Current NYC restaurant recommendations

[sly fox]

Fun Bus said:

A timely thread - I'm in NYC in June. We're going to Eleven Madison Park but nothing else booked/planned so will watch this thread with interest.

I plan to report back on the places i visit on my return.

[smack]

Visiting this weekend, so might check out a few places listed here as they sound really good.

[h0b0]

Fun Bus said:

A timely thread - I'm in NYC in June. We're going to Eleven Madison Park but nothing else booked/planned so will watch this thread with interest.

Went to Eleven Madison Park last Saturday. It was an excellent 4 hours. We went for the 1PM reservation because we wouldn't be able to stay up late enough for an evening reservation since having kids. I didn't wear a jacket and was not out of place. But, if you want to make the effort you will be in the majority.

We drank a bottle of triple zero sparkling wine for $60 which was decent tasting and reasonably priced. We also had red wine and beer.

I'm not going to ruin any of the courses other than to say when they leave the full bottle of Apple liquor it is yours to drink.

Also, I have never seen a bottle of wine opened with hot tongs before. It almost worth the cost.

Daniel is a good place as are bouley. Jean georges gramercy tavern and Mr Chows.
Oh, agree with Tao. It's an impressive location. My favorite bar in meat packing was Pastis but it's closed down.

[Fun Bus]

Have had to settle for being on the waiting list for Eleven Madison Park - despite my best efforts to book as soon as reservations opened for 28 days in advance. Booked into Daniel though and hope for a cancellation at Madison.

[brissleboy]

Another Eleven Madison Park veteran here, went for my wife's 30th a couple of years ago, incredible experience, we even got invited into the kitchen for a tour/chat/liquid nitrogen gin cocktail... well worth the money, certainly cheaper than the Fat Duck, probably the closest UK equivalent (in my opinion).

[bullies180]

If you are after great pizza then Lombardi's was really good. Keens was very nice for steak, as was the capital grill. Fogo do cho was also a crazy meatfest!

[smack]

Craikeybaby said:

JDiz said:

hillcountry for proper bbq

This was my favourite place when I was in NY in December.

I was recommended this by a local on the flight over, and gave it a try last night. Thought it could be a PITA after reading a review (done Pitt Que or whatever in London, and it was like going to go with a backup place), but they had space on Saturday night, so we gave it a shot. You order as much meat as you want, charged by the lb. It was pretty good, although I have had better in other parts of the US (I seek about the best BBQ place where ever visit in the US to try), we were happy I would definitely go back. For 2 of us it was 65 bucks incl 2 beers each + tip.

[Mobile Chicane]

smack said:

I was recommended this by a local on the flight over, and gave it a try last night. Thought it could be a PITA after reading a review (done Pitt Que or whatever in London, and it was like going to go with a backup place), but they had space on Saturday night, so we gave it a shot. You order as much meat as you want, charged by the lb. It was pretty good, although I have had better in other parts of the US (I seek about the best BBQ place where ever visit in the US to try), we were happy I would definitely go back. For 2 of us it was 65 bucks incl 2 beers each + tip.

Nice one. Any pics?

[Wadeski]

New York resident here. NY is full of great places. Be aware that sometimes the "best" or "hot" places (Carbone, Alder, ZZ Clam etc) aren't actually all that fun for visitors vs some more established classic places.

Recommend always making reservations in NY. Either open table, of if you have a fancy Amex the concierge works well here.

- Saxon and Parole. modern American food, just north of Soho. Super cool surroundings.
- Gemma. Old school italian, in the Bowery Hotel. Atmospheric.
- Momofuku (any of the group). Modern trendy Asian. There' a reason the group has become a phenomenon - its great.
- Sushi of Gari. NY still has excellent sushi, even vs London. I like Sushi of Gari's Omakase tasting menu - expect to pay about $150 inc drinks, but its very, very good.
- Hanjan is great Korean food, which again you don't get much of in London. Korean gastropub.
- Del Posto - high end Italian. fancy.
- Des Nuda in the East village is a tiny (TINY) ceviche bar. raw fish and shellfish, South American wines, and good fun.

If you have time, try to get out to Brooklyn too. Most of the smaller, younger, cooler restaurants are popping up here.

[sly fox]

Wadeski said:

New York resident here. NY is full of great places. Be aware that sometimes the "best" or "hot" places (Carbone, Alder, ZZ Clam etc) aren't actually all that fun for visitors vs some more established classic places.

Recommend always making reservations in NY. Either open table, of if you have a fancy Amex the concierge works well here.

- Saxon and Parole. modern American food, just north of Soho. Super cool surroundings.
- Gemma. Old school italian, in the Bowery Hotel. Atmospheric.
- Momofuku (any of the group). Modern trendy Asian. There' a reason the group has become a phenomenon - its great.
- Sushi of Gari. NY still has excellent sushi, even vs London. I like Sushi of Gari's Omakase tasting menu - expect to pay about $150 inc drinks, but its very, very good.
- Hanjan is great Korean food, which again you don't get much of in London. Korean gastropub.
- Del Posto - high end Italian. fancy.
- Des Nuda in the East village is a tiny (TINY) ceviche bar. raw fish and shellfish, South American wines, and good fun.

If you have time, try to get out to Brooklyn too. Most of the smaller, younger, cooler restaurants are popping up here.

Thanks Wadeski - investigating these now.

[smack]

Mobile Chicane said:

smack said:

I was recommended this by a local on the flight over, and gave it a try last night. Thought it could be a PITA after reading a review (done Pitt Que or whatever in London, and it was like going to go with a backup place), but they had space on Saturday night, so we gave it a shot. You order as much meat as you want, charged by the lb. It was pretty good, although I have had better in other parts of the US (I seek about the best BBQ place where ever visit in the US to try), we were happy I would definitely go back. For 2 of us it was 65 bucks incl 2 beers each + tip.

Nice one. Any pics?

Order and collect your meat here, they weigh it, and serve it on butchers paper. Sides you go to the next counter.



Pork ribs, brisket, and Cowboy Spiced (I think) Burnt ends (beef) which was the best. Beer comes in Jars, sold as a pint but is was small. I just looked that up and it is 16Oz/473ml

[h0b0]

smack said:

Beer comes in Jars, sold as a pint but is was small. I just looked that up and it is 16Oz/473ml

That's a US pint.

[Mobile Chicane]

smack said:

Mobile Chicane said:

smack said:

I was recommended this by a local on the flight over, and gave it a try last night. Thought it could be a PITA after reading a review (done Pitt Que or whatever in London, and it was like going to go with a backup place), but they had space on Saturday night, so we gave it a shot. You order as much meat as you want, charged by the lb. It was pretty good, although I have had better in other parts of the US (I seek about the best BBQ place where ever visit in the US to try), we were happy I would definitely go back. For 2 of us it was 65 bucks incl 2 beers each + tip.

Nice one. Any pics?

Order and collect your meat here, they weigh it, and serve it on butchers paper. Sides you go to the next counter.



Pork ribs, brisket, and Cowboy Spiced (I think) Burnt ends (beef) which was the best. Beer comes in Jars, sold as a pint but is was small. I just looked that up and it is 16Oz/473ml

I do like a plate with my food, but that looks gert lush.

[Zeek]

Anyone in NYC who wants a BBQ fix should try Mighty Quinns. It's pretty good, especially the burnt ends beans. http://mightyquinnsbbq.com

It was started by a guy who used to bring his stuff up to Smorgasborg every weekend.

Also seems there are a few NYC locals in here. If any of you foodies have heard of Dinner Lab but haven't been, let me know. I have a membership. It's a good idea and there are some great chefs that guest at it.

[smack]

h0b0 said:

smack said:

Beer comes in Jars, sold as a pint but is was small. I just looked that up and it is 16Oz/473ml

That's a US pint.

Yup, figured that one out.. Where I go in the Pacific North West beer is served in larger glasses.

[sly fox]

Went to Spicemarket http://www.spicemarketnewyork.com/ last night-
superb food, great cocktals, brilliant service.

South East Asian cooking is delicious. Meal for 2 including lots of cocktails and tip $200. Not bad considering we had a lobster dish too.

[sly fox]

Back from a great trip, some foodie highs and lows.

Highs first-
Spicemarket was excellent- could not be faulted. You must try the Shrimp dumplings with Lobster and shiitake sauce.

Pampano- delicious food, stylish interior, great service and very friendly. Mostly seafood dishes and the swordfish/seabass choices were superb. I would go for an early evening table, as you get choice of seating which on a hot night can mean getting a nice balcony seat.

Aquavit - This is high end dining, but superlatives are all i can think of. Pricey ($300-$400 including tip) , but worth it. Some amazing food combinations and the tastiest piece of Wagyu beef (slow cooked for 2 days) that i will never forget. Brilliant service, down to matching wine with each course perfectly. Great cocktails too - White Cranberry Cosmopolitan and Rhubarb Negroni were delicious.

Normas' - extraordinary breakfasts that keep you going the whole day. Try either the Arepa or Crab cake for an unusual but delicious start to the day.
Burger- also at the Parker Meridien hotel is simple , quirky and extremely tasty.

The lows-
Keens steakhouse. Staff pushed the "english cut' steaks - hah not surprising as these were the most expensive on the menu and 30oz. Then had to send meals back 3 times because steaks were incorrectly cooked or cold. After finally getting one rare fillet and one medium sirloin that was indeed cooked properly, it was tasty, but nothing out of the ordinary. Muttered something like thats the way they serve their steaks, and gave us free drinks. Wish i had tried one of the other steakhouse recommendations to be honest. Considering you need to book almost a week in advance to get a table i cannot see the attraction. Didn't leave a tip.

The View- was going to go here just for the view, but after talking to some locals, we were strongly warned against it- food has gone downhill rapidly in recent times and they charge a fortune for the location .

Never made it to the Korean places in the end. Will try some in London.

Something we noticed- most of the restaurants serve hot food on cold plates- is this an American 'thing' ? And what is the obsession with filling up your water glass after every sip? It's annoying and i think they believe it constitutes good service.

Thanks for the recommendations - and if you are seeking out a good restaurant, please note some require booking at least a week in advance. Opentable app on iphone is handy.

[Soir]

Staying in Manhattan Soho for 4 days in Dec
Never been before, but on my list of eateries so far:

Spicemarket
Saxon & Parole (I'm assuming this will be walking distance from soho)
Smith & Wollenski (after trip to TC)
Shake Shack, Katz Deli & Luke's for Lunches
Norma's Le Meridien for brunch
Southern Hospitality BBQ (Justin timber lakes place not that the wife will have any chance of seeing him!)

Somewhere in little Italy, maybe Grimaldis or any suggestions welcome

[Blown2CV]

there are shake shacks in London now, Covent gdn at least. V good

[Soir]

Anyone else have any recommendations?