I’m not a foodie by any means, but I’ve learned (by being in close proximity to one) that impeccably prepared food is an art form that’s worth experiencing every now and again.
Here’s a list of restaurants that I want to try:
NYC Restaurants I Want to Try
In no particular order:
1.) Old Homestead Steakhouse
2.) Hangawi
3.) Per Se
4.) Gramercy Tavern
5.) Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare
6.) Dovetail
7.) Eleven Madison Park
8.) Momofuku
9.) SriPraPhai in Queens
10.) Blue Hill at Stone Barns
Quite a few of these restaurants are somewhat pricey (and one in particular might require a blood sacrifice), so it might take a while for me to knock these off. Also I may not have 52 on the list yet, but I’ll keep updating until I do.
And here’s a list of places that I’ve tried and would totally go back to. Most of these aren’t fancy or pricey, but are solid choices if you’re looking for tasty food. Again, in no particular order:
- Blue Hill NYC – Delicious food and great service. Another ‘date night’ type of place. (update 2022: They’ve moved to family style service. It would be interesting to try them again.)
- Westville – The market vegetable plate is insanely delicious. Also, the Hudson St. location is the only one that takes reservations which can be handy at times.
- New Wonjo – My go-to Korean restaurant in the city. Always reliable Bibimbap and a nice variety of banchan.
- Alta – A charming tapas place in the West Village.
- Angelica Kitchen – Healthy and delicious in the East Village
- Carroll Place – Nice atmosphere, pretty good pizza and small plates. A good choice if you happen to find yourself in the food wasteland that is Bleecker St.
- Vatan – Prix Fixe all you can eat Indian in the Kips Bay/Gramercy area.
- Peacefood Cafe – Tasty vegan with locations on the UWS and Union Sq.
- Ayurveda Cafe – On the UWS. They serve the same food at both lunch and dinner, so go for lunch when it’s cheaper.
- Socarrat – Yummy paella. I’ve been to their Chelsea location.
- LuAnne’s Wild Ginger – Asian vegan in the heart of little Italy. The bi-bim bap was out of this world.
Alas, here’s a list of restaurants that I’ve been to and loved, but that are no longer with us:
- Craft Steak – They had impeccable service and food. Not cheap, but worth it for an occasion. I learned to love mushrooms here.
- Thursday Kitchen – Outstanding Korean small plates in the East Village. Very personable owner. Delicious drink specials.
- GG’s – Love their pizza. Try them if you find yourself in the East Village.