Restaurants in NYC

Food, as we all know, is a necessity. In New York City it is necessary for you to try all of the different types of foods that are available to you. Even the NYC government wants you to be able to taste everything that is available. That is why they've created Restaurant Week. Twice a year, 100's of restaurants get together and offer customers a prix-fixe menu that ranges between $20 (lunch) and $30 (dinner). Restaurant Week usually occurs towards the end of June and the end of January. Most details of which restaurants are participating comes out in the month prior to the event. Also, just because the restaurant is a participant doesn't necessarily mean that it is the best restaurant. So don't be deceived by that. There are certain areas that are considered the Mecca of different types of foods, i.e. Little Italy, Spanish Harlem, and Restaurant Row in the theater district.
Keep in mind all of the "unknown" restaurants that really people just find as they walk down the street.

* Little Italy
* Harlem
* Restaurant Row
* Other Recommended Restaurant

Little Italy
Little Italy became Little Italy when a majority of NYC's Italian immigrants moved into the vicinity of Mulberry Street, Hester Street and Grand Street. The area is immersed in Italian culture. Before I talk about the excellent restaurants that you would find here, I would like to talk about one of the biggest festivals that is found in Little Italy- the San Gennaro Festival.

Held in September, the San Gennaro Festival is the biggest and best street fair/festival that keeps an Italian tradition alive. It is held in honor of the Patron Saint of Naples. The festival begins with a celebratory mass on September 19th and continues on for one week. That one week includes parades, entertainment, food stands and the annual cannoli-eating contest. Events are held on Mulberry, Hester and Grand Streets from 11:30 am to 11:30 pm (12am on weekends). Stop on over and try any one of the traditional Italian fast food meals from the street vendors or stop into one of the many restaurants found along this route. The following are some of the restaurants that you will not want to skip.

Restaurant Name Location Types of food Price? Special features
Paesano of Mulberry Street 136 Mulberry Street Traditional; calamari, Chicken a la Joey, lobster ravioli Moderate prices Warm, and invited atmosphere with traditional Italian decor
Da Nico 164 Mulberry street between Grand and Broome Street Stuffed grilled lobster Moderate prices; $20 to $25 Outdoor garden patio open during warm weather
Il Cortile
("The Courtyard") 125 Mulberry Street between Canal and Hester Pollo Champagne- chicken breast with grapes in a creamy champagne sauce Moderate prices Beautiful enclosed Garden Room with skylight; Renaissance Room; Caesar's Room

Harlem
Harlem has been known as the historic home of the Harlem Renaissance that began a new era in dance, music, and literature. Poets like Countee Cullen, and Langston Hughes walked down these streets and used the setting as part of their famous poems. People were able to listen to the tunes of Duke Ellington. Today, Harlem is still a driving force in the arts. Museums have sprung up showing the diverse culture of the community. The area is not predominantly black like most people think. It's a mixture of African American, Latino, White, etc.

Besides the Harlem Renaissance, Harlem is known for its eclectic, ethnic food. The following are some of the restaurants that you will find in the community.
Restaurant Location Information
La Fonda Boricua:
Cocina puertorriquena 169 E 106th Street between Lexington and 3rd avenue Serves classic Puerto Rican dishes-i.e. pernil, arroz con gandules; was recently visited by Puerto Rican Governor Sila Calderon
Orbit East Harlem 2257 First Avenue at corner of 116th street A melting pot of food; serves anything from tostones to Louisiana crab cakes; daily entertainment and Open Mic
Sylvia's of Harlem
328 Lenox Avenue Southern and Soul food
Amy Ruth's 113 W 116th Street Southern Soul food; order Chicken wings and waffles.
Cotton Club 656 W 124th street Offers buffet dinner and jazz show in this legendary icon; also has Brunch and Gospel show on Sundays
Pre-Puerto Rican Day Parade Block Party:
If you want to be a part of a real dining and musical experience, then go to the Pre-Puerto Rican Day Parade Block Party. This is one of the biggest Latino festivals held in the city. Usually held the day before the Puerto Rican Day Parade (which is held the 2nd Sunday in June), this Block Party is known for serving traditional Puerto Rican delicacies, dancing, music, and arts and crafts. The block party is held in Spanish Harlem on 3rd Avenue between 106th and 123rd streets from 11 am to 7 pm. If you go to the block party and have a good time, continue the fun the next morning along Fifth Avenue at the Annual National Puerto Rican Day Parade. Get there early! The parade is known for bringing a huge crowd. And don't worry if you're not Puerto Rican- all races/nationalities are invited.

Restaurant Row

If you are planning to go to a Broadway show or just tour the Times Square area, there is one place that most people will recommend that you go to eat-Restaurant Row. Restaurant Row is found on West 46th street between 8th and 9th avenue. This area consists of 23 dining spots that appeal to the different styles of food- French, Italian, American, etc. This area is considered to be a part of "old" New York City. You will notice the difference once you walk from Times Square to this avenue. The following are some of the restaurants that you will find along this street:

Take advantage of these restaurants, especially if you are going to see a show. Most of the restaurants on Restaurant Row offer a Broadway Special. Just make sure that you call ahead and ask and bring your tickets with you.

Other Recommended Restaurants

Fun Experience

Bubba Gumps Shrimp Company 1501 Broadway Times Square 888-787-4867
If you are a fan of the "Forest Gump" movie, then this is the place for you. The restaurant is named for the company the Forest Gump started in the movie. It serves, well, seafood. There are several menu items that are non-seafood (chicken, steak, burgers, etc). There are several things that I recommend that you try. Whenever I go to Bubba Gumps, I order Bubba's Far Out Dip (a delicious dip made of spinach, artichokes and Monterey Jack cheese and served with fresh shrimp) for our appetizer, the Shrimp Shack Pasta (loads of pasta with grilled shrimp in a lemony-sauce) for my entree, and I always have a problem choosing the drink- either the Lava Flow (take on an old favorite with a new twist- pina colada with a strawberry syrup) and Mama's Favorite (DiSaronno Amaretto, Kahlua, and Vanilla Yogurt Chocolate served in a complimentary glass). Be prepared to participate in a "Forest Gump" contest with another table. Also, don't expect to see your waiter/waitress unless you put the "Stop Forest Stop!" sign. When you get there you'll see what I mean.

Edo Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar
9 East 17th Street 212-989-2938
This restaurant features fantastic chefs that cook your food right in front of you. It is definitely like watching a show while you eat. Kids will even enjoy what they see and eat. You can order traditional Japanese delicacies or even order some sushi or sweet rice balls. Only try the Sake if you are not the designated driver. It is known to put you out of commission if you drink too much of it.

Unforgettable Experience

The View
Mariott Marquis Hotel 47th floor
My husband took me to this restaurant for my 22nd birthday. This is a very romantic and beautiful restaurant. Located on the 47th floor of the Mariott Marquis Hotel, you can get a full 360 degree view of the city while you eat. How is that possible, you ask? Well, the restaurant actually rotates. The floor on which all of the dining tables are situated move so that those that are seated can get a full view of the city. Since I've been there I've heard that the food is much better and, since they were remodeling it, it is even more grand. I would advise you to either call ahead and make a reservation or get there early. The line to get a seat at this restaurant can be quite long. Also, if you get motion sickness, this is not really the best restaurant for you to go. Last piece of advice, leave the kids with a sitter. This is more of an adult setting.

American Girl Place New York
609 Fifth Avenue @ 49th street
If your daughter is one of the many fans of the American Girl book and doll series, then this is the place for them to go while you are staying in NYC. This complex offers the American Girl fan a place to see their American Girl come to life (theater production), to dress like their American Girl, to get a hairstyle like their American Girl, and to eat with their American Girl. The American Girl Place Cafe offers food that is appealing to young girls. They offer afternoon tea with a menu that is full of assorted teas and sweets. They even offer a special seat just for your American Girl doll to "eat" with you. Birthday Party packages are also available. This is the choice place for girls ages 4 to 12 years old.

Peanut Butter & Co.
240 Sullivan Street, Greenwich Village
Are you the type of person that can't get enough of Peanut Butter?? Well then Peanut Butter and Co. is a heaven for you. This restaurant prides itself on being able to make several types of peanut butter sandwiches. The peanut butter is made fresh on the premises and is also sold in their shop. They offer sandwiches such as "The Fluffernutter", a peanut butter and marshmallow Fluff combo. When you're done with your "entree", you can order Peanut Butter Tiramisu or Death by Peanut Butter as your dessert. They also offer other types of sandwiches (grilled cheese, tuna salad, etc.)

Stardust Diner
1650 Broadway, corner of 51st street
If you're in the mood for a time trip back to the 1950's, this diner offers that. 1950's memorabilia is displayed around the restaurant while 1950's videos/movies are played on screens throughout. The restaurant offers foods like the Captain Video (a different take on a chicken sandwich) and the Frank Sinatra (what I call a Pizza Burger). Make reservations. This is one of very few diners that you will need to make reservations because it gets very crowded, very quickly.