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.
Located on the bustling Prince Street of New York, Raoul's is an iconic establishment that has stood the test of time. Opened in the 1970s, this historic bistro boasts a vintage ambiance that features classic booths, antique lights, and period artwork. When in town, head over to Raoul's for a leisurely brunch or dinner to experience the charming Parisian bistro with hearty portions and delicious drinks. The brunch menu includes staples like sandwiches, pancakes, their signature frites and steak, along with an impressive list of wines. The elaborate dinner menu features a variety of small plates, entrees and French delicacies.
For more than a 100 years, this huge cafeteria-style Jewish deli has been delighting New Yorkers with their pastrami and brisket sandwiches alongside their scrumptious "kosher-style" meals. The humble eatery, with Formica tables lined up in rows is a great place if you are craving a giant sandwich served with perfect pickles or a couple of kosher hot dogs. The decadent dessert options include Rugelach, Babka, and New York Cheesecake. There is table service, but most people take a ticket at the door and give it to the counterman when placing their order; they then pay on the way out.
The Dead Rabbit has been lauded for being one of the best bars in the city. This sophisticated Irish pub-meets-classy cocktail lounge has something for everyone, be it the stellar selection of craft beers in the taproom, vintage cocktails in the parlor, or festive bands and DJs featured weekly. Hungry crowds can choose between elevated bar snacks like cheese and charcuterie plates or heartier dishes like the Classic Burger. Experience the flow of conversation among fashionable guests on the first and second floors of The Dead Rabbit, or book the top floor for a private event.
Balthazar is a fabulous recreation of a typical French brasserie: bold, loud, and exciting. The space is dominated by red leather banquettes with retro mirrors, giving it a spacious look. The restaurant is a venture by Keith McNally, who also owns Pastis in the Meatpacking District. It offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner menus as well as special inventories for desserts, wines, and after-hours. You will find items such as grilled lamb T-Bones, duck confit, and crisp Berkshire pork belly. The Sunday Brunch is particularly popular.
If you are craving for Middle Eastern cuisines in Williamsburg then drop by at Pita Palace. This family-run restaurant serves delicious Middle Eastern delights like kabobs, falafels and many more tasty dishes. They also have a few dishes for vegetarian and vegan food lovers. All meals are reasonably priced making it an ideal place to dine in with family and friends. The restaurant has an inviting and comfortable atmosphere with an open kitchen where you can watch your meals being prepared.
Set on the eastern bank of Hudson River, Simò Pizza was established by the chef Simone Falco. Falco is known to have brought the flavors of his birthplace Napoli to the table. Using fresh ingredients that are sourced from Italy, the restaurant prepares an exquisite selection of pizzas. Along with delicious pizzas, they offer pastas, soups and salads. The menu also features a list of beers and wines that complement the meals. They even offer vegan and gluten free options.
Set along Fresh Pond Road in Queens, Varenyk House is a no-frills deli and grocery store. In addition to authentic sausages, they also serve baked goodies, snack items, soups, sandwiches and other homestyle meals. Large portions are served at reasonable prices. If you are looking for traditional items like sauces, cheeses, pastas, honey, breads and jams, then this store is the ideal place to visit. This friendly store is a must-visit for Ukrainian food lovers in the area.
Located close to Grover Cleveland Athletic Field in New York, Za-Ya is a well-known Japanese restaurant in the area. This classy eatery is owned and managed by Chef Iveelt Bayart and his team. The specially-curated menu includes a wide range of delicious dishes like ramen, curries, noodles and sautéed vegetables. This dimly-lit restaurant’s sophisticated interiors exudes a warm and cozy vibe. This Japanese eatery is a great place to visit with family and friends.
If you're in the area, Padabe Bakery in East Harlem, a family-run bakery and cafe selling a range of freshly baked products, is a must-try. Their products don't include any preservatives and are prepared using non-genetically modified organisms, which are claimed to contain more nutrients. The freshly baked pastries, which are made every day to preserve the essence of purity and fresh flavours, are the most well-liked items on their menu. There are also options that are vegan and gluten-free. Customers at this bakery have the choice of dining in, ordering takeout, or having food delivered to their place.
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.