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.
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.
Principally a live music venue, The Long Beach Inn devotes plenty of energy to creating a wonderful concert schedule for music enthusiasts on Long Island, with great results. Special nights all week long tempt guests to satisfy their hunger at the restaurant - try Taco Tuesday - or dance to DJ mixes and happy hour acoustic sets before enjoying performances by great East Coast bands. See website for details and photo galleries.
Chic and supremely popular, Gramercy Tavern is known among the Manhattan elite for its excellent service, superb food, plush interiors, and extensive wine list. The restaurant boasts two distinct dining options: you can enjoy a cozy, à la carte meal in the Tavern or indulge in the prix fixe experience in the Dining Room. Chef Michael Anthony proudly sources ingredients from local vendors, creating sensational dishes that change with the seasons. Whether you're snacking on treats like Wagyu pastrami and fluke tartare in the Tavern or reveling in courses like pork belly with peaches and strawberry brown butter cake for dessert in the Dining Room, you're sure to be amazed by Gramercy Tavern.
Owned by the legendary Chef Daniel Boulud, this award-winning French restaurant is considered by many to be the best dining experience in the city. The cuisine is contemporary, putting a fresh spin on traditional recipes and it is both expertly prepared and exquisitely plated. Enjoy divine dishes like rabbit saddle with chorizo and tarragon mustard or wasabi marinated hamachi with white sturgeon caviar and Meyer lemon coulis amid fine Italian Renaissance décor. Opt for the tasting menu or let the knowledgeable staff at Daniel help you create your perfect meal, complete with outstanding drink pairings.
Momofuku Ko has been called one of the greatest restaurants in the world. It is for this reason, and the fact that the restaurant only has a capacity of 12 diners at a time, that securing a seat can be particularly challenging to reserve a seat here. If you are lucky enough to do so, you will be treated to a ten-course meal of Asian fusion dishes that you won't soon forget. Diners sit at the kitchen counter and are served directly by the chefs who whip up delicacies as they serve. Trendy, exclusive and worthy of the hype, Momofuku Ko is a true New York City treasure.
This may be the best of the 57th Street theme restaurants. Certainly, it is the most authentic New York City spot on the block, serving old-fashioned favorites like cheese blintzes and a massive roast beef sandwich. It is far more expensive than most diners, but it will save you a trip across the Brooklyn Bridge. It is also thoughtfully decorated with plenty of New York City memorabilia. Try the cheesecake.
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.
Although the interiors display understated elegance with candle-lit dinner tables, linens and paintings, the ambiance is energetic with loud live music and a crowded bar. The 85-seater restaurant serves traditional Cuban cuisine as well as other Latin specialties. The bar with its collection of assorted wines and liquors is one of the main attractions. Tuesdays are Bolero nights and till Sunday live acts are performed. Check website for details.
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.
54 Below lies directly beneath the infamous defunct nightclub Studio 54, offering guests a more wholesome experience in their cabaret-style dining space. With tables no further than twenty four feet from the stage, 54 Below has become a haven for Broadway's finest who come here to belt out classic show tunes to excited diners. In addition to up to three performances a night, gourmet cuisine awaits guests on the brief but focused menu. Innovative twists on American cuisine populate the menu, featuring espresso marinated hanger steak in addition to house-made mozzarella and ratatouille shepherd's pie. The dessert menu is quite lengthy considering the number of dinner offerings, allowing guests to indulge in decadent creations while being serenaded by some of New York's finest. Designed and managed by a team of multiple Tony Award winning set managers and lighting technicians, 54 Below is the best place to see the stars out to play.
Akin to its name, Quality Bistro offers delicacies of premium quality that will only keep you wanting more. Don’t expect to taste authentic bistro classics here since the eatery offers a unique take on these delicacies. While it is a sin to leave this place without trying the steak, you can also order perennial favorites like chicken, French fries, French Onion Soup and filet mignon. An extensive list of wines is also offered here. The indoor dining area is quite huge and is adorned with vintage embellishments. The outdoor dining area showcases a garden atmosphere and is adorned with beautiful light fixtures. You can also while away some time at the 30-seat bar. Quality Bistro is a great option for a romantic date night.