Recommended: Nachos, loaded potato skins, potato chips, Mexi mac and cheese, Chicago hot dogs, Creamsicle float spiked with tequila, Rocky Road shake spiked with bourbon. Read more.
The lunch special is popular: for $9.99, diners can get fried rice or noodles, a choice of two satays and a side of seasonal greens or tofu. The $4 Alpukat drink is also a big hit. Read more.
If you want a reservation, come with a party of eight for April Bloomfield’s whole roasted pig dinner.
A favorite of many A-list celebs, this restaurant is one of the best in LA. Pair your Kobe beef with creamy spinach topped with a softly fried egg, and splurge on chocolate souffle for dessert.
A technologically advanced wine bar with an interactive digital menu and automatic wine dispensers.
Malaysian streetfood finds a New York home in this Meatpacking District hotspot. Mingle with scenesters and get messy with the spicy, mouth-watering meats and sauces.
Did someone say takeout? I’m in love with the noodle dishes. -Eric Wolitzky, Top Chef Just Desserts
You know you’re getting that butter-poached lobster, or the lamb, so work back from there, with wines to match. Oh, man. Read more.
Order tumblers of chilled Beaujolais and a Lyonnaise salad; think about how much better life would be if this were your apartment. Read more.
A great Middle Eastern place. I often come for brunch. Get the shaahuka with halumi. -Eric Wolitzky, Top Chef Just Desserts
From the same folks behind The Spotted Pig, the focus here is (obviously!) on seafood. Had a wonderful peeky-toe bruschetta. -Monica Pope, Top Chef
On the menu at this pastry maven’s rustic West Houston bakery? Everything from orange blossom donuts and cinnamon buns to Niçoise salads, croquet monsieurs, soups, and quiches. Go hungry.
Owner Kyung Lee is constantly taking risks on emerging labels, and she’s almost always on hand to ensure that everything fits beautifully.
A bustling big Korean restaurant. The best of the bunch with the largest variety of panchoa (salads and pickles that come with every meal). Open 24 hours for night owls like me! -Anita Lo, Top Chef M
Stop by and pay homage to the birth place of the gay rights movement the best way you know how, whit cheap shots. -Zac Young, Top Chef Just Desserts
This is the place to tweet and be seen. Their meaty lunch menu includes terrines, ham, sea bass and steak, but the most popular entree is the lamb burger ($17). Read more.
A jardin-variety French bistro, offering diet-friendly omelettes and chicken paillard.
Can you even get phone reception down here? What you want is the prawn bruschetta, followed by a lamb burger and a glass of big red. Read more.
“The name explains itself. The cookies are always fresh, always addicting, and won't let your hips, ass, or stomach down!” – Meredith, Setup Squad
Facialist Christine Chin’s reputation for having a sharp tongue is overshadowed by her ability to banish blackheads at her Orchard Street spa. Read more.
Recommended: Savory pancakes, kimchi soup, noodles in cold broth, yook hwe, saeng galbi, bulgogi, dweiji bulgogi. Read more.
This location isn’t the chain’s largest, but it’s our favorite for its uncluttered layout and excellent edit.
Some Spanish wildness will be forthcoming on the plates, so ask for a wine list and some help with it, and all will be well. Read more.
For shopping or browsing, this store has both the literature and the food books I'm looking for. -Anita Lo, Top Chef Masters
Love this small place in the West Village. Everything from the Quail Egg Shooter to the Tea Sandwiches and the Duck with Tamaki are all superb. -Thierry Rautureau, Top Chef
Sample their (free!) and delicious patatas bravas with smoked paprika aioli. Also a must-get? The spicy Bloody Mary.
