SavarinWhere to eat
In Manhattan
Skip the Midtown steakhouses and velvet-rope West Village rooms entirely, and head straight to the Lower East Side and East Village where the food is uncompromising, the energy is creative, and you can step right into top-tier cocktail dens.
1
Claud
Subterranean European-leaning bistro that balances precise technique with the loud, easy hum of a neighborhood dining room. Order the sizzling red shrimp in hot oil and finish with the towering six-layer devil's food cake. It runs $$$ — about $85 a head; book 14 days out at 9am on Resy or show up right at 5pm to claim walk-in counter stools.
2
Cervo's
High-energy Iberian seafood bar tucked on Canal Street that draws artists and chefs rather than corporate crowds. Get the steamed clams in vinho verde and the plancha-seared lamb burger, washed down with low-intervention wines. A solid dinner runs $$$ — about $75 a head; you are steps away from Dimes Square cocktail spots like Clandestino and Swan Room afterward.
3
Ernesto's
Moody, midcentury Basque sanctuary on the southern edge of the Lower East Side doing serious, rustic Spanish cooking. Split the plate of cinco jotas ibérico con patatas chips and the grilled secreto ibérico with blistered piquillos. Plan on $$$ — about $85 a head; the long marble bar sets a great brotherly tone before hitting Two Bridges dives.
4
Wildair
Standing-table and high-stool natural wine pioneer that turned Orchard Street into a dining corridor without losing its edge. Order the lacy pommes darphin with Maine uni and the tart beef tartare with umeboshi and walnut pesto. Figure around $$$ — about $75 a head; stepping out the door lands you directly beside cocktail stalwarts like Double Chicken Please and Attaboy.
5
Dhamaka
Fiery, unapologetic celebration of provincial Indian regional dishes tucked inside the front corner of Essex Market. Share the clay-pot mutton champaran gosht and the charred paneer tikka, then cool things down with the spice-forward cocktail menu. Dinner averages $$$ — about $70 a head; its central Delancey location makes hopping down Ludlow or Orchard effortless.
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