JANUARY RESTAURANT GUIDE
Do I want to go outside? No. Do I want to sit in a cool ass space while inhaling a delicious meal and indulging in a drink I didn’t need? Yes. This is the conversation that plays in my head when I consider leaving my apartment for dinner. Winter has been especially brutal this year, but January is one of the best months of the year to score reservations! People are either travelling or have left for the winter, or just simply don’t want to leave their apartments. So take advantage! Here are our recommendations for the month…
Eel Bar, a vibrant Basque-inspired restaurant in NYC, brings bold flavors to life with a modern twist. Lead by Chef Aaron Crowder, Eel Bar features a creative menu that includes standout dishes like the Potato Salad with Trout Roe, Bomba Rice with Chorizo and Bay Scallops, and Fried Mussels on the Half Shell. The ambiance is warm and inviting, blending rustic touches with contemporary design to create a cozy yet elevated dining space.
New England seafood meets cool, contemporary NYC at Smithereens in East Village. Chef Nick Tamburo and Chef Nikita Malhotra are serving up thoughtful dishes highlighting seasonal seafood and produce from the northeastern region. Notable dishes include Abalone and Shiitake Skewers, Lobster Roll, and Beans with Red Shrimp, Squid, and Sea Urchin.
A former chef at Estela, Chef Sam Lawrence brings you Bridges. The restaurant screams substance over style from the sleek decor to the rich and indulgent menu items. Dishes not to miss are; Sea Urchin Custard with Shrimp, Comté Tart with Chanterelles, and Grilled King Crab, Lime Leaf and Daikon.
I have been waiting for this opening. From Andrew Tarlow, comes a cozy, east side Italian eatery stunned with a wood-burning fireplace, and tableside martini cart. Must-try dishes include Focaccia Borgo, Zucca alla Parmigiana with
Chestnuts, and Roasted Leg of Lamb with
Dandelion Greens and Prunes. Borgo welcomes walk-ins at the bar and front-room tables, so try your luck.
Chez Fifi, an uptown French-inspired bistro in NYC, is the culinary brainchild of chef Zack Zeidman. The menu features standout dishes like the Basque deviled crab, Riz aux Palourdes, and the irresistible Steak Frites au Poivre. The ambiance is charming and cozy, with vintage Parisian decor, soft lighting, and an inviting atmosphere that feels like a little piece of France in the city.
From the team behind Frenchette hails Le Veau d’OR. This uptown intimate bistro with Michelin potential is the perfect spot for an intimate date night or chic dinner amongst friends who dare to venture above 14th street. Dishes not to be missed are; Frogs' Legs Persillade, Les Escargots Provençal, and Duck Magret Aux Cerises.