NYC Restaurant Week Guide
Twice a year, in winter and summer, New York City’s restaurants join together in a dining extravaganza. Restaurant Week now stretches nearly a full month. This Summer from July 24th through August 20th, more than 550 restaurants are participating, offering reduced prices and prix-fixe menus for breakfast, lunch or dinner and sometimes all three. With prices starting at just $30, it’s tough to pass up. One of the great joys of being a New Yorker is discovering new restaurants and meeting amazing chefs. Check out some of our favorites below from this year’s list.
ABC Kitchen
New American • Flatiron
We’ve been fans of Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s ABC Kitchen since it first opened in 2010. It was excellent then and only gets better. Well located near Union Square, the ever-changing menu focuses on local, sustainable, seasonal produce including herbs and microgreens from their rooftop garden. Even the space, furnished with recycled and reclaimed pieces, highlights sustainability. The vibe is open, airy and relaxed. Chef Jean-Georges never disappoints. His $60 3-course, prix fixe Restaurant Week menu features such options as Heirloom Market Tomato Toast, Squash Pizza and Malted Milk Chocolate Cake.
Boqueria
Spanish • Upper East Side
This Barcelona-inspired tapas bar has several sites around the city, but the Upper East Side location is particularly warm and inviting. Their menu features a large selection of small plates such as Albóndigas, Paella, and Quesos y Embutidos. It’s perfect for a lively night out with friends and family sharing a delectable array of plates.
Le Gratin
French • Financial District
Le Gratin is Daniel Boulud’s newest French bistro. Located in the Beekman Hotel in the heart of the financial district, steps from the World Trade Center, the brightly lit space welcomes diners to a place inspired in part by the Lyon of Boulud’s childhood. The mood is relaxed and casual with charming Art Nouveau decor combining coffered ceilings, wooden chairs and a mix of gaily painted tiled and mirrored walls. Choose between the $30 2-course or $45 3-course lunch. We chose the salad de crudité, plate aux crevettes et moules safran (shrimp and mussels) and mousse au chocolat. Bon appetit!
La Grande Boucherie
French • Midtown
Another wonderful brasserie option is La Grande Boucherie, whose midtown location is at 6 ½ Avenue of the Americas and 53rd Street, on a semi-hidden pedestrian pathway. Accommodating up to 400 diners, the restaurant and outdoor atrium has the look and feel of a Parisian establishment. They are offering a $45 prix fixe lunch and $60 dinner throughout Restaurant Week with traditional and classic French cuisine.
The Leopard at des Artistes
Italian • Upper West Side
At the historic residential Hotel des Artistes on West 67th Street and Central Park West, you’ll discover simple Italian cooking at its most refined and simple best. The original murals from the former Cafe des Artistes still adorn the walls with cavorting scantily clad nymphs, and the elegant room is still romantic though now well lit. Highlighting the different small regions of Italy, during each of Restaurant Week’s four weeks, Chef Jordan Frosolone creates original menus moving in regional culinary sequence from Campania, Lazio, Liguria and Emilia-Romagna. They are serving dinner 7 nights a week as well as Brunch on Saturday and Sunday featuring live jazz for $60--which is great value at the otherwise pricey establishment.
Molyvos
Greek • Hell’s Kitchen
At the newly reopened and reimagined Molyvos, three generations of the Livanos family offer classic Greek cuisine and hospitality in a new location at the edge of the theater district in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen. Smaller and more intimate, the new space is airy and inviting. Offering a 2-course lunch for $30 and 3-course dinner for $60, the homestyle kitchen is authentic and sheer genius. During Restaurant Week, you can find menu staples such as zucchini fritters and Aegean seafood pilaf.
Red Rooster
Comfort • Harlem
Named after the legendary Harlem Speakeasy of the early 20th century, Red Rooster is a hub of comfort, culture and culinary expertise. With live performances regularly, you will be both entertained and satiated. Chef Marcus Samuelsson explores his African and Southern roots with many of his favorite foods. His $30 2-course Restaurant Week lunch features a Farmer’s Remix Salad or Sweet Potato Coconut Soup and your choice of Pan Fried Catfish with blackeyed peas or Yardbird Fried Chicken over stewed collards. Order a side of cornbread.
Strip House
Steakhouse • Downtown and Midtown
Strip House has a modern, clubby look and a vibrant vibe. Located in both Greenwich Village and East 44th Street off Fifth Avenue, their 3-course Restaurant Week dinner menu offers a wider choice than many of the other participating restaurants. For starters, there’s watermelon salad, Ahi tuna crudo or potato gnocchi. Entrees include their signature 8 oz. strip steak, 6 oz. burger, or lobster ravioli. We’re suckers for the sprig of rosemary in a roasted garlic bulb garnish! For dessert, the chef’s specialty is either 24-layer chocolate cake for dessert or orange creamsicle pots de crème. Both are divine.
These outstanding restaurants are situated in some of New York’s best neighborhoods—perfect for a stroll before or after a great meal. Let us know if you’d like to explore any nearby residential options while you’re in the hood.