With some 20,000 restaurants, New York is a city of staggering options when it comes to dining. From inspired iterations of world cuisine, to quintessentially local nibbles, New York City’s dining scene is infinite, all-consuming and a proud testament to the kaleidoscope of citizens that call the city home. New York's celebrity chefs - David Chang, Mario Batali and Daniel Boulud to name a few - continue to redefine notions of the great New York restaurant, while new trends and constantly-changing appetites fuel a city ever on the cusp of reinvention. These days the scene very much revolves around fresh, locally sourced, Modern American cuisine and high-end comfort food.
Le Bernardin
The interiors may have been subtly sexed-up for a 'younger clientele' (the stunning storm-themed triptych is by Brooklyn artist Ran Ortner), but triple Michelin-starred Le Bernardin remains a luxe, fine-dining holy grail. At the helm is celebrity chef Eric Ripert, whose deceptively simple-looking seafood often borders on the transcendental.
The menu works simply: three lunch courses for $76 or four dinner courses for $135, with ample choices per course, and two tastings menus for those with more time and money. The dishes themselves are divided into three categories (Almost Raw, Barely Touched, Lightly Cooked), and while most shine with delicious complexity, Ripert's signature tuna and foie gras creation is especially outstanding. Book at least three weeks ahead for dinner and two weeks ahead for lunch.
John Dory Oyster Bar
In the summer of 2009, the high-end and well received seafood restaurant the John Dory closed to the public in a move that surprised followers and fans of its British chef April Bloomfield. But Bloomfield and her business partner Ken Friedman have made a comeback in a major way. They've reopened their restaurant as a bar, hangout, and spot for a quick bite. The menu is much more limited – entrees have given way to small plates – but includes standouts like oyster pan roast, chorizo-stuffed squid, and smoked haddock terrine. And as a bonus, it's located in the Ace Hotel, which is also home to gastropub The Breslin, excellent sandwich shop No 7 Sub, and exquisite coffee shop Stumptown.
Oriental Garden
A favourite of many New York chefs including David Chang and David Bouley, Oriental Garden is a place for great dim sum, superb Peking duck, and, most importantly, excellent and fresh seafood (sitting right in the tanks by the entrance). They put forth a slew of great complex sauces and flavors but getting the black bean sauce, whether with scallops or razor clams, is always a safe bet. As is the lobster (all preparations), the seafood in bird's nest, and the grilled fluke filleted at the table. The space can be a bit boisterous and tight, but the waits are never that long. And while Oriental Garden is more expensive than some of the its dingy neighborhood brethren, the quality justifies the price.
RedFarm
RedFarm transforms Chinese cooking into pure, delectable artistry at this small, buzzing space on Hudson St. Fresh crab and eggplant bruschetta, juicy rib steak (marinated overnight in papaya, ginger and soy) and pastrami egg rolls are among the many creative dishes that brilliantly blend east with west. Other hits include the spicy crispy beef, pan-fried lamb dumplings and the grilled jumbo shrimp red curry. Waits can be long, so arrive early (reservations not accepted), or plan on a few cocktails at the bar on the lower level (scotch lovers: don't miss the Suntory Old-Fashioned).
Foragers City Table
Owners of this new restaurant in Chelsea run a 28-acre farm in the Hudson Valley, from which much of their menu is sourced (and true to name, some products are indeed 'foraged'). Dishes are sustainable, locally sourced, and perhaps most importantly, delicious! A few temptations: squash soup with Jerusalem artichokes and black truffles; roasted chicken with polenta; heritage pork loin; and the season's harvest featuring toasted quinoa and a flavorful mix of vegetables. Brunch is another big draw.
Next door is the gourmet market, where you can browse many goodies, from organic produce to heavenly desserts; there's also a wine shop with reasonably priced bottles from small producers.
Chelsea Market
Chelsea Market is more a collection of food places than a single restaurant. It’s extremely popular and a great place to pop into when you need some groceries, a meal, or snacks. You’ll find good Thai food here, and Amy’s Bread has amazing bread. The Lobster Place has decent sushi (and great lobster), but I really enjoy their clam chowder. If you want a meal with local and organic food, try the Green Table.
Smorgasburg
Smorgasburg is an outdoor food market that occurs every weekend starting in May until the end of November. There are two locations: Saturdays at East River State Park and Sundays on the DUMBO waterfront. Close to 100 vendors serve food and drinks, and on a warm day in the summer, you’ll find the place swarming with locals.
Jeffrey's Grocery
A West Village classic, Jeffrey's is a lively eating and drinking spot that hits all the right notes. Seafood is the focus: there's an oyster bar and beautifully executed seafood selections such as razor clams with caviar and dill, whole roasted dourade with curry, and seafood platters to share. Meat dishes come in the shape of roasted chicken with Jerusalem artichoke, and a humble but juicy pastrami burger.
Café Boulud
This Michelin-starred bistro – part of Daniel Boulud’s gastronomic empire – attracts a staid crowd with its globe-trotting French cuisine. Seasonal menus include classic dishes such as coq au vin, as well as more inventive fare such as scallop crudo (raw) with white miso. Foodies on a budget will be interested in the three-course, $43 prix fixe lunch.
The adjacent 40-seat Bar Pleiades serves seasonal cocktails, along with a full bar menu (think beef sliders and grilled baby octopus).
Taïm
This tiny joint whips up some of the best falafels in the city. You can order them Green (traditional style), Harissa (with Tunisian spices) or Red (with roasted peppers). Whichever you choose, you’ll get them stuffed into pita bread with creamy tahini sauce and a generous dose of Israeli salad. There are also mixed platters, zesty salads and delicious smoothies (try the date, lime and banana).
