BEST RESTAURANTS IN NEW YORK CITY

Some things in life really do come full circle. I feel like the chances of that happening are greater when you meet wonderful people. They leave a footprint. They’re associated with warm feelings of happy times, so when you hear their name, or if you’re lucky enough to meet up with them again later in life, you make time to rekindle the friendship. That’s what happened with Colin Camac, former owner of restaurants like Fatty Crab, Fatty Cue, Bar Fry, and Cabrito in Manhattan and Brooklyn. A short story about how I came to know Colin. And for those of you too impatient or short on time to read through the fun background, the point is that COLIN KNOWS RESTAURANTS. He’s shared his favorite New York restaurants for you to enjoy, and they’re all in this post, so scroll, scroll.

After undergrad, Colin was much like many 22-year-olds and uncertain about what he wanted to be when he grew up. So he traveled a bit, visiting his girlfriend who lived in Europe at the time. Once over the travel bug, he began attending the Institute for Culinary Education (ICE) and studied Restaurant Management. It’s worth noting that throughout his life, Colin had always worked summer jobs at restaurants in Long Island and in New York City during winter months. Food and restaurants were in his blood. His father was also in the restaurant business, and at a critical time in his life was the owner of 5 Ninth, a popular restaurant in a charming townhouse in the heart of the uber-hip Meatpacking District. Just as Colin was about to begin the culinary/cooking portion of his ICE education, his father shared the news of a new restaurant opening: Fatty Crab on Hudson Street. So Colin decided to take the money planned for school, put his formal education on hold, and invest in Fatty Crab for some hardcore training: owning and managing a restaurant in the coolest neighborhood in Manhattan.

The concept of Fatty Crab began as a sandwich shop, serving a handful of sandwiches on the menu at 5 Ninth that didn’t quite fit in with the rest of their offering. Zak Pelaccio, then chef of 5 Ninth, was to be the chef at Fatty Crab, as well. But about a month before the restaurant’s opening, they decided to make it a full-on Malaysian bistro. And the final product was a fun neighborhood spot, frequented by residents, AND one to which people traveled from all over the city and waited for an hour to taste the cuisine and scream over the loud music at dinner companions as part of the the sometimes raucous ambiance.

Colin Camac (left) and my husband and me. Reunited and it felt so good!

At the time when Fatty Crab in the West Village opened, my husband and I were living (before kids) just a few blocks away. We had disposable income and a lot of free time, so we dined at Fatty Crab at least once a week (sometimes more). But it wasn’t just the food that made us return week after week. It was the energy, the friendships, the entertaining conversations, and the sometimes after hours partying (my husband did this waaaay more than I did). Besides Colin, there was our favorite British waiter, James, who would present a $30 bill after we’d ordered $200 worth of food and drinks. So as a show of our appreciation, we left James a $100 tip. Devin was our favorite manager/host. Adam was a mean mixologist, creating and serving some of the most unique and delicious cocktails.

After Fatty Crab in the West Village came Bar Fry, Cabrito, Fatty Crab on the Upper West Side, and Fatty Cue in Brooklyn. When the NYC restaurant business became too exhausting, Colin phased himself out, helped open a store in nearby Chelsea Market, and eventually transitioned to a job in sales at Resy five years ago. It’s now his job to know when the hottest new restaurant in New York is about to hit the scene, which helps him secure more restaurants using the Resy booking system…AND it’s good for us, as he frequently samples their cuisine and shares the scoop with me (and now all of you!) IMHO, Resy is THE place to go now for the very best tables in New York. And I love their notification feature that allows you to request a date and time, and they’ll send an email notification if a table opens up. Resy notifications are sent out at 4 pm every day, so if you’re trying to secure a spot but didn’t set a notification, check the site around that time for availability due to cancellations.

For those of you who took the time to read through this preamble, I thank you. So without further ado, I present to you, THE BEST RESTAURANTS in New York City! This is your official New York Dining Guide from an insider source.

 MEXICAN

For Mexican cuisine, two of the spots recommended are by the same owners.. Both have wonderful technique and serve an elevated level of Mexican food. And the icing on the cake? A fantastic mezcal selection and creative and delicious cocktails can be enjoyed.

Atla 372 Lafayette Street in NoHo (Manhattan) is a more approachable option.
Cosme 35 East 21st Street (Manhattan) serves wonderful food, of course, but is a bit more expensive than Atla.

Electric Burrito at 81 Saint Marks Place in the hip East Village (Manhattan) has the best burrito around. It’s very casual so don’t show up in stilettos.

Moving into another borough…

For All Things Good 343 Franklin Avenue (Brooklyn) is both a café and molino. So if you like what you taste, you can take home some housemade tortillas and try to create a few delicious meals of your own. Or at least a cheese quesadilla.

Claro 284 Third Avenue (Gowanus Brooklyn) brings Oaxaca to you. It goes beyond just the cuisine…the tiles, art, dinner plates, and the overall attitude and vibe are all authentic to Oaxaca…but without the need for a passport. 

SUSHI

“Sushi Boss”

Juku 32 Mulberry St. (Manhattan) is a cooler and more fun way to enjoy the world’s freshest sushi. It has to be good if the sushi chef, Kazuo Yoshida, is known as the “Sushi Boss.” The main attraction is the upstairs small, omakase only sushi bar. On the ground level, there’s a wonderful cocktail bar to have drinks while you wait for your seating. They have a huge selection of Japanese whiskey if that’s your thing. On the same level is seating for a Japanese menu by Chef Koji Hagihara. And downstairs there is the Straylight Lounge with creative cocktails and small bites. We absolutely LOVED our entire experience here, especially since we were lucky enough to sit right in front of Kazuo. I may not be allowed back after all of my questions, but he was a great sport. You’ll need to go just to see his Louis Vuitton blow torch used for searing and to watch the “Uni King” prepare the uni bowls.

Sushi Yasuda 204 East 43rd Street (Manhattan) serves some of the best sushi in the world. It’s all about the fish with a very clean, modern feel. There isn’t a lot of ambiance, but do you really care if the sushi is that fresh and you’re with good company?

Nakaji 48 Bowery (Manhattan) was described by Colin as a “sexy” and fairly new and interesting, so that was all I needed to hear. It’s omakase only featuring Edomae-style sushi. Like Juku, it’s a small sushi bar, so you’ll need to work hard to secure a reservation. Tables for their cocktail bar are easier to secure on Resy.

Sushi Ginza Onadera 461 Fifth Avenue (Manhattan) is a place where you can enjoy lunch or dinner. For those not wanting to spring for the $400 dinner, you should try to score a spot at lunch, during which there are $100, $150, and $200 meal options. The $100 sounds perfect for me, and I’m looking forward to a visit very soon.

Rosella 137 Avenue A (Manhattan) is a sushi restaurant for those who like creative sushi rolls. They are also a “local” sushi spot, meaning they only serve fish from the East Coast. Yes, they’ll still serve you if you’re not a New Yorker, in case you were confused by “local.” ;-)

Shion 69 Leonard Street 69 Leonard Street in Tribeca (Manhattan) was described by Colin as the most traditional and authentic Japanese restaurant he’s been to outside of Japan. The price is a bit steep ($425 per person omakase), but it’s totally worth if if you can spring for it.

 
ITALIAN

Freshly shaved black truffles over pasta at Marea

Marea 240 Central Park South (Manhattan) is the perfect place for a special occasion. We’ve been for one of my husband’s birthday celebrations and an anniversary. More than just Italian, it also serves the most wonderful crudo.

Don Angie 103 Greenwich Avenue (Manhattan) is in the heart of the West Village and serves up authentic Italian cuisine because its owners/chefs have a long history in the restaurant business that began with Angie growing up in her family’s Italian bakery.

Café Lodi 1 Rockefeller Plaza (Manhattan) has a prime location to enhance the experience of an outstanding meal.

Al Di La 248 5th Avenue (Park Slope Brooklyn) is on the ground floor of a cozy townhouse. The Northern Italian cuisine is so delicious and comforting that it transports you straight to Italy. I have personally eaten here, and it remains one of the best year after year.

Francie 136 Broadway (Brooklyn) is new on the scene and a high end spot.

Frankies 457 Court Street (Carroll Gardens Brooklyn)

Via Carota 51 Grove Street (Manhattan) is old-world Italian in the heart of the West Village.

KOREAN BBQ

Cote Korean Steakhouse 16 West 22nd (Manhattan) is a high-end Korean BBQ restaurant where the meats are grilled right at your table.

Baekjeong 1 East 32nd Street (Manhattan) is a fun and delicious authentic Korean BBQ restaurant frequented by celebrities. My kids even love it! If you have a large party, you can secure a private room upstairs. And hey, why not hit a karaoke bar after for a little more fun?

 KOREAN

Her Name is Han 17 East 31 Street (Manhattan)

Joomak Banjum 312 5th Avenue (Manhattan) is Korean-Chinese fusion executed with French technique and expressed through New York culture.

 
SPECIAL OCCASION

The Grill 99 East 52nd Street (Manhattan)

4 Charles 4 Charles Street (Manhattan)

SEAFOOD

Dame 87 MacDougal Street (Manhattan)

OYSTER BAR/RAW BAR

Maison Premiere 298 Bedford Avenue (Williamsburg Brooklyn)

GREEK

Telly’s Taverna 28-13 23 Avenue (Astoria Queens)

VIETNAMESE

Falansai 112 Harrison Place (Bushwick Brooklyn)

Hanoi House 119 Saint Marks Place (Manhattan)

Madam Vo Kitchen 212 E 10th Street (Manhattan)

 CHINESE

Lobster & Potato Salad at Silver Apricot

Silver Apricot 20 Cornelia Street (Manhattan) is the most creative and best New-American-Chinese restaurant I’ve had to pleasure to eat at in a very long time. Cuisine aside, it’s one of the best restaurants period. It serves small plates that are meant to share, and every one is better than the one before. Do not even think about skipping the Scallion Puffs.

Hwa Yuan Szechuan 42 E Broadway (Chinatown Manhattan) has been owned by the same family in the same building for over since the 1980s. It was the first place in New York to serve cold sesame noodles. It closed for a few years and was used as a bank and then reopened four to five years ago by the same family.

Bonnie’s 398 Manhattan Avenue (Brooklyn) serves up delicious Cantonese-American cuisine.

 
SPANISH

Ernesto’s 259 East Broadway (Manhattan)

Le Vara 268 Clinton Street (Cobble Hill Brooklyn)

STEAKHOUSES

Gage & Tollner 372 Fulton Street (Brooklyn)

4 Charles 4 Charles Street (Manhattan)

Peter Luger 178 Broadway (Williamsburg Brooklyn) is a legend in New York. Have the bacon for an appetizer and put the Peter Luger Sauce on everything. Leave your credit card at home unless it’s the Peter Luger card. You can pay with that, cash, or a check with ID, but who carries a checkbook these days? If you can’t score a table for dinner, try lunch. When Atkins Nutritionals (The Atkins Diet) was my client back in the day, it was obviously a favorite spot for business lunches.

 
FRENCH

Le Crocodile 80 Wythe Avenue (Williamsburg Brooklyn)

Frenchette 241 West Broadway (Manhattan) was the winner of the James Beard Foundation award for Best New Restaurant of 2019.

Wildair 142 Orchard Street (Manhattan) is a Parisian-style bistro, although some call it a wine bar and some say it’s American. Regardless, the food is good.

Gabriel Kreuther 41 West 42 Street (Manhattan) is Alsatian cuisine. We actually dined here to celebrate one of my birthdays, and I was thrilled with every last bite.

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

Sixty Three Clinton 63 Clinton Street (Manhattan) is an amazing new restaurant that was a long time in the making because the two owners have been friends for 15 years and have worked together for over 10. It serves a $92 seven-course menu based on seasonal ingredients.

 
INDIAN

Dhamaka 119 Delancey Street (Manhattan) has the same ownership as the other favorite listed. A friend of mine has this on her favorites list, too, and says it’s wonderful if you like to spice things up a bit.

Semma 60 Greenwich Avenue (Manhattan) is Southern Indian cuisine, so if you like seafood and coconut, this is your spot.

WINE BAR

Wildair 142 Orchard Street (Manhattan) is known by many as a wine bar, so…

 
SANDWICH SHOPS

L’industrie 254 South 2nd Street (Brooklyn) is a pizzeria that you’ll want to visit on Wednesday afternoon for the “Wednesday Sandwich.”

Fiore’s House of Quality (Fiore’s Deli) 414 Adams St #2693 (Hoboken, NJ) is obviously not technically in New York. But take the car to Hoboken on Thursday and Saturday for their famous roast beef sandwich. An Italian is also a good choice.

 PIZZA

L’industrie 254 South 2nd Street (Brooklyn) has the best burrata slice this side of the Mississippi.

Prince Street 27 Prince Street (Manhattan) is best for their pepperoni square.

Ops 346 Himrod Street (Brooklyn)

Leo 123 Havemeyer Street (Brooklyn)

Lucali Brooklyn 575 Henry Street (Park Slope Brooklyn) tells you to, “Show up before 5. Put your name on the list. Go have a drink. We'll call you when your table is ready.”

Emmett’s 50 MacDougal Street (Manhattan) serves Chicago-style pizza, but Colin says we should go for the thin crust “Hot Poppy.”

BURGERS

4 Charles 4 Charles Street (Manhattan)

Best Burger 53 Little West 12th (Manhattan)

7th Street Burger 91 East 7th Street (Manhattan) is takeout and delivery only.

 
BAGELS

My kids even love Barney Greengrass.

Barney Greengrass 541 Amsterdam Avenue (Manhattan) is a New York City legend that happens to be a few blocks from our apartment. Our kids even love it! My favorites are their whitefish salad, pastrami smoked salmon, and their chocolate babka. Cash only on the weekends.

Sadelle’s 463 West Broadway (Manhattan) is more than just a bagel shop, so stop by if you want something a bit more fancy. (They also ave locations in Las Vegas and Paris!)

Russ & Daughters 127 Orchard Street (Manhattan) and 141 Flushing Avenue (Brooklyn) and is the place to go for bagels and everything that goes with them…to go. They also ship.

This was such a fun interview, so thank you, Colin! If you want to see the latest straight from the horse’s mouth, give Colin a follow on Instagram here. I’m working my way through the list for those I have yet to try. I feel fortunate to live here and be able to experience the top New York restaurants. I’ll keep you posted, and I hope you’ll do the same if you are lucky enough to dine out at one or a few.

xo,
Jennifer

FAVORITE RESTAURANTS OF NYC'S UPPER WEST SIDE

Millions of people visit Manhattan, along with the other four boroughs of New York City, every year. It’s the only city that when people say “the city,” you know what they mean. It’s the city that never sleeps. It’s where people come to make it big, get discovered, and make it happen. When tourists tour, a few neighborhoods are typically on the top of their list for a visit. Times Square, which I’m not a fan of because…it’s full of tourists and the tacky street vendors and performers who love to take tourists’ money. The Meatpacking District became trendy about 20 years ago, and its popularity has only grown since the opening of the Highline—the south end of this above-ground park begins there. Everyone must visit Chelsea Market at least once while near the Highline. Soho has always been cool with its shopping, cobblestone streets, lofts, and longtime favorite restaurants like Balthazar. Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue are a shopper’s dream with every retailer and brand one could ever want. There’s midtown with the Empire State Building, Macy’s, and so much more craziness. Little Italy for everything Italian. Just a few ideas for you, and I could go on.

But I live on the Upper West Side, and not many people venture to the “UWS” unless they’re visiting a friend who happens to live there. This neighborhood is home to many families with young children due to its proximity to two fabulous parks, Central Park and Riverside Park, and the fact that it has a few great public schools. (You’ll die if you hear people talk about the price of Manhattan’s private schools! Even Kindergarten costs more than Harvard per year. That’s not a joke.) So this blog post is to lure you here to at least have a bite to eat.

Next week on June 11 and 12, NYC hosts one of the most special events of the summer. The Great Lawn of Central Park will be home to the NY Philharmonic in the Park for two special nights of a FREE concert. If you can make it, it’s an event you’ll never forget. Most people picnic before and during the performance, but some dine out before or after. Whether you visit next week or another time, the Upper West Side is a fantastic place because you can enjoy one of the largest and most beautiful city parks in the world and walk out of the park to dine at some of the most fabulous restaurants in the city. Here’s a short list of my favorites on the Upper West Side. Exit the park at 86th or 81st Streets, and walk west to find them. By no means is this an exhaustive list, but it’s a mix of old standbys and noteworthy newcomers. In no particular order…

Marinara Pizza. I had to include this not-your-average pizza spot first because they were kind enough to allow our fun photo shoot. Lots of NYC pizza establishments serve mediocre to great pizza, but they oftentimes lack ambiance and don’t seem to prioritize cleanliness and updating their decor. Lucky for us, Marinara is a few blocks from our home, and it hits a home run on amazing pizza and decor. You must try the MVP, which has three sauces: marinara, vodka, and pesto. Yes, it sounds a little crazy, I know. But believe me when I tell you that it’s crazy delicious! They have your traditional round pies, but my favorites are Grandma and Red Sicilian Stuffed Crust, and both are square pies like the MVP. The decor is fresh and clean, with tables and barstools and a high top bar in the huge storefront windows. Their pastas and salads are fabulous, as well. And their service is truly friendly and fast. 483 Amsterdam Avenue.

Just down the sidewalk from Marinara is Bustan. It’s the best Mediterranean food around. Seriously. A group of friends and I dined recently, and every dish we ordered was outstanding, not just good. My favorites were the Israeli Salad, Market Tomatoes, Roasted Octopus, and Burrata. During warmer months, dine in their festive garden that will transport you and make you forget you’re in the middle of NYC. 487 Amsterdam Avenue.

Jacob’s Pickles is a favorite for brunchers. It’s also fabulous any other time of day. With its open storefront, even if you can’t get a table outside, you’ll still love the bright and airy environment. Think hip. Think comfort food. This place is known for their biscuits (not just their pickles), and where I come from, biscuits go with everything. But they’re especially good with fried chicken, sausage gravy, and jam. They have all of that here, too. Many ingredients like their eggs and greens are locally sourced. If you’re a beer lover, you’re in luck because their beer menu is almost as extensive as their food menu. There is always a line because reservations are only offered for parties of six or more, but it’s worth the wait. 509 Amsterdam Avenue.

Tessa is one of my favorites for two reasons: their food and they’re next to Levain Bakery. (I’ll get to Levain later.) You must try their Spaghetti—it’s scampi on steroids with the perfect balance of butter, wine, garlic, and crispy kale (say what?!?) Duck Pastrami Sliders and Octopus alla Plancha are also musts. The vibe is lively and fun, and I love the communal table in the front to get the extra energy from the bar area. 349 Amsterdam Avenue.

While I’m here, allow me to mention Levain Bakery’s second location. If you’ve never been to Levain, you must go, and this location doesn't typically have the horrendous lines of its original spot. Chocolate Chip Banana Bread and their Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are two things you absolutely have to try or you’re going to regret it when someone tells you how decadent they are. Two locations: 351 Amsterdam Avenue and 167 W 74th Street (original location).

Eléa is a new Greek restaurant just two blocks from our home. Several establishments have been in its spot over the years, but I believe Eléa is here to stay. It’s packed, and on a weekend night, the bar and the sidewalk are filled with diners waiting for a table. Its traditional white Grecian decor will transport you, as does the selection of fabulous Greek wines. Sit either upstairs or down, as the energy is present thoughout the restaurant. Have the Eléa Chips and Octopus. I always opt for a Whole Grilled Fish served simply with olive oil, lemon, and herbs. That’s the traditional Greek style. 217 W 85th Street.

Vai has been a longtime favorite of mine, even when it was in its former location. With loads of energy and a carefully curated menu, this Mediterranean with Italian influence will never disappoint. Ingredients are often locally sourced, the food is beautifully presented, and the flavors and combinations are absolutely divine! 429 Amsterdam Avenue.

If you want good old-fashioned Italian food, look no further than Gennaro. Everything is wonderful, and the wine is reasonably priced. With several nightly specials, even locals won’t get bored. Bring cash because they don’t accept credit cards. They also don’t take reservations. That may seem a bit “high maintenance” for you, but that’s because the food is so good that they can get away with it. 665 Amsterdam Avenue.

If I didn’t mention The Mermaid Inn, those who truly know me would think I’d bumped my head. The best part of the Mermaid Inn is their DAILY HAPPY HOUR from 5-7 pm. Wines are $8.50 (yes, that’s a bargain because it’s NYC), oysters on the half shell are $1.25, and many of my favorites are available in a mini and well-priced version so you can create your own little tasting menu. Mini lobster rolls, mini fish tacos (with a fabulous crispy shell), and salmon tartare. And their full regular menu is also available. Oh, and if you want to take your kids, they also have a kids’ menu, complete with crayons and games and coloring. Stick around for their complimentary chocolate pot de crème and your very own fish fortune teller. 570 Amsterdam Avenue.

Right next door to The Mermaid Inn is their sister restaurant Pizzeria Sirenetta. They, too, have a daily happy hour. Outside of happy hour, my favorite menu items are the Fennel Sausage, Tomato, and Onion Pizza, Octopus a la Plancha, and Linguinette with Meyer Lemon and Ricotta. Both Sirenetta and Mermaid offer outdoor seating, making happy hour extra fun during warmer months. 568 Amsterdam Avenue.

Moving down the block, just one door south of Sirenetta is Amelie Wine Bar. They are serious about their wine with VERY full and very large wine glasses. You’ll surely get your money’s worth. But beyond the wine is some truly delicious food. Although they serve traditional appetizers and entrees, we typically like to share a few small and larger plates because everything is that good. 566 Amsterdam Avenue.

And finally, I’m going out on a limb and adding a restaurant that I have yet to try but is on my list. La Sirène. A friend of mine has dined twice and was apparently transported to heaven. It’s French cuisine, if you hadn’t guessed. Let’s just say, “You had me at foie gras!” Cold and seared…they offer both. So I’m there! 416 Amsterdam Avenue.

Dress from Amazon, Shoes by Stuart Weitzman