NYC Restaurant Alternatives to the ‘Best of the Best’

EDITOR’S NOTE: First in a week-long series of stories on things to do and places to go in New York City that don’t scream ‘tourist.’ Today: Restaurants

There’s a million things to do in New York City this week as the Super Bowl converges on the town, like skating in the iconic Rockefeller Center (pictured above). And, like most tourists, you’re eager to do all the touristy things, including eating at the best restaurants.

But maybe you can’t score reservations for some. Maybe you don’t want to pay top dollar for some. Maybe it’s not near where you want to be on that particular night.

Whatever the reason, that’s what we at TravelPulse are here for. Alternatives. Here are five restaurants among the top-rated by Zagat – and if you can get in, more power to you – and TP’s suggestions for an equally similar meal.

FRENCH

Zagat Says …. Le Bernardin. Not only the best French restaurant in the city, but the best restaurant overall last year according to Zagat. Described by Zagat readers as “a religious experience” and “exquisite”, the dinner tab is prix-fixe only starting at $135 per person.

TravelPulse Says …. Café Boulud. Another of restauranteur Daniel Boulud’s signature places, Café Boulud not only gets you out of midtown (upper east side), but gets you the same impeccable service, same “exquisite French cuisine” as Le Bernardin but at about 40 percent less on the bill.

ITALIAN

Zagat Says …. Marea. No. 1 Italian restaurant on the list, No. 12 overall among Zagat’s Top 100. We’ve been – the seafood dishes are to die for and if you look hard enough you might also find a celebrity or two over in the corner. Average price per person runs about $105 according to Zagat.

TravelPulse Says …. Just sayin’ here, but if we’re in NYC and we want Italian food, we want it real and authentic. We go to Dominick’s in the Bronx – Arthur Ave., the real Little Italy.  At Dominick’s, you don’t order off the menu. There is no menu. You tell the chef what you want, he’ll tell you if they have it. One of the coolest dining experiences around. Note that entrees are fairly inexpensive but it’s a cash-only biz. 

STEAKHOUSE

Zagat Says …. Peter Luger Steakhouse. Voted the city’s No. 1 steakhouse – and No. 16 restaurant overall – for 30 consecutive years. There’s a reason why: it’s an unbelievable red-meat mecca that looks like an old gentleman’s club, especially with its clientele. Pricey, and cash only.

TravelPulse Says …. Sparks Steak House. In ambience and food and pricing, steakhouses are pretty much the same. In fact, the average cost of a meal at the top 12 steakhouses on Zagat’s list were within $10 of each other.

We like Sparks for a few different reasons. It’s just a few blocks east of Grand Central right in midtown, the service is impeccable, and it’s also where John Gotti allegedly had mob boss Paul Castellano whacked. How’s that for notorious?

EXPERIENTIAL

Zagat Says …. Per Se. No doubt, it’s gorgeous. Located in the Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle, Per Se is No. 3 overall on Zagat’s list. Wear a jacket and keep it loose – the nine-course tasting menu is outstanding, even for $295 per person.

TravelPulse Says …. The Four Seasons. Yeah, yeah, it’s old-school. But it’s NYC old-school, especially if you can sit in the famous Pool Room. The menu is updated, there’s still a celebrity or three to be seen, and the prices – though still top of the line by NYC standards – are far less than Per Se. Dinner for two recently, with a bottle of win, ran us $240.

ROMANTIC

Zagat Says …. One If By Land, Two if By Sea. This Greenwich Village spot screams romance. It was Aaron Burr’s old coachhouse back in the day – really, back in the day, hence the old Paul Revere Revolutionary War mantra – and today it feels like you stepped into Love Central with the ambience. Then again, so does …

TravelPulse Says …. The Place. A pedestrian name, yes, but the food is outstanding. As soon as you walk three steps down into this below-sidewalk level restaurant, the cozy tables and soft lighting make for a spectacularly romantic setting. Last time we were here? Wedding proposal, right next to our table. The homemade sweet potato ravioli for an appetizer is out of this world, by the way.

Follow me on Twitter @RichTravelPulse.