Heather Tierney, founder of Sorted - a NYC dining concierge service, tells us where to get the tastiest bite from the Big Apple. To have Heather get you the best table in some of the most sought after eateries in town, invites to exclusive tastings and openings, extra insider foodie tips… check out: www.sortednyc.com
JoJo, Upper East Side
Inside this dimly-lit restaurant, spread across multiple rooms and floors of a plush townhouse, you feel as if you’ve been invited to a private dinner at a French ambassador’s house… Don’t miss the goat cheese fondue with ruby red beets, or the ginger chocolate cake.
160 East 64th Street, NY 10021| www.jean-georges.com | +1 212 223 5656
Momofuku Ssam, East Village
Another winner from Dave Chang; this time the theme is Korean street food. The real must-eat here is Chang’s signature “Asian Burrito” with organic Berkshire pork, brisket or chicken. Go during the day for a fast-food uber-cafeteria experience.
207 Second Avenue, NY 10003 | www.momofuku.com | +1 212 254 3500
Frederick’s Downtown, West Village
This modern french bistro is perfect for an elegant but cozy winter date…gorgeous provencal fare- with an emphasis on fresh, beautifully prepared seafood. The creamy orzo with lobster and chanterelle mushrooms is utterly gorgeous… A simple, stylish and chic eaterie.
637 Hudson Street, NY 10014 | www.fredericksnyc.com | +1 212 488 4200
The Waverly Inn, West Village
This converted former Inn has always been a good standby to fall into for a stiff drink or a warm comforting meal on a cold night. But now that Vanity Fair Editor in Chief Graydon Carter together with Eric Goode and Sean MacPherson (Maritime Hotel, The Park) have given the restaurant a facelift, the place has become a real destination. Chef John DeLucie of La Bottega has kept the chicken pot pie on the menu, but added more rustic bistro dishes with refinements like macaroni cheese with shaved truffles.
16 Bank Street, NY 10014 | +1 212 243 7900
Chinatown Brasserie, East Village
Cantonese cuisine with a naughty twist…Chef Joe Ng’s Dim Sum menu is seductively inventive; all 40 items are prepared fresh daily. Try the mushroom and sweetcorn dumplings or the light shrimp sensations. For once the peking duck actually tastes like duck- fragrant, tender and divine! A far-cry from your local Chinese take-out.
380 Lafayette Street, NY 10003 | www.chinatownbrasserie.com | +1 212 533 7000
The Spotted Pig, West Village
There’s a reason why the food is so good at this rustic British- style gastropub: there’s a Michelin-star chef in the kitchen—April Bloomfield of London’s acclaimed River Cafe. The best seat in the house is the tiny alcove on the second floor, where you can enjoy your ricotta gnuddi and the city’s best bistro burger in semi-privacy.
314 West 11th Street, NY 10014 | www.thespottedpig.com | +1 212 620 0390
Mai House, Tribeca
Vietnamese cuisine from chef Michael Huynh of the beloved ‘Bao Noodles’ who is bringing a little more meat and, of course, some carved Buddha statues to the table. His Duck Leg Confit with pomegranate dressing that will have you licking down every last bit, and the tender Wok Seared Filet with taro puree is, in a word, delectable.
186 Franklin Street, NY 10013 | www.myriadrestaurantgroup.com | +1 212 431 0606
Zip Burger, Midtown East
This McDonald’s-esque spot for grown-ups features juicy, well-made burgers cooked to order (medium rare does this patty justice), made of Heresford beef from a smaller, friendlier cattle range. The fries are Belgian (thick and crispy), not French, and the milkshakes are also a little sophisticated with flavors like Belgian Chocolate and Tahitian Vanilla.
300 1/2 East 52nd Street, NY 10022 | www.zipburger.com | +1 212 308 1308
Emperors Roe Caviar Bar, Harlem
Flanked by a deli counter (selling accoutrements like foie gras and escargot) and the small fine dining room in the back, the bar is casually chic; the range of caviars is utterly dazzling.
200 Lenox Avenue, NY 10027 | www.emperorsroe.com | +1 212 866 3700
Jewel Bako, Lower East Side
Lorenzo Rodrigez, an avid reader of this site said ” I must must cover Jewel” So, I asked a few NY friends who swiftly told me this small casual sushi is one the ‘hips’ and serves only the very yummiest of fresh.
239 East 5th Street, NY 10003 | +1 212 979 1012