NYC - Dinner Dates
The dilemma with NYC is theres always so many amazing places to eat, but so little time to eat at them all. So I've picked a broad selection of places that are all really different to each other that I've tried at some point and really enjoyed.
Robertas
Based in Bushwick, the super hipster part of Brooklyn, you'll find Robertas behind a suitably graffitied red warehouse door. There may be a long wait, as its no secret that they do amazing pizza! But its so worth it, we got some of the spicy nduja with bread to share (warning super spicy!), I'm a big fan of egg on pizza so had to go for the Guanciale and egg pizza and Matt went for the Beastmaster, washed down with a cold beer it was so good.
Dirty French
I'd tried to go here on previous trips but it had always been full, so it definitely needs a booking in advance. Its a bit of a date spot, think dimmed lighting, cosy tables, the name says it all really! Based in the Ludlow Hotel on the Lower East Side, it attracts a 'trendy' crowd. There is a really nice bar area in the hotel as well. The menu is pretty interesting, combining French classics with modern influences. A little on the pricey side, but did enjoy the atmosphere here.
Catch
Based in the Meatpacking District, I would definitely recommend going here in Summer. We didn't have a reservation but managed to get a table on their rooftop, which was such a nice spot. As the name suggests its a seafood restaurant, we shared lobster rolls, sushi and crispy shrimp and they were so tasty, they do great cocktails too!
The Nomad
I took Matt here for his 30th birthday, its michelin starred so definitely more of a special occasion place. Situated in The Nomad hotel in Midtown, this place just feels swanky as soon as you arrive, but in a non-intimidating way. We had a drink in the Elephant Bar beforehand which nicely set the tone. The restaurant is relaxed but sumptuous. The signature dish which we just had to go for is a whole roasted chicken for two, stuffed with foie gras and black truffle! They carve it at the table and it was as good as it sounds.
Red Farm
Theres some great restaurants in the West Village, but I really loved Red Farm. It's all about the pac-man dim sum, they were awesome! They just do a really great take on modern Chinese food, its a small place with mostly a communal table, but this just adds to the atmosphere. You're mostly just spying on what everyone else is eating so you end up ordering more!
St Anselm
On my first trip to NY, I just had it in my head that I had to have a really good steak somewhere. This came from an amazing recommendation by my friend Cat. St Anselm in Williamsburg, is one of those places that is really just locals and word of mouth that have added to its popularity. Its really small inside and they even have counter seats right in front of the grill. We had a bit of wait but conveniently they have a bar next door where you can happily waste some time. Their steak was melt in the mouth and paired with truffle mash, just amazing. Don't know if its all the drinks I'd had by this point, but honestly best steak I've had!
I'm alway so grateful for recommendations! So any awesome places you've visited in NY please do let me know, and will definitely try when I'm next there :)
