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Restaurants in New York City
Eating out is a way of life in New York, from the famous diner breakfasts and brunches, to some of the finest restaurant experiences in the world. Even grabbing a hotdog from a street vendor feels somewhat iconic. An eating out guide for New York is an encyclopaedic task in itself, but here are some examples.
Visitors should make a reservation well in advance to avoid disappointment. It is not unreasonable for patrons to call for a table in the trendiest eating places a few months in advance. Sales tax of 8.375% is automatically added to the bill but service charges are only standard for large groups.
The New York restaurants have been split into three price categories:
Expensive (over $50)
Moderate ($25 to $50)
Cheap (up to $25)
These prices include starter, main course, dessert and a half-bottle of wine or equivalent. Not included is tax or a customary tip of 15-20%.
Locanda Verde
Robert de Niro is famously a part-owner of this rustic style Italian eatery in the TriBeCa district. Chef Andrew Carmellini brings the classics to a town that knows its Italian food. Spice-glazed duck mixes on the menu with simpler fare such as ‘My Grandmother’s Ravioli’. The atmosphere is casually stylish and relatively affordable.
Porter House New York
Come for the views (of Central Park), stay for the food. This is about as good as it gets for carnivores, with steaks done to absolute perfection, including a subtle chilli-rubbed Rib Eye. In case that all sounds too healthy, there’s also butter-poached lobster for some wild indulgence. Chef Michael Lomonaco oversees the meat feast.
Mama's Food Shop
Mama's serves up tasty American comfort food in a cosy East Village setting. Diners can choose from helpings of fried chicken, grilled salmon and ‘mac ‘n' cheese', which derive from the 1950s TV dinner era. There is also a large array of oh-so-satisfying vegetable sides - broccoli with garlic, roasted brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes, to name but a few. No credit cards. No alcohol.
Fluffy's Cafe and Bakery
Located steps from Broadway, this small snack shop, with a few tables and a counter that faces the street, has quick service, delicious bakery goods, wraps and fresh fruit, all very reasonably priced. It is a perfect breakfast, lunch and snack stop for someone on the go or for take away. No alcohol.
Balthazar
A slice of Paris in Manhattan, this is chef Keith McNally’s latest New York venture. It has won plaudits aplenty for its authenticity, and remains a haven of sophistication and suave for Manhattan’s bon viveurs. As well as French classics, there are oddities such as Shepherd’s Pie made with duck to keep you on your toes.
Nobu
Although it opened in 1994, Nobu remains one of New York's trendiest Japanese restaurants. A-listers and model-gazers hold court inside the stylish restaurant steered by master chef Nobu Matsuhisa. The menu features over 40 different cold and hot dishes, alongside the mouthwatering sushi and tempura options. Reservations are recommended. Those who get the Nobu urge but didn't plan ahead head to neighbouring Nobu Next Door, with a superb raw bar.
Esperanto
Far from the madding crowd of Times Square, this nicely lit East Village eatery serves up delicious plates of Latin-American tapas. A youthful neighbourhood crowd tucks into Brazilian pork stew, tuna ceviche and chayote salad with lime dressing. The cocktails are an equally important part of the equation with (Brazilian) caipirinhas and (Cuban) mojitos sating that insatiable thirst.
Bombay Talkie
This trim and stylish Chelsea restaurant seamlessly blends Indian haute cuisine with street food. Among the picks are tasty dosas from the south, pork vindaloo from Goa and numerous naans, chats and kathi rolls. Portraits of glossy Mumbai film stars decorate the walls while Bollywood movies play overhead. Tasty cocktails like the Umrao Jaan (gin, lime juice and saffron syrup) add to the allure.
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
Not many authentic Southern barbecue joints have managed to set up wit h any success in New York, but this one is worth the jaunt out from Manhattan. Standard fare – ribs, pulled pork, brisket – and a lively (for which read noisy) atmosphere that will instantly put you at ease. Sometimes you can even hear the live music.
Katz's Deli
Included because it’s a virtually compulsory New York experience. Not only is it the oldest deli in the city, and not only does it serve up a boggling range of Jewish staples, but it’s also the restaurant where they filmed THAT scene in When Harry Met Sally (look for the paper sign if you want the actual table). Good quality food transcends any hint of gimmicks.
Anthos
Despite the Greek name, there are only a couple of nods towards traditional Greek cuisine at this high-class, prime location restaurant. For a pretty high price, you get some of the best service in the city, a range of delectable ‘crudo’ (raw meze) such as yellowtail and diver scallops, and mains such as filo-wrapped salmon or pistachio grilled pork loin.
Daniel
Named after renowned chef-owner Daniel Boloud, this restaurant consistently ranks among the city's most opulent venues for French fare. With an accent on seasonal ingredients, culinary masterpieces have included butter-poached Maine lobster with kumquats and peppered polenta tuile, slow-baked Dover sole with Louisiana crayfish and a duo of red-wine-braised short ribs and peppered shallot confit with seared rib eye and sautéed porcinis. Jacket and tie are required for gentlemen.
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