For a real gourmet, very few things are as enjoyable as a perfectly made meal – when each ingredient comes together flawlessly, it’s quite magical. Having said that, a poor dish can wreck an otherwise fulfilling occasion, so it’s a good plan to do some research and browse around for suggestions when deciding on where to eat.
Since that does not make circumstances complicated enough, there’s a whole lot more to take into account about a restaurant than just the food! The mood of a place really can make a difference in your entire experience, be it snotty and unhelpful staff or a loud toddler the second table over. However it’s not all bad, certainly – an excellent atmosphere can change a decent dish into a tremendous dinner!
We have lived in New York for a long time at this point, and we’ve gathered a pretty good repertoire of dining establishments we love, from tiny hole-in-the-wall businesses to impressive fine dining, and listed below are several of our all-time favs (even though it was so tough to pick!). This is what those on Yelp.com are saying with regards to our faves:
Taquerea Y La Fonda Mexicana Restaurant – (212) 531-0383
968 Amsterdam Ave
(between 107th St & 108th St)
New York, NY 10025
Neighborhood: Manhattan Valley
They cured my jones for a Sonora-grade carne asada torta. If you’ve lived near the border, or south of it, and miss the real deal, come here. Burritos are the size of fire hydrants. A deep menu and friendly staff.
-Lew S.
Manhattan, NY
Babbo Ristorante e Enoteca – (212) 777-0303
110 Waverly Pl
(between Mac Dougal St & W Washington Sq)
New York, NY 10011
Neighborhood: Greenwich Village
OMG this restaurant is amazing!! The butternut squash ravioli with amaretto cookies were insanely good! So good we ordered a second plate of it. The service is great and the desserts were amazing.
You out did yourself with this one Mario!!!
-Jaimee A.
Manhattan, NY
Le Bateau Ivre – (212) 583-0579
230 E 51st St
(between 3rd Ave & 2nd Ave)
New York, NY 10022
Neighborhood: Midtown East
While on a business trip I found this treasure just a few blocks from my hotel. The scene all encompassing, with the smell of French food being prepared a short distance from the bar and the entire staff speaking French to each other the entire time while you are there.
By far the best French onion soup I have ever had. If you’re looking for a seafood fix (as I was) I suggest brining an appetite and ordering the “Le Bateau” which consists of lobster, clams, malpeques, and oysters.
-Nick G.
Scottsdale, AZ
Pinto – (212) 366-5455
118 Christopher St
(between Bleecker St & Bedford St)
New York, NY 10014
Neighborhood: West Village
Pinto is a great place for a date or a smaller intimate dinner with good friends, definitely not a place for larger groups.
The pricing on the menu is great- definitely got my money’s worth on the food.
I had a pumpkin curry with tofu and it was heavenly. I’m usually not a big curry fan, but they sold me on this one! It made me wish I lived close enough to be a regular. We missed the happy hour, but it looked like they had good specials.
-Mary Ellen F.
Bloomington, IN
Sakagura – (212) 953-7253
211 E 43rd St
Basement 1
(between 3rd Ave & 2nd Ave)
New York, NY 10017
Neighborhood: Midtown East
I think this is my favorite restaurant in NYC! I’ve been here a few times, and it has been a wonderful experience every, single time! This is a Japanese tapa-style restaurant! He he… I like this because I’m just greedy and like to taste everything! I haven’t tried a lot of their dishes on the menu yet, but I just love, love, love the Kamo Roast (roasted duck with scallion and some amazing special basil sauce), Maguro Tartar (tuna tartar with caviar), and Sake Oyako Don (salmon sashimi and roe over rice) Words cannot describe how heavenly and unique the salmon and roe tasted!
-Fiona Y.
Financial District, NY
If you want additional stuff to see in New York, go and explore our other posts about our stunning metropolis, and prepare a day of it! We’re positive you will see something that may help round out your fine dining experience into part of a wonderful day!




