If you are lucky enough to know someone to get in to Rao's, go. The meatballs and sauce are worth the trip. Try the steak pizzaiola. If you can’t get in, buy their cookbook! -Jill Zarin, Real Housewiv
If you have trouble deciding what to order, let them decide for you. Ask for the Bartender's Choice and tell them what flavors/liquors you like.
Winner of Best Use of Pecans in the Village Voice 2011 Best Of issue! The sticky bun is just, too good for words. Come early - they sell out!
Try the hearty rabbit potpie, a puffy dome concealing a hearty stew within. It’s one of our #100best dishes and drinks of 2011. Read more.
The décor is absolutely stunning, and it doesn’t outshine the excellent food. Try Fluke Sashimi, Kasha and Bowtie Pasta with Veal Meatballs and the Salted Caramel Ice Cream Sundae.
One of the best cocktails I tried this year was at Death & Co. Gin, cinnamon, bark syrup, and chardonnay. It made a completely different taste and alchemy in my mouth. -Elizabeth Falkner, Top Chef M
Order the herbaceous Broken Mirror Skyscraper. A mix of absinthe, lime & muddled mint—w/ dandelion & burdock bitters—is chilled with slow-melting ice. It’s one of our #100best dishes & drinks of 2011. Read more.
When at McSorley’s remember to order the Light or Dark beer in even numbers. It’s cash only.
“Cor, blimey!” Rich and decadent farm fresh British Cuisine in the Lower East Side. You must try the duck fat fries and celery root pie.
The ambiance and bartenders are great, but the wine selection, food and the prices are spectacular. Try the Locksmith Burger or the Lock and Key Salad.
Family-run bakery known for colorful, customized birthday & wedding cakes. The layer cake will make you call when birthday time comes around - half a slice just might be enough. Read more.
You pick your flavor of ice cream and they make the ice cream sandwich in front of your eyes. Or choose your cookie and they bake your cookies while you wait.
Try the luminous blood-orange doughnut: stretchy, yeasty dough, slathered with a tart citrus glaze and crowned with a candied slice of the fruit. It’s one of our #100best dishes and drinks of 2011. Read more.
Try the rib eye. The luscious beef gets an overnight bath in soy and an expert sear to tease out its umami richness. It’s one of our #100best dishes and drinks of 2011. Read more.
Try the delicate cassis macaron, two almond-based meringues encasing a luscious cream filling that’s brightened with tart cassis. It’s one of our #100best dishes and drinks of 2011. Read more.
Want to change from the Meatpacking usual suspects? Go at Zampa, it's a Italian wine bar always full on week-end with a great ambiance and a well made cuisine for a very reasonable price.
The cocktails are unique and delicious. 6 thumbs up (from 3 people) on the muay thai and the under the root.
One of our fav desserts of the year is the rainbow sherbet here; Platt considers it Chef Alex Stupak’s greatest creation. Featured in Where to Eat 2011! Read more.
We’re swooning over their combo of grass-fed beef, peppers, egg, onion + oregano, all packed inside a crispy empanada. Oh, and did we mention it's the first certified organic restaurant in the US?
Get the meatballs and the skate w/a bottle of red. Definitely come on a date! Great romantic lighting.
Prosciutto-studded eggplant parmesan is gooey and delicious, and polenta topped with creamy porcini mushrooms is simply to die for.
We know you know, but just a reminder: The sandwiches are unparalleled, and the $50 prix-fixe dinner is one of the best gourmet deals in town. A best restaurant of the year pick from Where to Eat 2011 Read more.
Shhh...call ahead to reserve a seat in the Naked Lady Room behind a fake wall at the end of the bar
Their fresh-baked bread is washed in olive oil and dusted with salt. Buy a loaf - they sell out quickly!
CNN Eatocracy: It's one of the New York's most beloved restaurants -- and for good reason with its luxurious yet homey atmosphere. Everything's seasonal and you really can't go wrong.
The baked goods are the standout here, like the $3 fluffy biscuits, which you can stuff with scrambled eggs and melted pepper-jack cheese. Featured in Where to Eat 2011!
Recommended dishes: Heirloom tomato salad, lasagna Bolognese, capellini with flaked cod, pan-roasted chicken, grilled lamb chops, hamburger (lunch), chocolate chip bread pudding, cookie assortment. Read more.
We love to come here to sip a jargarita on the cute outdoor patio. One will be enough - trust us!
Grilled cheese is ahhhmazing. Great laye afternoon spot. Leave before 10pm when the douchebags pile in
Try the rich beer-braised-tongue tacos. The soft, shredded meat is slow-cooked with Negra Modelo, bacon and chorizo. It’s one of our #100best dishes and drinks of 2011. Read more.
For a truly indulgent meal, go for the Dirty or Buttermilk Fried Chicken grilled cheese paired with the Shop Tots. You'll thank us later!
Try the Elvis, one of our 101 Best Sandwiches in New York. Peanut butter, bacon, banana, and honey on white toast - fit for the King. Read more.
Do you love peanut butter sandwiches? If so, go here and order the "Peanut Butter Cup". Life will not be the same after that! - Brett Petersel
Best chicken sandwich in town. Go for the Zoltz. It's the churasco with barbecue sauce and avocado. B'zam! Read more.
This tiny burger joint has more burger variations than we could imagine! You might want to give Barzel’s a try. Finish with a Black & White Milkshake.
Winner of Best Soul Food in the Village Voice 2011 Best Of issue! The pulled pork is a sloppy, heavenly mess of goodness.
Home of Harlem’s best chicken and waffles. As seen on Travel Channel’s Man v. Food Nation.
It’s kind of a secret, but Melba’s has the best soul food around. This tiny and friendly place serves awesome Chicken & Waffles, Mac n’ Cheese and Candied Yams.
Really fun bar scene for any day of the week. The French toast grilled cheese is not to be missed.
A beacon in a restaurant-deprived area. Get the dream-worthy Penny Egg Sandwich, breakfast & brunch are hard to match. The moist red velvet cake with fantastic frosting alone is worth the trip. Read more.
Head to Pastis for the best pommes frites after you get your new Ipad at the nearby Apple Store. Celebs everywhere here - just don't stare too much! Read more.
There's almost always a wait at this hotspot, so be prepared. Once you snag a table, don't forget to visit the rooftop garden. Amazing for both brunch and dinner - everything is super fresh!
Duuuuuude. Spicy rigatoni vodka. Everything also tremendous, but this is heaven and big enough to split between two for dinner. Again: spicy rigatoni vodka.
The "Coffee" cocktail is made with two types of aged rum, creme de cacao, Campari, and a touch of Toby's Estate coffee, and it's served in a fancy porcelain teacup. Try the rum-based "Coconut" drink.
