My word, it’s been an intense few weeks. Our children have ridden a month-long holiday train at school bombarded by dreidels, Nutcracker dances, elves on shelves, candy canes, and much more. Families and friends have most likely come together, involving stressful last-minute gift purchasing and food preparations. You are exhausted, elated, confused, a little broke perhaps, and in need of a little comfort and maybe some glamour of your own. Here’s my list of awesome (and somewhat decadent), quintessential New York City spots to continue the magic and celebration of our fine town during the holidays, and to treat yourself at before the necessary dieting, saving, and reality kick in. These restaurants are perfect in the winter. It’s still time to indulge, and let someone else make the food and drinks!
This lower east side Chinese restaurant is so well-loved by so many people that I had to share it with you as a post-holiday option for more yummy eating. Here is a great New York Times review of it.
Parents rave about it, and also recommend the olive oil gelato. “Designed to look like an Italian train station, OTTO (which means “eight” in Italian) is located on the corner of 8th Street and Fifth Avenue just steps from Washington Square Park. One of New York’s most celebrated pizzerias, OTTO combines the elegance of a Bolognese enoteca with the fun bustle of an Italian train station. Open daily from 11AM to midnight, OTTO is perfect for a quick snack, a lingering meal, a family night out, or a large social gathering.” Here is the menu.
This Williamsburg Brooklyn eatery has a fun reputation and is a hub for artists, mediterranean food-seekers, salad and wine lovers. Their website is really interesting, too! People rave about the food, and parents say that kids like it. Here is the menu.
This is one of my all-time faves. It’s a small, tiny place in Chinatown- but a total, complete NYC feeling. The food is off the hook, and super healthy. The coffee is fantastic; the hand-crafted ceramics, vials of seaweed vitamins, and palo santo sticks for sale also make it oh so charming. Once you try it, you’ll see what I mean. Their website explains it all… better than I ever could.
“Oiji, a new restaurant in Manhattan’s East Village, is creating a new category for Korean cuisine in New York City: Refined Authentic Korean. Exploring traditional flavors and dishes while utilizing modern cooking techniques and ingredients, artful plating and portion sizes, Oiji offers a Korean dining experience that is at once familiar and surprising, in a modern downtown setting. The intimate but stylish restaurant is accented with an open kitchen, reclaimed wood, exposed brick and ambient lighting with factory sash windows that open out to the bustling streets of downtown Manhattan.” Here is the menu.
“Two-and-a-half years after pastry powerhouse Ladurée opened its first North American outpost on Madison Avenue, locals and tourists still queue up for its famed macarons, which are shipped from Paris weekly. On February 5, the company unveiled its 65th international outpost (and its second Stateside) in the old Barolo space, which has been divided into a series of “salons,” furnished with such decorative flourishes as a ceiling fresco and a wall of letters by the likes of Colette and George Sand. This location combines retail bakery, tea room, and full-service restaurant, overseen by chef Johann Giraud. His breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus are rife with Gallic classics (foie gras, vol-au-vent) and Ladurée signatures (various omelettes and “les clubs sandwiches”), but he’s added a few new dishes that reflect the local terroir—most notably, the kale-based “Salade Soho.” Also new to New York, in the pastry display case: walnut croissants and praline mille-feuilles. “
More raves can be found here.
This gorgeous establishment is an entire experience in everything from tabletop settings to espresso to service. It’s not to be taken lightly! With locations in the West Village, Soho, and the Upper East Side, I can vouch for all three places’ importance. I, personally, collect the pink ribbons that come on the pastry boxes. “Shortly after the original Sant Ambroeus opened its doors in Milan in 1936, a devoted following emerged. This celebrated pasticceria and confetteria became the meeting place for the local intelligentsia, whether beginning their day with Sant Ambroeus’s legendary cappuccino and cornetto, savoring panini at lunch, or spending their evening enjoying refined cuisine in the restaurant’s elegant dining room. We translated these old-world sensibilities of Sant Ambroeus to modern times, and imported our rich culinary traditions to three New York neighborhoods: the West Village, the Upper East Side, and Southampton. Each of our restaurants remains authentic to our Milanese origins, and we continue to serve our culturally inspired delectables in a casual yet elegant environment.” Here is the menu.
If you’re in your 30’s or 40’s, you remember the beginning of this utter phenomenon in NYC as part of your coming-of-age into “nice” restaurants. Nothing’s changed, and this is still one of the best. It’s spacial beauty is uplifting and fitting for the holiday season. Being in SOHO adds to its allure, as one can sip pernod at the bar after shopping or people-watching. “Balthazar serves traditional bistro fare from breakfast through late-night supper. Opened by Keith McNally in the spring of 1997, Balthazar offers a French menu prepared by chef de cuisine Shane McBride. Diners can also choose from an extensive wine list, a raw seafood bar, and breads and pastries from Balthazar bakery. Balthazar is renowned for its exceptional design. The building was converted from a leather wholesaler’s warehouse to an airy space that can accommodate over 200 people in the dining room and at the zinc bar.” Here is the menu.
“Based on the Fin-de-siecle Kaffehaus, boasting authentic Viennese specialties and traditional pastries. The Cafe is outfitted with period objects including lighting fixtures by Josef Hoffmann, furniture by Adolf Loos and banquettes that are upholstered with a 1912 Otto Wagner fabric.” This is also an excellent place for pastries, and for having a pre or post museum/Central Park treat at. Here is the winter menu.
“Considered the most glamorous place in Grand Central Terminal, The Campbell Apartment is truly a spectacular one-of-a-kind space. Formerly the luxurious office and salon of ‘20’s mogul John W. Campbell, this fully refurbished venue revives the lifestyle of that storied era.” Remember to wear proper attire, and skip the sneakers and small kids. Here is the drink menu.
Need I explain? This is the total old-school NYC midtown experience, and may I add that the free garlic/salt table crackers are amazing. “The Oyster Bar first opened its doors in 1913 on the lower level of Grand Central Terminal. Woodrow Wilson was President, the United States was on the threshold of World War I, and Prohibition was just six years away. New York City was slowly emerging as a literary and artistic center, and little “salons” that attracted writers and artists and dilettantes were starting to spring up in Greenwich Village and in other parts of the city. The resplendent new Grand Central Terminal opened its doors that year too, on the site of what formerly had been the old and rundown train depot. People flocked to see the new terminal that was then as now considered an engineering marvel. Old and new friends come back regularly—some of them every day—for some of the 25 or 30 varieties of oysters we carry fresh daily or a favorite dish that they insist doesn’t taste the same anywhere else. The Oyster Bar & Restaurant with its high, vaulted ceiling and the architectural grandness of an age gone by has an ambiance now that makes it different from any other restaurant in the world, and since people enjoy our cuisine, they come back again and again.” Here is the menu.
If you want to feel absolutely luxurious with your food experience and expertise surrounding it, this Italian eatery is the spot. Located in Fort Greene, Roman’s is truly a walk with excellence. Even the bread, from She Wolf Bakery, will melt your heart. Owned by Andrew Tarlow with the Executive Chef Dave Gould, you are in some of the best hands in Brooklyn. Here is the menu.
An all-time favorite of Brooklynites, moms, women, and people with taste. This place is a treat, and takes us back to another time or sense of reality when things had quality and charm. Once only in Williamsburg, this cafe and bakery now has a Greenpoint location as well. “We opened in 2009 with the goal of bringing small batch, European-style bread to our community. We added a small café with homemade pastries and high-quality coffee. Our focus is on freshness, quality ingredients, love of food, and offering a tranquil setting for anyone needing a break from the bustle of New York City. Our roots are from Northern Europe but our day-to-day changes depending on what we’re inspired by; be it a seasonal fruit, recent travels, or last night’s dream.” Here is the menu for Williamsburg, and the menu for Greenpoint.
“American food” made by Chef Andrew Caremellini. He, Josh Pickard and Luke Ostrom (the other founders) have clocked over six decades in the business. This ain’t no country club, but it’s no ball game either. This is New York. Do what you feel, but keep it fresh.” Here is the menu.
“In 1888, a small deli by the name of Iceland Brothers was established on Ludlow Street in New York’s Lower East Side by the Iceland brothers. Upon the arrival of Willy Katz in 1903, the name of the store was officially changed to “Iceland & Katz”. Willy’s cousin Benny joined him in 1910, buying out the Iceland brothers to officially form Katz’s Delicatessen. Their landsman Harry Tarowsky bought into the partnership in April 1917. Katz’s Deli was moved across the street, to its present location, during the construction of the subway system. The vacant lot on Houston Street (pronounced “House-ton” after a Dutch emigrant of the same name) was home to barrels of meat and pickles until the present storefront facade was added between 1946-49.”
This Press Page should give you an idea of the menu, if you aren’t already familiar.
My friends go for tarot card readings and on dates. I love the font and old-school charm. Altogether, this place rocks. “Two brothers journeyed from Alsace, France, to Soho, New York. They found a little restaurant for sale. They were so poor they threw nothing out, not even the salt. The booths were already in place and they kept the chairs until they fell apart or were destroyed in the brawls that marked the early years. Guy turned his Alsatian cooking skills to fine steaks and fish for low prices – even cheaper at the bar. Serge stood outside on Prince Street, a lonely figure importuning passersby to enter and taste. People began to trickle in from their illegal lofts in the neighborhood. Some came back the next night or the next week. And spread the word. More people came. And came back. Soon the locals were complaining about the good reviews. The rest is New York bistro history.” Here is the menu.
Other great, savory spots that you may be into are:
Vinegar Hill House, Bar Pitti, Cafe Mogador in Williamsburg, The Bemelman’s Bar, The Rose Club at The Plaza, and Locande Verde
Rebecca Conroy is an artist, stylist, and Editor of A Child Grows in Brooklyn. She is from New York City, and has an MFA from Columbia University in screenwriting. Rebecca often finds herself on film and photography sets making things run or look better, and is the mom of two outrageously wonderful kids.