I get asked quite a bit about sushi recommendations in New York, and Yasuda is one of my go-tos in NYC. A sushi restaurant only, the trio behind this traditional spot hold very dearly to the clean aesthetic of the Japanese in ambiance and technique. Please don’t ask for Dragon rolls. Sushi Yasuda 204 E … Continued
Eric Ripert can do no wrong at the 20 year-old Le Bernardin, originally opened by Brittany-born Maguy le Coze with her brother, Chef Gilbert le Coze. When Gilbert passed away, Ripert took over and has only elevated the cuisine even more. This is one of the best places in New York City to go for … Continued
An inspired French bakery from Chef Andrew Carmellini (The Dutch, Locanda Verde) and Pastry Chef Jen Yee, serving a wondrous tartine, among many other French temptations. His tartare is also a wondrous thing of beauty. Lafayette Grand Café & Bakery 380 Lafayette St., New York, NY 10012 (212) 533-3000
April Bloomfield and Ken Friedman‘s quintessential gastropub set a high standard for the genre. Super late-night menu, so if you’re hungry after hitting the bars, this is the place to hit in the West Village. The Spotted Pig 314 W. 11th St., New York, NY 10014; (212) 620-0393
With three locations in Manhattan (two in Midtown, one in Hell’s Kitchen) and another in Boston, this cramped ramen spot delivers six variations of ramen, including miso and paiten (chicken broth) as well as homemade noodles. I wasn’t blown away, and it’s certainly not worth waiting for a table for more than 15 minutes, but … Continued
Old friends Frank Castronovo and Frank Falcinelli reunited in 2003 to open Frankies Spuntino, an unassuming Italian joint with locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Great for families or anyone longing for a taste of good ol’ red sauce Italian. Frankies Spuntino 570 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014; (212) 924-0818
Since Abe Lebewohl opened his first deli on East 10th Street in 1954, 2nd Ave Deli has thrived as one of New York’s most prized institutions. Now located on 33rd in Midtown (as well as on the Upper East Side), the deli is still my favorite in Manhattan for matzo ball soup, corned beef and … Continued
Under the direction of Chef Abram Bissell, who opened NoMad, The Modern excels in contemporary cooking overlooking the equally acclaimed art of the MoMa, available through the acclaimed tasting menu in the dining room or à la carte in the lounge. Master Sommelier Michaël Engelmann delivers an exceptional wine list to match. The Modern The Museum … Continued
The standard for urban food markets, I could spend a few hours wandering among the shops and food stores. There are also great places to buy food-related gifts here. Plan on visiting on an empty stomach. Chelsea Market 75 9th Ave., New York, NY 10011; (212) 652-2110
What could David Chang possibly do wrong? His mini-empire does cookies as well as it does noodles, dumplings, and here – country hams, pork, raw seafood, oysters and rotisserie duck. Momofuku Ssam Bar 207 2nd Ave., New York, NY 10003; (212) 254-3500
Dale Talde’s namesake Brooklyn restaurant, he fuses his Filipino upbringing in Chicago with his Asian travels and his NYC/Top Chef experiences, to create a menu that is thoroughly delicious. Talde 369 7th Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11215; (347) 916-0031