Restaurants in New York.

I thought I would take a few moments to catalog a few of the eateries that I have frequented and loved in New York City. I hope others can make use of the information and trust that if the restaurants are on this short list you won’t be disappointed.

1) Kefi (Greek Food – Upper West Side)
I’ve chosen this spot for several dinner gatherings, and took my parents here when they visited. Every time I have been I have been very happy with the food and service.

The food and service are both excellent here. My favorite dish is the Branzino but everything I’ve had there has been tasty. Don’t forget to taste the appetizers, such as the meatballs, they are fantastic. Desert is OK- the food is better. The olive oil they serve with the bread at the beginning of the meal is also fantastic.
NY Mag - Kefi

2) Casa Mono (Spanish (large) Tapas – Gramercy Park)
This is a Mario Batali and Co. creation - I would say it is one of his better restaurants. It is formulaic with its delivery and management, but it is spot on every time I’ve been. The food is just always good. It is a small place, and you should book well in advance for a decent reservation, but you will not be disappointed if you order well.

I recommend trying things that are out of the ordinary. The chorizos and clams are good, the duck is often done well, the beet salad is tasty, and they have a few seasonal dishes which I enjoy. Look for the special ingredients that you don’t find every day and give them a try. I would avoid the tripe, although it was good for tripe, I just wasn’t a fan. Don’t skimp on the wine, make sure to take a good recommendation from the wait staff, they know their stuff. And finally, the chocolate cake is amazing! Order it, and if the group is larger, order multiple cakes.
Casa Mono

3) Barbone (Italian – Alphabet City)
Everything at this place is tasty. The portions are not large, but just enough to satisfy you if you have an appetizer and a few slices of warm bread. Everything I have eaten has been good, but the Duck ravioli steals the show, and I’ve been there before when 3 out of 4 people have chosen this dish and the 4th person wished they ordered it. For a starter I’d try to zucchini sticks and the buffalo mozzarella (fresh and amazing, best cheese I’ve had in a while). I don’t typically order dessert. They usually can recommend a good wine, I typically go with the Lacrima which is a fantastic value.
NY Mag - Barbone (their official website is terrible)

4)Rai Rai Ken (Ramen noodle shop – East Village)
I’ve tried many of the noodle shops dotting the city, and I keep coming back to this one. It is just really good. The restaurant is small, no reservations, and cash only. But for $10 you can have an amazing bowl of steamy ramen with excellent crispy garlic flakes, chicken and a few veggies. I never leave anything in the bowl. If you are having a good conversation, order a small pot of oolong tea and sit there for a few minutes longer.
NY Mag - Rai Rai Ken