Navigating your way through the cuisine scene in New York City can be daunting with it’s endless options prepared to satisfy your palate. If you’re in town for a weekend or you need a quick run down of restaurants to try in the city, below are the best locales to try this week:
1) Eleven Madison Park
If you ask anyone, Eleven Madison Park is the creme de le creme of fine dining in NYC. Located at Central Park, the restaurant features magnificent views accompanied with a multi-course tasting menu. Dining here is a true, elegant eating experience, and a place you must visit if it’s your first time in the city. According to BusinessInsider.com, it’s the number one restaurant in America.
2) Gramercy Tavern
Second only to Eleven Madison Park, the Gramercy Tavern boasts a wood-burning grill while featuring the finest in American cuisine. Take a seat in their tavern for a quick bite or in their dining room for a complete meal. Start with the heirloom tomato salad including peaches and pine nuts. If you’re looking for a sweet fix, the blackberry caramel flan is the way to go.
3) Tavern on the Green
Tavern on the Green is a New York staple and Central Park attraction so I was thrilled when it was renovated and reopened last year after its 2009 closure. For your first course, try the Tuna Crudo with mango and avocado. For your main have the red snapper served with chanterelle mushrooms and creamed leeks. The watermelon salad with goat cheese is a refreshing side.
If you’re interested in a place with the same standard for premium cuisine but with more of a casual feel, here are a couple of options for lunch or a laid-back evening:
1) Spotted Pig
Located in West Village, The Spotted Pig is one of the hottest hot spots in the area. Co-owner, April Bloomfield is an English, renowned chef known for her way around a pig. What to sample here? The skirt steak with grilled potatoes. If you prefer a lighter protein, the bass with roasted squash is a good option too. Accompany your meal with their selection of cocktails including the Don Felipe or the Forgotten Highway.
2) John Dory Oyster Bar
Well if you haven’t guessed it, what to try at John Dorey is the oysters! But really anything from their raw bar is worth trying (the clams, the prawns, the cold poached lobster–they’re all good.) If you’re looking for an entree, select between the lobster roll and the chorizo stuffed squid with smoked tomato vinaigrette. The interior is casual but a great place for a late night meal in Midtown.
