New York City Restaurant Tips by rmdw

Caffe Napoli: Tasty Italian Food!

When you make it down to New York's famous "Little Italy" you will eventually come upon Mulberry Street. In a relatively few blocks are packed a huge number of Italian restaurants.

In the evening you will be enticed (coerced?) to enter each one by sometimes pushy sales folks at the entrance.

My mom and I opted for Caffe Napoli. The food was excellent!

Favorite Dish: I had penne noodles with clam sauce and my mom had veal. Both were delicious.

I opted for a glass of their house red wine. It was okay, but at $7 per glass, somewhat overpriced.

Address: 191 Hester Street New York, NY 10013

Comparison: about average

Directions: Located at the corner of Mulberry & Hester streets

Phone: 212-226-8705

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 4

Theme: Italian

Bloom's Delicatessen: A Reasonably Priced NYC Restaurant

Finding a reasonably priced meal in NYC can be a bit of a challenge at times. Bloom's is a good choice. They offer a wide array of breakfast, lunch, and dinner offerings.

Favorite Dish: We had breakfast there and it was very tasty. This was the first time I had ever tried a New York bagel. It was alright but I much prefer the ones in Montreal!!

Address: 350 Lexington Avenue

Comparison: about average

Directions: SW corner of Lexington and 40th Street

Other Contact: Fax: 212.867.FOOD

Phone: 212.922.FOOD

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 3

Theme: American

Ben's: A Fabulous NY Deli!

In the heart of New York's garment district is a huge delicatessen called Ben's. It has the most elaborate decoration; be sure to examine the ceiling.

Favorite Dish: I had a pastrami sandwich and a large bowl of chicken soup with meat dumplings. They were delicious. On your table you will be provided an assortment of different kinds of pickles from traditional ones to another type that are much less pickled and much more like the original cucumber - Yum!

I also tried the Chocolate Cherry Coke but found it much too sweet for my taste.

Address: 209 West 38th Street

Comparison: about average

Directions: Just West of 7th Avenue

Other Contact: Fax: 212-398-DELI

Phone: 212-398-BENS

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Deli

Website: http://www.bensdeli.net

Olive Tree Cafe: Great coffee in the heart of Greenwich Village!

The Olive Tree Cafe is a wonderful little place in the heart of Greenwich Village. It's situated directly above the famous "Comedy Cellar".

I've since watched the documentary "Comedian" featuring Jerry Seinfeld and discoveredt that this is a favourite hangout for many famous comedians.

Favorite Dish: Besides great coffee you can also get a host of Middle Eastern snacks. Great munching!

Address: 117 MacDougal Street

Comparison: about average

Directions: Between West 3rd. and Bleecker

Subway: A, C, E, B, D, F, or Q to West 4th Street

Phone: 212-254-3480

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 3

Theme: Coffeehouse

The Food Exchange: Real Food ... Fast!

I discovered the Food Exchange by accident one morning, while walking east on 59th on my way over to Macy's. I'm glad I did!

It's sort of set up like a cafeteria, with salads at one end, then hot foods, sandwiches & wraps, soups, pastries, and drinks.

But this isn't just ordinary food. It's really, REALLY good! And not at all expensive compared to other NYC eateries.

Address: 120 E 59th St, New York 10022

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: Just a few blocks east of Central Park SE.

Phone: 212-619-4567

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Local

Website: http://www.foodexchangenyc.com

Famiglia Pizza: Superb Pizza!

Famiglia's has the BEST pizza I've ever had in NYC! Perhaps a New Yorker will tell me differently but I think they have pretty tasty slices!

They have several locations throughout NYC and are opening stores in other parts of the U.S.

Be sure to check out their website. Just watching the opening animation will get your mouth watering!

Address: Many locations!

Comparison: about average

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Pizza

Website: http://www.famousfamiglia.com

Pronto Pizza: Good Pizza - Open 24 hrs

If you're in Midtown Manhattan late at night and realize you're hungry you might want to try Pronto Pizza. There are several locations in NYC; we tried the one at 42nd Street and 6th Avenue.

Favorite Dish: While the pizza crust is not quite as good as other places we've tried, if you let it sit a few minutes it'll get to just the right texture. The pizza itself was delicious!

Address: 1101 6th Ave, New York 10036

Comparison: less expensive than average

Phone: 212-921-1133

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 3

Theme: Pizza

Pizza Villagio: Great, reasonably priced food in NYC

This small restaurant, right across the street from Carnegie Hall, offers a wide selection of pizzas and other types of food. You can get take out or eat in a relaxed atmosphere. Highly recommended!

Address: 153 West 57th Street

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: Across the street from Carnegie Hall

Phone: 212-957-9580

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Pizza