Blue Ribbon Brasserie is an obligatory stop for food connoisseurs in the city. While the wildly popular restaurant now has several locations, the flagship location will always hold a special place in New Yorkers' hearts, particularly fans of the late-night dining scene. Blue Ribbon Brasserie welcomes diners until the early hours of the morning, creating a warm and welcoming ambience with low lighting and details like velvet upholstery. Sample the best comfort food you've ever eaten, savor remarkably fresh seafood, and enjoy classic mains like the hangar steak with wild mushrooms or roasted duck club. There's something to be said for American dishes done right at Blue Ribbon Brasserie.
Located near the scenic waterfront in Brooklyn, the now-legendary Grimaldi's Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria offers excellent pizzas and other delicacies. Cooked in a brick oven, the pies emerge crispy, fresh, and pleasantly charred. The toppings always consist of choicest ingredients, including delectable sausages, bacon, meatballs, vegetables, and mozzarella cheese. Other dishes on the menu include a variety of fresh salads, desserts, calzones, along with an impressive beer and wine list. Over the years, Grimaldi's has earned its share of faithful customers, who consider this to be the best pizza in New York City.
Chateau of Spain offers exquisite Spanish cuisine with an elegant dining experience. The interiors are tastefully decorated with soft lights, wooden furniture and artistic paintings. The extensive use of wood sets the tone of the the decor in whole. Delicious and garnished beautifully, the food promises to capture the essence of Spanish cuisine. The menu has an eclectic assortment of Spanish delicacies along with a few Portuguese culinary delights as well. The place is perfect for intimate family lunches, birthday parties or grand wedding dinners. Whatever be the occasion, Chateau of Spain restaurant promises to deliver a dining experience to cherish forever.
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.
Korea-based chef Jungsik Yim's eponymous restaurant has taken the city's dining scene by storm. On offer at Jungsik is a refreshing interpretation of Korean cuisine. Choose from a diverse menu that includes delectable creations like bibim, hae jang, Thai lobster and Gangnam chicken. The wine list is exhaustive and has offerings from pretty much all the wine producing regions around the world. There's a choice of sake as well. The dessert selection includes green tea cremeux, peach fro-yo and sweet potato tarts. Diners also have the option of a ten-course tasting menu. The dining room sports a refined ambiance, with deep brown walls and plush white banquettes making up the seating area. The large Korean-inspired wooden motifs adorning the walls add a nice touch.
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.
Sitting pretty on the ninth floor of the Museum of Arts and Design, Robert paints a vibrant stroke atop the shades of grey that dominates the modern building. Christened after the iconic American event planner, Robert Isabell, the space is stamped with his signature style and panache. The cuisine is a blend of American and Mediterranean flavors, and gives way to a creatively-plated contemporary menu. Savor Foie Gras mousse, charred octopus and blue baby mussels with fine wine and inventive cocktails like the Mad Manhattan and Venetian Sparkler. The loungey interiors and unique art installation decor make for an eclectic and chic ambiance. Floor-to-ceiling windows give way to stunning views of Columbus Circle and Central Park.
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.
Don’t be surprised if you forget you are still in New York the moment you step in Souvlaki GR Midtown. Boasting of an entirely blue and white decor, you will certainly feel like you are on the Greek island of Santorini. If the pleasant indoor setting wasn’t good enough, the restaurant also has quite a lovely courtyard outside. Call for dishes like Lamb Chops, Spanakopita and Shrimp Pita or you can also ask the servers for recommendations. If you are still confused, simply go for one of their house specialties. The flavorful delicacies can be complemented with a glass or regional wine. If you having craving Greek food or delectable seafood, then an evening at Souvlaki GR Midtown might just be what you need.