Set in a former stone mason's workshop half a block from Desbrosses Street, Turks & Frogs features Mediterranean antique furniture, which is on sale to customers. It serves contemporary Turkish cuisine of the type you would expect to find in Istanbul, where owner-manager Osman Cakir was born. Appetizers, or mezze as they are called in Turkey, include Patlican Salatasi, a smoked eggplant dish; Barbunya Pilaki, a kidney bean and carrot salad with olive oil; and Mucver, zucchini pancakes with garlic yogurt sauce. Entrees include Tandir, thin slices of lamb with oregano; Kilic Sis, chargrilled sword fish with mixed greens and mashed potatoes; and Levrek Izgara, a whole sea bass served with baby arugula.
Turks & Frogs Tribeca
458 Greenwich St.
New York, NY 10013
212-966-4774
turksandfrogs.com
The three brothers Capsouto opened this restaurant in 1980, and it is set one block from Desbrosses Street in a landmark corner building dating from 1891. The restaurant features chandeliers, wooden floors and antique furnishings, and serves a French bistro menu. The signature dish is souffle, with savory selections including fresh herbs and cheese, smoked salmon and cured bacon with cheese, all served with salad. Sweet souffles include chocolate, raspberry and praline with hazelnut creme Anglaise. Choosing from elsewhere on the menu, diners can enjoy braised lamb shank with orange sauce, filet of sole, grilled aged sirloin steak and sauteed sweetbreads with mushroom fricassee. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list with choices from California, France and Israel.
Capsouto Freres Bistro Restaurant
451 Washington St.
New York, NY 10013
212-966-4900
capsoutofreres.com
Wolfgang Zweiner, who started out in New York as a waiter and is originally from Germany, is the force behind this upmarket steakhouse, three blocks from Desbrosses Street. The restaurant is set in a historic property from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries that features walnut floors, a mahogany bar, high arched ceilings and artist-designed mosaics. Diners can start their meal with jumbo shrimp cocktail, Little Neck clams or crab cakes. Prime dry-aged steaks include filet mignon, ribeye steak and sirloin, and side dishes include jumbo baked potato, steamed asparagus and fried onion rings. Dessert selections include key lime pie, hot fudge sundae, apple strudel and creme brulee.
Wolfgang's Steakhouse Tribeca
409 Greenwich St.
New York, NY 10013
212-925-0350
wolfgangssteakhouse.net
