Esperanto (corner of E9th st & ave C. http://www.esperantony.com/) This place is on the same street as my old apartment and a place where my roommate and I, and many friends, would often frequent - especially during the summer months thanks to the outdoor seating. A Brazilian and South American bistro the food is amazing with fantastic fish and steaks. Try the ceviche - YUM! The cocktails are great too. Often live music and ALWAYS a lively, buzzy atmosphere - guaranteed a great time. Also a great brunch spot with a 'prix fixe' menu, you may have to wait for a table.
Cafecito (Ave C btw 11/12st) Just up the road from Esperanto is Cafecito, a place I fell in love with and which became a regular meet up spot - usually drinking cocktails and eating at the bar before heading on for a night of dancing. The food is Cuban and so delicious and OMG the Sangria and Mojitos have to be some of the best in the city. It's a small place but big enough for a group to hang in. The staff are so friendly and can't do enough for you. In the summer the bar opens up to the pavement so you can sit on your bar stools outdoors sipping your sangria!
Matilda (E11th st btw ave B/C. http://www.matildarestaurant.com/) This is a cute and original place serving a fusion of Italian and Mexican food. Sounds odd but somehow it really works - think great guacamole with nachos AND fresh baked focaccia - delish! The wine is also excellent (not that I'm a connoisseur but still!). The decor is minimalist white plus chandeliers and shots of hot pink. A good date place! Service is excellent. Some outdoor seating too.
Kasadela (E11th st btw ave B/C. http://www.kasadela.com/) Next door to Matilda is this cute and cool Japanese Sake House. It has a low key almost cafe type vibe and feels as if only the locals know about this place (which at the moment is probably the case). It serves a wide selection of Japanese dishes which you can have tapas style to share - the best way to do it. As for the Sake - there's a special Sake menu giving you the option of 'taster' size glasses or small and large carafes - have as many tasters as possible I say! A great little hidden gem with excellent food. Currently cash only.
Mercadito Cantina (Ave B btw 10th/11th st. http://www.mercaditorestaurants.com/) A huge favourite of mine. A trendy modern canteen style joint - you 'aint had a taco until you've eaten here let me tell you! Soft tortillas with fillings such as battered shrimp with avocado coleslaw or tilapia with tomato-garlic mojo - you will not be disappointed. Come on a sunday or monday or after 10pm in the week when it's $21 for all you can eat tacos - great value for money. The choice of guacamoles are excellent too. For a more traditional mexican restaurant vibe and wider menu head across the road to the original Mercadito (ave B btw 11th/12th st)
Back Forty (Ave B btw 11th/12th st. http://www.backfortynyc.com/) Another place in the 'hood I've only ever been to for brunch, but judging by the menu and popularity I imagine it's also a good dinner spot. The food is 'responsibly sourced' and of high quality i.e grass-fed, antibiotic free beef etc, but aside from the food for me the draw is the feel of the place. It has a huge windowed front letting in all the light and you can sit either at your own table or share the sociable communal farmhouse table right in the window - don't let them seat you in the back! A good hangover spot where you can leisurely chill out and drink your hair of the dog cocktails or bottomless coffee.
Momofuku Ssam and Milk Bar (corner of 2nd Ave & 13th st. http://www.momofuku.com/) Asian inspired food owned by renowned New York chef David Chang, who owns two other Momofuku restaurants in this neighbourhood. This place is special. Sadly I'm not enough of a food connoisseur to do justice in describing the culinary delights you'll find here so you should really check out the website - or just go! The decor is just right, warm dark woods and low lighting, minimalist but not stiff, seating at the bar or shared tables. The menu is Asian-esque, but unique and eclectic - try the melt in your mouth steamed pork buns and the bursting with flavour spicy rice cakes with pork sausage dish. Next door is the Milk Bar where you should head to for dessert of baked treats, soft serve ice cream or even a glass of cereal flavoured milk!
The Smith (3rd Ave btw 10th/11th st. http://www.thesmithnyc.com/) A funky place with a vibrant atmosphere and cool decor - subway style white tiles, cosy booths and a long bar - this is the place to come for a good burger or mac 'n' cheese or a big American stack of pancakes. A fun spot any time of day. If you're coming for weekend brunch either book ahead or be prepared to wait - usually room to hang at the bar and have a drink whilst you wait.
Cafe Mogador (St Marks Place (E8th St) btw 1st ave/ave A. http://www.cafemogador.com/) Oh Mogador how I love thee. Simple to describe - fantastic Moroccan food, insanely delicious cocktails and always buzzing. The humus is some of the best you'll ever have and we would literally devour the roasted eggplant and tahini appetiser. DO NOT miss out on the to-die-for Ginger martini or for those with a sweeter tooth go for the Pistachio martini - YUM!
Mara's Homemade (E6th st btw 1st/2nd ave. http://www.marashomemade.com/) Having visited New Orleans and discovered the wonders of real Southern food, this place became a firm favourite. It is genuinely run by Mara and her family who with their great southern accents will make you feel very welcome. The menu is extensive and I warn you - come hungry, you certainly won't leave that way! The artichoke dip is heavenly and if you can possibly save a bit of room for dessert the Bluegrass Pie is a must - if you're stuffed, take a piece away with you - sooo worth the calories!
Supper (E2nd st btw 1st ave/ave A. http://www.supperrestaurant.com/) Although not usually one to go for Italian food in a big way, this wonderful little place became one of my absolute faves for (surprise surprise) brunch. The food is quite simply delicious and of a high quality - I now crave the poached egg on polenta with prosciutto dish - divine. With the outdoor seating, where I always sat, this place is perfect for a leisurely summer brunch, but I also love the atmosphere inside - cosy and inviting with low lighting, exposed brick and Venetian glass, but also lively with the hustle and bustle of the open kitchen. The dinner menu looks excellent too and if you need to wait for a table you can hang out at their next door wine bar, Sugo. Currently cash only.
Joe Doe (E1st St btw 1st/2nd ave. http://www.chefjoedoe.com/) New Yorkers are known for standing in line for an hour plus for a table at a good weekend brunch spot. On your way to Joe Doe you'll pass the well known Prune where you'll see such a line and indeed have such a wait. Personally, I'm not a fan of this and perhaps it can be attributed to its stiff competition across the road, but Joe Doe, to me, is what the brunch experience should be all about; meeting with friends, walking into a cool place with a laid back dining room feel, getting seated straight away with hot biscuits (scones to us Brits) and honey butter brought to your table whilst you peruse the menu. If that isn't enough in itself, the food is pretty damn good with an interesting twist on the usual brunch fare, the coffee is good, the service is good, and most importantly when hungover, but now satiated, you can sit and relax - not be pushed out the door for the next brunchers to take your spot. Perfect.
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