April 1, 2001
New York's Best Food
Here is a small sample of the New York Times' picks for the city's best food.
| Price Key (for dinner, unless otherwise stated): |
$ | - under $5 |
| $$ | - $5-$15 |
| $$$ | - $15-$25 |
| $$$$ | - $25-$40 |
| $$$$$ | - over $40 |
Best Soup: Soup Kitchen International, 55th between Broadway & 8th.
$$ See the inspiration for Seinfeld's soup nazi in action. A different delicious variety of soups are available
every day, but beware of the stiff prices. Also, whether it's a gimic or for real, be prepared to take verbal
abuse from the chef if you don't "make your selection quickly and step to the left". (Not open on weekends)
Best Tuna Sandwich: Todaro Brothers, 2nd between 30th & 31st.
$ God only know what this gourmet deli puts in its tuna to make it so damn good. Their other sandwiches aren't bad either.
Best Pastry: Cinnabon, Lexington and 53rd. (inside the CityGroup building)
$ It may not be the fanciest, but no pasrty can truly compare to the pure ectasy derived from consuming a moist,
chewy Cinnabon. So what if each one has 1254 calories? Who's really counting anyway?
Best Ice Cream: Serendipity 3, 60th between 2nd & 3rd.
$$ The whimsical decor and quirky waitstaff make this a fun late night excersion. Don't be afraid to share
- many of their desserts are enough for 2 (or 3, or 4...)
Best Smoothies: Xando, Park and 31st.
$ Although at first glance, this relatively new national chain may seem like little more than a Starbucks ripoff,
don't be fooled. Its coffee is better, its desserts are sweeter, and the smoothies are in a class by themselves.
Best Sushi: Yama, Irving & 17th.
$$$$ You may have to wait awhile for a table, and once you sit you may feel a bit cramped, but don't let that deter
you from Yama's unimaginably delicious sushi.
Recommended Dishes: Eel sushi, spicy rolls, and the chef's special chirashi.
Best Indian: Dawat, 58th between 2nd & 3rd.
$$$$ Some people claim that there is no finer Indian food outside India than at this elegant child of internationally renown chef and author Madhur Jaffrey.
Best Italian: Carmine's, Broadway between 90th & 91st, and 44th between Broadway and 8th.
$$$ Aside from great quality, enormous platters are among this family-style restaurant's major draws.
Be prepared to wait though - they do not take reservations for groups under 6 people.
Recommended Dish: Pasta and seafood combination.
Best All-You-Can-Eat: Vatan, 3rd & 29th.
$$$ With a $18.95 price fixe dinner feast and unique interior design, this all-vegetarian gem should not be missed by anyone
claiming to be a connoisseur of South Asian cuisine.
Best Thai: Jai-Ya,3rd between 28th & 29th.
$$$ Thai food just doesn't get any better than this. One hint: order your meak spicy only if you really mean it.
Recommended Dishes: Vegetarian spring rolls and spicy seafood soup.
Best Vegetarian: Hangawi, 32nd between 5th & Madison.
$$$$$ Roots and mushrooms never tasted so good at this neo-Buddist/Korean temple of food. A dinner experience here seems
almost religious.
Best place to bring out-of-town friends on a low budget for a pre-theater dinner: Ellen's Stardust Diner, Broadway amd 50th.
$$ The quality of food is just okay at this 50's style diner, but the entertainment is the real attraction.
The waiters and waitresses are all aspiring broadway performers, and they sing showtunes and other popular songs while you eat - great
for either a pre-theater dinner or post-theater munchies.
Best place to go to impress your friends with the fact that you've eaten there: Nobu, Hudson and Franklin.
$$$$$ Although the food is excellent, don't expect to get your money's worth at this Nouvelle Japanese restaurant. Instead,
go there to look for celebrities and to feel "cool", even if its just for a few hours.
Recommended dishes: Sashimi salad
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