Greenwich Village

Alta (54 W 10th St)

Mediterranean cuisine; good little tapas restaurant; West Village townhouse

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Amelie Wine Bar (22 W 8th St)

Little bit of a French flair; wines from around the world; small plates

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*Babbo (110 Waverly Place)

Wonderful Italian restaurant; bar seating is great if small party

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*Blue Hill (75 Washington Place)

Well-known farm to table restaurant that will not disappoint; creative dishes with unusual flavors; not just a meal but an experience

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*Buvette (42 Grove St bet Bleeker and Bedford)

Discovered this in Martha Stewart's Feb 2012 Living magazine; fabulous French bistro owned by chef Jody Williams; brunch here is a favorite

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Gotham Bar and Grill  CLOSED (12 E 12th St)

Wonderful, classic NYC but with a French touch; a sport coat for men is not out of place

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Gramercy Tavern (42 E 20th St)

Danny Meyer restaurant; fabulous for special occasions 

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*I Sodi (314 BleekerSt)

For years this has been a family favorite. Reservations are hard to get and people line up outside before it opens to get seats at the bar. Recently the restaurant moved to this Bleeker Street location where they've succeeded in retaining the feel and atmosphere of the original Christopher Street location. We have made a reservation for as early as 4:30 (when they open) in order to get a table. 

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Jack's Wife Freda (50 Carmine; also other locations)

Love this little, energetic, open-all-day, bistro, especially for brunch!

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John's Pizza on Bleeker Street (278 Bleeker St)

A few years ago I was meeting a friend from England and her daughter.  The daughter wanted to sample the best NYC pizza.  After reading many, many blogs and restaurant reviews, I decided there was enough consistency in the recommendations to choose John's on Bleeker.  Brick oven pies, thin crust. 

 

Joseph Leonard (170 Waverly)

Very energetic with a young crowd; lots of fun and good food! 

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The Little Owl (90 Bedford at Grove)

Great little neighborhood Mediterranean restaurant; table can be hard to get so we have opted for lunch in the past. Trivia: The exterior of this restaurant is the coffee shop on Friends.

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Lupa (170 Thompson St bet W Houston and Bleeker)

The "comfort food of Rome"

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Morandi (211 Waverly Place @ 7th Ave)

Open restaurant great for cool summer evenings; good lunch spot too

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Minetta Tavern (113 MacDougal bet Bleeker and W 3rd)

Tavern style dining offering fabulous burgers! Evenings can honestly be too loud for me.  Once a friend and I said we might have to text our dinner conversation! 

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Palma (28 Cornelia St) 

Italian restaurant with a cute little garden dining room; wonderful Italian menu

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Perry Street (176 Perry St)

Another Jean Georges jewel where the food is modern, beautiful, fresh and above all delicious! I had the best salmon, served with green spring vegetables, I've ever had. 

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*Pasticceria Rocco's (243 Bleeker at LeRoy)

This is another family favorite. Sweet little Italian pastries and espresso bar; love the amaretto cookies and cannoli!

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*Pommes Frites (128 Macdougal St)

Nothing but fries, dipping sauces, and joy!

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Saigon Shack (114 MacDougal) Great banh mi! Very casual

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*Shuka (38 Macdougal St)

My daughter introduced me to Shuka, a fabulous spot for delicious Mediterranean food! A favorite restaurant in the city right now 

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Tartine (253 W 11th St)

Bakery and brunch/lunch spot; perfect way to spend a Saturday morning! 

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Union Square Cafe (101 E 19th St)

The first Danny Meyer restaurant. I love the vibe, food, and service here. 

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*Via Carota (51 Grove St)

Opened in 2015 by Buvette's Jody Williams and I Sodi's Rita Sodi; "honors old-world Italian roots, life style, food and décor." We love lunch here with the big windows that are open onto the street with sidewalk seating during warm weather.

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Meatpacking + Chelsea

Buddakan (75 9th Ave bet 15th and 16th Streets)

Huge space; fun and energetic. Love the Asian flavors but the last few times we've had terrible service!

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Chelsea Market (75 9th Ave bet 15th and 16th Sts)

Wonderful food hall ​located in the very old National Biscuit Company building with over 35 vendors; enough options for everyone in the group to be happy!

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Empire Diner (210 10th Ave) Cool, Instagram-worthy, retro diner that's appeared in several movies set in NYC and has pretty good food. Very close to the High Line.

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*Pastis (52 Gansevoort St) This old favorite is back! It looks and feels like the old Pastis. Still a loud, energetic spot for burgers and French fare.

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*Shukette (230 9th Ave) Sister restaurant to Shuka; not to be missed; hard to get a reservation 

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*Tia Pol (205 10th Ave bet 22nd and 23rd Sts)

Having read about Tia Pol several years ago, we stopped for lunch.  We love the tapas and sangria!  This is a lunch favorite. Just off the High Line.

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TriBeCa and Financial District​

Crown Shy (70 Pine St) Lovely dining room, good food

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Frenchette ( 241 West Broadway) Classic French bistro, loud and energetic; James Beard 2019 Best New Restaurant. 

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Gigino Trattoria (323 Greenwich St) Comfort Italian food

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Locanda Verde (377 Greenwich corner of N. Moore and Greenwich)

We loved the food here...delicious lamb sliders; however, it was too loud for a quiet conversation.

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Odeon (145 West Broadway) A TriBeCa favorite of mine; great burgers and French cuisine; reminiscent of Balthazar and Pastis​

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Temple Court (5 Beekman St) Located in the Beekman Hotel, this beautiful restaurant is worth a visit for the food but also for the fabulous bar and hotel lobby

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Tin Building by Jean-Georges (76 South St) European-style food hall; had a wodnerful meal at The House of the Red Pearl

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Tiny's and the Bar Upstairs (135 West Broadway) Rustic, old townhouse with American fare; fun bar atmosphere "upstairs"

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TriBeCa Grill (375 Greenwich St) Robert De Niro-owned lively restaurant serving American cuisine

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SoHo + Lower East Side

Avena (260 6th Ave) Downtown location in old Da Silvano space; also located at E 66th near Park Ave. My brother-in-law introduced us to this little neighborhood gem; upscale Italian; the downtown spot is lively!

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*Balthazar (80 Spring St bet Broadway and Crosby)

Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner; French bistro; it's all good...but the atmosphere and energy are probably a tad better than the food.

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Boqueria (171 Spring St bet Thompson and W Broadway) Also other locations; 

Nice little tapas restaurant; great for lunch

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Corner Bar (60 Canal Street) We enjoyed our dinner here in December 2023. We decided it would be a great place for dinner at the bar or drinks and appetizers.

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The Dutch (131 Sullivan at Prince)

Great lunch spot; fries won NYMag's Best Fries (they are thin and crispy)

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Essex Market (88 Essex St) Lots of vendors for foods to eat there or to take

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Fiaschetteria Pistoia (647 E 11th St) Homemade pasta; the wine list is a crate of wine bottles they put on your table. Good but not great.

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*Le CouCou (138 Lafayette)

Named 2017 James Beard Best New Restaurant. Tough dinner reservation but lunch is easier; gorgeous restaurant, inventive menu with service to match

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Le Pain Quotidien (100 Grand and several other locations)

Another location of the Belgium restaurant; good lunch choice; there are several locations throughout the city; try the brownies!

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*Katz's Deli (205 E Houston at Ludlow)

It's everything you might expect it to be. Bowery Boys New York History podcast recommended having the pastrami, pickles, and a Cel-Ray soda.  I did.  Pretty classic.  "I'll have what she's having."

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Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles (1 Doyers St in Chinatown)

Hannah found this noodle shop in March 2017. It's truly a hole in the wall but while you are eating your dumplings, you can watch the noodles being made in the kitchen.

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S'Mac (197 1st Ave)

All kinds of mac and cheese baked and served in skillets

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Joe's Shanghai (46 Bowery in Chinatown)

Popular Chinese restaurant known for their pork dumplings

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Little Italy is not to be missed even if it's to walk up Mulberry Street.  There are tons of restaurants on this street.  It is not truly an Italian neighborhood but it's fun anyway.  Try

Casa D' Angelo for southern Italy style pasta and Caffè Roma, Caffè Palermo or Ferrara Bakery for cannoli.

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Momofuku Noodle Bar (171 First Ave) David Change restaurant 

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Veniero's (342 E 11th St) Old, Italian bakery established 1894; only bakery items and gelato

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Yonah Schimmel's Knish Bakery (137 E Houston) Jewish comfort foods since 1910

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Midtown + Theater District

*Aldo Sohm Wine Bar (151 W 51st St) This is a favorite spot for lunch or a glass of wine by Le Bernardin's master sommelier Aldo Sohm.  

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Amali (115 60th St bet Park and Lex)

Good little Mediterranean restaurant we have enjoyed more than once. Good for lunch also.

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Angelina (1050 6th Ave) Like the one in Paris with killer hot chocolate! 

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Angelo's Coal Oven Pizza (117 W 57th) In recent years we've seen lines out the door here. I prefer John's on Bleeker but Angelo's is a convenient midtown location.

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Avra (1271 6th Ave) Delicious Greek cuisine; located in the Time & Life Building built in 1956-60 as part of Rockefeller Center; the lobby of the building was landmarked in 2002. Best to get a table on the street level. Can be packed with work crowd after 5:00 during the week.

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Burger Joint inside Thompson Central Park (119 W 56th St bet 6th and 7th Aves)

A true burger joint hidden behind a red curtain inside the hotel lobby; tasty old-time burgers and fries (share the fries!); usually there's a line but it goes fast; open for lunch and late night; new spot but still good and larger.

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*Benoit (60 W 55th) This is the New York version of Alain Ducasse's Parisian bistro by the same name.  We love this restaurant for its atmosphere and delicious classic French bistro menu. Our favorite dishes here are the French roast whole chicken and the steak au poivre.

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Casa Lever (390 Park Ave at 53rd St)

Have not eaten here recently; located in the iconic Lever House​

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Don Bogam (17 E 32nd St)

Our first experience with Korean BBQ was in 2014 with friends who ordered in Korean; so much fun! But it's been a while.

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Empellion (510 Madison Ave)

Upscale Mexican cuisine and craft cocktails, wonderful salsas and tacos

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Estiatorio Milos (125 W 55th bet 6th and 7th)

Always crowded; serves all kinds of fresh fish flown in from the Mediterranean each day

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Grand Central Oyster Bar (inside Grand Central Terminal)

This is not a destination restaurant in my opinion but is a good option if you find yourself in Grand Central at mealtime; true to its name...lots of seafood and history!

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The Grill (Seagram Building, 99 E 52nd) One of the best meals we've had most recently; was once Four Seasons restaurant

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Il Gattiopardo (15 W 54th St bet 5th and 6th Aves)

Southern Italian

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Il Mulino (37 E 60th + location downtown)

Wonderful Italian restaurant; great service; the antipasti is my favorite.

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The Kunjip (32 W 32nd St, Korea Town) 

Our second experience with Korean BBQ was here; we were told it was "down home" Korean BBQ; the place was packed!

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Le Bernardin ( 787 Seventh Ave) Dinner here 3/2019 to celebrate 4 birthdays! The amuse bouche was probably better than even my entree! And the dessert was one of the best I've ever had...a creative s'mores mousse. A fabulous way to celebrate a BIG occassion.​

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Le Rock (45 Rockefeller Plaza) Contemporary French; remarkably good for where it's located; one of our family's favorites.

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Lodi (1 Rockefeller Plaza) Great lunch spot for midtown; good view of tree during the holidays

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Marea (240 Central Park South) 

We had heard a lot about his restaurant that "redefines the seascape of high-end Italian cuisine"; I was not a huge fan but it could have been that we were seated at a table that was too big for our party. I want to give it another try. Read they lost their one Michelin star in 2022.

 

Quality Bistro (120 W 55th St) French bistro-ish

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Quality Meats (57 W 58th St bet 5th and 6th Aves) Good steaks and sides

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Rue 57 (6th Ave at 57th St)

Good restaurant for after-theater dinner or dessert; loud and crowded and usually good food; not difficult to get into; our go-to restaurant when we don't have a reservation. Tony says the best pancakes he's ever had. We had an early dinner here in Sept 2022 and it may be under new management. Certainly there has been a change in the menu. 

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Russian Tea Room (150 W 57th bet 6th and 7th Aves by Carnegie Hall)

Classic NYC restaurant from days long gone; food was nothing special but I did want to eat here just to see it; hot tea with jam

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Mangia (57 W 57th St)

Great place for take-out, especially for picnic in Central Park

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The Modern Bar Room (9 W 53rd St) Lovely setting overlooking MoMA's sculpture garden; great for lunch at the bar.

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Upper East Side

Alice's Tea Cup (156 E 64th St; 102 W 73rd St)

Great little scones and tea; nice lunch spot.​

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Bel Ami (30 E 86th right off Madison)

Expensive but wonderful sandwiches and true Parisian macaroon; but if you're really looking for macaroons then head straight to Ladurée on Madison bet 70th and 71st.

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Cafe Sarbosky (In the Neue Galerie, 1048 5th Ave) Viennese pastries & savory dishes; the best cup of coffee--it lives on in my dreams.

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Caravaggio (23 E 74th St bet 5th Ave and Madison)

Italian sister restaurant to Sistina; wonderful but older crowd and pricey.

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Daniel (60 E 65th St)

Daniel Boulud's fabulous French restaurant; celebrated our 30 anniversary here; beyond perfect!

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Dowling's at The Carlyle (35 E 76th St at Madison Ave)

We celebrated our anniversary here one year.  Incredible meal; staff was very attentive and helped make our anniversary celebration a very sweet memory; for special occasions. Newly renovated.

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*EAT (Madison Ave bet 80th and 81st)

We generally eat here every trip often after visiting The Met; be sure to stop in EAT Gifts right next door for tons of kitschy little gifts and souvenirs.

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JoJo (160 E 64th St) Another Jean Georges restaurant. Casual and friendly. Another place where I can get a JG ginger margarita!

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LeBilboquet (20 E 60th St)

Popular little neighborhood French bistro; I have never been to this location, only the previous one.

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Loeb Central Park Boathouse (E 72nd St at Park Drive North, just a few yards from Bethesda Fountain in Central Park) Newly reopened.​

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Paola's (Madison at 92nd St)

This was a favorite neighborhood restaurant when we lived here in the 80s.  It was then located on 85th St; better Italian food elsewhere. I leave it here for nostalgia's sake.

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Sandros (306 E 81st St)

This neighborhood Italian restaurant came highly recommended but I did not love it; the berry, gelato and balsamic dessert I had though will be remembered for a long time!

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Serendipity 3 (225 E 60th St bet 2nd and 3rd Aves)

Old-fashioned ice cream parlor; their speciality is frozen hot chocolate; great sandwiches; very kid friendly; get a reservation or you will wait a very long time.

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*Sfoglia (135 E 92nd St at Lex)

Wonderful, favorite, small Italian; located far north on on the UES but worth the time it takes; the bread and chicken-under-a-brick are both to die for.

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Sistina (24 E 81st)

Another favorite; for years we spent New Year's Eve in NYC and several of our meals were here; great heirloom tomato salads in the summer and I still dream of the fresh orange dessert with raspberry sorbet!  This restaurant has also moved and there's a new chef. Still great but sadly no more brandied orange slices for dessert.

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Uva (1486 2nd Ave bet 77th and 78th Sts)

Small plates, neighborhood vibe

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Upper West Side

*Bar Boulud (1900 Broadway bet 63rd and 64th)

Love having lunch at this little Daniel Boulud restaurant near Lincoln Center; in good weather the huge front windows are open; a favorite here is the croquet madame with prosecco!

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Boulud Sud (20 W 64th St)

Another of Daniel Boulud's; Mediterranean menu

 

The Leopard at Des Artistes (1 W 67th at Central Park West)

We were so happy a few years ago to see the old Cafe des Artistes property reopen. The murals of the nymphs frolicking in the water are enough to warrant a visit.  Food and service have always been good.

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*Nougatine at Jean Georges (1 Central Park West)

Another favorite! Great all around...not the serious Jean Georges but the sister, more casual restaurant next door.

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Nobu Fifty Seven (40 W 57th St)

Uptown version of original downtown Nobu; good sushi and other options but pricey

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PJ Clarke's (44 West 63rd St) There is a location on the east side also. Good burgers and fries located near Lincoln Center

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Porter House Bar and Grill ( 10 Columbus Circle) I do not recommend this steak house. It's overpriced and the steaks we had were not as good as those we've had at NYC French bistros.

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Rosa Mexicana (61 Columbus at 62nd and other locations)

Upscale Mexican; great food; fun atmosphere.  My favorite location is the one on 18th Street.

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Flatiron District

11 Madison Park (11 Madison Park)

Big changes since I was here last. It's now vegan. Earned 3 Michelin stars.

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*ABC Kitchen (35 E 18th St)

Anther favorite; we have loved everything we've had here; Jean Georges is my favorite chef; also another source for his Ginger Margarita! We have started having lunch here at the bar. 

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*ABC Cocina (38 E 19th St) Authentic Latin dishes; don't forget the ginger margarita

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ABC-V (38 E 19th St) Pretty incredible vegetarian and vegan dishes; don't forget the ginger margarita

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*EATALY (5th Ave at 23rd St)

Classic European food court. This is always in play for a good lunch.

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*Rezdôra (27 E 20th St) Italian "highlighting handmade pasta"

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S & P Sandwich Shop (old Eisenberg's sandwich shop) 174 5th Ave

Fun retro diner; old fashioned tuna salad, BLT, etc

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Scarpetta (88 Madison Ave in the James Hotel) Italian; homemade pasta dishes. This is not a favorite but others really love it.

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Shake Shack (Madison at 23rd St inside Madison Square Park)

Several locations but this one is the original. 

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Venchi (861 Broadway, just north of Union Square) Chocolates and gelato we first discovered in Italy

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Thai Villa  (5 E 19th St) Festive Asian decor with great noodles and curries

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Brooklyn

Fonda  (434 7th Ave, Park Slope) Mexican cuisine

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Jules (50 Henry Street) Pizza; great spot for casual dining after walking over the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset. 

 

Laser Wolf (97 Wythe Ave, Williamsburg) Located on the roof of the Hoxton Hotel; Israeli cuisine cooked over live coals; fantastic view of Manhattan

 

Lore  (441 7th Ave, Park Slope) Seasonal menu; great small plates

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Lowerline (794 Washington Ave, Prospect Heights) Truly authentic foods from south Louisiana; the real deal

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Miss Ada (184 Dekalb Ave)  Contemporary Israeli and Mediterranean food and cocktails, with backyard seating

 

Peter Luger Steak House (178 Broadway, Brooklyn)

I love steaks and steakhouses but this was for a steak lover beyond me.  Huge pieces of meat that are served sliced for the table.  The restaurant has a bit of a tavern feel.  I understand though why some people would love this place!

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Winner (367 7th Ave, Park Slope) Sandwiches, coffee, pastries

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The Bronx

If you love Little Italy but are looking for the real thing, try Arthur Avenue in the Bronx.  This is the real deal.  Take MetroNorth from Grand Central, 15 minute ride.  I would highly recommend going for lunch instead of dinner.

 

Dominick's  (2335 Arthur Ave, the Bronx)

Old Italian eatery serving pasta family style

 

Marrone Pastry Shop (2349 Arthur Ave)

Traditional Italian pastries 

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On My NYC List to try

Don Angie (103 Greenwich Ave)

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KJun (154 E 39th Street)

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Divya's Kitchen (25 1st Ave)

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