New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [208]
Casa Mono.
$$ | SPANISH | Andy Nusser put in his time cooking Italian under Mario Batali at Babbo before an obsession with Spain landed him his own acclaimed Iberian niche. The perennially cramped and crowded Casa Mono sends its overflow to Bar Jamón, the annex wine-and-ham bar next door. Pick at plates of jamon serrano while awaiting the call for a prime seat at the counter overlooking the chef’s open kitchen. Though everything is delectably shareable, of particular note are all things seared à la plancha, including blistered peppers and garlic-kissed mushrooms. Like his renowned mentor, Nusser has a weakness for the most neglected cuts of meat. Check your food fears at the door and order up the blood sausage, cockscombs, and tripe. | 52 Irving Pl., at E. 17th St., Gramercy Park | 10003-3447 | 212/253–2773 | www.casamononyc.com | AE, DC, MC, V | Subway: 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R to Union Sq.
MURRAY HILL
This area has a residential feel with plenty of bistros perfect for a casual meal. To work up an appetite, take a wander about Lexington Avenue’s “Curry Hill” section between 27th and 29th avenues, home to Indian spice shops, cafés, and restaurants.
Artisanal.
$$ | BRASSERIE | This spacious brasserie is a shrine to cheese, the passion of chef-owner Terrance Brennan. Though service can be spotty, gastronomes and business lunchers still flock here for the more than 150 cheeses—available for on-site sampling or retail sale—then stay to enjoy their selections with one of 160 wines by the glass. Hot fromage-imbued fare also is satisfying, with preparations like addictive gougère cheese puffs, onion soup gratiné, and several types of fondue. For curd-adverse customers, steak frites or selections from the raw bar should satisfy. | 2 Park Ave., at E. 32nd St., Murray Hill | 10016-5675 | 212/725–8585 | www.artisanalbistro.com | Reservations essential | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: 6 to 33rd St.
Gahm Mi Oak.
$ | KOREAN | The deconstructed industrial design, inexpensive 24-hour menu, and late-night hours attract a young and stylish crowd here. Every item on the limited menu goes well with soju, a Korean spirit, or beer. There are even photos on the menu to help bleary-eyed revelers order. Korean-style fried mung-bean pancakes with scallions, onions, carrots, and ground pork make for addictive stomach-lining fare. The kimchi is renowned, as is the sul long tang, a milky ox-bone soup with thin slices of beef, rice, and noodles that is reputed to be an effective hangover cure. | 43 W. 32nd St., between 5th Ave. and Broadway, Murray Hill | 10001-3805 | 212/695–4113 | Reservations not accepted | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: B, D, F, N, Q, R, M to 34th St./Herald Sq.
Les Halles.
$$ | BRASSERIE | This local hangout, owned by Philippe Lajaunie since 1990 and benefiting from the celebrity of former executive chef and writer Anthony Bourdain, is boisterous and unpretentious—just like a true French brasserie. A good bet is steak frites—with fries regarded by some as the best in New York. Other prime choices include crispy duck-leg confit with frisée salad, blood sausage with caramelized apples, and steak tartare, prepared table-side. Another Les Halles is in Lower Manhattan at 15 John St. | 411 Park Ave. S, between E. 28th and E. 29th Sts., Murray Hill | 10016-8405 | 212/679–4111 | www.leshalles.net | Reservations essential | AE, DC, MC, V | Subway: 6 to 28th St.
Turkish Kitchen.
$ | TURKISH | This striking multilevel room with crimson walls, chairs with red-skirted slipcovers, and colorful kilims is Manhattan’s busiest and best Turkish restaurant. For appetizers, choose from the likes of velvety char-grilled eggplant or tender octopus salad, creamy hummus, or poached beef dumplings. The luscious stuffed cabbage is downright irresistible. The restaurant also hosts one of the most alluring Sunday brunch buffets in town, featuring 90 items, Turkish and American—all house-made, including a dozen breads. | 386 3rd Ave., between