By Rupveen Arora (Mademoiselle Wanderlust), Head of Lifestyle.
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NYC Restaurant Week Returns Jan 21- Feb 8, 2019
What is Restaurant Week?
NYC Restaurant week includes hundreds of restaurants offering steals for 2-course Lunch (approximately $26) and 3- course Dinner (Approximately $42).
When is Restaurant Week?
Don’t miss your chance between January 21 – February 8. Reservations opened January 9.
Why Restaurant Week?
This is a great opportunity for one to try even the costliest of venues at bargain prices.
All foodies know that there are never enough restaurants one has tried. Be it a fine dining establishment or a local dive of any authentic Mexican, Vietnamese, Indian, Thai, the list goes on, you must explore them all. What better time to allow those eyes that are exponentially larger than your tummy than these days to explore what good eats are out there.
Below, I list some that you must check out!
Do I have to Make Reservations?
Reservations are highly recommended. However, the NYC Restaurant Week menu is offered to all guests, including walk-ins. I definitely encourage you to make reservations.
1. One of my favorites: ABC KITCHEN
The focus of the restaurant's sustainable, local produce and the ever-changing menu is reason enough to visit this Michelin star Jean-Georges treat.
38 E. 18th Street
2. It’s Greek to me: ANASSA TAVERNA
Taking you through the ancient historical neighborhood of Plakka, Annasa is nestled in the heart of the Upper East Side. This gem will surely allow you to experience all things Greek, right here from the Big Apple. Rustic ambiance. Great wait staff. Delectable menu.
200 E. 60th Street
3. Med Flair: BOULUD SUD
How could Daniel Boulud not be included in this list? Simply, go. You won't be disappointed.
20 W. 64th Street
4. Tapas Anyone?: EMPELLON TAQUERIA
As I sit on my balcony at this very moment overlooking the ocean in Tulum, Mexico, I’d be remiss not to mention this lighthearted ambiance of a taqueria in the heard of the West Village. The authenticity of this while venturing out on the more modern side of Mexican cuisine may just surprise you. The margaritas aren’t too shabby at all.
230 W. 4th Street
5. Abruzzesse Italian: IL MULINO
This still holds in my top 3 Italian eateries in NYC and that’s saying a lot. The sophistication of dishes, unparalleled service and a wine list to die for (I mean, I would literally die for it) is reason enough for anyone to trek down to this Flagship location in Greenwich Village. Any. Day. Of. The. Year.
86 W. 3rd Street
6. Laotian Love Affair: KHE-YO
PHO. Winter. That’s all! Did you hear me? PHO!
157 Duane Street
7. Chow Chinese: SHUN-LEE PALACE
If you fancy one of the best Lobster dishes in town, look no further. A staple in NYC cuisine and the original fine dining of Chinese, Shun Lee has been serving smiles for over the last 40 years.
155 E. 55th Street
8. Margarita O’Clock: EL TORO BLANCO
This local West Village joint is good for tapas, post day-drinking snacks or any of their wide selection of over 2 dozen margaritas or 100 tequilas!
257 Sixth Avenue
9. Fabulous Find: FELIDIA
Frequented by me over the years for some traditional Italian fare, marvelous martinis and a very laid-back contemporary vibe. Lidia Bastianich. Speaks volumes.
243 E. 58th Street
10. Never say Never to Omakase: NETA
If you have not visited this railroad-style establishment before for the ‘splurge’ on Omakase at the bar, I’d run for restaurant week.
61 W. 8th Street
11. Ay Ay ay!: AI FIORI (Among The Flowers)
Langham Hotel. Chef Michael White. Italian. Book.
400 Fifth Avenue
12. Bien Sûr: ACME
French meets Italian Bistro married with great cocktails. Must Order Oysters.
9 Great Jones Street
Marcus Samuelson’s home cooked Swedish favorites meets Harlem’s fried chicken and mac and cheese. The atmosphere is just up-beat and fancy free so you can help but have a grand ‘ol time.
310 Lenox Ave (near 125th St)
14. Burger Burger: THE BRESLIN BAR
Ace hotel. Two words. LAMB BURGER! I implore you.
20 W. 29th Street
15. French-Colonial Flavor: INDOCHINE
One of my oldest go-to spots since I shifted to Manhattan, the food and ambiance still has my heart. In the last 20 years, its managed to evoke the same experience (for me) every single time. They no longer serve Frogs’ legs but the Kir Royale is a must to start.
430 Lafayette Street
Let those fingers start dialing and book your gym time in the AM the next three weeks.
Bon Appétit my foodie friends!
