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.
If you're a fan of fresh juices and smoothies along with piping hot beverages and delicious sandwiches, then Green Juice Cafe is the perfect place for you. Housed in Washington Heights, this boutique shop and cafe is a haven for those love digging into a tasty quick meal. Recommended favorites include a White Mocha, Americano, Chai Tea Latte and Iced Tea. Fresh Juices including Veggie Detox, Green Dream and Vitamin C Please are popular. Keep the hunger pangs at bay by gorging into sandwiches such as Lovely Nutella or Fruity Peanut Buttery Toast.
Delicious aromas of Italy waft from this cozy nook in Williamsburg. Flowers, Parmesan, and condiments adorn the tables and books lie quietly in the corner, as jazz music effortlessly soothes you. It is ideal for a quick but quiet lunch, with different types of pizza to choose from. This is ideally a place for gourmet pizza lovers, who like pies with bold Italian flavors or unusual and innovative toppings. Gorgonzola & grape, Burrata & Truffle Oils, Rustica, Pissaladiere, Prosciutto di Parma are some popular favorites. The delicious sauce and the fresh mozzarella you use to customize your pie, are all made in-house. Some of the ingredients are sourced from Italy, the others are fresh and sourced locally.
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.
Nestled in the heart of Carroll Gardens, Emma's Torch is a non-profit culinary organization that strives to train and help refugees kick-start their careers in the food service industry. The restaurant is named after poet and activist Emma Lazarus, who devoted her life to uplifting a neglected portion of society, the refugees. Its kitchen is manned by a team of hardworking professionals and trainees from all walks of life, who bring with them a host of gastronomic traditions and recipes. The menu is ever-changing, giving in to whims of the season and designed to keep things interesting. You can order small plates, large plates, or even drop by for brunch. Happy hour commences Tuesdays through Fridays, 5p onward.