Gramercy

Ootoya

Normally a giant publicly traded restaurant chain is not a place I’m rushing to dine at, much less write about. But this is a chain from Japan. And if there’s one thing I learned on my trip there last fall, it’s that the Japanese do not settle for sub par […]

Natsumi Tapas

Whether choosing what to eat or what car to drive, Japanese and Italian are about as far apart as it gets. The first is known for  elegant, well put together luxury – like Lexus or sashimi in ponzu. The latter is more about hitting you with the raw power of […]

The Clocktower

Why Come Here? Consistently great British/New American cuisine, rock chic space, on an expense account Generally these are the ways to not get me excited about a restaurant: Put it in a hotel where rooms start at over $700 / night. Describe the cuisine as “British.” Then charge $30-$40+ for entrees. […]

Marta

Why Come Here? Delicious cracker-thin pizzas in a space suitable for a date or business meal Pizza is generally a casual food. There’s a slice joint on nearly every block that does great business despite looking like a giant metal box. No one minds because it’s pizza. Even most of the […]

The Pavilion

Why Come Here? Outdoor eating in Union Square, people watching with cocktails If you have walked through Union Square recently, you may have noticed there’s now a giant restaurant sitting on the north side of the park. With a large courtyard overlooking the square and Roman style open-air restaurant in […]