The Monarch
This American Brasserie opened its regal doors in West Chelsea in 2014. Through both the menu and decor, The Monarch strongly evokes its American roots. The restaurant prides itself in its use of local and seasonal ingredients. In terms of aesthetics, the customer is given a sophisticated, modern spin on the American Industrial Era. The design firm Roman and Williams masterfully transformed and refined a 1930s warehouse into the exceptional dining experience it is today.
www.nymonarch.com – 408 West 15th Street
Piora
Piora, which means “to blossom” in Korean, is a fitting name for the American Nouveau restaurant blooming in the West Village. Simon Kim and Chris Cipollone are the owners, and their partnership has resulted in a unique amalgamation of Korean and Italian tastes. The large, white dishes serve as blank canvases for the creatively designed meals. In addition to the gorgeous food, the restaurant features a picturesque private garden.
www.pioranyc.com – 430 Hudson Street
Max Brenner
Max Brenner is a chocolate experience like no other. From crepes to sundaes to cakes… let’s just say you’ll have to unbutton your jeans by the end of the night. Yes, they do have “real” food, but what you’ll really be craving (and wanting to take a picture of) are the devilish deserts.
www.maxbrenner.com – 841 Broadway
Atera
Dining at Tribeca’s Atera is a fascinating experience. The tasting menu aims to captivate all the senses with each of the 20 courses. The meals engage the customer through expressive and experimental food designs, and each is composed with great technique and skill. Although the menu is constantly changing, it is consistently excellent in both aesthetics and taste.
www.ateranyc.com – 77 Worth Street
Costata
Costata, which means ribeye in Italian, is a stellar steakhouse on Spring Street. From pasta to seafood, Chef Michael White is guaranteed to wow. Costata prides itself on its contemporary steak concepts. In addition to unique plates, Costata also acts as a gallery to several impressive pieces by artist Nasser Azam.
www.costatanyc.com – 206 Spring Street
Quality Italian
Quality Italian delivers exactly what its blatant title promises. This Midtown West Italian steakhouse is dedicated to both a high quality of food and the preservation of Italian history. The establishment’s sister restaurant Quality Meats explores the history and aesthetics of New York City’s butcher shops; similarly, Quality Italian embodies the various butcher guilds throughout Italy. The food offers modern adaptations of traditional Italian-American steakhouse dishes.
www.qualityitalian.com – 57 West 57th Street
M. Wells Steakhouse
Though some may equate Queens with Guam, the newest chophouse on the steak scene has Manhattanites making the trek to Long Island City. The “Flinstones-esque” hunks of meat are definitely picture-worthy. Warning: come with an empty stomach—the portions are large and the food is delectable.
www.magasinwells.com.com – 43-15 Crescent St, Queens
Megu
Megu, which means “blessing” in Japanese, has graced both Tribeca and Midtown East with marvelous, modern Japanese cuisine. The space mimics the style of food through its mix of ancient Japanese decor with a modern, sophisticated flair. Yasumichi Morita is the interior designer. At both locations the space is centered by a giant ice-sculpture of Buddha that is rebuilt every night. The success of the restaurant is evident by its many locations around the world: Moscow, New Delhi, Gstaad and Mumbai.
www.megurestaurants.com – 62 Thomas Street & 845 United Nations Plaza
Restaurant Marc Forgione
Marc Forgione is the son of renowned chef Larry Forgione. This notion of legacy is echoed through the American-style restaurant’s rustic atmosphere. From the Tribeca building itself, erected in the 1800s, to its 150-year-old cast-iron doors, the entire space is teeming with history. The space combined with carefully crafted meals result in a unforgettable dining experience.
www.marcforgione.com.net – 134 Reade Street