In the three years since I’ve started Manhattan Digest, I have had the ability to review close to 100 phenomenal restaurants in the New York City area. Since that time, my waist size has expanded, clothes don’t fit me as well anymore, I might need to go to the doctor sooner than later, but it was all worth it for the amazing cuisines that I have experienced on this incredible ride.
Question is, out of all the restaurants that I have experienced here at Manhattan Digest, which ten were my favorite? I will break down which ones are my favorite, and why you should head to each as soon as possible. Take a look.
Delmonico’s Kitchen- 207 W. 36th
The look and feel of Delmonico’s Kitchen really is Manhattan 101. Touted as the country’s first fine dining restaurant, you really get the sense of elegance and sophistication upon arrival. Call me weird but this seems like a place where you could see anyone from financiers just getting off the job and having dinners with coworkers or constituents to a large family celebrating a loved one’s recent birthday or life accomplishment. It is very warm and inviting, and the colors throughout the place really shine through and blend together especially now that the weather is drastically changing from super hot to chilly in a matter of days. Standout dishes- Filet Mignon, Braised Short Ribs, and my favorite soup- Lobster Bisque. Official site.
Jacob’s Pickles- 509 Amsterdam Avenue
Mixing comfort food with a relaxing environment, Jacob’s Pickles is the go-to spot for good food with a friendly demeanor and above all a damn good time. Comfort food ranging from their amazing Biscuits, Mushroom Mac N Cheese, and Turkey Leg Dinner (one of the best meals I’ve ever had), easily puts this in my top ten. Official site.
The Nugget Spot- 230 East 14th Street
ALL NUGGETS ALL THE TIME. The face I had on my face in this picture beautifully describes my experience at The Nugget Spot, a tiny but amazing location in the Lower East Side. Pretzel Crusted, Captain Crunch, Pork & Catfish, Mozzarella are just some of the amazing options you can try, as well as their fresh french fries and a bevy of other options. Go. There. Official site.
Tres Carnes- 688 Avenue of the Americas
Tres Carnes is sort of the smarter, faster and overall better older brother version of Chipotle. A great little sit down place, they provide some of the freshest ingredients in each burrito or bowl you order, including brisket which is to die for. Definitely a place to check out. Official site.
Strip House- 15 W. 44th Street
I’ve done a handful of steakhouses for Manhattan Digest, in and out of New York City, and Strip House just seems to standout for me more than the others as they exemplify the classic and modern touches that a steakhouse really should be. The phenomenal food they serve, not just steak, with the amazing ambiance make it a great place to dine and dish. Standout dishes- Surf n Turf Tartare, Rib Eye Steak, and their 24 Layer Chocolate Cake. Yum. Official Site.
Peacock Alley at Waldorf Astoria- 310 Park Avenue
The Mac Daddy of Brunch is at Peacock Alley, located inside Waldorf Astoria. For any kind of foodie, this is the one place you must try at least once to experience the epic maze of delicousness in one room. Everything from lobster, caviar and more can be found here, and it is worth every penny. Official Site.
Chalk Point Kitchen- 527 Broome St
Chalk Point Kitchen is listed as one of the top twenty five restaurants on TripAdvisor in New York City, and now they are in our top ten (maybe even number one). They bring “farm to table” and elevate each dish to flavors that I have never experienced before in the best way possible. On top of its neat design, you get amazing dishes from Bar Harbor Mussels, Roasted Heirloom Carrots, and Farm Raised Asian Catfish Misoyaki just to name a few. Heaven indeed. Official site.
Adoro Lei- 287 Hudson St
My favorite pizza place I have experienced so far in New York City is Adoro Lei, and that is saying a lot seeing as we have the best in the world. They have so many Italian options to try from, but we were amazed by how amazing their pizza really is. The Rosina (Margherita, Tomato, Parmigiano, Pecorino, Fresh Mozzarella & Basil), The Pietro (Marinated Cherry Tomatoes, Basil, Pecorino, Wild Arugula, Prosciutto, Parmigiano Shavings &Truffle Oil), The Romeo (Spicy Sausage, Peppers, Onions, Tomato Sauce & Fresh Mozzarella) are just three of the ones we fell head over heels for. Take the E down to Spring Street and chow down at Adoro Lei. Official Site.
The Stanton Social- 99 Stanton Street
When you have the big guns like Chris Santos behind you, chances are you are doing something right. The Stanton Social is “Sharable Plates 101” and they do it very, very well. Everything from their Chicken & Waffles, French Onion Dumplings, Pierogis and more are proof that sharing your food has its benefits and then some. Official Site.
Oovina- 496 9th Ave #1
I just reviewed Oovina a month ago, and fell in love with its concept, location, and some of the most delicious tacos I’ve ever had. It is all things Tapas in their, with Pan Seared Scallops, Arroz con Pollo, Grilled Jumbo Shrimp Tacos and more served in smaller portions for you and your guests to enjoy. Definitely one of my favorites not only from 2016 so far, but overall. Official Site.