Babbo - 110 Waverly Place New York, NY 10011
On one of my first visits to Babbo, I had one of the best dining experiences of my life. The food was as good as I had ever eaten and the service was exemplary without being stuffy. We sat at a corner table and were treated like VIPs even though were not even frequent guests at the time. Servers appeared out of nowhere and the meal was executed flawlessly. And, even in such a refined setting with such professional service, they played great rock music! I am convinced that it is the best value in New York. I have loved many dishes, but the octopus, the pork chop, half the pasta menu and Gina's maple mascarpone cheesecake are my favorites.
Gramercy Tavern - 42 E 20th Street New York, NY 10003
Long considered one of New York's best restaurants, over the years, Gramercy Tavern has retained its elegance and inventive New American fare. Fresh ingredients and twists on familiar favorites are the name of the game here. The decor is old hunting lodge meets new age organic farmhouse. In the back, you will find Prix fixe lunches and dinners served in a white tablecloth dining room setting, while in the front, less expensive a la carte selections are available in a more casual bar room. In either dining room, the service is flawless and without pretension. A long and varied wine list and an array of decadent desserts will entice you to spend hours dining - without a doubt you will leave completely satisfied.
Vinegar Hill House - 72 Hudson Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11201
We know that going trekking out to Vinegar Hill on the F train isn't considered a vacation, but on a summer night, there's nothing better than taking your time to stroll out there and grabbing a seat on the patio out back. They have some of the best simple, fresh, American cooking in the city and one of the best natural wine lists to boot.
Keens Chophouse - 72 W 36th St. New York, NY 10018
Hands down the best steakhouse that isn't (1) cash only and hard to get to or (2) impossible to get into. Although, it's in a weird location on 36th street, you can't beat the old school atmosphere. The next time you have a business meeting or an awkward family commitment, come here, get one of the amazing Mutton Chops, and pair that with one of the best Scotch lists in the city-you'll be happy you did.
Northern Spy Food - 511 East 12th Street New York, NY 10009
Comfortable, but I can get amazing ingredients; and the food is delicious. I can go for lunch or dinner and know everything will be good. Ingredients are local and seasonal - the Kale Salad actually changes with the season and is always great. I love the grilled cheese and meatball sandwich, as well as the handmade seltzers and desserts. They even have a good wine list. At the end of the day, it's comfortable, thoughtful and not fussy, and I can walk there from my house!
Tsukushi - 300 E 41st St. New York, NY 10017
This is a great place to go for authentic Japanese home-cooking whenever you're in Midtown. It's essentially unmarked, and there&39;s no menu, so you just have to go with it. Depending on when you go (later is better), it can be completely filled with Japanese office workers. Go, put yourself in the chef's hands, and pair the interesting dishes with copious amounts of Sake.
The Bridge Cafe - 279 Water St New York, NY 10038
This is a hidden gem that is purely New York City. Nestled beneath the Brooklyn Bridge, The Bridge Cafe is one of the oldest drinking establishments in NYC and apparently home to a few ghosts. While we missed out on the ghosts, we did enjoy a remarkable meal. The steamed P.E.I. Mussel appetizer with Andouille sausage, jalapeno peppers, cilantro, spicy tomato broth was delicious, as was the famous Buffalo Steak; everyone raves about the Soft-Shell Crabs and the dish did not disappoint. Be sure to save room for the key lime pie with white macadamia nut crust, the combination of the white macadamia and tartness of the key lime is superb.
Zanata - 202 E. Rusk Street, Rockwall, TX 75087
Zanata is a fun and friendly downtown restaurant. A gathering place for family and friends revolving around a central open kitchen and full bar, Zanata creates the perfect neighborhood hangout and dining spot. A Mediterranean infused menu is featured serving handcrafted pizzas, entrees and other mouthwatering bites out of wood burning ovens. While their special menu and drink options may change, their original goals stay the same; to share their passion for high quality food and build a community around a positive dining experience.
At most companies, the office chatter normally takes place around the water cooler. If you have ever visited the Avero Offices you know that every day our food-obsessed gang gathers in our kitchen at the "Round Table" to talk about restaurants and food. One of our favorite conversations is, "Where should I eat tonight?".
