Union Square Cafe New American | Union Square
21 E 16th St (bet 5th & Union Sq W)
212.243.4202
Notes: Warm service, consistently good greenmarket-inspired menu.
NYC Restaurants
Sushi Yasuda Sushi | Midtown East
204 E 43rd St (bet 2nd & 3rd)
212.972.1001
Notes: Among the very best quality sushi in the city with some of the freshest, most pristine fish. Not a place for those who like wacky rolls and giant slabs of fish. Be on time for your reservation, and don’t be surprised to be asked to leave when your time is up so the next diners can be seated.
Shun Lee Palace Chinese | Midtown East
155 E 55th St (bet Lex & 3rd)
212.371.8844
Notes: High-end Chinese food in a lovely atmosphere with refined service. We often drive an hour into the city on a Sunday evening for the superb Peking duck carved table-side, and we’re always warmly welcomed by name at the door. It’s a family tradition we’re happily passing on to the third generation.
Scarpetta Modern Italian | Chelsea
355 W 14th St (bet 8th & 9th)
212.691.0555
http://www.scottconant.com/restaurants/scarpetta/new-york
Notes: Outstanding pastas!
Momofuku Ssam Bar New American | East Village
207 E 2nd Ave (at 13th St)
212.254.3500
http://momofuku.com/new-york/ssam-bar/
Notes: Asian-influenced, creative fare in a casual atmosphere. You can make online reservations ahead for the bo ssam (whole roasted pork) or rotisserie duck meal. Great pork buns.
Momofuku Ko New American | East Village
163 1st Ave (bet 10th & 11th St)
212.228.7293
http://momofuku.com/new-york/ko/
Notes: Counter-seating only, set multi-course menu showcasing highly-inventive Asian-influenced small dishes. Reservations accepted online only, opening at 10:00 a.m. each day. Read my full review of a birthday lunch here: Restaurant Review – Momofuku Ko.
