When it comes to the variety of cuisine choices that are out there, you can’t get any better than Manhattan. No matter what your taste may be, chances are there is a restaurant that will fulfill your foodie needs and make you a very happy camper both entering and exiting that particular location. We have reviewed several restaurants in the past nine months since 2016 started, but the question is, which ones are our favorite?
Take a look at the places that topped our list in terms of creativity, ambiance, taste, and so much more that will make us want to RSVP over and over and over again.
Obica Mozzarella Bar- Flatiron
We tried out Obica right when the summer was starting, and it couldn’t have been better timing when it came to the atmosphere the location presented (indoor and outdoor seating) and some of the best Italian food we have ever had. Still a relative newbie to the NYC foodie scene, Obica provides some amazing small plates, absolutely scrumptious pizza including their Salsiccia e Peperoni– Bell Peppers, Sausage, Smoked Mozzarella di Bufala, and some amazing desserts. For all things Italian, they are definitely worth checking out. Review here.
Bagatelle- Meatpacking District
We started at Italy and now are heading over to the French riviera with the absolutely spectacular Bagatelle. Bagatelle’s French cuisine rivals some of the best in the world, and its decor and fine dining echo throughout its beautiful establishment. Standout dishes include their Filet Mignon with Pomme Frites, Black Angus Bone In Ribeye, Roasted Chicken and Pizza a la Truffle Noire. Worth the quick trip down to the Meatpacking District. Review here.
SouthWest NY- Battery Park
The Financial District is normally bustling from 9-5, but tends to become a ghost town after the final bell rings. One place worth staying around in the area is SouthWest NY, over in Battery Park and a quick 5 minute walk from the 1 train. Specializing in Tex-Mex Cuisine, SouthWest stands out from the crowd with its epic blast of flavor combinations, tasty dishes, and great ambiance. Standout dishes for us included their Chicken Tortilla Soup, 10 oz Mojo Marinated Skirt Steak, Roasted Herb Marinated Chicken Breast & Cedar-Planked Atlantic Salmon. Review here.
Beauty & Essex- The Lower East Side
The Lower East Side is up and coming when it comes to putting itself on the foodie map of Manhattan, and one of their star showcases is Chris Santos’ amazing Beauty & Essex in the LES. With a chilled out vibe throughout its establishment, Beauty & Essex reign supreme with its variety of sharable dishes to enjoy with your friends and family. Standout sharable options include Tuna Poke Wonton Tacos, Grilled Cheese, Smoked Bacon & Tomato Soup Dumplings, Oven Braised Chicken Meatballs and Braised Short Ribs. Quality over quantity in every way at this place. Review here.
Ocean Prime- Midtown
It is very hard to etch yourself out as a standout place in Midtown, especially being by the epic location known as Times Square. One place that has done that and then some is Ocean Prime, a upscale steakhouse of sorts. Fancy without being annoying in its presence, Ocean Prime boasts a spacious atmosphere while having you dine on an array of steak, sushi and more to enjoy at your delightment. Standout dishes here are their Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli, Blackened Snapper, Black Truffle Mac N Cheese and Prime Roll, which came with Tempura Shrimp, Beef Carpaccio, Cream Cheese and Scallion. Make your reservations asap! Review here.
Amy’s Bread- Chelsea Market
Amy’s Bread isn’t like the other places featured so far, in that it is somewhat of a grab and go place, but really stands out to us in terms of the quality of products they make. Everything from their Eggplant Parmigiano with Fresh Mozzarella, Tuna Melt and Peanut Butter and Jelly on Whole Wheat Bread with unsweetened peanut butter and strawberry preserves showcase how well they do with their sandwiches, not to mention the variety of desserts they have at your disposal. On the go and looking for a great spot to chow down at Amy’s Bread is your answer. Review here.
Jun-Men Ramen Bar- Chelsea
Now that we are approaching the colder weather seasons with Fall officially kicking off tomorrow, we are looking for a great dish to keep us warm. Jun-Men Ramen Bar’s exceptional line of Ramen based dishes really struck our fancy this year when we reviewed them back in April. Only being opened for about a year now, Jun-Men excels at Ramen 101 with everything from Pork Bone Ramen, with chashu, kikurage, menma, egg, scallion and black oil and so much more. Ramen heads will go crazy, trust me. Review here.
Natsumi Tapas- Gramercy
Big taste, little packages. Food of course, and that is what you get at Natsumi Tapas and their amazing line of small bites to enjoy as much as possible. Filet Mignon Tataki, Tofu Veggie Toban Yaki and Grilled Shiitake Penne are just three great examples of what owner Barbara Matsumura (Haru, Daruma, Joe’s Shanghai) has come up with that left us wanting more and more. Review here.