4 D2
Chef Mario Batali’s flagship restaurant is housed in this beautiful Village duplex – paradise for high-quality pasta and offal lovers alike. Hard to get reservations and service could see some improvement given the prices. A winning wine list and trendy crowd add the magic touch to a great dining experience.
Blue Hill : 7 Δ \\\\
75 Washington Place, 10011 Tel (212) 539-1776 Map 4 E4
This New American kitchen is obsessed with the quality of its ingredients, especially with the addition of its own Stone Barns produce from upstate New York. The limited menu is a guarantee of the freshness and liveliness of the seasonal dishes. Taste the poached foie gras or the Berkshire pork with chestnuts.
Da Silvano : 7 Δ \\\\
260 Sixth Ave, 10014 Tel (212) 982-2343 Map 4 D3
This Tuscan restaurant is popular more for the celebrities that dine here than the food itself, which covers a wide range of pastas, some seafood antipasti, salads, and traditional entrées such as lamb chops and stewed rabbit.
The coveted outdoor seating is perfect for peoplewatching in the summer months.
One if by Land, Two if by Sea 7 f ˙ \\\\
17 Barrow St, 10014 Tel (212) 228-0822 Map 3 C3
Aaron Burr’s carriage house made famous in the American Revolution is now arguably one of the most romantic and historical spots in town. To some, the decor seems a tad kitsch. The three-course prix-fixe of casual American dining is served right next to the fireplace and candles. Piano music daily.
Spice Market 7 \\\\
403 West 13th St, 10014 Tel (212) 675-2322 Map 3 B1
A beautiful behemoth of a place featuring Asian-inspired “street food” by chef Jean Georges Vongerichten. With a club-like atmosphere, it is the place for beautiful people (including waiters) to sip fancy cocktails. The menu, however, is a hit-and-miss affair.
Gotham Bar & Grill 7 ˙ \\\\\
12 East 12th Street, 10003 Tel (212) 620-4020 Map 4 E1
A New York classic of modern American cuisine showcasing revolutionary chef Alfred Portale’s creations such as gingerbread crusted foie gras or roasted pheasant in a ginger and juniper marinade. Some consider the place somewhat past its prime but the bargain $25 prix-fixe lunch is worth a try.
EAST VILLAGE
Blue 9 Burger ¤ : 7 \
92 Third Ave, 10003 Tel (212) 979-0053 Map 4 F1
Tasty griddle hamburgers in the East Village at very affordable prices for when you get those fast-food cravings without the need to visit a chain. Plus, they offer a mango-chili sauce with your fries. Grab it to go and head to a park nearby for a good people-watching picnic.
Dumpling Man ¤ : \
100 St Mark’s Place, 10009 Tel (212) 505-2121 Map 5 A1
Tiny yet trendy bar in the East Village, offering a wide variety of dumplings to meet your imagination. You get to watch what goes on behind the bar as the cooks handle the steamed or fried treasures. With rock-bottom prices, it doesn’t get better than this dinner and a show.
Minca Ramen Factory ¤ : \
536 East 5th St, 10009 Tel (212) 505-8001 Map 5 B2
Minca is a Ramen-style noodle joint that is far away from your memories of microwave noodle cups. You can choose a variety of noodles with beef, pork, vegetarian, and more. Perfect spot for cold weather after a stroll through the East Village hip boutiques.
Caracas Arepa Bar : \\
91 East 7th St, 10009 Tel (212) 228-5062 Map 5 A2
A kitschy restaurant with delicious Venezuelan fast food and slow service. Arepas (savoury corn cakes with a variety of fillings), sandwiches, and tamales are great fillers at rock-bottom prices. The premises are unbelievably small but the food keeps people coming. They also have a Brooklyn location.
Counter : \\
105 First Ave, 10003 Tel (212) 982-5870 Map 5 A2
Inventive vegetarian cuisine worth the trip for non-vegetarians in a sophisticated dining room. An inviting environmentally sound, organic or biodynamic, wine list is also highly recommended. Caring but nevertheless spotty service from time to time.
Great Jones Café : \\
54 Great Jones St, 10012 Tel (212) 674-9304 Map 4 F2
Get your fix of New Orleans cooking in this inexpensive, family-friendly, jukebox-equipped hole-in-the-wall.
Staples include fried shrimp po’boys, andouille sausages, and jambalaya. Definitely down it all with a beer. Look for the colorful Elvis likeness in the window.
Il Bagatto : \\
192 East 2nd St, 10009 Tel (212) 228-0977 Map 5 B2
Trendy and popular Italian eatery with inexpensive and well-executed food that has New Yorkers flocking to the East Village. However, be warned of long lines and rushed service as a consequence. The reservation policy is a bit of mystery, so call ahead and see. If staying locally, order take-away.
La Palapa : Δ \\
77 St. Marks Place, 10003 Tel (212) 777-2537 Map 5 A1
Mexico City-style and regional Mexican cooking with authentic ingredients make this a good fiesta destination in the beautifully decorated dining room. It’s easy on the wallet and serves great margaritas too. Don’t miss the Zihuatanejo-style catfish or the duck in black mole sauce.