Good food is every New Yorker’s, and visiting New Yorker’s, God-given right. You’re sure to find good food on most corners throughout the five boroughs. The tough part is coming across a great meal, in an amazing atmosphere with outstanding service. Lucky for you we know a guy that knows a thing or two about a memorable dining experience in New York and he was kind enough to share a few of his favorites.
You can Seamore (wink wink) about this NY food legends’ current undertaking on page 82 of our NYC Issue. Loosen your belt and prepare to mentally feast on these 13 places your mouth will thank you for.
1. Blue Ribbon Brasserie
If I had to choose my all time favorite go-to NYC food establishment, it would have to be the Blue Ribbon Brasserie. The Brasserie is the quintessential NYC restaurant; truly iconic, classic to the industry, and set the bar for up-and-comers like myself. The quaint 30ish seater always does the job, for any occasion. The food is delicious and consistent, the service top notch, the crowd always stylish and the energy second to none. I’ve been indulging at Blue Ribbon for close to 20 years, I always leave saying “one day I will be able to do it as well as they do.”
2. Minetta Tavern
The Bone-In New York Strip for two at Minetta Tavern could very well be the most delicious piece of meat I have ever sunk my teeth into. These guys are magicians in the kitchen. The whole menu is killer but when I have steak on my mind, I’m thinking Minetta.
happy friday! still salivating over this gorgeous cote de boeuf w roasted bone marrow from #MinettaTavern that i shared w @cheatdayeats @eatingwithminnie & @indulgenteats last night… one of my favorite steaks in NYC! and yes, that is fancy mac & cheese in the background ?. #steak #eeeeeats #meaty #aboutlastnight A photo posted by christine yi • NYC food+travel (@cy_eats) on
3. Di Fara Pizza
Most likely the best pizza in the country, in my humble opinion. Domenico Demarco has been making pizza for almost 50 years on the corner of Avenue J between East 14th and 15th streets in Brooklyn. They do square and round pies, use the best ingredients and the pizza is ALWAYS the same and delicious.
4. H&H Bagels
I grew up a few blocks away from H&H on the Upper East Side. The bagels are big, fat, and famous to most OG New Yorkers. They are made in house daily and always hit the spot. Their main competition is Esse bagels on first avenue, but I’m a loyal H&H guy.
Heaven sent ?? #sundaycure #bae A photo posted by Eric Preefer (@espreefer) on
5. Frank
I’m a little biased as I’ve spent some years behind the bar at this place, but when I’m hungry and want a great bowl of pasta, I head over to Frank Restaurant in the East Village. The food is always on point, the cast of characters is always fun and interesting, and you can get out of there for $30, assuming you’re not looking to get hammered. Get the Rigitoni Ragu – it’s the dish that inspired The Meatball Shop.
6. Maialino
Maialino is the perfect restaurant to wine and dine, especially when I am with family. The atmosphere borders fancy but the service and menu take you back down to earth. Danny Meyer and his team have mastered the casual “fine dining” experience. I have been taking my mom to Maialino for the last few years and I am always stoked to see what Chef Nick Anderer has up his sleeve. Plus, my mom thinks it’s the best place on earth.”
Chicken and biscuits. Roman style. Enough said. ? Photo Cred: @dwagner6 A photo posted by Maialino Restaurant (@maialino_nyc) on
7. Abraco
Abraco is a tiny sliver of a space on East 7th street between 1st & 2nd Ave and it has the best espresso I have ever had, especially if Jamie, the owner, is there to pull it for you. The espresso is sweet and perfectly balanced. Their cortado is also worth the wait and their pour over coffee is equally as good. If I lived in the East Village, I would be there every morning… JAMIE, IF YOU ARE READING THIS, OPEN IN WILLIAMSBURG … PLEASE.
8. Tomoe Sushi
Tomoe has been on the sushi scene in NYC for over 20 years. The fish is always super duper fresh and the pieces are cut nice and big. The value here is unbeatable, you can get out of there for under $100 for two people if you don’t drink till ya drunk. I would get there on the early side as they don’t take resy’s and the line starts at around6:30pm.
It’s indulgence month on manrepeller don’t you forget it A photo posted by Man Repeller (@manrepeller) on
9. Sushi Yasuda
For fancy Sushi this is the place, but you have to request to sit with Chef Yoshi!!! I have had many meals there, Yoshi always makes the high price point worth it. This place is not cheap… At all… But if you want to treat yourself to a sick meal, take the plunge.
10. The Spotted Pig
My favorite burger in NYC. The Spotted pig crushes on all levels, but their Blue cheese burger is second to none. Be prepared to wait for a seat and pay $20 for the burger, but its worth it, I promise!
Grilled cheese from @thespottedpig. So easy, so good. #EEEEEATS ?: @ibitefood A photo posted by The Infatuation (@infatuation) on
11. La Superior
This little Mexican spot in Williamsburg is the bomb. They do traditional Mexican street food, but they ACTUALLY do it. My favorite thing on the menu is the chipotle shrimp tacos, though you can’t go wrong here. If you don’t like spicy food this might not be the spot for you.
12. B&H Counter
This kosher spot has been around for ever! It is a tiny counter with maybe 10 seats and a few tables on 2nd ave in the East Village. They do like 10 soups everyday and a bunch of other ol’ school kosher jams. I’m not at all kosher, but love B&H for the simple grub and classic NYC vibes.
After almost 5 months of being closed after the East Village fire, B&H is back!! #timsfood A photo posted by Tim Melideo (@timmelideo) on
13. Balthazar
This place doesn’t really need much of an explanation. One of the most famous restaurants in NYC for the last 20 years, this french restaurant is always packed and does the most insane seafood plateau in the city. This is my celebrating happy place.
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Article and list as featured in Whalebone’s 5th issue, the NYC Issue.
