In a city that never sleeps, our appetites also always be there. Here are a few of our favorite spots to fulfill those craving for food maybe it's a rose fueled brunch, authentic Japanese, old-fashioned Italian, or comfort fare NYC has everything at your doorstep.
BISTANGO & UPSTAIRS In the KIMBERLY
Since 1988, Bistango continues to be serving Italian comfort fare with plenty of gluten-free options from its original location at 29th Street and now it's newer outpost in the Kimberly Hotel in Midtown Manhattan. Upon entry, you have a attractive and warm sense in the environment. This stylish, classic setting is perfect for family dinners or just a casual night out with friends.
Bistango excels in most things Italian. Since 2003, their menu which includes pastas, pizzas, breads, entrees, beers, and even desserts can be made with gluten or gluten-free. Executive Chef Humberto Corona prepares the items, including his specialty Arancini rice balls, Rigatoni with short rib and delicious Saffron Pappardelle, to perfection and most guests are rarely aware that the restaurant caters to the gluten-free diner. Other customer favorites range from the Lobster Fettuccini as well as their Rigatoni with Short Rib and Salsa Verde Rustico.
Make a night of it and go to the stunning Upstairs in the Kimberly Hotel for any nightcap underneath the stars. Perched on the penthouse level 30 floors above the Kimberly Hotel, this 3,000 square foot urban oasis has three different outdoor and indoor atmospheres with a striking décor along with a retractable glass ceiling that provides unparalleled views from the Chrysler Building. Imbibe in one of the signature libations for a truly unforgettable evening.
145 East 50 St
upstairsnyc.com | bistangonyc.com
SCARPETTA & THE SEVILLE
The already hot NoMad neighborhood just became hotter with LDV's flagship concept restaurant Scarpetta, found in the new James Hotel NoMad. Named after the Italian expression, “fare la Scarpetta”, which translates to 'savor a meal to the final bite' is what patrons dining at Scarpetta will do.
This new incarnation of Scarpetta is led by Executive Chef Jorge Espinoza who creates rich and bold flavors by amplifying the essence of seasonal ingredients. All of the signature classics that customers love including the notable Spaghetti Tomato & Basil, Yellowtail Crudo, Creamy Polenta, Short Rib Agnolotti and Roasted Branzino are served perfectly. Additionally, the crudi menu has special items such as Tuna “Susci” and Raw Yellowtail that are complemented with a special Crudo tasting. The Verdure section has a rotating mix of a minimum of 6 different seasonal vegetable dishes, each with bold flavors, vibrant colors along with a simplistic method of preparation.
The mastermind behind the interior design is Thomas Juul-Hansen. A mixture of metal, exposed columns, rustic wood, leather and marble replicates the intimate sense of a stylish dining room.
What makes it better still is their new cocktail lounge downstairs, The Seville, which personifies the neighborhood balance of top quality dining paired with decadent social indulges and it has already captured the attention of bold faced A-listers and celebrities.
88 Madison Avenue
Scarpettarestaurants.com
JAX BBQ
If you are searching for a geniune Southern style wood pit barbecue experience without needing to leave Manhattan, dine at JAX BBQ in Hell's Kitchen. Pitmaster/owner Nick Accardi was noted for his acclaimed Italian eatery in the neighborhood, Tavola, but desired to restore the flair of Americana to the area. The inside matches recption menus having a rockabilly Americana diner theme featuring exposed brick walls, black leather banquettes with red piping, vintage 1930's bar stools, and antique service station signs.
Literally taking 'cues' from his stint in Vegas under BBQ legend Mike Mills, Accardi applied his manner of “slow and low” smoking and created custom rubs to attain BBQ perfection. Recption menus touches has Southern specialties for example alligator fritters, crawfish hush puppies, and a number of expertly smoked meats. Other specialties of the house range from the Memphis style ribs seasoned by having an 18 ingredient spice mixture that's cooked for 8 hours, the 12 hour smoked Carolina pulled pork, or even the crispy buttermilk fried chicken that's juicy inside. Other crowd pleasers include a variety of mouthwatering burger creations which are packed with flavor. Try the Jax Classic Burger, topped a house-infused truffle ketchup and caramelized onion, and the B-B-Q slab bacon burger with hand-cut slab bacon, Vermont cheddar and house bbq sauce. Even vegetarians can partake using the delicious “I Can't Believe It isn't Meat” burger created using a hopeless Foods vegetarian patty topped having a savory custom sauce. Save room for any decadent Southern dessert such as a real key lime (made with actual key limes), Mississippi mud, and chocolate pecan pie selection, in addition to banana 'Nilla pudding.
496 9th Ave. NYC | 212.273.1168 | jaxbbqnyc.com
BORRACHITO (photo credit: FOH)
Taking the vibes of the 70s taco truck theme, Borrachito is really a Mexican street food concept by Den Hospitality located in the back of the uber hip East Village lounge, The Garret East. Executive Chef Yuval Ochoa hails from Guadalajara, Mexico where he drew his inspiration from family recipes. Recption menus is simple having a variety of spicy and savory tacos plus a delicious chicken tortilla soup. The tacos are affordable at $4.25 with handmade corn tortillas are created fresh to buy and filled with delicious fillings.
Try the signature tacos including PORK BOMB, carnitas, chicharron, and house pico de gallo (the pork is prepared 3 various ways: roasted pork belly, confit pork shoulder and fried pork skin); NY STEAK salsa borracha & grilled onions; BAJA FISH, fried seabass, grilled pineapple salsa; and the vegetarian option of BURRATA, tomatillo salsa, fresh corn. The tacos pair perfectly with The Garret's killer cocktails together with a spicy margarita or perhaps a mezcal libation.
206 Avenue A, NYC | borrachitonyc.com
DENINO'S PIZZERIA & TAVERN GREENWICH VILLAGE
In 1937, Denino's Tavern was opened in Staten Island by Sicilian immigrants and it has remained in the household ever since reaching legendary status. Keeping it in the family, Carlo Denino, introduced pizza towards the tavern in 1951 together with his crisp thin crust pizza topped with light sauce that came to define the Staten Island style of pizza. It became this type of hit, attracting politicians, celebrities, and locals, that officials later named the corner the pizzeria was on- Carlo Denino's Way. To grow the family's legacy, Joseph Castellano, an old employee for 27 years at the original location has partnered with Denino's stepson Michael Burke to spread out the first Manhattan location in the heart of Greenwich Village.
The signature dishes are of course the pizzas that achieve the perfect balance of a thin crispy crust packed with flavor that doesn't sag. The other secret is an order of ingredient application: cheese first, followed by toppings, and then sauce last. This excellent style ensures that the flavor from the sauce is not lost. Must-try signature pies straight from the original location include the 1951 (tomato sauce, mozzarella), M.O.R (meatball, onions, ricotta), Garbage (sausage, meatball, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions), and Clam (fresh garlic, parsley, olive oil, grated cheese, no sauce), which is purportedly the best within the city. Classic Italian-American dishes are also served like the meatballs – a secret family recipe with fresh tomato sauce along with a dollop of ricotta, and crispy rice balls (crisp outside, gooey inside with rice, grated cheese, ricotta and mozzarella). Other delicious entrees include Chicken Parmigiana, Veal Marsala, and Shrimp Arrabbiata. Tuesdays are pasta nights with $10 pastas to get your carb craving on. Try the mouthwatering Cacio e Pepe (imported pecorino, butter, cracked pepper) or Farfalle Crema (mushroom, peas, pancetta, light cream). Now you can enjoy the best flavors of Staten Island without leaving Manhattan.
93 Macdougal St. NYC | 646.838.6987 | Deninosgreenwichvillage.com
BRIGITTE
Located in the burgeoning area where the Lower East Side borders Chinatown, Brigitte embodies the heat of Brazil combined with Provencal chic and a downtown edge. Sitting on a corner of among the last edgy neighborhoods in Manhattan, this Mediterranean hotspot exudes a lush interior having a light summery ambiance and a Brazilian inspired menu.
A great spot for a rose fueled weekend brunch, begin with the new oysters topped with dark wine vinegar and shallots or even the shared charcuterie platter. For sweet options try the Instagram worthy healthy acai yogurt parfait or even the pancakes with banana, spicy walnuts and maple syrup. Crowd pleasing favorties include Franco Brazilian inspired egg dishes for example La Cocotte with spinach and tomato confit, La Cassoulette with chorizo and yucca fries, or even the grilled shrimp salad with mango and yucca chips drizzled with ginger dressing. For all those having a hearty appetite opt for the generously sized cheeseburger or even the elevated version of Chicken and waffles with a fried Butterfield Hen with chili maple syrup. Despite the fact that spring is simply nearby, you may still experience that carefree spirit of a Brazilian summer at Brigitte.
37 Canal St. NYC | 646.649.3378 | brigitteles.com
