Over the course of 2017, many of our writers (especially myself) ate at a ton of fabulous restaurants in Manhattan. There’s a reason why the variety of cuisines here are some of the best in the world, and these ten that we have chosen are no exception. From Harlem all the way down to the Lower East Side and everything in between, we count down our ten best restaurants that we have been to in the year that was.
In no particular order, here is part one of our two part series about the best restaurants we’ve visited in Manhattan this year.
Allora: Midtown East
Allora is essentially everything you want from an Italian restaurant, packed into one gorgeous location only blocks away from Midtown East. Located right next to The Bernic Hotel, their Italian cuisine is authentic, delicious and is reminiscent of old New York circa the Frank Sinatra days. Favorite dish: Prosciutto with melon, burrata cheese and a fresh lemon squeeze. Mangia.
Richard Sandoval’s Pampano: Midtown East
When you have a legendary name attached to your restaurant like Richard Sandoval’s, chances are the spot you are going to is going to be superb. And it was and is. We stopped by there back in late January, and was amazed at the contemporary Mexican cuisine we were served. Favorite dish: Mariscada: bay scallops and shrimp, calamari, cilantro rice, achiote-coconut sauce and pineapple.
Greenwich Steakhouse: West Village
They had a stellar opening in February of last year, where media was invited to try some of the best of the best when it comes so steak, seafood and more, which left me quite impressed and wanting to come back again. Their brunch menu was equally as impressive, as this gorgeous location is one that is easily worth the trip to the West Village. Favorite dish: Challah French Toast with berries, fresh jam and honey.
Two Forks: Midtown West
It even surprises me that I am including a fast-casual spot on here, but given how these locations are becoming super big in Manhattan, I figured why not include the best one of the bunch. This place makes you want to skip the ordinary spot you go to for lunch, as the flavors you get in each bowl (pairing slow cooked meats with seasonal sauces) are insane. Some of the best food I’ve ever had in a bowl… ever. Favorite dish: The Hot Chick: Pulled Chicken, Harissa Buffalo Sauce, Carrot, Celery Root, Parsnip & Blue Cheese Slaw.
The Rainbow Room: Midtown West
Iconic, classic, and legendary are just three words to describe The Rainbow Room, which sits at the top of Rockefeller Plaza in Midtown. I was lucky enough to get invited to their infamous brunch, which was beyond anything I could’ve imagined as every type of food you could want, from caviar to shrimp to bacon, is all there for you and beautifully prepared. Favorite dish: I CAN’T NAME JUST ONE.
Come back next week for part two!