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NYC Restaurant Recommendations

I only post exceptionally positive dining-out experiences here...no negative reviews.


These are some of our top favorite NYC restaurants:


Blue Hill Farm

June 2017

Intimate, featured on one of the earlier Chef's Table episodes, tasting menu...loved it!



Capital Grille, at Rockefeller Center

October 7, 2020

This classic restaurant is an experience in NYC's history. We love the architecture, the family liqour lockers, phenomenal service, and the consistency of deliciously sourced and perfectly cooked steaks!


Fulton

October 5, 2020

This restaurant by Jean-Georges is located at the end of a pier, in the old Fish Market area of the lower East side. Although situated on the pier, it feels as though you're seated in a large boat, gazing out at the East River. We enjoyed our entrees, but may have enjoyed the view even more! We all love the water, and their are different options of entrees, from seafood to pasta to salads... something for everyone.


Gramercy Tavern

March 2019, October 2020

This is one of our favorites. We love the design & art/large mural above the bar...as well as the overall busy unpretentious vibe and friendly, excellent service. Of course these are all in addition to the unique, delicious and inspirational dishes.


La Pecora Bianca

October 4, 2020 (just one of the times we've dined here)

I almost didn't include this one, because it's not one-of-a-kind...there are multiple locations throughout NYC. However, this is our teenage son's favorite restaurant in Manhatten...in particular the pasta with vodka sauce. The pasta dishes are all excellent, as well as every dessert we've ordered!


Le Bernardin

June 2017 (lunch)

A Michelin star fine-dining seafood restaurant, chef Eric Ripert is a master of detail. Each course was not just beautiful, but the flavor combinations and quality of ingredients were evident. We loved every bite!



LeDistrict

This is a top-notch food hall located within Brookfield Place, at TheWinter Garden. I'm including it here in case you're visiting the Sptember 11 memorial or doing a bit of shopping,and want a low-key lunch. We top in here usually once on each trip to NYC, because everyone can order what they like, and we'vealways been extremely satisfied with the quality of our meals.Also, you can sit by the window overlooking the Hudson River and luxury yachts!


LouLou

October 4, 2020

A family favorite, not just because the cutest dog...LouLou...walks around and greets guests at sidewalk tables, but the place is bustling and both outdoor and indoors eating areas are inviting, warm, and friendly. The food is consistently top notch, and the drinks are whimsical and beautiful! We've tasted the steak sandwich, grilled fish sandwich, nicoise salad, burgers and various appetizers. Delish!


Milos, Estiatorio

October 5, 2020

Overlooking the Vessel and the Hudson River, the view is breathtaking. To enter the restaurant, you immediately step into an elevator after checking in. When the doors open, you're greeted by a fresh display resembling an upscale fish market, and immediately take in the beautiful view out the expansive windows. We ordered cooked whole fish, and salmon sashimi...both were delicious and beautifully prepared.


Nix

click here for restaurant website

June 18, 2017

Even if you're not a vegetarian, you will thoroughlylove your meal at Nix. They know vegetables...and flavors are incredible!


Gunter Seeger

June 19, 2017

Our first Michelin dining experience!


River Cafe

June 22, 2017

We ate here on my 50th birthday, and with a view of Manhatten across the East River, the setting couldn't have been better. When approaching the restaurant, you'll find the gardens delightful. We loved every bite of the chef's tasting menu which challenged my (at that time) cautious palate. Even after multiple courses of absolutely delicious bites, we were not uncomfortably full. A perfect follow up to the meal was our night time walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to enjoy the dramatic city skyline and lights. This is still one of the best meals I've ever had the pleasure of enjoying!



Other Culinary Related Experiences

1. Don't miss the Union Square Greenmarket aspart of your NYC culinary experiences. Many of the michelin star restaurants in NYC source their produce from this market, and it's just a fun, filled, energetic farmer's market that is one of our favorite stops on morning walks.

2. If you love cook-booksand quaint hole-in-the-wall shops, it's worth a trip to the Upper East Side to visit the Kitchen Arts and Letters store. But once you enter, it's a challenge to muster up the incentive to leave.



Coffee and Light Breakfast

Bouchon Bakery

June 19, 2017

Chef Thomas Keller does it again! We've also visited Bouchon in hishometown of Yountville, CA and both establishments produce delicious, flaky,buttery morning treats!

Bluestone Lane Coffee

June 18, 2017


Le Pain Quotidien, in Bryant Park

June 22, 2022

lovely community table and delicious coffee & pastries



Madman Coffee

June 20, 2017

Delicious coffee!


Lunch

Juliana's Pizza, Brooklyn

Click here for restaurant website

June 22, 2017

A delicious lunch for my 50th birthday...after a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge!


Terrace Cafe, in the MOMA

by Danny Barber

June 19, 2017


Rooftop View & Drink

City Vineyard at City Winery


Mezzrow Jazz

June 24, 2017 , March 2019, October 2020


Giovanni Rana Pastificio & Cucina, in Chelsea Market

June 23, 2017

Closed due to Covid, but we loved Pasta Rana...and just in case it re-opens at somepoint, we're including it here at the bottom of NYC recommendations:


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