Photo from Eva Abreau
I should rather title this “memorable” restaurants in New York. How could anyone pick the “best” in a place like New York City? I’ve just returned from a trip there where I taught cooking classes at the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE). The following restaurants are some of my favorites that I recommend to friends. Please let me know your experiences at these places, and I would love to hear about your favorite New York eatery!
Savoy and its sister restaurant Back Forty: Peter Hoffman is chef/owner and a friend. Absolutely dedicated to local/seasonal/sustainable
Union Square Cafe: Been around for more than 20 years and often voted best restaurant in NYC. Eclectic American food in a fun atmosphere
Prune: This is the place to go if you are feeling in a carnivore mood. Very creative use of meats and innards!
Le Bernadin: Very elegant and may be the best seafood restaurant America, if not the world! Eric Ripert is chef.
Locanda Verde: Actor Robert DiNiro’s place. Andrew Carmellini is chef and he’s great.
Minetta Tavern: Keith McNally’s latest and very fun.
Aldea: Portuguese
Kuma Inn: Southeast Asian
Momofuku: Asian influenced. Owner/chef is David Chang, respected bad boy who has 4 or 5 other restaurants in New York all really good and cutting edge
Gramercy Tavern: Impeccable service and great food. I go there every time I’m in New York
Frankie’s Spuntino: Originally in Brooklyn they now have a restaurant in Manhattan. The 2 owners and they are right out of the Soprano’s. Great home style American/Italian cooking.
DBGB Kitchen and Bar: Daniel Bouloud’s newest. He is the founder of Daniel considered by many to be the best French restaurant in NYC.
For breakfast I love Magnolia Bakery on Bleecker.