Welcome to Ask Eater, a column from Eater New York where the site’s editors, reporters, and critics answer specific or baffling restaurant requests from readers and friends. A new question and answer will run every Thursday. Have a question for us? Submit your question in this form.
Dear Eater,
I’m coming “home” to New York after 40 years of living so far away. Besides being my birthday and finally feeling well enough to be let loose on the city, I’m looking for a restaurant I can get dressed for, is in Manhattan, and has really good food and a wonderful ambiance.
Yes, there are so many, but I have some significant restrictions. One guest would really like pork, one only eats kosher fish, and another eats all fish and seafood, but no meat. You could say I’ve boxed myself into a difficult search. I’ve gone through the top tier of menus and would really like to keep it under $150 a person with guests not seeing the price.
Do you know of such a place?
Thanks,
Birthday girl
Hey bday girl,
Yes, those are some considerable restrictions, but this is New York City, the land of being able to find whatever you want whenever you want it. Which in this case is Gotham Bar & Grill, a Greenwich Village stalwart since 1984.
The American restaurant is luxe and sophisticated, with a wide-ranging seasonal American menu that, yes, includes plenty of non-shellfish seafood and a pork chop. The hamburger, tuna tartare, and apple tarte tatin are particularly iconic. The menu may not be the most exciting, but it has everything you asked for, and the kitchen has pumped out some major NYC chefs, including Craft’s Tom Colicchio and Oceana’s Bill Telepan.
Plus, the restaurant itself has a very New York-y feel — perfect for your homecoming. And it doesn’t hurt that it’s Michelin-starred and even cool food aficionado Barack Obama has eaten there.
I hope you enjoy!
— Stefanie