Tell us about some Excellent (and overrated) NY Restaurants You've Tried Recently

[uwsman2]

I've been a fan of Pasha for years. I usually go with a friend, maybe before a concert or opera, and we usually order a bunch of appetizers instead of main courses. More variety that way, and the appetizers are some of the best things on the menu.

[Decatur Guy]

I've been a fan of Pasha for years. I usually go with a friend, maybe before a concert or opera, and we usually order a bunch of appetizers instead of main courses. More variety that way, and the appetizers are some of the best things on the menu.

 

That's exactly what my buddy and I do. If I've ever had a main course there, I don't recall ordering it. The food is so good and so fresh-tasting. I love it because it's just enough off the beaten path that it's not on the radar of the "be-seen" crowd, which just ruins the restaurant experience for me when it gets pricey and pretentious.

 

Pasha is the only restaurant in NYC I visit regularly.

 

I just love the UWS, and particularly the area around Pasha.

[cany10011]

Love this thread about restaurants Pasha offers great turkish food but i also enjoy Turkish Kitchen in Murray Hill more and also Pylos, a greek restaurant in the east village also gives a great mediterranean experience. Has anyone tried Ariane Kebab in Hells Kitchen? It's a fantasic hole in the wall with afghani cuisine that has been around for ages.

 

Recent restaurants that i've tried and enjoyed:

 

Kajitsu (was in East Village now in Murray Hill). Beautiful setting, exquisite antique japanese table ware, austere elegance

Ootoya (Chelsea). Great japanese home style cooking. Get there early as lines are crazy.

Jeepney (East Village). Try the thursday night traditional dining where you only eat with your hands and banana leaf...

 

 

That's exactly what my buddy and I do. If I've ever had a main course there, I don't recall ordering it. The food is so good and so fresh-tasting. I love it because it's just enough off the beaten path that it's not on the radar of the "be-seen" crowd, which just ruins the restaurant experience for me when it gets pricey and pretentious.

 

Pasha is the only restaurant in NYC I visit regularly.

 

I just love the UWS, and particularly the area around Pasha.

[+ FreshFluff]

That's exactly what my buddy and I do. If I've ever had a main course there, I don't recall ordering it. The food is so good and so fresh-tasting. I love it because it's just enough off the beaten path that it's not on the radar of the "be-seen" crowd, which just ruins the restaurant experience for me when it gets pricey and pretentious.

 

Mezze are definitely the way to go at Middle Eastern places; I, too, usually stick with those. Cigars (either beef or feta cheese), humus, mmmm..

 

Thanks for reminding me of my love of Moroccan food. There was also an Moroccan place on 10th Ave. that I went that has some great mezze dishes.

 

Taboon in Hell's Kitchen. It's off the beaten path so it isn't too crowded.

[Decatur Guy]

I've enjoyed this thread a lot too. I wish I had more of a contribution to make, but almost all my other NYC dining experiences are one-time affairs.

[nycguy]

I only have one experience at Nougatine. I went with a friend for brunch. We both ordered waffles. They were so overcooked and hard one needed a steak knife to cut them. Sent them back and got the same thing the second time around. The staff was not concerned in the least.

 

BOZO T CLOWN mentioned Grays Papaya as being overrated. I don't understand why this place is a "must visit" in tourist guides. The hot dogs are tasteless and way below average. You can get far better ones in any ballpark.

 

I am partial to Italian restaurants. Babbo on Waverly Pl in the Village is my favorite - but good luck in getting a reservation. Del Posto in the Meat Packing District is a close second.

 

For BBQ, Blue Smoke on E 27th St. Always great. Always consistent. A good lunch choice is the brisket of beef sandwich. You can order lean or regular with the regular containing more fat, and, therefore, more taste. It's not shown on the menu but you can order it "half and half". Order it and you are going to want to go back the next day to get it again.

 

For pizza and a salad - Patsy's on University in the Village or in Chelsea on 23rd just west of 8th avenue. Thin crust pizza with the best pepperoni in town. Not a "slice to go" place.

 

Craft restaurant on E 19th St. Never disappointing.

[N13]

Basta Pasta on West 17th between 6th and 5th. Great Italian food done with an Oriental twist