If you've been to New York City, undoubtedly you have a list of your favorite restaurants. But if this is the first time you've been there, you'll gravitate to restaurants that you have heard or read about. There are hundreds of great restaurants in the city, but only a handful have withstood the test of time, by competing, and winning, against the best newcomers. They are the gold standard of restaurants, where you hardly ever get a meal that's not the best in the city.
If you want to see or be seen at a New York City restaurant, you have to go to the '21' Club—if you can get a reservation. This restaurant has successfully been in business since it began as a speakeasy during the 1920s. If this is your first visit, have a southside, a cocktail that is a standard at the restaurant. The menu has kept up with the times and is continually being updated, but it has many “meat and potatoes” entrees that are meticulously prepared. For example, you can order a variety of steaks, or if you are more venturesome, try the swordfish medallions with pepper and olives. Always on the menu are chicken hash, the famous '21' burger and jumbo lump crab with lime and olive oil.
'21' Club
21 W. 52nd St.
New York, NY 10019
212-582-7200
21club.com
When you enter Sardi's, you are immediately aware of the hundreds of caricatures of past diners, many in show business, that are hanging on the walls. Some of them are of famous people, others are not. The main dining room is downstairs, and it highlights the caricatures with its burgundy color. Only actors carrying an Actors' Equity card can go to the rooms up the stairs. After a day of work, sightseeing, a round of golf or shopping, you'll enjoy what Sardi's calls “updated Continental” food such as canneloni au gratin and filet mignon served with caramelized shallots. Sardi's has been around for more than 80 years, and reservations are a must.
Sardi's
234 W. 44th St.
New York, NY 10036
212-221-8444 |
sardis.com
Le Cirque has set the standard for fine dining in New York since it opened in the 1950s. For more than 50 years, the restaurant has kept up with culinary trends by finding just the right chefs trained in the ever-changing landscape of the culinary arts. The menu is elegant, and the choices are many. For example, appetizers include ravioli made with foie gras and served with cabbage marmalade and black truffles. Entrees include saddle of lamb, rabbit with fois gras and a ham hock with bacon in a Parmesan consomme. With your budget in mind, the wine steward will help you with your wine order from a cellar that has bottles from every corner of the world.
Le Cirque
1 Beacon Court
151 E. 58th St.
New York, NY 10022
212-644-0202
lecirque.com
