New York City Restaurant Tips by Sophie1980

Il Mosto: Italiano - molto buono

I had brunch here with a very large group, which definitely affected the service. However, it's a great place asthetically (think old Italian cafe), and very relaxed with friendly waiters (if not that prompt). I had spaghetti with a traditional sauce which came in a huge portion, accompanied by bread (with oil and balsamic vinager). It was delicious and my friends told me that the eggs benedict were great too.

Favorite Dish: Spaghetti.

Address: 87 2nd Ave. @ 5th St. - New York

Comparison: about average

Directions: Lower East Side

Phone: 212 228 9912

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 0

Theme: Italian

Jamba Juice: The best smoothies

I frequented their San Diego branch every weekend - coming from England smoothies, esp. freshly made ones, are something of a novelty. Granted, come winter, no-one's going to want a cold smoothie, but in the warmer months and in summer, you can go wrong with one of their yummy concoctions - into which they can add a free 'mix in'. For example protein, calcium, vitamin c in powder form. They also sell freshly squeezed juices and wheat grass.

Favorite Dish: Protein Berry Pizazz.

Address: Across the road from Bryant Park on 42nd st.

Comparison: about average

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: Other

Ben Ash Delicatessen: Cake heaven Ben Ash Delicatessen Review

2003: I came across this place by accident but gained 10 pounds because of it. There is a deli/restaurant attached to this place, but my eyes were on the cakes. I had a brownie which was so huge I spent the day eating it - and I'm no small eater. At $6 it wasn't cheap, but it was THE best brownie I've had and I strongly advise anyone going past to go in and try one. Or make a special trip. If you're travelling with kids, this is a great way to keep them quiet for a few hours. Ben Ash offers many other cakes which all looked yummy.

2005: Went there August '05 and am still of the opinion that this place has the most delicious brownies. PLUS, the service was the friendliest I received during my 3 days in NYC. Very friendly and nice people who work there. PLUS, I think the brownies go cheaper because I paid $4.95.

Favorite Dish: The brownie - fattening but who cares, right?

Address: 857 7th Avenue at the corner of 55th St.

Comparison: about average

Directions: Mid-town and close to Central Park

Phone: 212 265 1818

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 0

Theme: Deli

One and One: Irish Cuisine with an English twist

Came across this place randomly with 2 friends after visiting some BAD (and not in the good bad sense) comedy. A very dimly lit, but welcoming Irish-type pub (Americanised-Irish pub - this place was clean, and everything was replica style). Not sure if it's part of a chain, but the drinks were well priced and the food looked good. My friend had fish and chips with mushy peas - very English - which he said were excellent. They had rugby on the t.v and music playing, so it was a very relaxed, casual sort of place. Somewhere you can spend the evening talking to friends.

Favorite Dish: The Fish and Chips w/mushy peas were supposedly excellent. Cost - $9.

Address: Around 1st Avenue

Comparison: about average

Directions: Lower East Side, Manhattan

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 0

Theme: Pub/Brewery

Cosi: Hot Chocolate Galore

Cosi is a chain so there are a few in NY. It's a coffee place that is (I think) less commercialised than Starbucks. THE BEST mint hot chocolates, plus excellent food for average prices. Great for groups or individuals, and most Cosi's are open until late.

Favorite Dish: The mint hot chocolates are a must!

Address: 1633 Broadway and Union Square (the ones I know)

Comparison: about average

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 0

Theme: Coffeehouse

Cosi: Cosi - again

Great ambience, friendly waiters, and a decent menu.

Comparison: about average

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 0

Theme: Coffeehouse

Pizza Villagrio: Pizza

After an afternoon working our way through the crowds at the Whitney museum, my friends and I stumbled across this almost empty pizza place a couple of streets away from Central park. Great Italian pizza and salads at very resonable prices. Also offers pasta and calzone. Excellent value for money. $2 for a slice of excellent pizza and under $5 for a large salad.
Good if travelling with kids as they'll love the pizza.

Favorite Dish: The pizza of course! But my Greek salad was fantastic too.

Address: 153 West 57th St. - Across from Carnegie Hall

Comparison: least expensive

Directions: Near Central Park - Mid Town

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 0

Theme: Italian

Sushi Samba 7: Sushi, Sushi, Sushi Sushi Samba Review

I came here twice and both times it was at the weekend and thus evry busy. However, we were a large party of 11, and they were able to find us a table without too much of a wait, esp. without a reservation. The waiters are friendly and offer prompt service. There is also someone to take your coats. A wide selection of everything from sushi to California rolls, with substantial portions (I was satisfied with my 6 California rolls). Prices are relatively cheap compared to other NY sushi restaurants. Drinks menu was fairly large but expensive.
Chilean sea bass, pan seared salmon and steamed Mahi Mahi are specials.

Favorite Dish: California rolls.

Address: 87 7th Ave south, New York

Comparison: about average

Directions: West Village

Phone: 212 691 7885

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 0

Theme: Japanese/Sushi

Website: http://www.sushisamba.com

Balthazar: Fine French Cuisine Balthazar Review

Balthazar may seem like an intimidating place, and the waitresses give off a somewhat snooty vibe on entering Balthazar, but the food is excellent and the waitresses turn out friendly asfter all. Lavish surroundings, with a French feel. 'Reminiscent of a turn of the century Paraisian brasserie' says the website. I spent New Year's Eve evening at B. and had soup and Mahi Mahi, both of which were excellent. The menu is varied and everything fresh and cooked to your specifications. 'Bistro food'. They offer breakfast through to late night dinner and have a full wine list. Plus you can get french bread and pastries from the Bakery. Yum!

Favorite Dish: The Mahi Mahi. Cooked very well.

Address: 80 Spring Street, New York

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: Soho

Phone: 965-1414

Price: US$31-40

Rating: 0

Theme: French

Website: http://www.balthazarny.com