Portofino Grille, Manhattan (Upper East Side)

Manhattan is one of the greatest cities in the world for finding elegant, classy, high-end dining spots. But not everyone is looking for that kind of dining experience, which is why places such as the Portofino Grille in the Upper East Side can come as a breath of fresh air. The Portofino Grille, which sits on First Avenue between 63rd and 64th Streets, is a colorful old-school Italian restaurant that has a good bit of cheesiness and a lot of character. Two of its dining rooms have a particularly good amount of charm, with a fireplace in each room and watercolor paintings done by Italian artists.

The menu at the Portofino Grille features a mix of Southern Italian and Northern Italian dishes, including pasta, pizza, chicken parmigiana, veal valdostana, potato-crusted sea bass, lamb chops, and sirloin steak. Ths dessert list is quite extensive, with such items as a marsala custard, creme brulee, tiramisu, cheesecake, tartufo, sorbet, profiterole, and gelati. All kinds of wines are available at the Portofino Grille , as well as grappa, port, and cognac.

If you have been to the Portofino Grille in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, please let us know by posting a comment here. Thanks!

Here is the address for the Portofino Grille:
Portofino Grille
1162 1st Avenue
Manhattan (Upper East Side), NY, 10065

The phone number is:
(212) 832-4141

And here is the Web site for the Portofino Grille:
http://portofinogrille.com/

Sammy's Shrimp Box, Bronx (City Island)

So we return to City Island here on this blog, as this Bronx neighborhood is in of itself a hidden gem that the vast majority of visitors to New York City never get to see. Earlier, we had talked about a seafood restaurant on City Island called the Lobster Box; this time around, we are also talking about a seafood restaurant (Sammy's Shrimp Box), and it just happens to be on the same street and within a stone's throw of the Lobster Box.

Sammy's Shrimp Box is a casual spot that has outdoor dining and an attractive interior. The menu is quite extensive, with such items as Maryland crab cakes, littleneck steamers, trout, lobster, swordfish, tilapia, fried blue fish, linguine with clam sauce, prime rib, BBQ chicken, and baby back ribs. There is also a children's menu with a number of items on it. Prices for both lunch and dinner can be a bit expensive (many items run into the $30s, $40s, and even the $50s), but there are also some less pricey options on the menu.

If you have been to Sammy's Shrimp Box in the City Island section of the Bronx, please tell us about it by posting a comment here. Thank you!

Here is the address for Sammy's Shrimp Box:
Sammy's Shrimp Box
41 City Island Avenue
Brooklyn (City Island), NY, 10464

The phone number is:
(718) 885-3200

And here is the Web site for Sammy's Shrimp Box:
http://www.shrimpboxrestaurant.com/

Jarnac Restaurant, Manhattan (West Village)

The West Village of Manhattan is a restaurant lover's dream, with nearly every kind of dining spot imaginable along its narrow, charming streets. And one part of the West Village that is perhaps visited a bit less--and hence an area packed with hidden gems--is the northwestern section of the neighborhood that borders the Meatpacking District. Within this area, and near the end (or beginning!) of Bleecker Street around the corner of W 12th and Greenwich Street, sits a highly-rated French restaurant called Jarnac. Small, unpretentious, and hidden away from the busier streets nearby, Jarnac is a warm and cozy looking place that fits in well with one of the most picturesque (and quiet) sections of Manhattan.

Jarnac features mostly contemporary French food, serving only dinner every night except for Sunday, when they offer a brunch. The menu at Jarnac is constantly changing, partly because fresh (and often seasonal) ingredients are used. Some sample menu items that are featured from time to time include fish pie, roasted confit of duck leg, pan-roasted pork chops, panko-coated jumbo soft shell crabs, and braised beef short ribs. Sample appetizers include squash and leek soup, ricotta dumplings in brown butter, and duck rillettes.

If you have been to Jarnac Restaurant in the West Village of Manhattan, please let us know by posting a comment here. Thanks!

Here is the address for Jarnac Restaurant:
Jarnac Restaurant
328 West 12th Street
Manhattan (West Village), NY, 10014

The phone number is:
(212) 924-3413

And here is the Web site for Jarnac:
http://www.jarnacny.com/

Carol's Cafe, Staten Island (Dongan Hills)

Staten Island may not seem the type of place that would have upscale or higher-end restaurants, but it does indeed have a few here and there mixed in with the chains and cheap eats places. And one that is considered by some to be among the best is a spot in the Dongan Hills section of the borough called Carol's Cafe. This cozy, comfortable spot located in the eastern part of Staten Island features an eclectic mix of Italian, Mediterranean, and New American items. The owner of the restaurant also teaches cooking classes and has a catering business as well.

Carol's Cafe offers a four-course prix fixe menu that is very reasonable in addition to the regular dinner menu. The menu does change depending on the season, but you can expect dishes such as fried calamari, crab cakes, sauteed broccoli rabe, ravioli, spaghetti alla carbonara, penne with sweet sausages and meatballs, beef wellington, rack of lamb, shrimp scampi, and calves liver. The price range is pretty wide, with some items being around $15 and others being $30 or more.

If you have been to Carol's Cafe in the Dongan Hills section of Staten Island, please tell us about it by posting a comment here. Thank you!

Here is the address for Carol's Cafe:
Carol's Cafe
1571 Richmond Road
Staten Island, NY, 10304

The phone number is:
(718) 979-5600

And here is the Web site for Carol's Cafe:
http://carolscafe.com/

Joe's BestBurger, Queens (Flushing)

When it comes to hamburgers, fresh is almost always better, which is probably why Joe's BestBurger (their spelling, not ours) in the Flushing section of Queens gets such good reviews for their burgers. But it's not the only thing that is fresh at this local favorite; the cheese they use is fresh, as are the veggies they put on their burgers. And the fries are handcut, which is also a big plus. In fact, the only negative about Joe's BestBurger might be the fact that it is so far away from Manhattan that if you're visiting that part of the Big Apple only, it may be rather difficult to get to this independent fast-food joint (Flushing is nearly 10 miles from Times Square).

The menu at Joe's BestBurger is pretty simple and straightforward; big, juicy burgers with fries, with the option of getting a single, double, or triple burger. Joe's also offers chicken sandwiches, and if you like cheese on your fries, you indeed can get that here. And for drinks, in addition to the standard sodas and bottled water, you can get shakes, including a hot fudge shake.

If you have been to Joe's BestBurger in the Flushing section of Queens, please let us know by posting a comment here. Thanks!

Here is the address for Joe's BestBurger:
Joe's BestBurger
39-11 Main St
Queens (Flushing), NY, 11375

The phone number is:
(718) 445-8065‎

And here is the Web site for Joe's BestBurger:
http://www.joesbestburger.com/

Joloff Restaurant, Brooklyn (Clinton Hill)

Brooklyn, and New York in general, has restaurants that you will not find anywhere else. Where, for instance, would you find a dining spot that specializes in Senegalese cuisine? Indeed, there is such a place in the Clinton Hill section of the borough called Joloff that has been around since the mid-1990s, and is very well regarded by various critics and newspapers.

Joloff is a small dining spot located a bit north of Prospect Park and Prospect Heights, and not too far east of downtown Brooklyn and Brooklyn Heights. The interior of the restaurant is on the exotic side, with African art found throughout the space. There is also a lounge inside the restaurant for those who would prefer stopping here simply for a drink or two. The menu features all kinds of meat and seafood dishes native to Sengal and West Africa, but as mentioned, it also features a number of vegetarian and vegan dishes, a relative rarity in West African dining spots. Perhaps the signature dish at Joloff is something called Tiebou Jeun, which includes baked fish, jasmine rice in a tomato sauce, and vegetables.

If you have been to Joloff in the Clinton Hill section of Brooklyn, please tell us about it by posting a comment here. Thank you!

Here is the address for Joloff:
Joloff Restaurant
930 Fulton Street
Brooklyn (Clinton Hill), NY, 11238

The phone number is:
(718) 636-4011

And here is the Web site for Joloff:
http://joloffrestaurant.com/

DuMont Restaurant, Brooklyn (Williamsburg)

Like burgers? Well, you're not alone. But where can you find a good burger in Brooklyn? Sure, there are a number of excellent pizza places, tremendous Italian restaurants, and all kinds of ethnic dining spots, but places with decent burgers sometimes seem to fly under the radar in this borough. One place that comes to mind is an American restaurant in Williamsburg called DuMont Restaurant. Now they have much, much more than just burgers at DuMont, but their burgers sure do seem to be mentioned a lot.

DuMont has a classic old-school look to it, with dim lighting, an old tin ceiling, and a well-worn tiled floor. Out back there is an outdoor garden area as well as a section called "the treehouse" at the back end of the outdoor area. The menu features burgers that come with a number of cheeses (including gruyere), but you can also order other items such as a hanger steak, roasted chicken, and macaroni and cheese, as well as various specials. And if you'd like an alcoholic beverage, both the wine list and the cocktails list are quite extensive at DuMont.

If you have been to DuMont Restaurant in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, please tell us about it by posting a comment here. Thank you!

Here is the address for DuMont Restaurant:
DuMont Restaurant
432 Union Avenue
Brooklyn (Williamsburg), NY, 11211

The phone number is:
(718) 486-7717

And here is the Web site for DuMont Restaurant:
http://www.dumontrestaurant.com/

Kuma Inn, Manhattan (Lower East Side)

So by now, we have covered nearly every type of cuisine imaginable in New York City...or have we? Well, perhaps not--we still have a few to cover, including Filipino food, and thanks to a hidden gem in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, we are able to cover that right now. The restaurant we are talking about is called the Kuma Inn, and while it isn't exactly a household name in Manhattan, it is quite popular with locals and those in the know.

The Kuma Inn is set in a rather interesting location, on the second floor of tenement (which the Lower East Side is certainly famous for). The restaurant is pretty small and often packed with the aforementioned locals who love this place, so it is probably a good idea to hit the Kuma Inn either early or late if you're going for dinner. The menu features tapas-style food from the Philippines, including seaweed salad, pork shumai, grilled octopus, sauteed mushrooms, rice cakes, pickled vegetables, and steamed edamame. Most items on the menu come in at under $10.

If you have been to the Kuma Inn in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, please let us know by posting a comment here. Thanks!

Here is the address for the Kuma Inn:
Kuma Inn
113 Ludlow Street
Manhattan (Lower East Side), NY, 10002

The phone number is:
(212) 353-8866

And here is the Web site for the Kuma Inn:
http://www.kumainn.com/

Pelham Bay Diner, Bronx (Pelham Bay)

One of the nicest sections of the Bronx is a neighborhood just off of Route 95 on the eastern edge of the borough called Pelham Bay. It is mostly a middle-class community with attractive tree-shaded streets and a large number of single-family houses. It is also home to a handful of restaurants, including the Pelham Bay Diner. Located just northwest of where Route 95 intersects the Hutchinson River Parkway, the Pelham Bay Diner is has been a convenient stop for folks heading into or out of the city since the early 1980s.

A good-sized place (in addition to a couple of function rooms for events), the Pelham Bay Diner is a family-owned place that is open 24 hours a day. The menu includes a variety of comfort foods such as omelettes, pancakes, French toast, sliders, pizza, burgers, lamb chops, pasta, and fried clams. Prices are fairly reasonable, though some items are a bit higher-priced than you might expect at a diner (a few entrees cost more than $20).

If you have been to the Pelham Bay Diner in the Pelham Bay section of the Bronx, please let us know by posting a comment here. Thanks!

Here is the address for the Pelham Bay Diner:
Pelham Bay Diner
1920 E Gun Hill Road
Bronx, NY, 10469

The phone number is:
(718) 379-4130

And here is the Web site for the Pelham Bay Diner:
http://www.pelhambaydinerny.com/

5 Burro Cafe, Queens (Forest Hills)

Authentic Mexican food can be great, but sometimes you just want food that leans more toward the Tex-Mex side of things. Unfortunately, for many people, the only nearby options for this kind of food are chain restaurants, some of which are not good at all. So that may be partly the reason why 5 Burro Cafe in the Forest Hills section of Queens is such a popular place with locals. It is an independent spot with some authentic Mexican touches inside the place, and is a favorite for both food and drink.

5 Burro Cafe is a fairly small spot that is located just south of Queens Boulevard near where the Grand Central Parkway and the Van Wyck intersect. It is far enough away from Manhattan (more than 5 miles away, actually) to be a spot that few visitors to the Big Apple will ever get to see. The menu at 5 Burro Cafe consists of all the items you might expect at a Tex-Mex place, including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, burritos, and chimichangas. Prices for entrees aren't that bad, with most items being between $10 and $20. 5 Burro Cafe also has an extensive drink menu, including very large pitchers of margaritas.

If you have been to 5 Burro Cafe in the Forest Hills section of Queens, please let us know by posting a comment here. Thanks!

Here is the address for 5 Burro Cafe:
5 Burro Cafe
7205 Austin Street
Queens (Forest Hills), NY, 11375

The phone number is:
(718) 544-2984

And here is the Web site for 5 Burro Cafe:
http://5burrocafe.com/

Salvatore of Soho, Staten Island (Dongan Hills)

While much of the best traditional thin-crust New York-style pizza is found in the boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, both Queens and Staten Island have their share as well. And one place near the eastern edge of Staten Island called Salvatore of Soho can claim to be one of the better spots, partly because the owner used to make pizzas at one of the best pizza joints in the entire Northeast (Lombardi's in Manhattan).

To keep with tradition, Salvatore of Soho has a custom-made coal-fired oven in the place which is crucial to making a perfect thin-crust pie. Organic, locally grown ingredients are also used in making pizzas here. In addition to pizza, Salvatore of Soho also offers a variety of entrees, including all kinds of sandwiches, chicken parmigiana, lasagna, baked ziti, sausage and peppers, and eggplant rollatini.

If you have been to Salvatore of Soho in the Dongan Hills section of Staten Island, please tell us about it by posting a comment here. Thank you!

Here is the address for Salvatore of Soho:
Salvatore of Soho
1880 Hylan Boulevard
Staten Island, NY, 10305

The phone number is:
(718) 979-7499

And here is the Web site for Salvatore of Soho:
http://www.salvatoreofsoho.com/

Amy Ruth's Restaurant, Manhattan (Harlem)

A little while back, we mentioned the classic soul-food joint Sylvia's, which is in the Harlem section of Manhattan. Well, there is another Southern-style dining spot about 10 blocks south of Sylvia's that is also certainly worth mentioning. Indeed, Amy Ruth's Restaurant gets the same kind of rave reviews from people that Sylvia's does, and is just one more of many excellent restaurants in this vast northern section of the borough.

Amy Ruth's Restaurant has been in existence since 1998, serving up soul food and Southern cuisine to both locals and visitors to New York who somehow found out about this gem. Breakfast at Amy Ruth's includes all kinds of waffles (including the classic waffle/chicken dish) as well as Virgina-glazed ham and sausage. For lunch and dinner, patrons can choose from items such as gumbo soup, a mesclun salad, pork chops, oxtail stew, catfish sandwiches, collard greens, and macaroni and cheese. Desserts include country bread pudding, peach cobbler, and sweet potato pie.

If you have also been to Amy Ruth's Restaurant in the Harlem section of Manhattan, please let us know by posting a comment here. Thanks!

Here is the address for Amy Ruth's Restaurant:
Amy Ruth's Restaurant
328 Lenox Avenue
Manhattan (Harlem), NY, 10027

The phone number is:
(212) 996-0660

And here is the Web site for Amy Ruth's Restaurant:
http://www.amyruthsharlem.com/

Mill Basin Kosher Delicatessen‎, Brooklyn (Mill Basin)

Mill Basin is one of seemingly countless neighborhoods within the Brooklyn borough of New York City. It is pretty far out in the borough, near the southwestern edge of Brooklyn and northeast of Sheepshead Bay, Brighton Beach, and Coney Island, all of which are a good distance from Manhattan, But Mill Basin is still a pretty densely populated place and has a number of restaurants in the area, one of which is a beloved Kosher deli called Mill Basin Kosher Delicatessen‎.

Located about a half mile east of Flatbush Avenue and maybe 1 mile west of the Beltway, Mill Basin Kosher Delicatessen‎ is in a pretty convenient location for those who know where it is. The deli is actually a combination restaurant/art gallery, with a pretty impressive collection of artwork. But the food is the main draw for many here, and the menu features all the classic dishes you would expect at a Kosher dining spot. kasha varnishkas, knishes, chipped liver, potato pancakes, stuffed cabbage, matzo ball soup, beef tongue, pastrami, and corned beef.

If you have been to Mill Basin Kosher Delicatessen‎ in the Mill Basin section of Brooklyn, please tell us about it by posting a comment here. Thank you!

Here is the address for Mill Basin Kosher Delicatessen‎:
Mill Basin Kosher Delicatessen‎
5823 Avenue T
Brooklyn (Mill Basin), NY, 11234

The phone number is:
(718) 241-4910‎

And here is the Web site for Mill Basin Kosher Delicatessen‎:
http://www.mssk6.bizland.com/

Viand Cafe, Manhattan (Upper West Side)

Being a restaurant reviewer, I rarely go to the same place more than once, especially when I'm outside of my hometown of Boston. But there are a few spots that are repeat places for me, including a nice little coffee shop/diner on the Upper West Side of Manhattan called the Viand Cafe. There is nothing outstanding about this place, but to me, it is a classic New York City breakfast and lunch spot that is popular with locals as well as those visitors who know about it.

Viand Cafe is a bustling spot, yet is a comfortable place to eat with a large number of booths, many of which look out at the unforgettable street scene that can only be found on the Upper West Side. The menu has a large variety of comfort food items, including good pancakes, omelettes, and French toast for breakfast, and all kinds of sandwiches for lunch. The shiitake mushroom burger is a winner, and the sweet potato fries are flavorful and not too greasy. Prices are just a little high, but being that the restaurant is located in one of the busiest parts of the largest city in America, perhaps the prices can be justified.

If you have also been to Viand Cafe in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, feel free to post a comment about the place as well!

Here is the address for Viand Cafe:
Viand Cafe
2130 Broadway
Manhattan (Upper West Side), NY, 10023

The phone number is:
(212) 877-2888

And here is the Web site for Viand Cafe:
http://web.mac.com/erickk/Viand_Cafe/Welcome_.html

Venice Restaurant, Bronx (South Bronx)

The South Bronx generally isn't known as a dining destination (and in fact is a place that many people try to avoid because of its dubious history), but there are some interesting dining spots here and there, including an old-fashioned Italian restaurant that has been around since the early 1950s. And while the Venice Restaurant may not be in an area that folks visit while in New York, it is a highly-regarded spot that is worth considering if you are a lover of old-school red-sauce joints.

The inside of the Venice Restaurant features murals of Venice, Italy, and simple, basic round and square tables. For those who are worried about their cars outside, the restaurant has a parking lot with a security system. The menu is filled with familiar Italian dishes such as baked manicotti, linguine with clam sauce, lasagna, eggplant parmigiana, and fried calamari. Prices are dirt cheap for New York City, with most items being well under $20.

If you have been to the Venice Restaurant in the South Bronx, please let us know by posting a comment here. Thanks!

Here is the address for the Venice Restaurant:
Venice Restaurant
772 East 149th Street
Bronx, NY, 10455

The phone number is:
(718) 585-5164

And here is the Web site for the Venice Restaurant:
http://www.venicerestaurant149.com/

Molly's Pub and Restaurant, Shabeen, Manhattan (Gramercy)

Manhattan has countless Irish pubs, many of which have the authentic feel of watering holes across the pond on the Emerald Isle. But some are "more" authentic than others, and one place in the city that gets rave reviews for its authenticity is Molly's Pub and Restaurant on Third Avenue near Gramercy Park. Molly's, which has been around since 1960, is the real deal, with sawdust on the floor, a wood-burning fireplace, and a mahogany bar.

The menu at Molly's Pub and Restaurant features a mix of authentic Irish cuisine and pub grub. Diners can choose from onion soup, fried calamari, chicken wings, corned beef on rye, a variety of burgers (including a buffalo burger), lamb stew, fish and chips, shepherd's pie, sausage and mashed potatoes, corned beef and cabbage, and chicken pot pie. Molly's is open for lunch and dinner and also has a weekend brunch.

If you have been to Molly's Pub and Restaurant in Manhattan, please let us know by posting a comment here. Thanks!

Here is the address for Molly's Pub and Restaurant:
Molly's Pub and Restaurant, Shabeen
287 3rd Avenue
Manhattan, NY, 10010

The phone number is:
(212) 889-3361

And here is the Web site for Molly's Pub and Restaurant:
http://www.mollysshebeen.com/

Casa Romana, Queens (Sunnyside)

Queens has a fairly large Romanian population, with many living in the Sunnyside section of the borough (just east of Manhattan, along Queens Boulevard). And not surprisingly, there are a number of Romanian restaurants in the area, including one with a mix of authentic Romanian cuisine and traditional entertainment called Casa Romana.

Located right on Queens Boulevard, Casa Romana is easy to get to from Manhattan, especially if you have a car and there is little traffic, in which case you can get there in maybe 5 minutes from Midtown East. The atmosphere is old-world European, with a cozy, intimate feel. The menu at Casa Romana features a variety of Eastern European and Romanian specialties, including stews, stuffed mushrooms, pork chops, and sausages. Prices are mostly moderate.

If you have been to Casa Romana in the Sunnyside section of Queens, please let us know by posting a comment here. Thanks!

Here is the address for Casa Romana:
Casa Romana
3920 Queens Boulevard
Queens (Sunnyside), NY, 11104

The phone number is:
(718) 784-4768

And here is the Web site for Casa Romana:
http://www.casaromanarestaurant.com/

Byblos Restaurant, Manhattan (Murray Hill)

Manhattan seems to have a good number of nearly every type of restaurant one can imagine, but when it comes to Lebanese cuisine, there seem to be relatively few choices. Fortunately, there are a few options for Lebanese food, including a place that gets a lot of positive reviews called Byblos Restaurant, which is in the Murray Hill section of Manhattan. Byblos is a fairly spacious restaurant with an old-world look to it. In addition to the main dining area, a lounge can be found on the lower level that can also be used for various functions.

The menu at Byblos Restaurant features Middle Eastern dishes of all kinds, with an emphasis on Lebanese dishes. Appetizers include hommus, grape leaves, falafel, tahini, and baba ghannouj; entrees include kafta kebobs, lamb chops, grilled porgies, red snapper, baked kibbee, stewed okra, and stuffed squash with yogurt sauce. Prices are moderate, with most entrees being between $15 and $25.

If you have also been to Byblos Restaurant in the Murray Hill neighborhood of Manhattan, please let us know by posting a comment here. Thanks!

Here is the address for Byblos Restaurant:
Byblos Restaurant
200 East 39th Street
Manhattan (Murray Hill), NY, 10016

The phone number is:
(212) 687-0808

And here is the Web site for Byblos Restaurant:
http://www.byblosny.com/

Lomzynianka Restaurant, Brooklyn (Greenpoint)

A little while ago, we mentioned a Polish restaurant in the Greenpoint section of Brooklyn called Karczma. Well, as we had mentioned in that posting, Greenpoint is home to a good many Polish people, so you would think that there would be other Polish dining spots in the area. Well, there are, including one just north of McCarren Park (and a few blocks south of Karczma) called Lomzynianka Restaurant.

Located on bustling Manhattan Avenue, Lomzynianka is a fairly small place that serves simple, honest Polish cuisine. Prices are dirt cheap, with entrees generally being well under $10. Pierogies and blintzes are two of the specialties at Lomzynianka, but there is so much more on their menu, including stuffed cabbage, goulash, kielbasa, viener schnitzel, tongue, boiled hocks, and meatloaf.

If you have been to Lomzynianka Restaurant in the Greenpoint section of Brooklyn, please tell us about it by posting a comment here. Thank you!

Here is the address for Lomzynianka:
Lomzynianka Restaurant
646 Manhattan Avenue
Brooklyn (Greenpoint), NY, 11222

The phone number is:
(718) 389-9439

And here is the Web site for Lomzynianka Restaurant:
http://www.lomzynianka.com/

Killmeyer's Old Bavaria Inn, Staten Island

Contrary to popular belief, there are many reasons to visit Staten Island. Its tree-shaded streets, open spaces, beautiful waterfront views, and interesting shops and restaurants make it a borough definitely worth checking out. And speaking of restaurants, there is one on the west side of the island (very close to New Jersey as the crow flies) that is a must for lovers of historic dining spots and/or German food. Indeed, Killmeyer's Old Bavaria Inn is a classic old spot with a charming interior and an endless list of beers that would certainly be a hugely popular place if it were located in Manhattan,

Killmeyer's Old Bavaria Inn has an old-world atmosphere with a tin ceiling, old-fashioned hanging lights, and a festive overall feel. There is also an outdoor beer garden for when the weather is warmer. The menu at Killmeyer's Old Bavaria Inn includes such standards as potato pancakes, goulash, sauerbraten, rouladen, wienerschnitzel, and for dessert, apple strudel. And for beers, well, you have literally hundreds from which to choose, including a number of good ones from from Germany.

If you have been to Killmeyer's Old Bavaria Inn in Staten Island, please tell us about it by posting a comment here. Thank you!

Here is the address for Killmeyer's Old Bavaria Inn:
Killmeyer's Old Bavaria Inn
4254 Arthur Kill Road
Staten Island, NY, 10309

The phone number is:
(718) 984-1202

And here is the Web site for Killmeyer's Old Bavaria Inn:
http://killmeyers.com/

Johnny's Pizzeria, Brooklyn (Sunset Park)

Many, if not most pizza lovers who are familiar with Brooklyn probably know of such classic joints as Grimaldi's, Totonno's, Di Fara, and Spumoni Gardens. But buried within the streets of this enormous borough are some real neighborhood standouts that remain under the radar. One such place is Johnny's Pizzeria, an old-fashioned pizza joint in the Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn (between Bay Ridge and Park Slope). Johnny's is truly a local spot, having been in business since the late 1960s and catering to folks who live in the surrounding area.

Johnny's Pizzeria has a number of items on their menu (including heroes and pasta dishes), but it's really all about the pizza here, and folks can order either whole pies or single slices. In addition to the familiar thin-crust pies is something called a grandma pie, which is basically a square-pan pizza with a thin crust. They also have a thick-crust option, as well as white pizza, a lasagna pie, and a baked ziti pizza.

If you have been to Johnny's Pizzeria in the Sunset Park section of Brooklyn, please tell us about it by posting a comment here. Thank you!

Here is the address for Johnny's Pizzeria:
Johnny's Pizzeria
5806 5th Avenue
Brooklyn (Sunset Park), NY, 11220

The phone number is:
(718) 492-9735

And here is the Web site for Johnny's Pizzeria:
http://www.johnnyspizzeria.com/

Tides Seafood, Manhattan (Lower East Side)

There are some truly great seafood restaurants in Manhattan, but many of them are so popular that it is nearly impossible to get a seat unless you have reservations. But if you are ever in the Lower East Side of the city, there is a seafood place that receives some very high praise and yet is far enough away from the crowds that it is possible to get a seat there on a moment's notice. The restaurant--Tides Seafood--is the hidden gem if there ever was one.

The atmosphere at Tides Seafood is uniquely appealing, as the layout of the place is funky and modern, and at the same time casual and comfortable. And the menu is every bit as impressive as the decor, with such items as mussels and chorizo stew, baked red snapper, bouillabaisse, roasted cod fillet, and fresh Maine lobster. Prices are a bit high for a casual seafood place, with entrees generally between $20 and $30, but the freshness of the seafood is probably worth the extra money. Please note that Tides Seafood is cash only, so make sure you hit the ATM before coming to this spot.

If you have also been to Tides Seafood in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, please let us know by posting a comment here. Thanks!

Here is the address for Tides Seafood:
Tides Seafood
102 Norfolk Street
Manhattan (Lower East Side), NY, 10002

The phone number is:
(212) 254-8855

And here is the Web site for Tides Seafood:
http://www.tidesseafood.com/

Il Toscano, Queens (Douglaston)

There are finds, and then there are finds. And Il Toscano in the wealthy outer regions of Queens (Douglaston) certainly seems to be one. This Northern Italian restaurant is popular mainly with locals from this beautiful part of Queens as well as other sections of Long Island's North Shore (including the aptly-named Gold Coast). It is an attractive, intimate little restaurant that has been around since the mid-1980s, yet is still mostly a hidden gem. And while it is more than 10 miles from the urban canyons of Manhattan, but really isn't all that difficult to get to if you're coming from Westchester County, the Bronx, or Connecticut.

The menu at Il Toscano features a variety of Northern Italian entrees (as well as some Southern Italian dishes), including duck confit spring rolls, baby chicken with Tuscan sausage, double-cut veal chops, grilled branzino (sea bass), spinach pappardelle, fettuccini with shrimp, spinach and cheese ravioli, and lasagna with with both bolognese sauce and bechamel sauce.

If you have been to Il Toscano in the Douglaston section of Queens, please let us know by posting a comment here. Thanks!

Here is the address for Il Toscano:
Il Toscano
4205 235th Street
Queens (Douglaston), NY, 11363

The phone number is:
(718) 631-0300

And here is the Web site for Il Toscano:
http://iltoscanony.com/

Sylvia's Restaurant, Manhattan (Harlem)

The Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan is kind of the "great unknown" to many visitors, even though it makes up a large section of the island. But to some, Harlem seems like a bit of a rough place, and one that tourists need not go to. This could not be further from the truth, as there is so much to see and do in this neighborhood, including museums, historic churches, interesting nightclubs, and some can't-miss restaurants. And one such restaurant is Sylvia's, a soul-food joint on Lenox Avenue between 126th and 127th Streets that has been around since the early 1960s.

Sylvia's Restaurant is all about southern-style comfort food, with the menu featuring items such as country-style slab bacon, salmon cakes, catfish fingers, chicken livers, baked ham, BBQ ribs, fried chicken, and collard greens. The restaurant also has some interesting desserts such as banana pudding, peach cobbler, and sweet potato pie. And for those who aren't able to get to the restaurant but would like to try some of their foods, a number of food products can also be ordered, including sauces, canned foods, spices, mixes, and soups.

If you have also been to Sylvia's Restaurant in the Harlem section of Manhattan, please let us know by posting a comment here. Thanks!

Here is the address for Sylvia's Restaurant:
Sylvia's Restaurant
328 Lenox Avenue
Manhattan (Harlem), NY, 10027

The phone number is:
(212) 996-0660

And here is the Web site for Sylvia's Restaurant:
http://www.sylviasrestaurant.com/

Cole's Dockside, Staten Island

Even though much of New York City is located on or near the water, it is not as easy as you might think to find a restaurant with good water views, especially if you are looking for a casual, inexpensive place. But there is such a restaurant on the east shore of Staten Island called Cole's Dockside, and its views are indeed quite impressive.

Cole's Dockside which has both indoor and outdoor dining, features seafood dishes in addition to traditional American cuisine and some Italian entrees. The menu includes fried calamari, crab cakes, duck rolls for appetizers, and penne vodka with shrimp, grilled tuna wasabi, Sicilian pork chops, filet mignon, and veal parmigiana for entrees. Prices are pretty reasonable, with most items being under $20 and a few being between $20 and $35.

If you have been to Cole's Dockside in Staten Island, please tell us about it by posting a comment here. Thank you!

Here is the address for Cole's Dockside:
Cole's Dockside
369 Cleveland Avenue
Staten Island, NY, 10308

The phone number is:
(718) 948-5588‎

And here is the Web site for Cole's Dockside:
http://www.colesdockside.com/

F & J Pine Restaurant, Bronx (Van Nest)

As much as some diners shrug off old-fashioned Southern Italian restaurants in favor of more upscale, refined Northern Italian dining spots, sometimes people just want to have a heaping plate of chicken, veal, or pasta at a reasonably-priced, unpretentious red-sauce joint. And if you happen to be in the Bronx, you have seemingly endless choices, including a local favorite in the East Bronx (in the Van Nest neighborhood) called F & J Pine Restaurant.

A family-friendly spot in a close-knit working-class part of the Bronx, F & J Pine Restaurant is a popular place for weddings, birthday parties, and other events because of the large rooms available within the restaurant. Their everyday menu features mostly familiar Southern Italian dishes such as pasta fagioli, linguini with clam sauce, baked ziti, chicken cacciatore, and grilled sausage. They also have a variety of pizzas and heroes. There is a pretty wide price range at F & J Pine Restaurant, but many of the dishes cost less than $20.

If you have been to F & J Pine Restaurant in the Van Nest section of the Bronx, please let us know by posting a comment here. Thanks!

Here is the address for F & J Pine Restaurant:
F & J Pine Restaurant
1913 Bronxdale Avenue
Bronx (Van Nest), NY, 10462

The phone number is:
(718) 792-5956‎

And here is the Web site for F & J Pine Restaurant:
http://www.fjpine.com/main.html

Le Toukouleur, Brooklyn (Bedford Stuyvesant)

The Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn is sometimes seen as a section of the borough to avoid, but "Bed-Stuy" has a lot to offer, including a number of interesting dining spots that also happen to be off most people's radar. One example of this is a French-African restaurant called Le Toukouleur that would probably be hugely popular if it were in Greenwich Village or Brooklyn Heights. But because it is in the heart of Bed-Stuy, it remains little-known.

Le Toukouleur has is an exotic-looking place with African art and decor mixed with trendy, modern touches. The menu at Le Toukouleur has a mix of mostly French, North African, and Caribbean items, including escargot, butternut squash soup, saltfish cakes, braised lamb, seafood stew, steak tartare, and prawns, and for dessert, banana creme brulee and apple tarts. Meals are very reasonably priced, with most entrees coming in a well under $20.

If you have been to Le Toukouleur in the Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, please tell us about it by posting a comment here. Thank you!

Here is the address for Le Toukouleur:
Le Toukouleur
1116 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn (Bedford Stuyvesant), NY, 11216

The phone number is:
(718) 611-0607

And here is the Web site for Le Toukouleur:
http://africanfrenchrestaurant.com/

Gaetana's, Manhattan (West Village)

I just returned from another trip to Manhattan and went to several good restaurants. But perhaps none stick in my memory as much as a cozy little Italian restaurant on the edge of the West Village called Gaetana's. This dining spot, which is located near the Hudson River at the corner of Christopher Street and Greenwich Street, is quite an impressive place, but it gets little coverage in restaurant guides, books, or Web sites. Perhaps this is because it is indeed out of the way, just far enough from Bleecker and W 4th Streets that folks don't even know if its existence.

The inside of Gaetana's is perfect for a date, as it is dark and romantic with warm lighting throughout. But it is also a place for families, friends, and workmates, as it is casual and low key. The food that we ordered there was mostly excellent, including the fire-roasted red peppers with roasted garlic, the lentil soup, the pumpkin ravioli with sage and butter sauce (on special that night), and the chicken pomodoro (which had an outstanding red sauce with a zesty, hearty flavor). Even the bread that came at the start of our meal was top notch, and it came with a nice dipping oil with lots of black pepper in it. Prices for our meal were bordering on cheap, with prices in general at Gaetana's coming out to around $10-20 for most meals, not including a soup, salad, drinks, etc.

If you have also been to Gaetana's in the West Village neighborhood of Manhattan, please let us know by posting a comment here. Thanks!

Here is the address for Gaetana's:
Gaetana's
143 Christopher Street
Manhattan (West Village), NY, 10014

The phone number is:
(212) 675-3913

And here is the Web site for Gaetana's:
http://www.gaetanasnyc.com/

The Rambling House, Bronx (Woodlawn)

Way, way up in the Bronx, about as far as you can go and still be in New York City (and indeed right at the Yonkers border), is a close-knit Irish neighborhood called Woodlawn. It is a place full of Irish bakeries, pubs, and restaurants, and is a fine place to grab a burger and a Guinness while listening to traditional music. One such place is The Rambling House, a truly authentic Irish pub and restaurant located in the heart of Woodlawn on Katonah Avenue. It is a place you can go to hear traditional Irish seisuins over a pint or two, and in the warmer months, you can opt to sit outside where a number of table are set up out front.

The menu at The Rambling House is a mix of authentic Irish cuisine (bangers and mash, lamb stew, shepherd's pie, chicken curry, fish and chips, toasties) and more American pub grub and entrees (chicken tenders, quesadillas, burgers, ribs, meat loaf). Prices are reasonable, with most entrees being under $20.

If you have been to The Rambling House in the Woodlawn section of the Bronx, please let us know by posting a comment here. Thanks!

Here is the address for The Rambling House:
The Rambling House
4292 Katonah Avenue
Bronx (Woodlawn), NY, 10470

The phone number is:
(718) 798-4510

And here is the Web site for The Rambling House:
http://www.ramblinghouse.com/

Cheburechnaya, Queens (Rego Park)

Let's face it; while most restaurants can be classified in one or maybe two categories, there are some dining spots for which it simply can't be done. Take Cheburechnaya in the Rego Park section of Queens, for example. Is it Kosher? Middle Eastern? Bukharian? Russian? Uzbek? Tajik? Well, the case can be made for any/all of these categories of cuisine. But no matter how you categorize Cheburechnaya, the bottom line is that its menu is varied and fascinating, with many dishes that you may actually have never heard of.

Cheburechnaya, which is a short distance southwest of Forest Hills and Flushing, is a fairly large restaurant with a capacity of about 100. Its menu, as mentioned above, is varied, with such exotic items as chebureki, samcy, grilled branzini, sea bass kebabs, veal liver kebabs, and lamb heart kebabs. The menu also features some more familiar dishes as pea soup, salmon steak, humus, spaghetti and meatballs, and grape leaves.

If you have been to Cheburechnaya in the Rego Park section of Queens, please let us know by posting a comment here. Thanks!

Here is the address for Cheburechnaya:
Cheburechnaya
92-09 63rd Drive
Queens (Rego Park), NY, 11374

The phone number is:
(718) 897-9080

And here is the Web site for Cheburechnaya:
http://www.cheburechnaya.com/

Cafecito, Manhattan (East Village)

It wasn't all that long ago that and much of the section of Lower Manhattan called "Alphabet City" was seen as a place to stay away from. But much of this part of the East Village has greatly improved, and some parts are now quite popular with locals and tourists alike. And along with the improvements to Alphabet City are an influx of interesting restaurants, including a Cuban dining spot on Avenue C called Cafecito. Casual, reasonably priced, and unpretentious, Cafecito is a gem of a place that is popular with folks who live in the neighborhood, but is nearly unknown outside of Alphabet City and the East Village. It is small--and can fill up quickly on weekends--but weeknights seem to be fine for grabbing a seat right away.

Authentic Cuban food is the name of the game at Cafecito, with some dishes that might not be familiar to some. Included on the menu are chicken and beef empanadas, roasted corn and black bean fritters, homemade chicken soup, a breaded steak sandwich, grilled chorizo with onions and cheese, char-grilled skirt steak with chimichurri, boniato (sweet potato) hash, and pulled roasted chicken. Sides include yuca fries, plantains, and saffron rice. And for dessert, there is flan as well as a flourless chocolate cake.

If you have been to Cafecito in the East Village neighborhood of Manhattan, please let us know by posting a comment here. Thanks!

Here is the address for Cafecito:
Cafecito
185 Avenue C
Manhattan (East Village), NY, 10009

The phone number is:
(212) 253-9966

And here is the Web site for Cafecito:
http://www.cafecitonyc.com/

Gargiulo's Restaurant, Brooklyn (Coney Island)

Thanks to an acquaintance of mine who grew up in Brooklyn, I have been concentrating on that borough of late, and this entry is no exception. Gargiulo's Restaurant, in his opinion, is a can't-miss place, and while it is anything but hidden to Brooklyn locals who have been coming here for years and years, folks outside of Coney Island and the rest of the borough might not know much about it. But Gargiulo's is purely old-school; an Italian restaurant where people feel like they are stepping back into the early or middle 1900s. From the huge space to the old-fashioned red sauce dishes, Gargiulo's Restaurant is indeed a throwback.

Because of its spacious digs (room for up to 400), Gargiulo's is a popular spot for weddings, as well as all kinds of parties and functions. And for those heading to Gargiulo's for a simple night out, their menu is quite extensive, with all kinds of soups, salads, and appetizers, and a number of instantly familiar dishes such as homemade ravioli, lasagne, and manicotti; several risotto dishes; entrees with sausages, chicken, pork, veal, beef, and seafood; and a variety of desserts including homemade cheesecake.

If you have been to Gargiulo's Restaurant in the Coney Island section of Brooklyn, please tell us about it by posting a comment here. Thank you!

Here is the address for Gargiulo's Restaurant:
Gargiulo's Restaurant
2911 West 15th Street
Brooklyn (Coney Island), NY, 11224

The phone number is:
(718) 266-4891

And here is the Web site for Gargiulo's Restaurant:
http://www.gargiulos.com/

Elia Restaurant, Brooklyn (Bay Ridge)

Many people tend to think of Greek restaurants as casual, cheap eats types of places that often do counter service or, if not, then perhaps sitdown service in little informal dining rooms. But in New York City, there are a number of upscale and high-end Greek restaurants that go way beyond the typical chicken lemon soup, spinach pie, grape leaves, and moussaka that the more casual Greek dining spots often feature. And while many of these higher end places are in Manhattan, there are also a good amount of them in the boroughs, including Bay Ridge, which is where Elia Restaurant happens to be located.

Elia (which an acquaintance of mine who grew up in Brooklyn pointed out to me, by the way) has a cozy, warm, old-world atmosphere to it, with archways, hanging lights and sconces, and wooden floors adding lots of character to the place. (There is also an outdoor patio for the warmer months.) The menu at Elia features such exotic dishes as braised clay pot baked shrimp, lamb ravioli, and rabbit stew, with prices for entrees being mostly in the $20 to $35 range. There are also a number of interesting appetizers (including baby octupus salad) and desserts (including hand-pressed Greek yogurt).

If you have been to Elia Restaurant in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn, please tell us about it by posting a comment here. Thank you!

Here is the address for Elia Restaurant:
Elia Restaurant
8611 Third Avenue
Brooklyn (Bay Ridge), NY, 11209

The phone number is:
(718) 748-9891

And here is the Web site for Elia:
http://www.eliarestaurant.org/

Lakruwana , Staten Island (Tompkinsville )

Many of the restaurants that we mention within this blog feature cuisines that people might not be familiar with (and hence, are hidden gems in part because of this). And Lakruwana in the Tompkinsville section of Staten Island certainly fits into this category. Lakruwana, which is located on Bay Street (a short distance south of the St. George Terminal where the ferry to Manhattan departs), is a restaurant that features Sri Lankan cuisine, a type of food that is very rare not just in New York City, but in most parts of the United States.

Sri Lankan cuisine is a bit similar to Indian food, but many of the dishes found in Sri Lankan restaurants are much different from what you would find at an Indian dining spot. For instance, Lakruwana features such unique dishes as parippu soup (vegetarian soup with red lentils), fish cutlets (fried fish croquettes with Sri Lankan spices), string hopper kottu (rice flour nets stir-fried with garlic, onions, and chiles), chilaw prawn curry, and deviled chicken stir-fried with green and red pepper, onion, garlic, and ginger.

If you have been to Lakruwana in the Tompkinsville section of Staten Island, please tell us about it by posting a comment here. Thank you!

Here is the address for Lakruwana:
Lakruwana
226 Bay Street
Staten Island, NY, 10301

The phone number is:
(718) 420-0027

And here is the Web site for Lakruwana:
http://lakruwana.com/