NYC Restaurants

Magnolia Bakery

Magnolia Bakery  Cupcakes | Various locations

www.magnoliabakery.com

Notes: Much hyped by word-of-mouth and further popularized by on-screen appearances including a feature on Sex and the City, these cupcakes seem like they can’t possibly live up to their legend. However, through a series of a sinfully delicious blind tastings, our family has deemed the yellow cupcake with chocolate buttercream frosting the yummiest cupcake around. Some of the competitors included Butter Lane Cupcakes (frosted to order and #2 on our list), Buttercup Bake Shop (amazing red velvet cupcakes) and Crumbs (all-around BLECH!). Magnolia makes a moist cake, not too dense but not too light, with a sweet but not cloying buttery-vanilla flavor. The frosting has just the right texture (fluffy yet…


Eataly

Eataly Italian | Flatiron

200 5th Ave (bet 23rd & 24th St)

212.229.2560

www.eataly.com/restaurants

Notes: Mario Batali’s massive Italian food hall and market houses an extensive array of stations where you can munch on, among other things: bread, cheese, seafood, pizza, prepared foods, wine, coffee and gelato. It’s always pretty crowded, but grab a table where you can stand and enjoy a tasty meal or a snack. 


Isabella’s

Isabella’s American-Mediterranean | Upper West Side

359 Columbus Ave (77th St)

212.724.2100

www.isabellas.com

Notes: Located across from the Museum of Natural History, we recommend this Isabella’s for breakfast and brunch.


Sarabeth’s

Sarabeth’s American | Various locations

www.sarabeth.com

Notes: Yummy goodies like pancakes, waffles and eggs for breakfast and brunch. Check the website for locations.


Shake Shack

Shake Shack Fast Food Burger | Multiple locations

www.shakeshack.com

Notes: We’re lucky enough to have a Shack just a couple miles from our house in Connecticut, so it’s no longer a special treat to have when we’re in the city. But it’s a great place for a quick, inexpensive lunch or dinner with lots of locations around the area. We love the burgers and crinkle-cut fries, and don’t miss the yummy root beer. Check the website for locations.


Carnegie Deli

Carnegie Deli Deli | Midtown West

854 7th Ave (at 55th St)

212.757.2245

www.carnegiedeli.com

Notes: Mouthwatering hot pastrami and corned beef piled ridiculously high on rye, perfect deli mustard, absurdly sour pickles (or half-sours if you prefer) and a Dr. Brown’s cream soda. Nothing better. Always entertaining. Cash only.


Bouchon Bakery Café

Bouchon Bakery Café French Columbus Circle

10 Columbus Circle (Time-Warner Center)

212.823.9366

http://bouchonbakery.com/

Notes: Great for a casual lunch. Delicious salads and sandwiches.


Blue Smoke

Blue Smoke BBQ | Murray Hill

116 E 27th St (bet Park & Lex)

212.447.7733

www.bluesmoke.com

 


Ippudo

Ippudo Japanese Noodle | East Village

65 4th Avenue (bet 9th & 10th St)

212.388.0088

http://www.ippudony.com/

Notes: Phenomenal ramen in wonderfully-rich broth and scrumptious pork buns. Casual and affordable, and a hearty greeting when you enter the dining room. No reservations, so expect to wait.  


Artisanal

Artisanal Brasserie | Murray Hill

2 Park Avenue (bet. Madison & Park)

212.725.8585

www.artisanalbistro.com

Notes: It’s all about the cheese, and the fondue is to die for. The onion soup is sensational as well.