The cuisines of New York City are a microcosm of the cultures found around the city, from Afghan to Vietnamese. We have all manner of choices for you, from sushi and sashimi to pizza and pasta, plus burgers, steaks, and fine international dining. You can even play games or do some sightseeing while you eat! Here is but a small sampling of the culinary universe that is NYC.
AMERICAN
NYC’s favorite destination to “Eat! Drink! Play!” is Dave & Buster’s. Enjoy their chef-crafted classic American Cuisine, with an amazing selection of finger foods, hearty entrées, and delicious dessert offerings with a full menu offered from open to close. Satisfy your thirst with their extensive signature cocktail selection during one of NYC’s best happy hours. Then let loose in their Million Dollar Midway packed full with over 200 mind-altering simulators, video games and classic favorites. Open 7 days, 11am-late. 234 W. 42nd St. (7th-8th Aves.), 3rd flr., 646-495-2015; www.daveandbusters.com. At Heartland Brewery, New York’s first American-style brewpub, you can sample one of the many unique brewed beers, try a tasty martini, or have one of the appetizers, like the mini bison burgers. 35 Union Square at 16th St., 212-645-3400; 127 W. 43rd St. btw. Sixth & Seventh Aves., 646-366-0235; South Street Seaport, 93 South St. at Fulton St., 646-572-2332; Fifth Ave. & 34th St. in the Empire State Bldg., 212-563-3433; 1285 Sixth Ave. at 51st St., 212-582-8244
BBQ
Head to Harlem for some of NYC’s best barbecue at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, a genuine rib joint nestled under the grandiose Riverside Drive bridge, featuring succulent slow-smoked ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and 23 beers on tap. Live blues begins around 10 every Fri. and Sat. night. 646 W. 131st St. at Twelfth Ave., 212-694-1777
Unconventional BBQ has made its way to Times Square via Spanky’s BBQ. Their unique combination of Southern cooking and New York culture produces an eclectic menu with items like fried green tomatoes alongside more ethnic concoctions. Entrées include smoked “overnite” brisket, blackened catfish, and more off-kilter fare like slow-smoked moo shoo pork with hoisin ginger barbecue sauce and steamed pancakes. 127 W. 43rd St. btw. Sixth Ave. &?Broadway, 212-575-5848
INDIAN
Dévi brings together the talents of chefs Suvir Saran and Hemant Mathur, presenting the authentic flavors and spirit of Indian home cooking. Each plate is a journey, introducing layer upon layer of tastes and textures—from regional street food to family recipes. Swathed in rich textiles, brightly colored lanterns, and wooden temple accents, Dévi is an experience that both stimulates and delights. 8 E. 18th St (Fifth Ave.), 212-691-1300; devinyc.com
Those with exotic, adventurous palates should try Utsav Festive India, an upscale favorite serving dishes and spices from each part of that country. The chef can cook to any liking, and with both a $30 prix-fixe Broadway dinner and à la carte specials, it’s a favorite of native Indians and Manhattanites alike. 1185 Sixth Ave., enter at 46th St. btw. Sixth & Seventh Aves., 212-575-2525
ITALIAN
As the chef at Bice restaurants around the world, Chef Jose Liriano has been inspired by local flavors that have blended themselves into his repertoire. With a classic yet comfortable feel, Bistro Milano offers a casual menu brought to life by Chef Liriano’s passion. The menu is extensive, featuring entrées from aged Angus beef hamburgers and homemade pizzas to osso bucco with saffron risotto. His homemade pastas are among the best in the world. 1350 Ave. of the Americas (55th St), 212-757-2600
Destino presents a unique dining experience with a focus on traditional Southern Italian cuisine created by Executive Chef Mario Curko. “Killer meatballs” This Sutton Place Italian Restaurant features red sauce dishes for folks who can’t get into Rao’s. For New Year’s Eve Destino is hosting a $125 prix fixe dinner. Call for more information. 891 First Ave. (50th-51st Sts.), 212-751-0700; www.destinony.com.
PAN-ASIAN
Inside Pranna’s awe-inspiring Flatiron location, the striking flavors of Southeast Asia are paired with contemporary flair and the finest market-fresh ingredients. Chef Chai Trivedi combines the Eastern principles of cuisine and spirituality with Western tastes and presentations to offer an upscale dining experience in a natural, chic space. A “Breath of Life” on Madison Avenue, Pranna represents value in an elegant atmosphere. The unique cocktails create a synergy between kitchen and the bar, while the wine list, made up of environmentally responsible vineyards, further complements the menu’s bold flavors. 79 Madison Ave. btw. 28th and 29th Sts., 212-696-5700; www.prannarestaurant.com
JAPANESE
Located near the Empire State Building, Ishihama is home to some of the city’s best sushi, and the menu is packed with a variety of Japanese and Korean dishes. There’s also a wide selection of non-sushi dishes and plum, rice, red and white wines. 319 Fifth Ave. (enter on 32nd St. btw. Fifth & Madison Aves.), 212-696-0202Home to the city’s largest all-you-can-eat buffet, Todai also features some of the city’s freshest, finest Japanese cuisine—including a vast array of artfully prepared sushi and sashimi along with traditional favorites such as beef teriyaki, tempura, tonkatsu, udon noodles, yakisoba, sukiyaki, and gyoza dumplings. 6 E. 32nd St. btw. Fifth & Madison Aves., 212-725-1333
SPANISH
Tio Pepe has managed to artfully combine two surprisingly dissimilar cuisines: Spanish and Mexican. Recommended dishes include: paella Valenciana with mixed seafood, chicken chunks and zippy chorizo; and arroz con pollo with chicken and chorizo. Tio Pepe also offers a “Paella Festival,” with six varieties of paella for $15.95, lunch or dinner. A strolling guitarist serenades Sun.-Thurs. If you’re interested in enjoying New Year’s at Tio Pepe, their New Year’s Eve menu includes three courses (and dessert) and a midnight champagne toast for $65. 168 W. 4th St. btw. Sixth Ave. & Seventh Ave. So., 212-242-9338
STEAKHOUSES
On 41st Street, you can enjoy a great Manhattan steak in a breathtaking setting. At Benjamin Steak House, you can dine near the ten-foot working fireplace while relaxing on luxurious brown leather chairs. The staff at Benjamin’s is courteous, accommodating, and knowledgeable of a menu that includes everyone’s favorites—and not just meat. Sirloin, filet mignon, lamb and veal chops, are all dry-aged in the their own aging box. Seafood items include Chilean sea bass, Norwegian salmon, yellowfin tuna, and lobster. Sumptuous desserts provide the perfect finish. Benjamin’s sumptuous New Year’s Eve menu includes an all-inclusive open bar (and a midnight champagne toast), three courses and a dessert selection for $250 per person. 52 E. 41st St. btw. Madison & Park Aves., 212-297-9177
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House is a place of glamour, excitement, red meat, and much more. This expansive steak house reflects the rhythm and energy of midtown Manhattan, and is the perfect place for a pre- or post-theater meal, as Broadway’s theaters are just a block or two away. The menu at this dazzling culinary bastion features fresh, aged prime beef shipped to Del Frisco’s from the Midwest twice a week. 1221 Ave. of the Americas (at 49th St.), 212-575-5129
THAI
Midtown’s Pongsri Thai is known for authentic dishes at affordable prices and fast service. There are exotic soups, appetizers and Thai salads while noodle dishes include Pad Thai and Rad Nar If you find yourself in Chinatown, visit their sister restaurant at 106 Bayard St. at Baxter St., 212-349-3132. 244 W. 48th St., 212-582-3392
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