We’re headed to NYC in March and I need a little advice. We try to do one really nice meal, everything else we try is street food, gastropubs, pizza, small stuff generally.
This trip I have a few spots I’m eyeing
Babbo
Alto
Peter Luger’s
Marea
11 Madison
Gramercy Tavern
The top two have most of my interest, the others are places we’ve wanted to go but just haven’t made yet. Is there a reason Babbo is better than Alto, or vice versa? I’m open to any off-the-cuff recommendations as well.
You’ve compiled a very nice list of restaurants - I haven’t been to Luger’s, but the others are some of my top choices.
Marea has had a shake up in their empire, so I’m hesitant to recommend it at this time. I’ve had 3 good meals - the last one in June - but the menu has some disappointments. I stick to the crudo and pastas for the best dishes.
Eleven Madison Park and Alto are both outstanding, and I would choose one of those over your other picks.
When was the last time you were at Convivio? I had a terrible experience there in November, and when I told some people about it, they said they had moved it off their go-to list as well. Guess it used to be great, but not even average the night I was there, sadly.
I’ve been there a number of times since the “shake up” including twice this past week. There is no need to be hesitant as the kitchen is unchanged and the front of the restaurant is smoother than ever.
It’s an INSANELY good dish, in fact I ordered twice in a row during one dinner. I just wanted to dive into the bowl and swim with the octopus and smear the marrow all over. Sorry, but it’s true. It’s that good.
EMP or Marea. The former if you’re seeking “high end”, elaborate, creative French style cuisine, impeccable yet friendly service, and a grand setting; the latter if you’re looking for a cool place with buzz and the most fun one can have with truly delicious, seafood oriented Italian food in NYC these days. I would also strongly recommend Del Posto if you’re in the mood for Italian–highly creative cuisine in a more formal setting and with more formal service than Marea. All three of these choices are in my opinion superior to the others on your list, specifically including Babbo.
I have had nothing but great experiences at Alto and Babbo. Can’t recommend them highly enough. My first choice would be Alto, just don’t do the over the top tasting menu. Too long of a meal, and not as good as their regular price fixe menu.
If you love Sushi, NYC has some of the best Sushi restaurants in the USA.