In 1986, sibling owners Maguy and Gilbert Le Coze opened Le Bernardin in New York after finding phenomenal success with their flagship restaurant in Paris, established in 1972. The duo won numerous accolades at the helm of this culinary destination, and it has continued to thrive under Chef Éric Ripert after Gilbert’s tragic demise in 1994. Seafood has been the inspiration behind the menu at Le Bernardin since its conception. The tasting menu takes diners through courses filled with delicacies like Osetra caviar, Dungeness crab, Lobster Tail, and Black Bass. Moreover, an extensive collection of around 900 wines complements every dish to perfection. Patrons can also enjoy delectable small plates and handcrafted cocktails from their eclectic lounge. The restaurant offers spaces for private events too.
A bar and cocktail lounge that is second to none, The Campbell Apartment is located in the Grand Central Terminal. A perfect combination of richness and grandeur, this place has lush original touches like leaded glass windows, classy interiors which would take you back in the time as the 1920s, and a fireplace that creates a warm and cozy environment. If you are looking for a classic cocktail night with cheese plates, while you experience luxury and comfort altogether, then head straight to the Campbell Apartment, to have a crazy night here in New York.
PDT (which stands for Please Don't Tell) is a "secret" bar on St. Mark's Place. A call from a phone booth in Crif Dogs (the adjacent restaurant) is the only way to get in. Once accepted, a secret door opens up in the phone booth, leading to PDT. It's not much of a secret anymore though, because the club is hugely popular. Once inside, you'll find a crowded bar area steeped in darkness. The inventive cocktail selection is superb and a major draw. If you're hungry you can also order from the Crif Dogs food menu, which gets delivered to the club via a small pass. A visit to PDT is quite an interesting experience indeed.
Located near the waterfront in Brooklyn, the now legendary Grimaldi's offers excellent pizzas. Cooked in a brick oven, the crusts emerge crispy and pleasantly charred. The toppings always consist of only the freshest ingredients, including their delectable sausage, vegetables and mozzarella cheese. No reservations are taken, so be prepared to wait outside along with hordes of faithful customers, who consider this to be the best pizza in New York City.
For those who crave for a little IPA with their Donkey Kong, Barcade just might be the place. The lovingly-designed space combines hand-crafted pub furnishings with several classic arcade games. Draft and craft brews are the specialty of the house featuring East Coast heavy hitters like Peekskill and West Coast humdingers like Lagunitas, but there is also a full bar. So whether you like a shot of Jim Beam before a round of Centipede or a goblet of Belgian-style strong ale to accompany a rousing Ms Pac-Man tournament, Barcade can probably accommodate you.
Le Bain is popular both amongst regular party-goers as well as celebrities, with its unique interior design making lounging both luxurious and fun. Le Bain, which translates to "bath" in French, is also popularly known for the plunge pool located on the dance floor during the summertime. Although extremely exclusive and often requiring invites to get in, those who manage to enter are rewarded with a beautiful view of the city from the rooftop and excellent service from professional bartenders mixing up great cocktails and concoctions.
Sitting in the heart of the Theater District, this friendly Italian restaurant was established in 1944, and is still going strong. Traditional Italian cooking and a warm atmosphere ideal for going out with families and friends alike, is what makes Patsy's such a loved establishment. The interiors are done up in mellow hues, with beautiful chandeliers and sconces creating a warm vibe. The artwork and photographs adorning the walls add a nice touch to the proceedings. Signature dishes at Patsy's include Chicken Contadina, Veal Rollatine Marsala and Lobster Fra Diavolo. There's a pre-theater menu as well. Throughout its rich history, the restaurant has been host to numerous celebrities, and its not uncommon to spot one dining beside your table. Check website for more.
The sculpture of a giant nose appearing in the window of this spot will let you know you are in the right place. Located across the street from Carnegie Hall, Trattoria Dell’Arte is one of Manhattan's best places to enjoy antipasti and thin-crust pizzas. The pumpkin-colored dining room is bright and beautiful, and the food, service and ambience are all good. It is often crowded, but worth the wait. Try the grilled vegetable platter, veal chop parmigiana or the grilled shrimp. Check website for details.
As the inspiration for the pub on the hit tv show, "How I Met Your Mother", McGee's Restaurant & Pub is a Hell's Kitchen staple. Find the usual fixings of an Irish pub here, from the draft beers and large HDTV's to the mahogany topped bar and friendly bartenders. However the pub grub is far superior to many other similar establishments, with gourmet burgers, Irish fare, and homemade desserts.
Amidst crystal chandeliers and high ceilings, savor popular Italian dishes like pasta, pizza and gnocchi at Serafina. This trendy restaurant is a popular place among locals to grab a quick bite and curb their hankering for food from the "Boot". Notable dishes on the menu would be the pizza marinara and the risotto. The menu is inspired by Northern Italian cuisine and successfully strives to recreate the same magic of the Apennines. The intimate venue is ideal for parties as well as cozy dinners. Be sure to try the desserts here too, especially the berry tarts and the Tiramisu.
Redeye Grill is a big and lively place with an extensive menu. The ceilings are high, murals cover the walls and crowds are constant, yet it is not overly noisy in either of the two dining rooms. Owner Sheldon Fireman appeals to his customer's desire for variety, offering everything from diner food to fine dining. The menu includes burgers, club sandwiches, black sea bass and lobster. The service is good and the atmosphere is upbeat. Try out Redeye Grill for the best of steaks.
Serving Italian seafood creations to delighted patrons, Marea has already earned two coveted Michelin stars for their polished menu of authentic Italian coastal offerings. The chic interior is perfect for business or romance, and private dining rooms can be readily arranged. Chef Michael White's deft Mediterranean touch pairs globally sourced ingredients like sea urchin, lobster, oysters, marlin, scallops and octopus with rich sauces, fragrant herbs and bright, citrus flavors. Studying the menu alone will whet your appetite. If not, a glass of wine from their thoughtfully selected wine list will surely do the trick.