1. Del Posto
Del Posto is the ultimate expression of what an Italian restaurant should be. Joe Bastianich, Lidia Bastianich and Mario Batali represent a convergence of different styles and experiences. The restaurant concept generated at Del Posto can best be described as trans-generational: an expression of the evolution of cuisines, menus, service and ambiance that have characterized the history of the Italian dining experience in this country.
Del Posto creates the highest quality dining experience in what is one of the greatest indoor spaces in New York City. Without projecting stilted formality, Del Posto creates an ambiance filled with warmth buoyancy and lightheartedness of the Italian spirit.
2. Butter Restaurant
Located in the heart of NoHo in Manhattan, Butter Resturant has maintained an exclusive niche restaurant and nightlife scene for stylish Manhattanites since its inception in 2002.
The American restaurant is helmed by Food Network star and Executive Chef Alex Guarnaschelli, who uses greenmarket offerings to create a seasonal menu. Butter began as Guarnaschelli’s first restaurant as executive chef. She has created a following for herself worldwide.
3. Craft New York
Craft Restaurants was founded by chef Tom Colicchio with the opening of Craft restaurant in New York in 2001. Since then the company has grown to include Craftbar and Colicchio & Sons, both in New York, Craftsteak at the MGM Grands in both Las Vegas and at Foxwoods, and Craft in Los Angeles. Craft Restaurants also consults on restaurants for both the Kiawah Island Club in South Carolina and Doonbeg Golf Club in Ireland.
Their passion and creativity have led them to develop “temporary” restaurants like Tom: Tuesday Dinner at Craft and concessions like The Lot on Tap in conjunction with Friends of the High Line. Their goal is to create wonderful experiences for their guests through providing delicious food and beverages and warm hospitality whether it’s in a formal dining room or at a picnic table in a parking lot.
4. Betony
Betony, named after an herb in the mint family for its healing qualities, is a warm, inviting Modern American restaurant overseen by Executive Chef Bryce Shuman (ex Eleven Madison Park) and General Manager Eamon Rockey (Eleven Madison Park, Atera, Aska ).
The restaurant, which is located a block off of Fifth Avenue, features soaring ceilings, contemporary photos of New York City street scenes, a vibrant 35-seat bar and lounge and 85-seat dining room.
5. Scarpetta
In a Greek revival townhouse on the edge of the Meatpacking District, Chef Scott Conant brings his deft touch and unwavering passion to creating food that is unexpected and soulful.
An Italian expression that means “little shoe” – or the shape bread takes when used to soak up a dish – Scarpetta represents the pure pleasure of savoring a meal down to its very last taste.
6. Sorella
Sorella is the “sister” conceived on a journey throughout Northern Italy. The owners found a love for Piedmont’s cafe culture that insisted they bring the feeling back to New York. The small villages and cities of Piedmont were the only places in the world they found that they loved even remotely as much as they love Manhattan.
Sorella is their family. They are connected not by blood, but by a mutual love for tasty food and wine. Artisanal products of every sort have a permanent place in their cozy, sparkly lower east side home. They built their home on memories, inside jokes, and as much friggin wine paraphernalia as possible. They strive to make every client a member of their little family.
7. Willow Road
Housed within what was once the historic Nabisco Factory, Willow Road is a celebration of both a building and a city that so gracefully blends together a rich history with modern sensibilities.
Serving up classic American dishes with contemporary culinary technique and time-honored cocktails with a twist, all in an intimate setting, Willow Road offers the perfect place to meet for good food, good drinks and good conversation.
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