Midtown Restaurants

Most of the spots in here are "destination" recommendations. But midtown is such a wasteland, and so full of tourist traps, that I wanted to give you a list of spots that, while not necessarily outstanding overall, are by far the best options hereabouts, and all very good besides. One often finds oneself here for a show, or a performance at Lincoln Center, and must have a dossier!

Times Square:
Margon(136 West 46th Street between 6th and 7th) a tiny Cuban luncheonette with delicious sandwiches (Cubano especially), a hot buffet, and great cafe con leche. The Gourmet staffers used to eat here all the time!


Edison Cafe (228 W 47th Street between 7th and 8th) A converted hotel ballroom known, amongst actors and writers, as the Polish Tea Room. Coffee shop fare with especially good Jewish classics like blintzes, latkes and matzoh ball soup. A favorite of my grandfather from the days when he worked in radio.

Burger Joint (119 West 56th Street, in lobby of hotel, between 6th and 7th) The "secret" burger place inside the lobby of the Parker Meridien is a tad gimmicky, but makes a darn good, no-frills burger.

East Midtown:
Entrecote (590 Lexington Ave, @52nd) The best food in midtown is really steak - Wolfgang's, Strip House, Sparks. Well, since the best steak of all is at Peter Luger in Brooklyn, much better to go to Entrecote. This is the first US outpost of a cult Parisian mini-chain that only serves steak frites, in an addictive sauce that's a big secret. And they bring you two portions! I actually love it; the weird location keeps me from giving it its own entry, though.

West Midtown:
Chez Napoleon (365 West 50th Street @8th Ave)
Another super old-school, rather campy French spot. "Sadie, you've outdone yourself this time," said the friend whom I made meet me there. But the food was good, the souffle a poem, and we had a blast: such a good alternative to the mediocrity of the theatre district!

Amy's Bread (672 9th Ave @ 47th St)A reliable mini-chain making delicious sandwiches and baked goods. Favorites: NY State goat's cheese and roasted vegetable sandwich; white bean and avocado sandwich; spicy grilled cheese.(Veggie-approved)

Manganaro (9th Ave. btw 37+38th) This venerable red-sauce spot has a reputation for crankiness, but be nice, don't act like an ass, and have some excellent eggplant parm! I love it ;)

Afghan Kebab House (764 9th Avenue @51st St) Cheap, good, no-frills Afghani! (Veggie-approved)

Columbus Circle:
Bouchon Bakery (Time Warner Center, 59th and Broadway) Despite being in a weird, glorified mall, the food - at both the takeout counter and the sit-down restaurant - is AMAZING: the best pastries, quiche, soups, salads...

Restaurant: Grand Central Oyster Bar

Grand Central Oyster Bar
89 East 42nd Street (Grand Central Station)
Sunway: 4,5,6,7,S to Grand Central Station
Open Weekdays 11:30am-9:30pm; Sat 12pm-9:30pm

This is a NYC institution, and while the food's a bit uneven, it's a really fun experience. Stick to oysters or classic dishes like the pan-roast, chowder, or oyster stew. With the hot little baking-powder biscuits, it's a pretty great meal. Try to sit in the back room! And be sure to do the "Whispering Gallery" just outside.

Bar: Campbell Apartment

Campbell Apartment
15 Vanderbilt Ave (Grand Central Station)
Subway:4,5,6,7,S to Grand Central

This is the place to go if you're waiting for a train - or marooned in midtown for any other reason. You're going mostly for the space(a converted apartment), which is stunning, although the baroque cocktails are good. Warning: The scene gets horrible, so go only at off-hours!

Restaurant/Shop: Kalustyan's

Kalustyan's
MIDTOWN/MURRAY HILL
123 Lexington Avenue at 28th Street
6 to 28th Street
Monday - Saturday 10 am - 8 pm ; Sunday and Holidays 11 am - 7 pm

This enormous spice emporium is worth a visit anyway, but the second-floor cafe is a gem: delicious, cheap vegetarian Indian. The mujaddara sandwich is one of the best and heartiest in the city!

Restaurants: La Bonne Soupe

La Bonne Soupe
EAST MIDTOWN
48 West 55th Street between 5th and 6th avenues
Subway: F/V to 55th Street

This is the only game around here - and dead close to the MoMA - but one of my favorite spots in Manhattan for reliable, old-fashioned, affordable standards. The "soupe menu" of bread, salad, soupe, wine and dessert is heartwarming and delicious, and the fondue, croques monsieurs and other standards are all reliable and tasty, too. It's a perfect scale for eating alone and full of interesting regulars. Also a nice, gentle spot for the less adventurous or timid visitor (ie, grandparents.)