New York City Restaurant Tips by Mikebb

Grimaldi's Pizzeria: World Famous But Not Open For Lunch Grimaldi's Pizzeria Review

We caught the subway to Brooklyn with the intention of having a look around the waterfront district, having a late lunch and then walking the Brooklyn Bridge back to Manhattan. Well we were absorbed in sightseeing and it was about 4 pm when we stumbled upon the world famous Grimaldi's Pizzeria, thinking how lucky we were.

Then we saw the notices on the window, not open for lunch and No Slices.

Everywhere you go in NYC you see people buying pizza by the slice, but not so at Grimaldi's in Brooklyn.

Address: 19 Old Fulton St. under the Brooklyn Bridge

Phone: 718.858.4300

Rating: 0

Theme: Pizza

From Takeaway to 5 Star: Pier 17 Pier Pavillion - Cafes & Restaurants

While visiting the Historic Seaport you should visit the Pier Pavillion built out over the East River where there are several floors of upmarket shops and restaurants that overlook the piers, city and river. On one of the floors there is approximatley 30 cafes and takeaways where I am sure you will find something for the family. On other floors you will find Bars and Restaurants , all look good and some would be 5 star status.

Address: Pier 17 cnr South & Fulton Sts.

Directions: Take the subway to Fulton St Nassau Station and then walk down Fulton street to East River.

Rating: 4

Theme: Other

Burgers & Cupcakes: Good Food, Eat in or Take Out Burgers & Cupcakes Review

We had been sightseeing all day and were too tired to dine out so I went down and ordered a hamberger, a vegie burger, grilled onions and fried potatoes and we ate in our room and watched TV. The food was good, fried potatoes were very good. All up the dinner cost $20 and we had a relaxing night.

The restaurant was similar to a diner, however all the tables and seating was new.

Address: 265 W 23rd Street

Comparison: about average

Phone: (212) 242 0600

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 3

Theme: Diner

Website: http://www.cupcakexpress.com

River Cafe: River Cafe - Brooklyn Bridge Walk River Cafe Review

We did not eat at the restaurant but happened to walk past it when we visited the Brooklyn Waterfront , the old Fulton Ferry Landing. We had seen the TV program on Foxtel in Australia and soon recognised the restaurant , but as it was 4pm it looked like it had finished lunch and we dare not go and just ask for a coffee.

It is in a great location with fantastic views across the East River to the Seaport Historic District and parts of Manhattan. The gardens around the restaurant are very colourful.

The ideal day would be lunch at the River Cafe and then walk the Brooklyn Bridge, we walked the bridge and enjoyed the fantastic views.

Address: 1 Water Street, Brooklyn

Rating: 0

Theme: American

Website: http://www.rivercafe.com/

Rosario's Italian Bistro: Rosario's Italian, Wall St Institution

We were walking around the Financial District and were looking at this restaurant mid morning when a passer by stopped and said this restaurant is an "institution" in the financial district. It opens Monday to Friday 12 noon to 2:30 pm, no bookings.

We returned a few days later about 1 pm and people were lining up outside the entrance. We joined the line and it moved quickly, seating very crowded, many people purchasing takeaway for the office. The premises are old and normally you would not bother to eat in such a place, but why are there so many customers, the answer the food is very good and priced right.

All food is baked on the premises that day, there were approximately 10 people serving meals from huge bakeing dishes, various pastas, lasagna, chicken, veal etc, serves are in 3 sizes,: small $5.50, medium $6.50 and large $7.50. Foolishly I ordered a large pasta and chicken meal and could not eat it all. A nice experience but I would not want to compete with the crowds on a daily basis.

Address: Near Pearl or Water St

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: Financial District

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 3

Theme: Italian

Leonidas Expresso Bar: Cafe & Hand Made Chocolates

We had just finished walking through the Wall Street district and needed a coffee and 20 minute rest when we came onto Hanover Square and found the cafe. To our surprise as we entered the cafe you walk past the retail section where they sell their chocolates. Their chocolate display was attractive and set the tone for the next half hour.

The cafe section is small but modern and has an interesting menu, however we were there mainly for coffee which was excellent, a Greek brand. Each coffee came with a complimentary chocolate, so nice that we purchase some as we left the cafe.

Address: Hanover Square & Pearl Street

Comparison: about average

Directions: Financial District, just walk down Wall Street.

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Coffeehouse

BLT Steak: Upmarket Steak Restaurant BLT Steak Review

This is a 5 star restaurant , beautiful decor, superb food, and excellent service. We were taken to this restaurant by VT member Nicolaitan and his wife who regularly dine here. We started with a share plate and martinis, followed by superb steaks for main course, the porterhouse was thick and juicy and the largest steak I have ever eaten, served with a huge baked potato and a side dish of fried onions it was truly a meal to remember.
For anyone looking for a special restaurant whilst in New York City I certainly recommend you consider BLT ( Bistro Laurent Tourondel). Expect to pay $90pp without drinks.

Favorite Dish: Steak

Address: 106 E. 57th Street

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: south side between Park and Lexington, next to the Dorchester.

Phone: 212-752-7470

Price: US$41 and up

Rating: 5

Theme: Steakhouse

Website: http://www.bltsteak.com

Squires Diner: Nice For Quick Lunch

We went to the Seaport Historic District to purchase some half price theatre tickets, and then spent time on the Pier 17 etc. Lunch time came and it was very crowded on the Pier Complex so we walked back towards the metro station where I had earlier seen Squires Diner.

It was a good call, the diner was popular however there were a couple of tables available and we had a very nice lunch.

Address: Just Off Fulton Street

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: Walking down Fulton Street towards Pier 17 you will see a small street to the left and Squires Diner is 100 yards along. There is a Notice Board on Fulton Street.

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Diner

Westway Diner: Good Food, Fair Price

We had just finished the 2 hour Circle Ferry cruise and wanted a late lunch. Walking up to the Theatre District along 44th Street we could not find a nice place where we could sit down and have a light lunch without the crowds. Then we saw the Westway Diner and upon entering saw this renovated 50's style diner with its comfortable seating. Everything was new but the menu had plenty of affordable old style favourites plus a few modern items.

We both ordered the Panina and when it arrived it was very tasty. I also ordered a cheescake with tea and coffee and refills came on the house. This was a very nice diner and I believe is open 24 hours .

Voted in the Daily News as the Best Diner In Manhattan.

Address: Just off 44th Street

Comparison: about average

Directions: Theatre District

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Diner

Ristorante Genn???: Little Italy District For Good Food

We had gone to China Town with the intention of finding a restaurant for dinner, however the section we were in did not look inviting and we attempted to find our way out and eventually stumbled into Little Italy. Such good luck falls on people who do not call a cab and retreat to the safety of Broadway.

It was a busy Monday night but we soon found a table and had an enjoyable meal, crumbed veal cutlet and spaghetti, with a side serve of sauteed vegetables, whilst Jill had a pasta dish. We finished with coffee and the all up cost , with tip was $83.

We walked a few hundred metres and caught the metro back to our accommodation.

Address: Cnr Mulberry St & Hester St

Comparison: more expensive than average

Price: US$31-40

Rating: 4

Theme: Italian