Foxface natural is expensive but probably THE most creative place in the city, it’s not fine dining in the classic aspect, only price. But getting rare fresh ingredients isn’t cheap
Potluck Club has some fun takes on classic Cantonese.
Golden Diner's playful menu of an American diner through then lens of a Korean American is also up there.
Patisserie Fouet does a great job of fusing French desserts with Japanese flavors
Lysee does the same, but with Korean
Venhue is funny. There were one or two legit amazing dishes there (including the best wagyu I have ever had), but then some of the dishes were borderline terrible for me. If I were them, I'd front load the alcohol service more - maybe start with a shot plus the champagne pre-dinner - so that you get your guests to lean into the theater of the evening more. When I went, it took awhile for people to loosen up, including me and my friends, so the first few courses were awkward (it's a communal table). All this said, I think it fits your question and would recommend it.
I also agree with the poster that suggested Foxface Natural.
Everything by the Unapologetic Foods team (Adda, Dhamaka, Semma, etc.)
And yes, I know Semma has a Michelin Star, but it’s still one of the most approachable starred places in NYC and I definitely wouldn’t call it “fine dining.”
Some interesting ones:
- I asked a table what they did for work and one was a reality TV star! I don’t watch any so I didn’t recognise her but it was something different for sure.
- I bonded with another table over our love of old hollywood movies
- Someone was writing their first book
- Sweet stories in response to me asking how the people at the table met
Lots of interesting back and forth, the conversations actually went on a lot longer than expected — we had to double up on paper for our chats with some tables.
I agree. They do some really awesome things with market fresh ingredients that are mostly vegan (I say this as someone who eats meat) and are very creative and delicious. I will say that the magic of the original place they had is a bit lost on their new space and the buns they use for their eponymous burger are bigger than they used to be and way too big for the patty. Having said that, food is great, and I highly recommend their cookbook.
KJUN. Rowdy Rooster. Calle Dao. Figure Eight. Kimika. Hav & Mar C As in Charlie
Tagging Penny to this. It’s not too expensive and by god is it creative. I’ve never had confit oysters before and they blew my mind.
Pennys is lifechanging
If you want to be able to have a conversation, avoid C as in Charlie.
KJUN for sure.
+1 Hav & Mar. The food was excellent
Kimika is one of the worst restaurants ever
When you make a comment like this, you're saying more about yourself than the restaurant.
Cafe Mars
Yes!!! If the appetizer of an olive encased in a cube of Negroni jello isn’t creative enough for you I don’t know what to tell you
Foxface natural is expensive but probably THE most creative place in the city, it’s not fine dining in the classic aspect, only price. But getting rare fresh ingredients isn’t cheap
OP, "i don't want upscale" "How about 2 shrimp for $28 in Manhattan?"
They could have written cheap. Foxface is expensive but very laid back.
They did write upscale. Not a mind reader, but going to guess OP is not trying to pay fine dining prices.
Upscale to me is more fine dining. Like a meal for one is over $150 and it's a white tablecloth affair.
Potluck Club has some fun takes on classic Cantonese. Golden Diner's playful menu of an American diner through then lens of a Korean American is also up there. Patisserie Fouet does a great job of fusing French desserts with Japanese flavors Lysee does the same, but with Korean
>Patisserie Fouet Bookmarking this. I had this matcha style cake in Rome and I love these kinds of mashups.
Thai diner
Don’t you think Soothr is better? I did.
I wouldn’t consider Soothr as “creative” though
I definitely thought Thai diner is better
Wow alright. I’ll give TD another shot. But what I had at Soothr I preferred (I’ve had most of the menu)
Thai Diner is creative but horrible execution
I agree I’ve been there twice and everytime I find myself saying what is the hype about
Bibble and Sip bakery. Cutest desserts ever! (Oops maybe not what you meant)
Venhue
Venhue is funny. There were one or two legit amazing dishes there (including the best wagyu I have ever had), but then some of the dishes were borderline terrible for me. If I were them, I'd front load the alcohol service more - maybe start with a shot plus the champagne pre-dinner - so that you get your guests to lean into the theater of the evening more. When I went, it took awhile for people to loosen up, including me and my friends, so the first few courses were awkward (it's a communal table). All this said, I think it fits your question and would recommend it. I also agree with the poster that suggested Foxface Natural.
They had a “shot course” when I went on Wednesday (second time going)- which was this Lemon Drop sake. I did go with a non-alcoholic friend. Whoops
Venhue is quirky and casual, but it definitely still seems like fine dining. I guess it depends what OP meant by fine dining.
Ramro Astoria
I know it gets talked about to death on here, but Double Chicken Please has to be in this conversation lol
Everything by the Unapologetic Foods team (Adda, Dhamaka, Semma, etc.) And yes, I know Semma has a Michelin Star, but it’s still one of the most approachable starred places in NYC and I definitely wouldn’t call it “fine dining.”
Corima is a new Mexican restaurant with very creative ideas. It's $98 for a 10 course tasting menu, but you can also order a la carte.
I haven't been yet, but people seem to like El Cedro, a new Lebanese/Mexican restaurant in Brooklyn.
Tasty tacos with perfect fusion of Mexican and Lebanese flavors - we enjoyed everything we ate and it's reasonably priced.
[удалено]
What are some of the messages you've gotten?
Some interesting ones: - I asked a table what they did for work and one was a reality TV star! I don’t watch any so I didn’t recognise her but it was something different for sure. - I bonded with another table over our love of old hollywood movies - Someone was writing their first book - Sweet stories in response to me asking how the people at the table met Lots of interesting back and forth, the conversations actually went on a lot longer than expected — we had to double up on paper for our chats with some tables.
They message you like ground beef with herbs and a little salt, and then make you into dumplings.
Sounds relaxing
Momo Sushi Shack, the Spicy McBombs are to die for.
Morgen stern ice cream almost I don't like the horrible service there
They deliver!
Foxface Natural
Maloya - food of Reunion Island off the coast of Madagascar.
It's a good restaurant, though I'd venture to say that while it's creative for most of us in NY, it's not at all creative for people from Réunion
Mokyo
I’d say sushi on me is doing a really fun take on omakase that isn’t fine dining
Stretch Pizza
Traif - Jewish-run non-kosher 10 course chefs choice experience. Their back garden area is really nice, the food was surprising and delicious.
Sunny's and Annie's Deli, Brancaccios
- Gertrude’s
Stretch Pizza
Maite Bushwick - Colombia / Basque Spain fusion
S’Mac & Cheese
Superiority burger
I agree. They do some really awesome things with market fresh ingredients that are mostly vegan (I say this as someone who eats meat) and are very creative and delicious. I will say that the magic of the original place they had is a bit lost on their new space and the buns they use for their eponymous burger are bigger than they used to be and way too big for the patty. Having said that, food is great, and I highly recommend their cookbook.
Place sucks and it’s expensive
Not sure how innovative you’d call the whole menu, but the Avocado Toast roll at Nami Nori has no right to be as good as it is.
Principe
Cuts & Slices is expensive for a pizza place, but quite cheap compared to fine dining, and it's very creative.