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, named executive chef 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. Patrons can also enjoy delectable small plates and handcrafted cocktails from the lounge if they wish to do so.
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.
Eno Terra sits amidst lush surroundings in a beautiful mansion steeped in history. The majestic setting is just the beginning of your experience though. Drawing inspiration from the region's rich agricultural bounty, the restaurant presents a diverse menu of Italian specialties that offer a good mix of the traditional and modern preparations. Most of the kitchen's ingredients come from the restaurant's own Eno Terra Canal Farm with independent growers and suppliers also chipping in. The seasonally changing menu offers a good mix of classic and contemporary preparations, with seafood dominating the proceedings. The delightful wine list is a globe-trotting affair with American and Italian wines making up a major part of the list. A romantic charm envelopes you as you enter the historic building, with the wood-dominated interiors accentuating its striking features. An excellent bet for an intimate meal, Eno Terra is also apt for memorable group dinners and private functions. Check website for more.
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, may not be the ideal place to take a date (unless you want to remind him or her of eating in a school lunchroom), but if you are craving a giant sandwich served with perfect pickles or a couple of kosher hot dogs, there is perhaps no better place than Katz's in the city. 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 Rocky Hill Inn is a cozy neighbourhood bistro and pub, much loved by the localites. It features an extensive menu of wholesome food like Shepherd's Pie, Braised Short Rib, various burgers and quite a few salads. Here one can relax like in an English pub with the adjacent bar providing the beer on tap, TV screens and WiFi. The outdoor patio is also a good place to unwind. Do not leave without trying out the turkey burger that is supposed to be one-of-a-kind.
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.
Ristorante Venezia, as the name suggests, brings northeastern Italian flavors to the streets of Woodbridge. This family-owned establishment, with head chef Vesel's expertise, boasts delicious Italian classics like pasta, antipasti, insalate and signature meat preparations in wine sauces like Pollo Valdostano and Vitello Santa Elena. Choose a wine from the extensive cellar that forms the centerpiece of the room and is loaded with French, Californian, Chilean and native Italian varieties. The external facade of exposed bricks makes for a rustic and inviting exterior and is great for large groups and private parties.
La Bonbonniere Bake Shoppe is nicknamed the cookie jar, and rightfully so. Out of the ovens at this family-run bakery come a host of scrumptious delicacies to appease your sweet tooth. Choose from an array of cookies, cakes, cannolis, pastries and pies in inventive flavors and numerous varieties. The cream puffs and chocolate eclairs are a must-try, made from fresh ingredients, homemade recipes and baked to perfection.
JJ. Bitting Brewing Company is a longstanding brewery in New Jersey. As the first in the state post prohibition, it prides itself on home-grown brews and a sustainable brewing philosophy. Occupying a three-story building, their pub downstairs boasts of an array of ales. Sample their Victoria's Golden Ale, Avenel Amber or JJ's Raspberry Wheat with classic American grills and bar fare. Visit the top floor to get a glimpse of the manufacturing process and state-of-the-art equipment. This place occasionally hosts several live gigs and culinary events as well.
Start your day right with a visit to Knot Just Bagels. Their menu features bagels, breakfast sandwiches, muffins, and brownies. If you've never had a spinach bagel or a strawberry bagel, here's your chance to try one out. Add on spreads like jelly, peanut butter, lox spread, and, of course, cream cheese, for a flavorful breakfast. At lunch, visit for filling sandwiches, wraps, and salads.
This swanky lounge is known for serving tantalizing small plates with an unparalleled collection of whiskey and wine. With 750 different whiskeys and 100 wine options, the task of deciding can be daunting without the help and advice from knowledgeable waitstaff and mixologists. Surrounded by rich tones of brown, nail-head studded comfy microfiber chairs, ambient lighting, trellis patterned wallpaper and carpet, and white leather intimate booths, patrons will find themselves loosing track of time as they enjoy the refined atmosphere. Small plates pair perfectly with many of their wines with bites like truffled rissotto, sea scallops, duck confit, lobster fritters and more.