Since 1896, the Rao family has served traditional Neapolitan dishes to diners in the area of East Harlem. Its tucked cozily on the corner of Pleasant Avenue and 114th St., pegged right against the East River and Jefferson Park, but even if you made the trip up here, it wouldn't be worth it because once you arrive your chances of getting a table are miniscule to none. That's because Rao's has the reputation of being one of the most difficult places to get a table in the entire city. In fact, there are only about 8 to 10 tables here and you practically have to know somebody like Bill Clinton, Billy Crystal, Woody Allen or Anthony Salerno to eat here. Nonetheless, the fam has another location in Las Vegas, where it's much easier to get in. They sell homemade sauces, oils and vinegar here to go along with your recipes, for which they have also uploaded a page full of recipes that can be prepared at home just by using the ingredients from the store. Some of their prominent dishes are broccoli rabe, lemon chicken and baked clams.
This little deli serves up some of the area's best prepared foods and sandwiches. This unassuming storefront hides within it a treasure trove of delicious flavors and quality ingredients. Brancaccio's even produces what has been called one of NYC's best sandwiches in "The Complex Mag" sandwich filled with eggplant caponata, ricotta cheese, broccoli rabe and eggs. This is just one example of the kinds of incredible sandwiches Brancaccio's makes, not to mention the selection of other foods like roast chicken or pasta bolognese.
From tofu, Saikoro steak and Surume Ika Yaki to the patent sake, you can get it all at Sakagura Restaurant. By now, you would have guessed that the restaurant serves traditional Japanese cuisine and of course, the staple rice-wine sake, without which the authenticity of the eatery would be incomplete. The place is known for being one of the best sake bars in the country, with a selection of over 200 varieties of sake that are imported from Japan. This beautifully decorated cozy joint serves green tea and it also has a fully stocked bar. However a meal here is not just about the star sake, but also the exquisite and delicious food that is perfectly prepared and plated, with dishes like the Salmon Sashimi with Roe on Rice and the Black Cod & Pickled Lotus, on the menu. Tasting events like the sake tasting dinner are frequently organized.
This brick-and-mortar establishment is home to Maria Piedad Cano’s Columbian corn cakes and other delectable creations. What began with the arepa lady plying her home-cooked meals on the streets, soon took the form of a thriving Columbian eatery at Queens. Here diners must savor the soft and sweet arepa de queso and the corn-flavored arepa de choclo. In addition to the flavorful, authentic meals, this pleasant restaurant offers a cozy space for families, groups and couples alike. When in Queens, near 37th Avenue, do head to Arepa Lady for a delightful Columbian meal.
Sushi has quite captured the imagination of the average American, hence the popularity of Japanese cuisine in the city. With a myriad of eclectic combinations, there have been lots of twists added to the original flavor of the cuisine, to suit the American palate, such that it is a rarity to find the traditional preparation. Tanoshi Sushi and Sake Bar, however, endeavors to fill in the void and provide the most delectable, authentically cooked Japanese fare consisting of sashimi, sushi and other exotic seafood. Chef Toshio is a master of his art and works up delightful flavors to challenge the palate. The service is impeccable and the staff is friendly.
If you're on the lookout for something a little more special and unique than the usual sweet treat, head to Patiserrie Tomoko. Here, you will find a perfectly balanced fusion of traditional French baking with the simplicity, ingredients and tasteful restraint of Japanese cuisine. It is divided into two sections, a more casual, take-out pastry and dessert counter and a sit-down section where diners can enjoy sophisticated dessert and drink and wine pairings from the full bar, both sections with their own respective offerings. Menu items known to have grace the kitchen at Tomoko include Mochi, green tea cheese tarts, and classic French macarons, as well as the special, daily changing offerings on the dine-in dessert menu.
Fiore's is an Italian-American grocery store and deli that retails specialty meats, cheeses and condiments. The cash-only store has earned a reputation for some of the best sandwiches this side of Hoboken and certainly one of the best home-made mozzarella you'll find in town. Each day the shop offers a daily special sandwich from the cult-classic roast beef and mozzarella or "muz" as its known by regulars, to the flavorful prosciutto and mozzarella sandwich. Get here early to avoid the lines out the door at peak lunch hour.
Tucked away in Sunnyside, Queens, New York, is a small and busy restaurant and gastropub, The Alcove. The tables seat approximately 30 people and the bar accommodates about 10 more. Ideal for brunch, The Alcove has an interesting decor, with a mannequin of an old man outside, who holds a menu for guests to see. Inside, the walls have menus, inspirational quotes written in chalk and post it notes. The busy decor reflects the pace of the establishment, where despite the rush, the owners and staff are welcoming and friendly. Peruse the menu at leisure and yet your food and drinks appear quickly. Featuring local craft beers such as Radiant Pig, Big Alice and Gun Hill, the drinks menu doesn't disappoint. Right from flavored mojitos to spicy margaritas and shots of rum chowder, the drinks menu holds its own. To nibble, go with the Alcove burgers topped with fried quail eggs and crunchy potato sticks, which come with a side of delicious truffle fries. Another popular choice is the Skirt Steak Lollipops that come in skewers and are topped with Chimichurri sauce. The tacos come with a slice of queso freir on the side; guacamole and carnitas tacos are the best. All in all it is a very friendly, unpretentious pub-next-door kind of experience.
This little deli serves up some of the area's best prepared foods and sandwiches. This unassuming storefront hides within it a treasure trove of delicious flavors and quality ingredients. Brancaccio's even produces what has been called one of NYC's best sandwiches in "The Complex Mag" sandwich filled with eggplant caponata, ricotta cheese, broccoli rabe and eggs. This is just one example of the kinds of incredible sandwiches Brancaccio's makes, not to mention the selection of other foods like roast chicken or pasta bolognese.
From tofu, Saikoro steak and Surume Ika Yaki to the patent sake, you can get it all at Sakagura Restaurant. By now, you would have guessed that the restaurant serves traditional Japanese cuisine and of course, the staple rice-wine sake, without which the authenticity of the eatery would be incomplete. The place is known for being one of the best sake bars in the country, with a selection of over 200 varieties of sake that are imported from Japan. This beautifully decorated cozy joint serves green tea and it also has a fully stocked bar. However a meal here is not just about the star sake, but also the exquisite and delicious food that is perfectly prepared and plated, with dishes like the Salmon Sashimi with Roe on Rice and the Black Cod & Pickled Lotus, on the menu. Tasting events like the sake tasting dinner are frequently organized.
This brick-and-mortar establishment is home to Maria Piedad Cano’s Columbian corn cakes and other delectable creations. What began with the arepa lady plying her home-cooked meals on the streets, soon took the form of a thriving Columbian eatery at Queens. Here diners must savor the soft and sweet arepa de queso and the corn-flavored arepa de choclo. In addition to the flavorful, authentic meals, this pleasant restaurant offers a cozy space for families, groups and couples alike. When in Queens, near 37th Avenue, do head to Arepa Lady for a delightful Columbian meal.
Savor delicious chicken wings at Dan & John's Wings when in East Village. The little eatery offers an array of flavors served with different sauces. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, the wings are perfectly cooked and served with dips of varied spiciness. Grab a beer or a soda to go with your tasty delights. The best way to enjoy the food here is by takeaway or delivery as the joint has limited seating.