Kenny Abisror, head concierge at the NYC Mandarin Oriental, shares his summer eating secrets with us…
Kenny’s tip: Outdoor space is limited in NYC to say the least and requests for outdoor seating are not usually guaranteed. Try booking through your hotel concierge for a better chance of nabbing an alfresco spot!
A Voce, Madison Square Park
This newcomer is already making its mark. Chef/owner Andrew Carmellini formerly of Café Boulud has made the shift from French to Italian cuisine with disarming ease; the vibe is laid-back but sophisticated; the food is full-flavored and inventive. Who’d have thought that duck and pasta could be such a wonderful match? Try the gorgeous duck agnolotti. Huge floor to ceiling windows and street-side seating.
41 Madison Avenue (at 26th Street), NY 10010 | www.avocerestaurant.com | +1 212 545 8555
Blue Hill, Greenwich Village
This wonderfully understated spot serves superb seasonal American fare. The focus is on locally sourced sustainable ingredients; most of the produce comes from owner/chef Dan Barber’s biodynamic farm. Food is handled and cooked with real TLC- braising and poaching are the buzz words at Blue Hill. Try the $68 five course tasting menu to dazzle your taste-buds. Limited side-walk seating.
75 Washington Place, NY 10011 | www.bluehillnyc.com | +1 212 539 1776
Pure Food and Wine, Manhattan/Gramercy-Flatiron
All the food served here is vegetarian and raw but even steak devotees are fans! Delicious world-influenced fare, and unsurprisingly oh-so-fresh… If you’re looking for an alfresco dining experience rather than a city side walk, you’ll love the beautiful 75 seat garden; wonderfully secluded and not a car in ear-shot. A well-kept secret- shhh!
54 Irving Place (at 17th Street), NY 10003 | www.purefoodandwine.com | +1 212 477 1010
Da Silvano, Greenwich Village
This upscale Italian bistro is buzzy, great for people-watching and a favorite of fashionistas. Unlike many trendy spots, the food is great as well. Twenty-five years old and still as good as ever- probably because chef/owner Silvano Marchetto is on-site every day to ensure standards don’t slip. The panna cotta with white truffle shavings is truly sublime. Outdoor seating in sidewalk.
260 6th Avenue, NY 10014 | www.dasilvano.com | +1 212 982 2343
Shake Shack, Madison Square Park
This “roadside” eatery is owned by Danny Meyer of Gramercy Tavern and Eleven Madison Park; and the food is truly restaurant-worthy. De-lish burgers and milkshakes (grown-ups can also opt for wine or beer) in a park setting; staff show great care and attention. Not your usual eat and run.
Madison Square Park, Southeast Corner (enter at Madison Avenue)| www.shakeshacknyc.com | +1 212 889 6600
Boathouse, Central Park
This Central Park classic has been around a while but if it ain’t broke don’t fix it! Sit on the deck and watch the boats drift by as you dine on fresh summery fare… Great for a light lunch or pre-supper cocktail; attentive staff, lovely tranquil setting; fab city breather. NY 10026
East 72nd Street (at Park Dr N), NY 10026 | www.thecentralparkboathouse.com | +1 212 517 2233
Nish, Midtown East
NYC favorite March has recently re-opened; however as the new name suggests it is still under the direction of talented Michelin starred chef Wayne Nish. Upscale American cuisine is the order of the day at this polished 19th century town house. A real find and the only formal dining room in NYC with gardens at back of building. Tip: go at an off-peak time if you can, there are only 2 or 3 outside tables!
405 East 58th Street, NY 10022 | www.waynenish.net | +1 212 754 6272
Le Jardin Bistro, Meatpacking District
The straightforward French bistro fare is fresh and flavorsome, but the real draw is the award-winning garden. Wonderful outdoor seating amidst a canopy of vines and greenery, and unlike most city spots there is plenty of space.
25 Cleveland Place, NY 10012 | www.lejardinbistro.com | +1 212 343 9599
La Bottega, Manhattan/Chelsea
Very cool, buzzy bistro any time of day or night, indoors or outdoors; the large deck is set back off the street. Attracts a hip, younger crowd. International cuisine is spot on.
88 9th Avenue (at 17th Street), NY 10011 | www.themaritimehotel.com/bottegaCaffe.html | +1 212 243 8400
Eleven Madison Park, Madison Park
No outside seating, but the extremely high ceilings and huge windows give this former bank vault a fantastically summery feel. Executive chef Daniel Humm impresses with his clean, contemporary French cuisine; expect seasonal flavors and stunning presentation. One to remember for rainy days.
11 Madison Avenue | www.elevenmadisonpark.com | +1 212 889 0905