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Submitted: Tuesday, 17 March 2009
Submitted by:
mattlampo
I live in Dallas and hit the top restaurants frequently. I will be making my second trip to NYC in April and don't know where to start! I'm looking for fine dining to local hot spots. Money is NOT a huge concern (try to keep it under $150/person) but am still looking for the best bang for my buck! Can you point me in the right direction?
Submitted by:mattlampo
Hi Matt,
New York never seems to tire of local hot spots, especially new ones, so I’ve got more than a few to suggest. Keep in mind these are simply the tip of the iceberg, classics like Babbo and Nobu remain as popular as ever.
Here goes the laundry list:
First: Scott Conant’s Scarpetta
When people can’t shut up about the pasta with tomato sauce, you know you’ve got a winner with a lifeline. Prices are not low, but the food is undoubtedly worth the $$. Furthermore, there is a tavern room alongside the dining room should you want a more understated (casual/cheaper) experience.
Second: Corton
Paul Liebrandt who has come and gone at many a restaurant has found home at this glittering white haven for French cuisine with a dollop of nouveau. Corton received three stars from the New York Times shortly after opening, and the raves have not quelled. The three-course prix fixe is $76 dollars, and the eight-course tasting menu $110.
Third: Minetta Tavern
The New York restaurant world has been talking about this Keith McNally joint for five months and the place just opened. You want a hot spot? This is it. With a $26 Black Label hamburger, it’s not the best deal in the area, but nabbing some seats is quite a steal.
Fourth: Boqueria SoHo
The original tapas-centered Boqueria is in the Flatiron neighborhood, but it’s this Soho sibling that is getting all the play these days. Bigger and badder with a chef’s counter to boot, this Boqueria has got it going on. Prices are affordable, and the scene is hot.
Fifth: The Spotted Pig
April Bloomfield’s gastro-pub is still a force to be reckoned with on the New York restaurant scene. The blue cheese burger is now legendary, and despite mixed opinions, it must be tasted when dining at this unpretentious spot. Otherwise, I’d recommended digging into the various offal offerings. They’re offal-y good!
Finally: The Little Owl
Restaurant after restaurant seems to be suffering during this fiscally trying time, but somehow you still can’t get a reservation at The Little Owl. Joey Campanero’s Mediterranean/New American cuisine keeps this miniscule eatery packed to the gills each night. All I can say is, Good luck getting in!
New York never seems to tire of local hot spots, especially new ones, so I’ve got more than a few to suggest. Keep in mind these are simply the tip of the iceberg, classics like Babbo and Nobu remain as popular as ever.
Here goes the laundry list:
First: Scott Conant’s Scarpetta
When people can’t shut up about the pasta with tomato sauce, you know you’ve got a winner with a lifeline. Prices are not low, but the food is undoubtedly worth the $$. Furthermore, there is a tavern room alongside the dining room should you want a more understated (casual/cheaper) experience.
Second: Corton
Paul Liebrandt who has come and gone at many a restaurant has found home at this glittering white haven for French cuisine with a dollop of nouveau. Corton received three stars from the New York Times shortly after opening, and the raves have not quelled. The three-course prix fixe is $76 dollars, and the eight-course tasting menu $110.
Third: Minetta Tavern
The New York restaurant world has been talking about this Keith McNally joint for five months and the place just opened. You want a hot spot? This is it. With a $26 Black Label hamburger, it’s not the best deal in the area, but nabbing some seats is quite a steal.
Fourth: Boqueria SoHo
The original tapas-centered Boqueria is in the Flatiron neighborhood, but it’s this Soho sibling that is getting all the play these days. Bigger and badder with a chef’s counter to boot, this Boqueria has got it going on. Prices are affordable, and the scene is hot.
Fifth: The Spotted Pig
April Bloomfield’s gastro-pub is still a force to be reckoned with on the New York restaurant scene. The blue cheese burger is now legendary, and despite mixed opinions, it must be tasted when dining at this unpretentious spot. Otherwise, I’d recommended digging into the various offal offerings. They’re offal-y good!
Finally: The Little Owl
Restaurant after restaurant seems to be suffering during this fiscally trying time, but somehow you still can’t get a reservation at The Little Owl. Joey Campanero’s Mediterranean/New American cuisine keeps this miniscule eatery packed to the gills each night. All I can say is, Good luck getting in!
Answered by:Liz