MANHATTAN & BROOKLYN
Good, fun, affordable or unique eateries.
Manhattan and Brooklyn are overflowing with restaurants. But for the real foodie,
it is not always easy to make a choice and to find great food without breaking the bank.
Lower East Side and Brooklyn casual spots
Russ and Daughters in Lower East Side is a family affair. The design and crowd are cool. Go for brunch or lunch. They specialise in smoked fish and caviar but also offer eggs, sandwiches, pastrami or Matzo balls.
In Bushwick / Brooklyn, the lovely Japanese place Okonomi offers a delicious and well priced set lunch menu.
Brooklyn Crab in Red Hook is the perfect Saturday or Sunday destination. Go with family or friends and enjoy all things about crab and seafood
Refined Japanese cuisine
For upscale Japanese food, EN Brasserie and Blue Ribbon Sushi are perfect. The first is a beautiful spacious West Village restaurant and boasts an extensive menu of authentic Japanese cuisine. Don’t miss the fresh tofu: warm and silky. The later is a tiny place where you will have to reserve. It is THE iconic Japanese restaurant in SoHo. The refined menu is completed by a masters Sake list.
Soho & Nolita
Il Buco Alimentari and Vineria on Great Jones street may not come cheap but you are guaranteed a wonderful evening. All (Italian) dishes are fresh and delicious. And the ambiance is convivial and lively with a warm casual decor. It is recommended to share several plates amongst your party but you may as well be selfish and enjoy your own dishes. From the cured meats to fried artichokes, from the burrata to baked fish, everything is of the best quality and cooked perfectly. Decent wines start at 60$ so get ready for a heavy bill on the beverage side.
Cafe Gitane in Nolita happens to be a good option with relaxed setting, good mediterranean food and quite cheap prices. Great for typical casual French breakfast too.
I love to go to Tacombi for delicious tacos in Nolita. It is a fun and cheap option for lunch or for an afternoon treat
And for everything related to food and drinks, the impressive emporium EATALY by Mario Batali is amazing. Go for coffee at the counter any time of the day or to wander in all the alleys exposing beautiful produce from Italy including Batali’s own brands.