New York Eats
The Globe-Trotters Collective
WEST VILLAGE
Blue Ribbon Bakery (American Nouveau)
35 Downing Street (corner of Downing and Bedford Sts)
New York, NY 10014, USA
+1 212-337-0404
Blue Ribbon is one of the few restaurants in New York City that bakes its own bread. You'll enjoy "street life" upstairs and the delicious smell of baking bread downstairs. Both are fun and charming, and the food is equally tasty. We highly recommend the chocolate bread pudding for desert. Make a Reservation!
Cafe Cluny (American Nouveau/French)
284 W 12th St (corner of W12 and W4 Sts)
New York, NY 10014, USA
+1 212-255-6900
Cafe Cluny is so nice and cozy you'll feel at home instantly. The food is delicious and the portions aren't too big. We recommend the French Toasts for brunch!
Little Owl (American Nouveau/Mediterranean)
90 Bedford Street (corner of Bedford and Grove Sts)
New York, NY 10014, USA
+1 212-741-4695
Charming little restaurant in the heart of the West Village. Great spot for a low-key romantic dinner. Make a Reservation!
Barbuto (Italian)
775 Washington St
New York, NY 10014, USA
+1 212-924-9700
Located at the border of the West Village and the Meat Packing district, Barbuto's lofty/warehouse-style is quite unique and very "New York." The large glass doors are open in the summertime. Make a Reservation!
Barbuto (photos courtesy of Matt Stark)
En (Japanese)
435 Hudson St (at Leroy)
New York, NY 10014, USA
+1 212-647-9196
The scene is reverent and mellow despite this "japanese brasserie's" high ceilings and industrial appearance. A great setting to relish in the details of unique japanese food preparation and presentation and to ponder the deep sake list.
EAST VILLAGE
Freeman's (Early American)
End of Freemans Alley (off Rivington between Chrystie and the Bowery)
New York, NY 10002
+1 212-420-0012
Plaid, beards, and taxidermy ... oh my! All are sure to be found on any given trip to this hipster hotspot. With a staff and clientele that seem to effortlessly straddle the line between L.L. Bean and American Apparel, this place isn't merely style over substance. The food more than lives up to its surroundings (read: WARM AND COMFY). We're particularly partial to the brunch; the poached eggs with cheddar cheese grits, roasted tomato, and sourdough toast is perhaps the best cure for a cold, wintry morning - or a hangover in the heart of summer. Buyer beware: be prepared to wait. Luckily with two bars (our favorite is the one in the back), you'll have no trouble trying one - or two - of their delicious cocktails. Make a reservation (in advance)!
NOLITA
Public (Fusion/Australasian)
210 Elizabeth St
New York, NY 10012, USA
+1 212-343-7011
Hip decor, eclectic cuisine and great atmosphere. The appetizers are particularly delicious so try a couple of them. Make a reservation!
Peasant - Downstairs (Italian)
194 Elizabeth St # A
New York, NY 10012, USA
+1 212-965-9511
Scratch the reservations at the upstairs, and head to the rustic "wine cellar" where you can have homemade gnocchi con conglio or pizza by candlelight. While sitting at one of the long common tables, you'll probably share an amused look at your fellow diners as the servers weave about the small space, and you'll certainly dig the great Britpop on the bartender's iPod.
ALPHABET CITY
Esperanto (Brazilian)
145 Avenue C (corner of Avenue C and E9th St)
New York, NY 10009, USA
+1 212-505-6559
Have a mojito and/or a caipirinha while waiting for an authentic Brazilian meal (they even serve farofa!). Fun atmosphere, good crowd and very reasonable prices. Live Brazilian and Cuban music every night!
CHELSEA
Red Cat (American Nouveau/Mediterranean)
227 10th Ave
New York, NY 10011, USA
+1 212-242-1122
Located in the heart of the Chelsea Art Galleries district, Red Cat offers an innovative type of cuisine in a classy (though not formal) environment. The Quick Saute of Zucchini is a reason in itself to have dinner there. We also recommend trying out the cocktail prepared with crushed strawberries and prosecco (I forget the exact name). Make a reservation!
UPPER WEST SIDE
Barcibo Enoteca (Italian)
2020 Broadway (corner of Broadway and 69th St)
New York, NY 10023, USA
+1 212-595-2805
This unassuming yet sophisticated neighborhood wine bar offers intimate seating at tall tabletops, small plates, panini and risottos and a decently priced wine selection. Ideal for before or after a show at Lincoln Center. No reservations.
Barcibo Enoteca (photo courtesy of Matt Stark)
Globe-Trotting Contributors: Marie-Adélaïde Mol, Matt Stark, Tim Monaghan