My Favorite Restaurants in New York

My girlfriend took me here as a surprise on my birthday. She knows I miss the comforts of my home in the South and that definitely applies to food. The food at Cynthia’s can best be described as "American Comfort" food. For instance, every Thursday, Cynthia’s cooks a full Turkey and features it as a special. I don’t normally think to order turkey, but it was very refreshing and very enjoyable as well. I have also had the steak, which comes with some wonderful mashed potatoes and vegetables.

As for the ambiance, it is very relaxing and laid back. There are only about ten tables (which can get a little crowded when filled up), so it is not a big restaurant. Little touches like the buxom hostess and the lipstick stamps on the tables add a nice touch. The service can be a little spotty, but it is always friendly.

I enthusiastically recommend this restaurant for anyone looking for a nice, relaxing evening dining on some of your old favorites. By the way, save room for dessert.

If you want fantastic Italian food in a small, intimate setting, then Tellos is perfect. The restaurant is a quaint, brownstone building that you might pass if you weren’t looking. But when you walk inside, you will really enjoy the place. It is a very cozy atmosphere with a well-done Italian restaurant interior. The longer you spend in the restaurant, the more you will notice the little touches that make this restaurant special. I have been to a lot of family Italian restaurants in New York and this is by far my favorite.

As for the food, I was impressed from the appetizers through the dessert. My chicken dish was done so well, I may have never had better chicken in a restaurant. We tried several dishes and appetizers (we were a group of 10) and enjoyed them all. The gnocchi and eggplant really stood out. The calamari was the only thing that wasn’t exceptional (although it was good).

It is worth noting that the restaurant staff went out of their way to accommodate our group of ten. It was for a special celebration and required advance notice, and the staff was great. The rest of the tables consisted of intimate groups of 2-4.

Although not as well known as many other Italian restaurants in New York, I would recommend Tello’s above any others that I have been to.

I was expecting an Indian restaurant, but it was more like creative Indian with a twist. The food was wonderful. I got everything I like about Indian food without the heaviness or the after effects.

I recommend sitting in the lower level and sharing the smaller dishes with several friends. We had several types of nan bread and almost every item on the menu...all of which I enjoyed.

The ambience was also very neat. The first floor was a little less formal but very impressive. From the ornamentation to the furniture to the bar, it was very well done. Upstairs, the dining room is a little more formal and also very impressive (particularly the huge windows). The staff is also very friendly and helpful.

If you like Indian but want something a little different, try this restaurant.

I must admit that the main reason this made my favorites list is that it is close to where I work...so I go here fairly often. Having said that, I go there for a reason. I always enjoy my meal, the service is pretty good, and the restaurant is very cozy/comfortable.

The highlights of the menu include a host of comfort foods such as macaroni and cheese, meatloaf, fried chicken, etc. My favorite is the fried green tomato sandwich which I have gotten many people from the office hooked on.

You can find more fancy dishes, which are all very tasty (i.e. the crabcakes and seafood selections), but I usually stick to simpler dishes.

Punch is a very nice place to eat. The entrees are fantastic (and very interesting), and the atmosphere is very relaxed (although it attracts a trendy crowd at certain times of day, particularly by the bar at the front entrance and above the restaurant). All of the entrees have an interesting twist or ingredient added. Sometimes they don't sound like they would be very good, but they are always delicious. When I had brunch, I especially enjoyed the pancakes with cheese (I forget the type of cheese). For dinner, the short ribs were totally delicious as were two Thai inspired dishes (Phat noodles and a soup like entree). But my favorite item was the bread pudding for dessert. It was just like my grandmother makes it back home in Georgia. Except for the fact that the service is a little spotty, this is always a great dining experience. With plenty of different choices for all tastes, Punch is a great place to go. (Don't forget to walk down to Union Square before or after - there are a ton of things to do in this vicinity).

Balthazar went to great lengths to create the image of a French brasserie (everything from the attire of the waiters and waitresses, to the big mirrors, to the tiled floors) and it doesn't disappoint. The decor was even 'aged' to give the impression of an establishment that had been around a long time. It is a little cramped and always crowded (which is a testament to the food), but I loved this place. I went with a bunch of friends so I had the benefit of getting to try several dishes in one visit. The fantastic wine recommendation of the waiter set the tone for the meal. We started with several appetizers including three types of raw oysters, and french onion soup (which was fantastic). As for entrees, they were all exceptional and everyone was extremely satisfied. However, the highlight for me was the desserts (we tried six and all were fantastic) so make sure you save room. Balthazar has a bakery next door so you can take home some of the bread and pastries if you like. It is hard to get a reservation here, so book in advance or go for lunch (when it is easier to get in).

The Red Cat is a fairly laid back but very nice restaurant. It's not that large (a small bar area and a one room dining area) and the decor is rustic in a trendy kinda way (old lanterns with dull brushed steel, wooden chairs, a sandstone bar). I never feel rushed and have had several relaxing conversations long after the main course has been served. As for the food, everyone (including myself) has always walked away very satisfied. It isn't as fancy as alot of places in New York (I can actually understand what I am ordering for the most part) but it is still interesting. For appetizers, I enjoy the grilled squid/calamari over cous-cous and the soft shell crab with carrot emulsion sauce. As a vegetable order, I think the tempura green beans are exceptional (and the dipping sauce is great). For an entree, I really enjoy the pork chop, the trout and the roasted chicken (which was notably good). To top off the meal, the strawberry-rhubarb cobbler is nice (although I wish it came with more ice cream - I substituted vanilla ice cream for cream). The neighborhood isn't great and it is a little bit out of the way, but no big deal in New York (it's withing a couple of blocks of alot of cool galleries and some good shopping).

The first interesting thing about Torch is that it is hard to find (I guess you have to be in the know a little bit). If you are not careful you will go right by the restaurant because there is only a small sign on the outside and it blends in with the closed up shops. Inside, you will find a very cool bar and dining area with the coolest part being the live entertainment. The night we were there an awesome singer was singing jazz classics on a small stage in the middle of the dining area. She was using one of the old-timey steel microphones and was accompanied by the piano and the bass (and her singing was awesome). This was made even more enjoyable by the very comfortable high-backed booths. As for the food, it was hard to choose from all of the funky choices such as 'cilantro and citrus-spiked shrimp ceviche, topped with popcorn'. I really enjoyed Torch (even though it was a pain in the ass to get to from the Upper West Side) and think it is the perfect place to go if your nights in New York are limited.

Ruby Foo's is definitely a 'scene' with as much emphasis put on the atmosphere as the food. The restaurant is very spacious with a particularly cool wooden staircase and tasteful Asian decor. The bar is always crowded and many people choose to eat in the front. I prefer a table on the second level overlooking the first floor and the sushi bar. As for the food, I love the sushi. You will find several interesting combinations for sushi rolls (particularly suited to sushi novices) and top-notch raw sushi. I also like a lot of the Chinese and many other Asian dishes like the pad thai. Other food recommendations: the calamari, the baby back ribs and the pear buckle with ice cream. You might want to try a cocktail as well (they have some really cool, fruity drinks that are all kinds of colors).

When I am trying to impress clients or take someone for a special dinner, Nobu is wonderful. It is very pricey, but I have never come away disappointed. The sushi is some of the best in the city and the presentation is beautiful. Even non-sushi people have tried some of the selections and become at least open to the idea of sushi. Sushi lovers are in heaven. Even things I didn't like (i.e. the seaweed salad) were so well prepared that I was not disappointed. As for the decor, it is pretty rustic in an Asian sort of way (tasteful, but nothing special in my mind). Don't be afraid to ask the server for recommendation. They almost always make great recommendations even when I was skeptical about what they were recommending. You may find yourself chuckling at some of the other diners. This is definitely a place to be seen, so you see some interesting characters as well as others who are obviously trying too hard to look cool. Don't be surprised if you see someone famous. Make recommendations well in advance for dinner. Lunch is easier to get reservations, but still requires advance timing.

Calle Ocho is a great place to impress a date or your significant other. Also, the atmosphere is very fun and upbeat and you will find some very comfortable couches to lounge on while you wait to be seated. The martinis and cocktails are very creative (and will sneak up on you). You will be impressed by the bar area and then pleasantly surprised by the dining area (which is a little more cozy than the bar scene). Ask to be seated back by the fireplace, if possible. When you read the menu, you will have a very hard time deciding what to choose. I would call the food 'Latin fusion' with choices from all over Latin America. I have not had an appetizer that I didn't like (the tamal, the lobster ceviche are two of my favorites) and the entrees are also very good (the beef tenderloin is my favorite).

For an intimate atmosphere and really good food, Po is my favorite. There are only a few tables and the dining room is very small, but very comfortable. I always have a fish dish (depending on the special of the night) and have been more than satisfied every time. The only downside is that it is very hard to get reservations so book in advance. Also, it is a nice place to eat outside at one of the 2-3 tables (this street is a relatively peaceful street in the West Village).

If you are in Chinatown, you really should try Saint's Alps Teahouse. The main attraction is a variety of sweet drinks that have chunks of either fruit or tapioca balls on the bottom of the drink. These types of teahouses are extremely popular in Asia and several have popped up in Chinatown recently. I usually stop here after eating a great meal in Chinatown (i.e. Joe's Shanghai or Grand Sichuan) and treat my tapioca ball tea as dessert. I usually get the green tea, the sesame tea or the tea with cantalopue. Don't be alarmed by the look of the tapioca balls or the width of the straw. Have an open mind and you will really enjoy these drinks once you get over the initial sip or two. By the way, if you get tired of the tapioca balls, the wide straw makes for an awesome spit gun.

I really had a good time at this restaurant. It was rustic / cozy, but in a vibrant, interesting way...lots of wood, candles and interesting ornamentation. The music and atmosphere were very relaxing and I thoroughly enjoyed the evening. This is a good place to impress your dinner companion if you don't want a place that is "overdone".

Regarding the food, the menu featured several ceviche choices as well as other South American appetizers and entrees. Ceviche is raw fish marinated in citrus juices and is delicious if you like something that will really enliven your taste buds. We had a few different ceviche dishes and enjoyed the salmon the most. For appetizers, I liked the Oysters Rodriguez...very interesting taste...even though it was a little awkward to eat...(one big bite or a smaller bite that breaks up the different pieces?). For an entree, I had the shrimp and beef dish. The shrimp was okay, but the beef was fantastic. Everything on the menu looked great.

I have been here many times (mostly late nights after going out) and really enjoy the atmosphere. You will find a young, hip crowd and lots of smokers (which is appropriate given the name). The staff isn't the most attentive, but is interesting...lots of tatoos and a pretty edgy look. The restaurant is pretty small (the bar area even smaller) and feels like a well worn bistro. The menu is pretty simple (not many choices), but I have never been disappointed. The steak frites are a safe choice, and the goat cheese salad is very good.

This place is cool without really trying. The music is always well chosen and the overall scene is well put together. This is the kind of place that makes you feel hip because you know about it. A great place to have lunch, dinner or a late night drink...I prefer late nights as a last stop before going home.

Cyclo is the restaurant that got me hooked on Vietnamese food. The biggest problem is choosing what to have given all of the wonderful choices. All of the ingredients are very fresh, the preparation is fantastic and the flavors are very distinct (and delicious). I typically choose a fish dish, a vegetable dish and either the spring rolls or shrimp, bamboo appetizer. But the waiter is always right on when I ask him for advice. The clay pot dishes are particularly good and you can actually have a free clay pot if you choose one of these entrees...my clay pot is sitting on my counter.

The atmosphere is very laid back (the restaurant is fairly small and dark) and it never seems to be overly crowded. The decor is well chosen (not the typical cheesy design of many Asian restaurants) and the service has always been great (very attentive, good suggestions).

Finally, Cyclo is located in a fun part of the East Village so there are plenty of reasons to go here. This is a great place for a date.

I wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant for anyone, including hard-core Asian food lovers and those who want to taste Vietnamese food for the first time.

If you are looking for an intimate, romantic restaurant with very good (and unique) food, then Stella is perfect.

The restaurant itself is very small and you feel like everyone there is a regular. The exposed brick, candlelight, window seats, wooden tables, and cozy decor make you feel at ease from the time you sit down. It is definitely the kind of place where you order a bottle of wine (or two) and stay awhile.

The staff was very friendly...quick to make suggestions and appropriately attentive. It is not like they can ignore you given the small size of the restaurant.

I strongly recommend the fish dishes...I have never been disappointed. And I would save room for dessert. The choices are fun (i.e. rosemary ice cream cone) and a very fulfilling end to a wonderful meal.

Given its Soho location, it is a great place for a date or to meet some close friends.

I really enjoy Italian food, and this is some of the best I have had in New York--and that's saying a lot. Everything from the appetizers to the entreés are truly delightful here. And the waiters' personal recommendations and passion were amazing. Their insights were right on and they steered us toward things that I might have overlooked.

Another thing I really liked was the atmosphere. Usually, I think a decoration theme can come across on the tacky side. But the "Tuscan" atmosphere felt very comfortable and authentic. The restaurant is pretty small and intimate and it's easy to spend quite a while eating, drinking, and talking with friends. Groups of two to four are ideal given the space and size of the tables.

The location is also nice if you want to go out in Greenwich Village afterwards. This part of Bleecker Street is right in the thick of things; normally that means tourist trap, but not in the case of Gallo Nero. I very enthusiastically recommend this restaurant.

This is one of the nicer Korean restaurants I have ever been to--and it is my favorite vegetarian restaurant as well. It defines the food as "dining with a conscience." And I must say that is a pleasure to have a healthy, eco-friendly meal in a stunning environment.

Regarding the atmosphere, you must remove your shoes and sit in tradional Korean-style booths. Everything is extremely well put together, calming, and classy. I promise you will be impressed (and so will your date).

Regarding the service, I have not had better in the city. Everyone is very attentive and polite. Plus, they help add to the aura of the place through their actions. They are very careful and deliberate in the way they pace the meal, bring new items, remove items, etc. They are also happy to explain the items and offer suggestions.

Regarding the food, it is fantastic. It doesn't matter if you are a vegetarian or not. You will have a truly wonderful dining experience. I always order the multi-course meals. These consist of five or six different items, so you get a real flavor for the food. Some of the items I enjoy more than others. For instance, there is one course that reminds me of pureed baby food--but it is still good. All of the items are very flavorful, and you will walk away pleasantly full and feeling good about the food you just ate.

All in all, Hangawi is one of my favorite restaurants and I can't recommend it heartily enough.

If you are looking for a restaurant with good food and New York flair then you will like Sushi Samba. The first thing you notice is the decor and bright colors. Sushi Samba is as much about the scene and atmosphere as the food. Many times, the attention to the atmosphere comes across poorly, but I really liked the feeling of the restaurant and thought it was a nice place for a date.

The drink combinations are also pretty fun and encourage a bit of experimentation (which is usually a good thing if you like your dinner companion). As for the food, I really enjoyed my meal. I only had sushi, but the quality was excellent and the choices were quite nice. Once again, the combinations were funky but fun...and the food was actually good.

All said, I definitely recommend this restaurant...particularly for a meal surrounded by the 'trendy' set.

If you want a great Italian meal, you can't go wrong with Lupa. The owner also owns Babbo so you know you're in good company when you are at Lupa. Fortunately, it is much easier to get a reservation than at Babbo. Having said that, I have eaten here several times and enjoyed my meal every time.

The atmosphere is very nice and perfect for dinner with a small group of friends or a date. There is a pretty busy bar area when you first walk in with two separate dining areas. I prefer the main dining area at the front (it has more energy), but the back rooms are quieter and a bit more intimate. I don't know how best to describe the interior other than to say you know you are in a fine restaurant from the moment you walk in. The lighting and the decor create a wonderful environment for the food that follows.

I had the Rigatoni my last trip to Lupa, but no matter what you try you will be satisfied. The nightly specials are always nice and I typically default to whatever the waiter recommends. One thing I enjoy in particular is the selection of reasonably priced red wines. The restaurant is not cheap by any standard, but it could be alot worse if the wine weren't so reasonable (of course you can get a very pricey bottle as well).