Manhattan is chock full of places to eat, from Chinese hole-in-the-wall delis to fine-dining places. One thing is for sure: the center of Manhattan is a haven for foodies of all budget-types. To help fellow-foodies narrow down their search for top destinations to grab grub, we’ve compiled a list of places tourists and gourmands should try when they’re in midtown Manhattan.
1. The Modern
Satisfying the upper-class Manhattan gourmet requires a compilation of decadent flavors and fragrances that may be a bit too pricey for regular foodies. But if you can afford to splurge, look towards The Modern to delight your palate. You can dine with a view overlooking MoMa’s sculpture garden while enjoying their outside-the-box creations such as foie gras tart and dry-aged duck.
2. Yakitori Totto
Don’t let the long lines deter you. If you arrive early enough, you too can enjoy some of the grilled goodness that delighted Anthony Bourdain in Yakitori Totto. Try a little bit of everything and you’ll understand why this small but cozy food joint is a must-try for foodies. Recommended orders include their chicken tail, teriyaki salmon set, and agedashi tofu. Their grilled rice balls are also an irresistible choice.
3. Sparks Steak House
A true experience in a hotel in New York isn’t complete without a trip to a nearby steakhouse. So if you’re ever in the area and craving thick and juicy lamb chops, Sparks Steak House is the place to go. Coupled with their massive wine list, you’ll have different options for complementing your delicious steak order.
4. Le Bernardin
This place is a bucket-list destination for many foodies. Aside from being awarded three Michelin stars, they’ve also been mentioned several times in reviews as being the number one restaurant in the world. With that said, all our praises for Le Bernardin won’t do the restaurant justice unless you check out the place yourself. What we do love are the masterfully cooked dishes, magnificent service, and surprising range of seafood options that will make any gastronaut come back for more.
5. Indian Accent
Don’t be fooled by the stoic ambiance of this Indian restaurant. Their vindaloo curry and blue-cheese naan tell you what the table arrangements don’t: that the place is much more casual than you’d expect, especially with the fun and authentically Indian dishes you can enjoy here at a reasonable price.
6. Alidoro
If you’re a hardcore sandwich-lover, you can say goodbye to your usual deli and hello to Alidoro. Build your own delicious creation or go for the mouth-watering signature sandwiches such as the Sofia, which is generously stuffed with Gorgonzola cheese, salami, and radicchio.
7. Sushi Yasuda
In Sushi Yasuda, you get to rub shoulders with the busy-bodied locals of Manhattan while enjoying familiar favorites such as California maki and shrimp tempura rolls. The best part about this restaurant is its affordability, which is why they’re usually packed during lunch and dinner hours.
The expertly-done dishes tell you a lot about the chefs behind this establishment: mainly that they take great pride in their craft and want customers to have the best sushi experience in New York.
8. Molyvos
The Molyvos is one of several other restaurants owned by the Livanos family. The restaurant specializes in Mediterranean favorites such as stuffed red peppers, moussaka, and roasted free-range chicken that will give your taste buds a run for their money. Also, if you’re in the mood for seafood, Molyvos is a top destination for New Yorkers who want to enjoy the freshest grilled fish in this part of Manhattan.
Midtown Manhattan may paint an image filled with honking taxis and speed-walking pedestrians at first, but all this is just a scratch on the surface of what the place truly has to offer. Dig a little deeper and take a bite of the gastronomic offerings found in the Big Apple—you’ll be sure to discover another reason why people from all over the world dream of taking a holiday to NYC.
