Restaurant Roundup

By Hilary Latos

Resident's staff has scavenged the city and here you have it: some of our favorite restaurants for this fall. Whether you crave a simple cheeseburger, a luxurious steak dinner with the boys, or a boozy ladies' brunch, we have the spot for you. Food, glamour and a range of cuisines, this list still makes our mouths water.

Nello

A perennial favorite of the Upper East side's glamorous and well to do crowd, this Madison Avenue gem serves decadent Italian fare worthy of the most discerning patrons. Excellent for people-watching and socialite spottings, especially during lunchtime with its small but lovely outdoor seating area, it's a prime location with an upscale vibe, set along the city's most exclusive boutiques. Indulge in the decadent and extravagantly priced truffle pasta special or order the Veneziana, a kosher calf's liver seared in balsamic nectar and caramelized onions, the Chilean Sea Bass "Ossobuco" cooked in a lobster saffron veloute is equally delectable. While enjoying your meal be sure to admire the amazing selection of Peter Beard photography that adorn the walls. Owner Nello Balan has created a classic space of fine dining, glamour and elegance from his classic yet chicly decorated interior to his fine tuned menu.

Nello
696 Madison Ave.
(212) 980-9099
nellorestaurantnyc.com

The Winslow

Transport yourself to the UK at this recently renovated laid-back East Village Gastropub where you feel immediately welcomed in this warm yet fresh space inspired by the traditional British public house. The space boasts multiple high def televisions and accented in fumed oak and blackened steel. The 20-foot long chalk white concrete bar is a centerpiece in itself and their impressive eclectic drink menu features options from around the globe will leave you thirsty for another. The unique cocktails and gin concoctions overseen by the NoMad's Dominic Venegas are a favorite drawing in a crowd of congenial regulars.

Chow down on British specialties like the Bronx Ale battered Fish and Chips, Steak and Kidney Pie, Bacon Wrapped Quail with Foie Gras or opt for seasonal plates like the Grilled Red Snapper in Dill Beurre Blanc or the savory Chicken Curry Pie. Other exciting sides and options include pickles in a spectrum of half sours and horseradish beets made in-house and crumpets. With this great array of food and drink options you will surely find something to please your palette.

The Winslow
243 E 14th St.
(212) 777-7717
thewinslownyc.com

Rye

This New American addition to the Williamsburg culinary scene has become a neighborhood favorite pleasing locals and Manhattanites alike. Inspired by the early twentieth century, owner and Chef Cal Elliott offers high quality dishes in an atmosphere reminiscent of a speakeasy. Its antique yet chic décor imparts a casual elegance. Before dinner enjoy one of their vintage cocktails at the impressive 21-foot mahogany bar, bringing you back to the days of pre-Prohibition pubs.  Rye's fine dining experience offers something for everyone, from their comforting Mac & Cheese to the Long Island duck with Moroccan style couscous, leaving patrons savoring the rich flavors and carefully prepared dishes.

Rye
247 S 1st St.
(718) 218-8047
ryerestaurant.com

Social Bar & Grill

For an exciting yet laid back fun atmosphere head over to Social Bar & Grill, a three story haven with options to satiate different moods and preferences. Begin at the downstairs sports bar, featuring multi sports broadcasts on flat screen TV's and finger food. The second floor, is home to the Sissy McGuire Tap Room that's decorated in dark oak and red leather chairs and the top floor dance area keeps the energy level high on weekends. This venue combines the traditional elements of the Irish pub with a modern lounge, creating a perfect spot to unwind with friends. Stop by after work for one of the best happy hour crowds in town where the house DJ spins every Thursday through Saturday night and order from the wide range of well priced cocktails and casual comfort food. Their bar friendly menu include options like tasty Skillet Cheese Fries, Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Chicken, and Cedar Planked Nachos.

For those looking for a substantial meal indulge in satiating dishes like the Traditional Colombian Arepa, Shepard's Pie or The Social Burger which takes on an exotic fusion flair with ingredients like a Thai sweet chili glaze, sweet papaya slices, and goat cheese ginger mayonnaise. You will soon discover that regardless of your selection you can't go wrong.

Social Bar & Grill
795 8th Ave.
(212) 459-0643
socialbarnyc.com

Casa Pomona

A perennial neighborhood favorite on the Upper West Side, Casa Pomona just recently reopened with chef Don Flores at the helm who has created an array of authentic Spanish tapas that offer a wide variety of flavors through affordable small plates.  Created by seasoned restaurateurs Sid Gupta and Marion Maur, the name embodies the inspiration for their labor of love.  Casa signifies the warm and inviting atmosphere of welcoming guests to their home and Pomona was etched into the limestone of the building façade.  The Barcelona inspired interior glows in warm shades of siena and terracotta that is enveloped by a colorful mural created by Spanish artist Eduardo Anievas who depicted a contemporary version of Spain's gorgeous landscape and rolling hills.  Tempt the tastebuds with signature dishes such as Signature dishes will include Albondigas, a traditional savory meatball; Fideua, a paella featuring fideos noodles from Valencia; Suckling Pig; and numerous traditional preparations of vegetables including beets and calcots, a Catalonian green onion, as well as the classic Catalan seafood paella, all created from ingredient sourced from local Hudson Valley farms and purveyors.  Paired with fresh fruit infused white or red sangria, this makes for a perfect night out with friends or a casual first date.

Casa Pomona
507 Columbus Ave.
(212) 362-3200
casapomonanyc.com

Marcony

After spending over 20 years at Scalinatella, Marco Pipolo completed his culinary dreams by bringing his vast knowledge of the finicky NYC dining scene and his love of the sophisticated atmosphere and classic Neopolitan cuisine of Capri to the heart of Murray Hill and opened Marcony.  Inspired by the understated yachting glamour of the isle of Capri, the breezy décor features white walls accented by dark blue and chrome accents with signature seafood dishes reminiscent of the region such as calamari, octopus, red mullet and grilled mussels served with garlic, thyme and extra virgin olive oil. Spigola Dell'Atlantico, and a Chilean sea bass with zucchini, onions, and tomatoes in a Vinsato Sauce. Adding to the Italian authenticit, all of the fresh pasta is house made, such as Tortelloni with Truffle cream sauce, while the dry pastas are exclusively imported from Cercola (Naples), Italy.  Even if you can't get to the Amalfi coast, this may be the next best thing.

Marcony
184 Lexington Ave.
(646) 837-6020
marconyusa.com

Millesime

A hidden gem on lower Madison's Carlton hotel, Millesime, which translates to vintage, evokes the Belle Epoque grandeur found at Hemingway's haunts in the Left Bank like Café Flore or Les Deux Magots, in the heart of the Flatiron.  Staying true to the classic brasserie feeling of Paris- leather banquettes flank marble columns under a vintage Tiffany skylight and elegant chandelier, with original mosaic floors.  Serving some of the best French seafood in the city, it is only one of two in the city that serves the classic Lyonnaise dishe Pike Quennelles that is executed perfectly. To truly experience the culinary talents of Executive Chef Seadon Shouse, whose specialty is in French seafood with a modern twist, try the starters such as mussels escargot, grilled Caesar salad, clams ceviche, and saffron rigatoni and complete with one of their exceptional main dishes like the sea bass with pork sausage and seafood broth or classic bouillabase. C'est magnifique!

Millesime
92 Madison Ave.
(212) 889-7100
millesimenyc.com

Casimir & Co

While the Upper and Lower East Side clientele tends to differ, this casual French bistro has made its mark as a local neighborhood go to destination in both enclaves. Loyal diners flock to this spot for their reasonably priced solid and uncomplicated French comfort fare with a Moroccan twist such as salad nicoise, escargot, steak frites, filet mignon with peppercorn cream sauce, monkfish brochettes, duck confit, flash seared tuna, vegetarian couscous with harissa, and a perennial favorite- tarte tatin. A lovely spot for weekend brunch on the Lower East side, grab a seat in their brick walled garden in the back for a leisurely start to the day.  The newer Upper East Side outpost has an authentic Parisian flair that's set in a townhouse with an upper level dining area and lively scene at the downstairs bar. Knowledgeable waitstaff will help guide you through the wine list to pair the perfect bottle of French wine with your selections.

Casimir & Co
103 Ave. B
(212) 358-9683
1022 Lexington Ave.
(212) 879-6190
casimirnyc.com

Bobby Vans

From its first outpost over 40 years ago, Bobby Van's has become a New York institution in steakhouses.  Though he used to tend bar and entertain guests on the piano, after 20 years he sold his business to Manhattan restaurateurs who expanded his operations to multiple locations throughout Manhattan and beyond upholding his legacy and dedication to serving some of the finest steaks and seafood with accompanying accoutrements in the city. Paying homage to Wall Street's banking past, their Broad Street location is housed in the lobby of the historic JP Morgan Bank featuring a formal dining room upstairs and the casual Vault Grill below, that has kept man of the original fixtures like dark mahogany wood, vault doors and safe deposit boxes. For lunch enjoy the power scene as Wall Street honchos strike billion dollar deals over succulent aged steaks and meat, crab cakes, oyster Rockefeller, and other classic steakhouse favorites. •

Bobby Vans
25 Broad St.
(212) 344-8463
bobbyvans.com