New York City Restaurants

Baccarat's Le Jardin Sparkles in Midtown

Since 1764, Baccarat has been making the world’s finest crystal. Receiving its first royal commission in 1823 began a significant demand by global elites and heads of state throughout the world. Their commitment to superlative quality has remained firmly intact for centuries, so it should be no surprise that their signature hotel just six blocks south of Central Park features a new, beautifully elegant, outdoor dining spot. More>>>

Number 5 Restaurant

It was 1897 when Fire Station Number 5 was completed. The rear portion of the building housed the horses used in pulling the fire wagons and the front was for the firefighters. For 75 years they bravely and faithfully served the South Side of Binghamton, New York, but in the early 70′s, Engine House Number 5 was purchased at auction by an Ithaca developer. The property was transformed from a firehouse to a restaurant and in 1978, Jim McCoy More>>>

Kosher Pizza Done Right

My recent trip to the Midwood section of Brooklyn was to check out the newly renovated Pizza Plus restaurant at 1895 Coney Island Avenue. What was immediately striking upon entering is that the interior is a significant departure from its predecessor, and its refined, warm look is reminiscent of a Southern California eatery. More>>>

A Taste of Ethiopia on Manhattan’s Upper West Side

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, AWASH, an Ethiopian restaurant on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, continues its tradition of offering flavorful and authentic food at affordable prices. The soft lighting gracing this space gives the atmosphere a hushed and homelike ambiance, while traditional Ethiopian music wafts through the air.

It was large portraits of the last four kings of Ethiopia adorning the walls More>>>

Wahlburgers—Quality Celebrity Eatery, or Overblown Hype?

My journey to Coney Island from my apartment in Manhattan was one filled with guarded skepticism as I headed to Wahlburgers, the family-born namesake restaurant of actors Mark and Donnie Wahlburg, and their less-known brother, Chef Paul Wahlburg.

Arriving to this iconic Brooklyn seaside community on what was a gorgeous September day was a great start. As we approached our destination, my first impression More>>>

Upper East Side's Nello Sparkles

Madison Avenue’s ultra-chic Nello restaurant is a celebrity-laden atmosphere of fine food and New York ambiance. This is clearly Manhattan’s answer to L.A.’s The Ivy when it comes to “the place to be seen,” but the albeit pricey menu, shines.

Fresh flowers enhance the brightly lit dining room that opens onto Madison Avenue and people watching is always world class. Consisting of an array of finely dressed More>>>

TBar Continues to Thrill!

TBar has turned into an Upper East Side staple for many a steak lover. Although perfectly charred, thick cuts of prime beef seem to be the choice of preference, this by no means is a one trick pony. From the Chicken Liver & Foie Gras Parfait, to the Salmon Ceviche, everything had one thing in common—beautifully fresh!

Originally opened as The Lenox Room, in 2007 its transformation into ints current iteration has proven the test of time and continues to delight its loyal patrons. The dinner menu, a mélange of high-quality steaks, grilled fish, salads and sides, is delivered with precision More>>>

Lago Rocks Bellagio!

Lago by Julian Serrano has just opened up at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, serving small plate Italian dishes served with carefully crafted cocktails all under the watchful eye of Michelin starred chef Julian Serrano. It is a beautiful light and airy space, almost all white and silver in concept and it overlooks the Bellagio Lake and Fountains, a major tourist attraction in Las Vegas. The architecture is based on early 20th century Italian futurism which includes a stunning outside patio area. The entrance boasts a 1500 square foot mosaic of More>>>

Grimaldi Delivers Gourmet Pizza in El Segundo

El Segundo is the only California location for Grimaldi’s Coal Brick Oven Pizzeria, an upscale and fun pizza themed restaurant that has been doing some pretty solid business since its opening day. America’s love affair with pizza remains unabated, and if pizza is your thing and you have not tried the kid-friendly Grimaldi’s, then take the effort to see the place where they claim they have more celebrity sightings than some five-star restaurants—this probably includes visits by the El Segundo based superstars of the Lakers and Kings. Celebrities also highlight their menu which highlights a couple of them who famously love their pizza, but since the two mentioned are Frank Sinatra and Rudy Giuliani, they may consider More>>>

Village Prime Delivers

Greenwich Village’s newest hotspot, Village Prime, is delivering contemporary American cuisine highlighting fresh seafood and prime steak. Twinges of a classic steakhouse fill the air, but the environment is clearly more downtown hip. The welcoming space is surrounded by walls adorned with unfinished wood and cow-hide, while leather banquette seating and wild flower arrangements give the restaurant a cozy, rustic feel which leads out to the garden seating area.

We started off with a couple of drinks from the creative cocktail menu. More>>>

An Indian Summer Brunch at Sandoval’s Mexican Bistro, Maya

Summer seemed to jettison like a thief with a pocket of loot, but was back just as quickly as it graced New York City with a glorious weekend. This sunny, beautiful day brought us to the Upper East Side’s Maya restaurant for their highly acclaimed brunch.

Maya didn’t miss a beat when they expanded their space a couple of years ago and still seem to have a tremendously loyal following with everybody within striking distance. Their fantastic brunch menu consists of an array of elevated Mexican culinary delights alongside just as interesting cocktails. More>>>

Davio's Makes it Mark

Located in the shadow of Grand Central Terminal on Lexington Avenue at East 44th Street, the latest outpost of Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse is offering up a beautiful array of handmade pasta, authentic pizza and of course, top quality Brandt beef steaks. This is a beautifully lavish and extremely comfortable space that is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle found right outside their front door. Their goal—an unforgettable dining experience and that is exactly what was delivered. More>>>

West Village Welcomes Newest Ethiopian Outpost

Nestled between New York’s West Village and Meatpacking District, the exotically sultry environment of Injera has created a buzz from the moment that they opened their doors. You will disappear amidst the magical environment in this hip, yet cozy ambiance which is adorned with decorative masks and elegantly lit lanterns that help to articulate the vibrant aesthetics of the African continent. Named after the bread used to eat the savory creations being gracefully prepared on a daily basis, Injera is delivering what is for me, the finest Ethiopian cuisine in New York City today. More>>>

100% Organic Cold Press Juice & SPIRITS?

Johnny Solo, rising star actor, and Astoria restaurant and nightclub impresario, is putting a shine on the cutting edge with the recent opening of Ginger Organic. Stepping inside this location is akin to entering a hipster café of tomorrow—a beautifully appointed space, with a rustic and even eclectically industrial feel, that delivers an abundance of healthy, 100% organic juices, snacks and… wait for it… cocktails!

Juicing with the cold press process delivers a higher enzyme count and is healthier as a result. The juices are second to none and are addictively delicious. Combinations like the Early Riser (pineapple, pear, apple and mint) and the Super Greens (cucumber, celery, parsley, romaine, spinach, kale, apple, lemon and ginger) left me clamoring More>>>

Dining Parkside at Villagio

The newest and sixth installation carrying the Villagio moniker sits squarely amidst the action of Central Park South. Beautifully designed by Jeffrey Beers, this fine restaurant is serving up classic, yet sophisticated Italian fare. From homemade pastas, to an array of pizzas from the wood burning oven, to a nice selection of fish and meat, the menu is solid, as is the ample wine list. In the warm weather, the floor-to-ceiling windows can be opened, or you also have the option of dining al fresco amidst the bustle of tourists from around the world. More>>>

Vinus & Marc—A Taste of 1920’s Paris

Carnegie Hill’s Vinus & Marc is rife with sultry design elements from 1920s Paris. Located on 95th Street and Second Avenue, this prohibition-era styled bistro/lounge has a lush, timeless vibe and is sure to become a favorite. Kicking back in a plush chaise is the way they roll here and comfort in both the environment and the food is the name of the game.

We started off our evening with a couple of the rather impressive cocktails designed by in-house More>>>

Greece's Shining Stars - Molyvos Restaurant and Estate Voyatzi Team Up!

Situated in Midtown West in the shadow of the esteemed Carnegie Hall, Molyvos has been dazzling its patrons with authentic Greek cuisine since 1997. This past week I was fortunate enough to attend a special Greek wine pairing, highlighting an array of fabulous dishes with the perfect wine selections.

Our wine sponsor, Estate Voyatzi was at the ready to accompany the culinary masterpieces presented by a collaboration between Molyvos Executive Chef, More>>>

Brick Lane Curry House Shines

Named after East London’s Brick Lane Indian Row, Brick Lane Curry House was the first of its kind in Manhattan, introducing Indian cuisine in a new way. After seven successful years operating on E. 6th St. this British-Indian gastronomic spice playground opened its doors at its midtown location. Well known for their fiery Phaal Curry, this is just the beginning of what is an authentic experience.

After cooling down with a couple of specialty cocktails, we eagerly started what would be an epic feast. First up was the Samosa (crispy pastry stuffed with spiced More>>>

Bread & Tulips - A Lunch Outing Gone Very Right!

A mission to explore some of the better lunch spots around the midtown and Murray Hill areas led me through the doors of Bread & Tulips. This cozy neighborhood spot serving rustic Italian fare in a casual setting is inspired by the regional diversity of Italy and features handmade pastas and pizzas, in addition to a traditional a nice array of antipasti.

More>>>

White Smoke—A New Leader of the Pizza World Has Been Identified

Pizzetteria Brunetti has quickly taken the crown as the best pizza in New York City. Yes, it is that good! Their original selections of Neopolitan combinations are truly inspired and one is better than the next. The even better news, this is only the beginning.

I am seriously considering a move to the West Village after spending More>>>

Empire Steak House Does it Again!

During a Saturday evening Manhattan downpour, we climbed aboard our yellow-checkered ark and headed over to the west side to experience Empire Steak House’s newest location. Located at 237 West 54nd Street, this new outpost, their second location, is home to a sleek, modern design with high ceilings and a very inviting white marble bar. At a sprawling 4,500 square feet, it is a comfortable space for virtually any event, dinner, or an intimate date. More>>>

The Flight of the Butterfly

Situated in a Park Avenue brownstone, Pepela (“butterfly” in Georgian), is an upscale restaurant featuring authentic Georgian food. After opening last year, it quickly earned international respect for its sophisticated cuisine, ultra-chic atmosphere, private label wines, satisfying portions and very personal warmth from the owner and restaurant staff.

The restaurant space has the feel of a gorgeous mansion, with two levels, More>>>

Hornblower Cruises—The Art of Sailing

On a blustery New York evening, my wife and I headed over to Pier 40 at NYC’s West Street to board Hornblower’s Infinity Yacht for a night of fun. Sailing the Hudson River along the base of Manhattan offering exquisite, panoramic views of the Empire State building, Battery Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, Governors Island and the Statue of Liberty was just the beginning.

At a spectacular 210 feet and recently remodeled with a bold design, this More>>>

Gaby Delivers Contemporary French Cuisine

Located off of the lobby of the swanky Sofitel in Midtown Manhattan, Gaby’s Chef Sylvain Harribey is blending classic French cuisine with exotic fusion dishes from different points around the world and delivering a true culinary experience.

Chef Harribey was raised in Bordeaux, a highly regarded food and wine region and his fascination with food and cooking stems from working alongside his mother as a child. It is this innate passion that was born at an extraordinarily early age that brings to life the food that was presented on this special evening More>>>

Matilda's Unique Fusion

A very snowy evening did not detract us from heading to the East Village to experience Matilda Restaurant, an off-the-beaten-path fusion of Italian and Mexican cuisine. Not knowing what to expect from this unusual pairing heightened our expectations and we were not disappointed.

Entering this very warm environment is like being welcomed home and the service kept that vibe throughout. After relaxing with a couple of outrageously good cocktails, one of which was Prosecco-based and the other a creation using More>>>

Guns + Butter—Pop-Up, Brooklyn Style

Brooklyn has done it again! In an up and coming neighborhood, a young and passionate chef brought a taste of Detroit to the Big Apple. Craig Lieckfelt, a Detroit native, returned to New York City with an idea and simple concept of nomadic dinning called Guns + Butter. Be certain that there were no guns fired in the kitchen while cooking an inspiring meal, or servers wearing cowboy attire. What there was though was a perfectly balanced dining experience, with a stringent attention to detail and a respect for the ingredients that were used. Chef Lieckfelt, who studied under one of New York City’s finest, More>>>

Commerce Restaurant - A Bite of History

In the heart of the West Village, in an almost hidden location, lies Commerce Restaurant. Located at 50 Commerce Street, in the same historic building that was once home to formidable favorites Blue Mill Tavern and Grange Hall, Commerce is a true haven for the culinary adventurer. This place has a history as rich as its food and the owners are committed to preserving that history. The building, erected More>>>

Tamarind Takes Flight

The sophomore effort of restaurateur Avtar Walia has significantly raised the bar for the Tamarind brand and added a much needed diversity to the streets of TriBeCa. With 10 years of history operating on 22nd Street, it was time to expand. After serious negotiations to open an onsite restaurant at Las Vegas’s Venetian Hotel, the Walia family decided to keep it local. TriBeCa seemed the logical choice and the doors swung open in April 2010. Now, less than two years later, they are honored by a Michelin star. We decided that it was time to head More>>>

Mike's Deli - The Heartbeat of Arthur Avenue

The neighborhood of Arthur Avenue, in the Bronx, dates back to a time when thousands of Italian immigrants came through Ellis Island. They discovered a welcoming mass of paesani, all linked by their zealous Italian passion for good food! Many early Italians in this area made their living by working and selling products from pushcarts, most often food items. In 1940, Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia built the indoor Arthur Avenue Retail Market to take the street vendors out of the cold. It is this market that brings me here today. More>>>

Seasonal

Located on West 58th Street adjacent to the world famous Plaza Hotel is Seäsonal restaurant, the result of a long standing partnership between award winning chefs Eduard Frauneder and Wolfgang Ban. Frauneder and Ban first crossed paths when they were students at the prestigious Gastronomie Fachschule. More>>>

Half King Gastro-Pub

The eighteenth-century Seneca chief known as "The Half King" is a figure so obscure that no one knows his real name - it was most likely Tanaghrisson, or something close to it. Tanaghrisson stepped into American history in 1748, when the Iroquois League designated him leader of the Senecas and Delawares.

The hip gastro-pub sporting his namesake located at 505 W. 25th Street has become a fixture in Chelsea. Just celebrating their 10th anniversary, this awesomely comfortable and fun space with elegantly worn, wide-plank wooden floors and a revolving art More>>>

Penthouse 808

For some Manhattanites, the suggestion of leaving the borough to go to a restaurant in places like the Bronx, Brooklyn, or god forbid Queens, is commonly greeted with a “you’ve got to be kidding” look. No, you do not need your passport to leave the island of Manhattan; in fact the trip time across the Queensboro Bridge, a free bridge for that matter, is faster than a trip from the Upper East Side to Greenwich Village. Add to that urban chic restaurants like Penthouse 808 waiting on the other side, with al fresco rooftop dining and killer More>>>

Nirvana Sets the Stage for the Indian Food Connoisseur

Stimulating the local scene in the Murray Hill section of Manhattan, Nirvana Restaurant lit up their marquee two years ago. Formerly the 35 year home of Stella del Mar, Nirvana took a cue from the sophisticated consumer and a new vision was launched, and a new story is now being told. With many years of industry experience the first effort of the charismatic duo Pravin Mascarenhas and Anil Amin is something that is certainly worthy of praise.

Situated in a duplex on Lexington Avenue, the contemporary, yet warm environment is extremely inviting and beckons you to make yourself a regular fixture. The downstairs boasts an ultra-hip lounge which has played host to a variety of events including fashion shows and weekly live jazz, as well as a regular happy hour that features half-price More>>>

Telepan

It is not surprising that Chef Bill Telepan authored the book “Inspired by Ingredients”--Bill is a true green market chef in every sense of the word. His passion for the Greenmarket is widely known and he is invigorated by the plentiful vegetables, herbs and various food gems always available. There are few chefs in New York City who can boast this level of superior ingredients and are as pure bred as Bill Telepan.

Upon entering this charming brownstown we were immediately More>>>

Resto, A Breath of Fresh Air

The unique Belgian Restaurant, Resto, on 111 E. 29th St. left me tantalized and excited about this new find. Resto chef Ryan Skeen is serving up the most interesting Belgian food in New York. The unpretentious surroundings and thoughtfully executed food define this one-of-a-kind neighborhood restaurant.

The oblong room, with a tiny outdoor patio, is a few steps below street level. It is cozy but not cramped, with an ample marble bar that screams out to pull up a chair and try one of the many unique libations being served. More>>>

Christo’s, A Real Knockout!

Right off of Steinway Street on 23rd Avenue, in the heart of Astoria, is the home of Christo’s Steakhouse. This place is kickin’ it old school, but believe me when I tell you that it is not all pomp and circumstance.

Owner, Alan Wartski seems to have a steady hand and maybe even the Midas touch. Counting Times Square’s Edison Ballroom and TriBeCa’s Cosmopolitan Hotel a More>>>

Koi - Bryant Park

The Bryant Park Hotel, one of Manhattan’s foremost luxury destinations is also home to a remarkable restaurant, Koi. Japanese for “love”, this contemporary space is creatively carved into three levels and boasts a real Koi pond set into the floor. The sister site to L.A.’s famed celebrity magnet, Koi New York is no slacker. With fans that include Lindsay Lohan, Gisele Bündchen, Mark Wahlberg, Leonardo DiCaprio and Jessica Alba, Koi is a place to be seen. More >>>

Cello Wine Bar

Cello Wine Bar, a cool new hangout located in Midtown on East 53rd street, is offering New Yorker’s a comfortable, intimate oasis in an otherwise overly commercial and trendy neighborhood. With a capacity of only 25 and a true warmth and charm, Cello is sure to make an impact. The user-friendly wine selection from around the world, offered both by the glass and by the bottle, encourages diners to comfortably pick and pair exceptional selections with tapas style bites. More>>>

Water's Edge Restaurant

Nestled alongside the East River in the Long Island City section of Queens, stands Water’s Edge Restaurant. With a rich history spanning three decades, it has held its own as a time-tested New York City establishment. During the warm weather, the Water’s Edge dining experience begins with a cruise across the East River. Departing from Manhattan’s East 23rd Street Pier, guests glide across the East River aboard the Water’s Edge Ferry. However, on the night of my attendance, I was whisked across the Queensboro Bridge More>>>

Tulsi Restaurant

The ambitious result of a collaboration between Michelin-starred Hemant Mathur, chef and founder of the critically acclaimed Devi Restaurant and his wife, Executive Pastry Chef Surbhi Sahni, we were excited to see what Tulsi Restaurant had to offer. Located in the Midtown East section of Manhattan, this is one extremely beautiful restaurant.

Tulsi, which translated means “holy basil," is a top-rate restaurant by any standard. With plenty of green hues and an extraordinary contemporary design scheme, this establishment smacks of quality and taste from the moment you enter. With an impeccable attention to detail including mother of pearl accents, ‘netted’ cabana areas to suggest privacy and gorgeous crystal chandeliers, you dream of returning to share this find with those close to you, before you ever reach your table. More>>>

Hi-Life Bar & Restaurant

Celebrating their 20th Anniversary in spring 2011, Hi-Life Restaurants have become a part of the New York City landscape. Originally opening at 477 Amsterdam Avenue in 1991, Hi-Life was one of the first restaurants to extol the design and style of the 1930’s. Traditionally, these places had big, stainless steel and neon signs, designed to catch the attention of potential customers passing by faster than ever in their shiny new automobiles. Once inside, they provided an oasis of comfort and civility to hard working men and women seeking refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life. Hi-Life’s décor is a fusion of classic 1930’s “joint” and an elegant ocean liner More>>

Bryant Park Grill

In 1686, when New York City was still a wilderness, New York's colonial governor allocated the area now known as Bryant Park as a common area, free to all people. Almost 100 years later, in 1776, George Washington's troops crossed this very park while retreating from the Battle of Long Island. Fast forward to 2011 and Bryant Park today is considered one of New York’s greatest gems, a truly glorious landmark. More>>>

Triomphe Restaurant

Located on 44th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue, off of the lobby of the trendy Iroquois Hotel, Triomphe restaurant is a hidden gem in the bustling midtown area of Manhattan. The intimate room in the heart of New York’s theater district is inhabited by a mere 11 tables. The simple yet elegant décor is made up of dark walnut floors, a domed ceiling and minimally decorated, pristine white walls. With the swirling sounds of jazz from overhead and an ambiance More>>>

Michael Mina’s Pub 1842 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas

In the summer of 2013, Michael Mina replaced his Seablue restaurant at the MGM Grand with his version of an upscale gastropub. The results are a spacious and relaxing area that serves gargantuan portions of well prepared food ranging from fairly moderate to high prices. The standard classic rock style music plays in the background and is accompanied by a large craft beer list and a fairly comprehensive cocktail selection all priced at $13. The wine list is compact enough with about thirty to choose from and is uniformly priced at $65. Six wines are available by the glass, including one More>>>