It’s that time of year again. It’s NYC Restaurant Week!
Twice a year, some of NYC’s most popular restaurants offer a specially priced menu: a 3-course meal for just $29 for lunch or $42 for dinner per person, plus beverages, tax and tip. It all started as a true week in 1992. NYC Restaurant Week has since expanded into a three-week opportunity to indulge in the finer things. This year’s dates are January 22 to February 9. With almost 400 restaurants participating, the options can be overwhelming. We’re always here to give you the rundown of our favorite spots. So, here are mine.
A few quick tips:
- The great thing about the NYC Restaurant Week site is that you can search by type of cuisine and neighborhood to customize your search to your cravings.
- If you’re like me, you might have a list of restaurants you’ve always wanted to try. See if any of those places are offering a Restaurant Week menu. Or ask your friends what places they have tried or have wanted to try.
- If a place has multiple locations, confirm that the one you’re going to is offering the Restaurant Week menu; and when it is offered – some locations offer dinner only, while some offer on Sundays as well.
- You can view the menu on the site to help with your decisions.
- Make a reservation! I’d also recommend going earlier in the week to beat the crowd.
- Try something new for at least one of the courses. This is the perfect opportunity for a culinary adventure.
Now that you’re equipped with the basics, here are my recommendations NYC’s 2018 Restaurant Week:
The Cecil (Dinner Only)
210 W 118th St., New York, NY 10026
Steakhouse, Harlem
Why I’m Recommending It: Because it’s in Harlem, duh! The Cecil recently reopened with a new swag. I’m curious about what they’re serving up these days.
What’s Calling My Name on the Menu: Ella & Louie Chicken. I can almost taste that white wine caper sauce and I want to know what it tastes like in real life.
Bonus: Other Uptown options include the ever popular Red Rooster or check out Sofrito on the Hudson.
Calle Ocho (Dinner Only)
45 W 8st St., New York, NY 10024
Cuban, Upper West Side
Why I’m Recommending It: Cuba has been such a popular destination. This is a great one for those who want a reminder of the food, the culture and the memories and also for those who haven’t gone and want to take their taste buds on a trip.
What’s Calling My Name on the Menu: Crema de Langosta (Lobster Biqsue)
Bonus: You may also want to indulge in Brazil’s Carnival season at Fogo de Chao Churrscaria Brazilian Steakhouse or experience Indian food and culture at Junoon or Tamarind.
The View
1535 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
American, Times Square
Why I’m Recommending It: Because it is one of those cool NYC experiences – a rotating restaurant on the 48th Floor of the Marriott Marquis right in the heart of Times Square. Whether you are new to the city or have lived here for years, it’s a way to view of the city from a different perspective. This experience will add two points to your NYC swag.
What’s Calling My Name on the Menu: Citrus Horseradish Cod with Creamy Parsley Risotto – which sounds like so many strong flavors that I can’t even imagine how they all come together. I feel like I have to try it to truly understand and appreciate it.
Bonus: You can have dinner where many of the Real Housewives reunions are filmed at the NYC classic Russian Tea Room.
La Loteria (brunch, lunch and dinner)
29 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014
Latin American, West Village
Why I’m Recommending It: Because brunch is life!
What’s Calling My Name on the Menu: Tacos de Fideo (spaghetti tacos) with tomato jalapeno cumin paste, avocado, cotija cheese AND the Churros for dessert.
Bonus: Other brunch options include Vinateria and David Burke Kitchen.
Legasea (Lunch, Sunday dinner)
485 7th Ave, New York, NY 10018
Seafood, Midtown
Why I’m Recommending It: Because it’s new.
What’s Calling My Name on the Menu: Even though they don’t have their Restaurant Week menu online, their regular menu made my mouth water. I’d be willing to go sight unseen and call it a wildcard adventure.
Bonus: Other (relatively) new kids on the block: Megu and Vandal
Honorable Mentions:
Some of the popular favorites: Dos Caminos, Rosa Mexicano
NYC trendy hotspots: ABC Cocina, Catch, TAO, Zengo, Nobu, Zuma
Steakhouses: Morton’s, Smith & Wollensky, Michael Jordan The Steakhouse, STK Downtown, Capital Grille
Share your pics! Tag us @foodbeforelove and use the hashtag #yumcam so we can repost them. Our #yumcam can also help you decide where to go!
Do you have a place you’ve tried and would recommend? What restaurants are on your list? Let us know in the comments below!
