A Nutritionist’s Favorite Restaurants in Manhattan

by Michelle Dudash, Chef and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

February 27, 2014 • 2 comments

The Best Restaurants in New York City (my favorites)

Of course there are hundreds of excellent restaurant choices in Manhatten. These are the places I’ve enjoyed while staying in the media and tourist areas. I would definitely visit these restaurants again. In many of these restaurants I brought my 4 month old and/or 4 year old daughters.

Lincoln Center/Columbus Circle

Rosa Mexicano (lunch)

What I ordered: On one visit I enjoyed the lunch tray special and on another occasion the table side guacamole and tacos.

Notes: Simply delicious.

Added 2/14

The Smith (lunch)

What I ordered: BLT Oyster Sliders, Ahi Tuna Salad

Notes: Perfect lunch spot.

Added 2/14

Patsy’s Italian Restaurant (dinner)

What I ordered: Caesar salad, ravioli 3-ways

Highlights: High-end old-school Italian, white linens, waiters in tuxes

Notes: If you go early, you probably won’t need a reservation. If you visit during prime hours, you will probably need a reservation as the place filled up quickly on a Tuesday night.

Added 2/14

Noodies Thai Kitchen (delivery)

What I ordered: Pad Thai, steamed dumplings, awesome steamed assorted vegetables

Highlights: Authentic, so flavorful, so good.

Added 2/14

Midtown:

Rouge Tomate (dinner)

What I order: Chef’s tasting menu with wine pairing

Highlights: Simply amazing in every way, sustainable seafood, sleek decor, knowledgable and detail-oriented waitstaff, knowledgable sommeliers

Notes: If you’re a lightweight like me, share the wine pairing with a friend. I wish there was a Rouge Tomate in Scottsdale! I probably would not bring young children here for dinner.

Added 3/12

Flat Iron District/Union Square:

15 East Restaurant (lunch)

What I ordered: Three varieties of Japanese oysters, Sushi Omakase (seven pieces plus a hand roll, chef’s choice)

Highlights: Michelin Star recipient. Some of the best sushi you will ever have. Might pretty much ruin most of your future sushi experiences. Sit at the sushi bar if you can – the chef will make your sushi right in front of you and hand it to you with his bare hand. Amazing.

Added 2/14