NYC restaurants located within a 5 minute walk of 23rd Street Station | Ratings, Reviews & Maps

Honestly, I have never had a burger this good anywhere in the European Union, and even in some parts of America it’s hard to find something like this. The burger was incredibly juicy, perfectly cooked, and literally melted in my mouth. The meat was flawless, full of flavor, and paired perfectly with the crispy fries. The taste is simply unforgettable. If I ever come back to New York, I will definitely visit this place again!
JPi JPi - 2 weeks ago

Stopped by Shake Shack - Madison Square Park at night, and it was the perfect late-evening bite while walking the city. There’s something about grabbing food here after dark—the park is calm, the city lights are glowing, and it just feels very New York. The burgers lived up to the hype: hot, fresh, and full of flavor without being overdone. Fries were solid, and the shakes were a great finish, especially on a cold night. Even with people coming and going, the line moved quickly and everything felt well organized. What really made it special was the setting. Sitting in Madison Square Park at night, food in hand, watching the city move around you—it’s simple but memorable. It didn’t feel rushed or overly touristy, just a great spot to slow down for a bit and enjoy the moment. If you’re walking around Manhattan at night and want something reliable, casual, and genuinely good, this Shake Shack is an easy recommendation.
Kenneth Hiner - 4 months ago

Standing in line at a burger place in Manhattan for twenty-five minutes on a Tuesday is the kind of thing that sounds like a bit too much effort until you're actually doing it and you realize the line is moving and the park is nice and there are people around you who clearly do this regularly and seem completely fine about it. The original Shake Shack is a small kiosk in the southwest corner of Madison Square Park and the setting does something to the experience that the chain's other locations can't quite replicate. Something about ordering outside and then carrying your tray to a table under the trees makes the whole thing feel a little more like an event than a lunch. The ShackBurger is smaller than I always remember it being and then the first bite happens and that stops mattering. The patty has a thin-smash quality where the edges get a slight crispiness and the ShackSauce ties everything together without overthinking it. I ordered the SmokeShack as a second because someone ahead of me in line mentioned the cherry pepper mayo and I couldn't let it go, and honestly the SmokeShack is the better burger. The cherry pepper and the crispy shallots push it somewhere the ShackBurger doesn't quite reach. The cheese fries are crinkle-cut and hold up better than most against the cheese sauce, which is a not-small accomplishment. I also got a chocolate milkshake and it was so thick the straw was mostly a suggestion. This is the correct thickness for a milkshake. The seating in the park is first-come, first-served and fills up fast, but if you get a table it's genuinely a pleasant way to eat. There's also covered heated outdoor seating attached to the kiosk itself so it runs year-round regardless of weather, which I appreciated. It's a good spot to just sit and watch people for a while. This is where the whole thing started, which gives it a weight that newer locations don't have. It's still a very good burger in a very good setting. That's a complete sentence and it doesn't need anything added to it.
Jake Bashaw - 2 months ago

It was a long lineup , which made me to think it should be a good place to try the food. I almost waited for 15-20 mins for order and get the Veggie burger. I loved the vibe which is a nice park and has bench to seat. I would say it was ok, but worth to stop and try because of the vibe.
Tannaz Nouri - 8 months ago

The hot dogs were very good. The service fast and friendly. The vibe in the park was perfect with a busking Jazz trio adding to the atmosphere. My only wish that smokers (all weeds) were not allowed near tables where people are eating.
Dave Marshall - 8 months ago

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(Review from Dec. 2025): First time at Gramercy Tavern, we had lunch on the tavern side. We both really enjoyed everything we ate, they are serving some really solid American food. The flatbread and dips and the burger stood out above the rest. I think the burger is an all timer in the city. The milk and cookie dessert was fun but it didn’t blow us away. Gramercy also has a great cocktail program, so definitely keep that in mind. I had one of the best dirty martinis ever, it came with homemade blue cheese olives that were out of this world. As to be expected of this restaurant group, the service we experienced Michelin quality, attentive but warm and easy. They brought us a complimentary mini-cake to celebrate our anniversary, it was delicious. One great thing about Gramercy is how seasonal it is. It makes you want to return to see the new menu items and motifs. Overall, highly recommend Gramercy Tavern and can’t wait to return!
Jerry Huntley - a week ago

Had such a great experience at the Tavern at Gramercy Tavern. The service was outstanding from start to finish — attentive, welcoming, and made the whole dining experience feel special. The food was also absolutely delicious. The pesto bread was truly one of a kind and honestly one of the highlights of the meal. The pork shoulder was incredibly flavorful and tender, and the burger was juicy, rich, and perfectly cooked. The fish was just okay compared to the other dishes, but everything else really stood out. And the dessert… the upside down mango cake was to die for. Such a unique and memorable ending to the meal. Overall, definitely worthy of a 5-star experience and I would absolutely come back again.
Tiffany Cheung - a month ago

If I had to become a regular anywhere, this would be my pick. You can tell how impressive this restaurant is by the way they execute American cuisine—which, as you know, is usually my least favorite. But they absolutely nailed it. I was genuinely so pleased with everything. The farm chicken with the onion rings were standouts. Crispy, perfectly fried. The beef steak sandwich looked incredible, but I was way too full to even take a bite—so I’ll definitely be back and will keep you posted. The beef carpaccio was delicious, and while the mushrooms pasta were slightly salty, the creamy, flavorful sauce paired perfectly with the sweet potato bun. (This is their restaurant week menu!) And let me just say—the desserts are a must. You have to get the apple pie. It was amazing, especially with the hint of balsamic vinegar and Parmesan—holy moly!! The chocolate cake came with a woodside-flavored ice cream that I had never tried before, and I absolutely fell in love. The back room is stunning, and the service is easily the kind to deserve 30% tip—attentive, polished, and welcoming. This is also an amazing spot to bring your partner to meet the family!
Michelle Chen - 4 months ago

My husband and I had a late lunch with our parents to celebrate our wedding earlier that same day, and Gramercy Tavern was the perfect treat to mark the occasion! From the moment we walked in, the service we received warm and welcoming, and every staff member we interacted with congratulated us. The food and cocktails we ordered were all delicious, but the burger and cherry sundae were the true standouts—I will be talking about the sundae for a long time. And the complimentary toast and cake we received were such thoughtful touches. For Michelin-quality food and service, it's hard to to beat Gramercy Tavern's value. Already looking forward to my next meal there!
Tyler Rivera - a week ago

I’ve been wanting to try Gramercy Tavern for a while, and it didn’t disappoint. The space is beautiful—big but warm, with a great vibe that makes it feel both lively and welcoming. Service throughout was friendly, personable, and exactly what you’d expect from a restaurant of this caliber. I went with the tasting menu, which was excellent and very seasonal. Each course came with two options, and there were some tough choices to make. The meal started strong with an amuse-bouche of oysters that were outstanding and set high expectations for the rest of the night. The beets I had as a starter were delicious and perfectly in season, and the hay-smoked gnocchi was another standout—rich, earthy, and full of flavor. The lamb was also excellent, though my portion had a bit more bone than I would’ve liked. Dessert brought things full circle with a hazelnut tart in a Concord grape sauce that was both seasonal and beautifully balanced. Overall, an outstanding dinner and a place I’d happily return to!
ReedH - 7 months ago

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This review is a treasured memory of my visit to Eleven Madison Park in 2017, before they transitioned to a plant-based menu. Having previously dined here in 2013 and 2014, this was my third visit, and sharing this meal with my family made it an incredibly special and unforgettable experience. Even back then, securing a reservation was famously difficult. It required a deposit, and changing or canceling was no easy task, making the booking process quite a hurdle. However, every single moment at the restaurant made it entirely worth it. The dishes were the pinnacle of sophistication—healthful, deeply satisfying, and a true feast for both the eyes and the palate. The flavors were absolutely magnificent. Furthermore, the hospitality was genuinely warm and welcoming, creating a perfectly comfortable and relaxing atmosphere despite its prestigious reputation. I haven't had the chance to visit since they became a fully vegetarian restaurant, but I am very much looking forward to returning and experiencing their new culinary chapter. A timeless icon of New York dining!
Ann - 2 weeks ago

We have always wanted to come to Eleven Madison and when they re-introduced some meat to the already amazing plant-based menu, we knew it was time. Wow. The most important thing to note is that the service was spectacular. This, for us, was the most important factor. There was an elegance and sophistication to the service that was helped by the perfect atmosphere. The food was incredible and just surprises you with each bite. Dishes you might never order on your own will totally surprise you. The duck was incredible and the lobster tail was the most tender and flavorful I have ever had. By far the most amazing dish was what I believe was a plant-based take on Caviar service. It was incredible. If you have the opportunity, this is the Michelin 3 that you should not miss.
Sam - 2 months ago

Eleven Madison Park redefined what fine dining means in New York and then redefined it again when they went fully plant-based. Daniel Humm took one of the most celebrated tasting menus in the world and rebuilt it from scratch without animal products and somehow made it even more creative. The multi-course experience is a journey through technique presentation and flavor that challenges everything you think you know about vegetables grains and fruits. Each course arrives like a small piece of art and tastes even better than it looks. The sunflower butter with sourdough bread is so good that it could be the entire meal and you would leave satisfied. The dining room overlooking Madison Square Park is one of the most beautiful restaurant spaces in the city high ceilings natural light and an energy that is both serious and joyful. The service is beyond anything I have experienced elsewhere every member of the team is knowledgeable passionate and genuinely invested in your experience. They explain each dish with enthusiasm that is contagious. The wine and beverage pairings are inventive and perfectly matched. This is a restaurant that asks you to trust the kitchen and rewards that trust completely. Whether you agree with the plant-based direction or not you cannot deny the ambition and execution. Eleven Madison Park is not just a restaurant it is a statement about what food can be when creativity has no ceiling.
Kevin Joyce - 3 months ago

I celebrated my 7 year business anniversary here and as soon as I arrived, I was taken care of. My table had a congratulatory artwork perched on a beautiful wooden stand. They knew details about me and my silent retreat business. Everyone cheered for me, asked about the future of my company, and made sure I had an amazing time. It felt like a runway, servers swirling about rhythmically, and always on point. There was a hum of the city on the inside and a sense of slowness as each entree arrived. Before I left, I was even given a gift! The food was amazing!! I wanted more of everything yet I know it was portioned to perfection. The plant based entrees truly were awe-inspiring. After talking with various people, I realized I'll need to return during a different season and try more delicious dishes in the near future! Really grateful I chose to come here to celebrate and seeing table after table be saluted as well, it felt like the perfect place to be! Thanks to everyone who made it happen, made me feel welcome, and inspired me to reach higher!!
Dr. Brittany Conners - 2 months ago

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Yeah just a heads up I’m gonna be glazing on this one. Barbounia is of my top five restaurants in the city. Every dish on the menu ranges from very good to outstanding, and the service is consistently polished and professional. Despite its popularity, the restaurant strikes the perfect balance - energetic and bustling without ever feeling overcrowded. I’ve been here for date nights, large group dinners, and solo meals at the bar, and it excels in every setting. The soaring ceilings, warm lighting, and comfortably moderate noise level create an exceptional atmosphere that’s both lively and inviting. Tonight’s martini was impeccably crafted, the octopus was tender and flavorful, and the steak was cooked to perfection paired with an Italian red (Chianti Classico, a Tuscan stalwart). A special shoutout to the tall Argentinian bartender (Johan?) who is the epitome of hospitality behind the bar. Knowledgeable, personable, and effortlessly attentive, he elevates the entire experience and makes every visit feel memorable. Barbounia continues to deliver one of the most consistently excellent dining experiences in the city.
Alex Schull - a week ago

Barbounia was a great place to share a meal with coworkers, especially since the menu is built well for trying a variety of dishes together. Everything we had was good and the overall experience felt polished and enjoyable. That said, nothing really blew me away. The food was solid across the board, but there was not a particular dish that made me immediately want to come back for it. The lamb chops were probably my favorite part of the meal. They were flavorful and cooked well, though I will say they felt a bit pricey for the portion you actually get. The atmosphere is lively and works really well for group dinners or work outings where you want a nice meal in a comfortable setting. Overall, I am glad I got to experience it, but I am not sure it is a place I would rush back to anytime soon. 🍽️🙂
Andrew Dabydeen - a month ago

Friends and I tried this restaurant for dinner. We were seated on time, in the middle of a beautiful dining room. The menu is extensive with a good variety of mezze, appetizers, soup and salad, mains and dessert. The wine menu also has a good selection of domestic and international wines. We ordered a couple of mezze, the Portugal Grilled Octopus and the Kalamata Olive Flatbread for appetizers. These were very delicious, particularly the octopus which was tender and well seasoned. For entrees we tried the short rib tagine and the lamb kofta kebab terracota. These were also delicious. For dessert we shared the Silan and the Rosewater Panacotta. We were disappointed with the desserts. The Silan was overly sweet and the panacotta was unexciting. Overall we enjoyed our dinner at Barbounia. The service was friendly and efficient. And the atmosphere was lively.
Kiu Siu - a month ago

I think I enjoyed the beautiful atmosphere possibly more than my dinner. My friend and I shared the short rib tagine and the grilled octopus. She loved her cocktail, mine was just ok. I can't remember the name of our dessert but it was my favorite part of the meal Overall It was good, and i'm glad I went, but i'd probably only go back for more of that dessert.😋
Arlene James - a month ago

I’ve been walking by this restaurant for years in hopes I would get to eat there one day. My husband and I were walking around and decided to make a last minute reservation. Best decision ever! We got the Branzino and Duck Shawarma. Everything was absolutely amazing and we were talking about it all night. Beautifully decorated and the staff were so great I changed my tip amount to the highest percentage on the receipt. Keep being amazing!! Can’t wait to come back.
Maya Bayliss - 3 months ago

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This restaurant was recommended to us, and I’m genuinely thankful we decided to give it a try. From the moment we sat down, everything just felt right. When I say this was one of the best meals I’ve ever had, I truly mean it. Every dish we ordered was outstanding, from flavor to presentation, and you could tell a lot of care went into each plate. Beyond the food, the atmosphere was calm, warm, and incredibly relaxing, which made the whole experience even better. It’s the kind of place that reminds you how special a really great meal can be. We’ll absolutely be back the next time we’re in the city.
David Warfle - 5 months ago

Cannot say how great our experience was! Cocktail list was interesting and the drinks were well made. For food- It’s rare that the bread service blows you away. It was soft, crispy-crusted, flavorful, and included a unique and very tasty spread. For appetizers, the broccoli was highly recommended and I now understand why. Tuna was solid and had a unique flavor to it but nothing out of this world. For mains, the lamb rack and duck pasta were spectacular. We sat upstairs and our server, Mike, gave fantastic service. I highly recommend you test this place out and ask for Mike!
Kyle S. - 4 months ago

I was treated to my Mother’s Day dinner here this year. My son made an excellent choice. I have never had such an amazing meal and the service was out of this world. We were served warm bread when we sat down. We ordered a Crab Cale and Duck Liver Profiterole for an appetizer. They were both delicious. For dinner I ordered the Gemelli allo Zafferano. This was absolutely the most delicious shrimp dish I’ve ever tasted. My son had the Mafaldine all’ Anatra (Duck Ragu). I am not at all a duck fan but, wow! Very tasty. We also ordered the Chocolate Hazelnut Tart, it too was out of this world. Hands down one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten. Thank you to the staff for also being ON POINT! Highly recommend!
Alana Spears - 2 weeks ago

I love the staff here, they’re so great and attentive! Food was really good but not jaw dropping insane, perhaps our expectations were high given the hype. Seafood platter was alright, the salmon was really good and had a cilantro sauce of some kind. The burger was good but I’d rate it 8.5/10 - the frites were delicious though. We did like everything, drinks were yum, all in all it was a nice dinner.
Annie - 2 weeks ago

Food was lovely and well cooked. The flavors were there as well as the spectacular service provided. The broccoli was well seasoned with a nice flavor profile that provided depth from sweet to savory. The potatos were lovely, texture and flavor was there. Chicken was just right and tender, no flaws there. I was content with the meal and experience overall.
Tan - a month ago

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I dined alone and was warmly greeted by Thor. He showed me to my table and immediately took my cocktail order. My waitress arrived promptly with my drink order. She then took my meal order, which arrived promptly. The braided lamb shank was delicious. The ingredients were fresh and the portions were huge! The dessert was fabulous! I enjoyed a great solo dining experience! I highly recommend L'Express!
Melanie Parker-Campbell - 2 months ago

Good place on park ave next to union square. L’express offers French cuisine dishes with a touch of general Mediterranean dishes. The food is overall good and offers a decent value for money. However, the steak in the steak frites was a bit chewy and we were charged extra for the au poivre which is a bit weird. The au poivre sauce was a bit watery also. The Niçoise salad was very nice and the tuna was of high quality. We got crème brûlée for dessert which was pretty good. At other times I took their burger which is recommended. They have a homemade lamb burger that has a strong flavor and they recommend eating it with goat cheese. I’m not sure about the goat cheese it didn’t go that well together in my opinion. Overall good experience and good value for money relatively to a French restaurant in New York City.
Guy Eichler - 2 months ago

This place is so cozy and welcoming, with really great food. I stopped by after a doctor’s appointment and was extremely hungry, and it was exactly what I needed. Maritza was our server, and she was warm, and attentive. I ordered the omelette du jour with a side salad, and my partner ordered the same but with egg whites. They were very accommodating and happy to add extra eggs to our order. The omelette was full of flavor and absolutely delicious. The service was excellent, and she made the experience even better. We will definitely be coming back!
JEA.M NYC - 5 months ago

Classic French restaurant with a lovely atmosphere and fantastic service from our server Carmen! We ordered the onion soup, steak frites, and the gnocchi with mushroom and broccolini (sauce and texture were perfect). All delicious—would recommend to anyone looking for a classic French meal in the city!
Sasha Tang - 2 months ago

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Dined here last weekend and had the restaurant week menu. Generous portions and a good variety to choose from. I tried the artichokes which were delicious snd the rigatoni (pasta was perfectly cooked). The restaurant week special drink was really refreshing too. I was looking forward to the olive oil cake but it was dense, a bit hard and not what I’d recommend. Service was friendly, but a few times we had to wait to get our servers attention. Overall, a nice spot, so long as service can be more prompt.
Saira Sethi - 4 months ago

What a wonderful experience I had at Vallata! From the moment I walked in, the host greeted me with kindness and confirmed my peanut allergy (so rare to get this service before sitting down). The good service continued, even down to the water service. Our host was super friendly, and I believe it was the manager who came over at one point to check in on us. All around just 11/10 customer service! As for the food, SO delicious! Restaurant week was such a great opportunity to try a little bit of everything. The hot honey pizza was insanely good, the short rib cavatelli was *chefs kiss*, and the olive oil cake was some of the best I’ve had in the city. Chef Tom was also back there in the kitchen! Will 100% be back 😍
Jade D - 4 months ago

I saw an IG post of Tom C making a sandwich at the grand opening of Vallata yesterday and had to try it. The Ossessione was Mortadella, Stracciatella, Pistachio pesto, black garlic aioli and arugula on a focaccia bun. So good. Every ingredient worked well together with the bun. I also had a few bites of my wife’s 8 1/2 porchetta sandwich. Also very tasty. Service was very attentive and friendly. Maybe a little inexperienced since it was an opening. The “dessert “ of the meal was getting to meet Tom, Kristen and Gail along with season 21 winner Danny Garcia.
Wesley Leong - a year ago

This place is amazing! Better than Misi and had no wait walking in on a Saturday night.Great for a causal dinner with a great ambiance
Andre Costa - 5 months ago

Everything was exceptional, and it felt like we were getting the royal treatment! Waitstaff were extremely attentive, patient with answering questions, and asked about allergies/dietary restrictions right away. The food off of the Restaurant Week menu was all quite good. Don’t miss the crispy artichokes, which are paired with a garlicky lemon sauce. And the olive oil cake goes perfectly with the (cardamom?) ice cream that accompanies it—truly to die for!
R VS - 4 months ago

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We were in the city to try food places specifically, with this being Tom Colicchio's restaurant, us being huge Top Chef fans it was a easy choice. The restaurant is very nice and semi casual. The drinks were great, service was great. The food was where it didn't live up to the expectations. Nothing stood out, nothing overly impressed you to say you'd come back for that meal. It did not feel like a $250+ dinner for 2. It felt like $100-$150. Glad we tried it? Yes. Would we go back? No, too many other options in this price range to try.
Ty Ansley - 5 months ago

I've never given anywhere a clean-sweep of 5 stars until now. This place didn't just exceed expectations they smashed it out of the park. Thanks to the staff for making our experience so special. We will cherish the memories forever. Btw the halibut and short rib got high praise, but it was everything else that made it so special. The small, unexpected samplers inbetween course and the menu with the customized message was icing on the cake.
M R - a month ago

The food, service, and ambiance were all first class. This was a borderline Mount Rushmore meal for us. Every dish we got was delicious and our cocktails were both great as well. You can't go wrong eating here.
Matt Modderno - 2 months ago

There’s a certain kind of restaurant that’s almost more exciting because it isn’t constantly screaming for your attention. Halfway through dinner at Craft, I realized I couldn’t wait to start telling people about it, especially the ones who somehow still haven’t been yet. Tom Colicchio’s longtime mainstay feels like a reminder of what American fine dining looked like before everything became about spectacle. Quiet confidence. Exceptional ingredients. Service so polished and deeply professional that you almost forget how rare it’s become until you experience it again. I started with the tuna tartare and octopus. The tartare was pristine: fresh, perfectly seasoned, restrained in all the right ways. The octopus was genuinely some of the best I’ve ever had. Beautiful char on the outside, impossibly tender inside. It immediately took me back to incredible octopus I had in Lisbon years ago. Then came the classic braised short rib, rich and deeply savory in that old-school, comforting way that never goes out of style. Unctuous, fatty, perfectly cooked, sitting over sharply umami mushrooms with bright spring asparagus alongside to cut through the richness. And dessert sealed it. A molten chocolate soufflé that I genuinely have not stopped thinking about since last night. Craft is the kind of restaurant that reminds you why certain places become institutions in the first place. No gimmicks. No trend chasing. Just excellence, consistency, and hospitality at an incredibly high level. A true American classic and officially on my regulars list every time I’m in New York City.
Christopher Metoyer - a month ago

It may feel frozen in time in Y2K but how charming! Farm to table is new again. The food and service are solid and the ambience was lively with jazz music and a good crowd. Highly enjoyed our delicious three course meal and tasty cocktails and wine.
Steven Lee - 3 months ago

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Fabulous Russian Eatery in NYC... Alex, our server, was super friendly and attentive, making suggestions and guiding our experience. Decor is like being in your families old world home where time stands still....its always 12:20, as the clock on the wall says!!! Food was exceptional, we ate pickled veggies, stewed tomato salad, Herring with red onion, grilled lamb, roasted Duck, napoleon and coffee A splendid time was had
Ra Chag (Crwadads Cuisine) - 3 months ago

The authentically delicious Russian dishes were the real highlight. Every bite felt true to tradition — rich, flavorful, and expertly prepared. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Russian cuisine or trying it for the first time, the menu offers classics done right, with bold flavors and satisfying portions. Beyond the food, the service was friendly and made the whole evening feel personal. I also loved how the space draws you in with its thoughtful decor and lively yet inviting vibe — it’s one of those places that stays with you long after you leave. We had both a lunch here and a takeout experience, and both were absolutely exquisite. It’s rare to find a place that delivers the same level of quality and care whether you’re dining in or enjoying it at home — but they truly do. Highly recommend for anyone craving authentic Russian cuisine in a beautiful setting!
MAXIM PAK - 4 months ago

What gets you first is the unique vintage Soviet style atmosphere. You are literally teleported back 40 plus years. From the toilets to photos on the wall, your in a tastefully done restaurant. Tasty, that’s the food, a wonderful verity of tradition classics from salads to soups to Russian kebabs and more. Drinks to desserts, and my favorite honey cake. Even the music will bring you back in time to the 60s 70s and 80s, all Russian. We will return!
Timothy Brennan - a month ago

The decor is amazing, and the whole restaurant is super clean and stunning! Great service from Palina. The food is good. I removed one star because about half of the items we wanted to order were unavailable.
Veranika Skurat - 2 weeks ago

I wanted, truly wanted, to give this place five stars. Mari Vanna is, without exaggeration, one of the most delicious, comforting, and beautifully executed Ukrainian/Russian meals I’ve had in a long time. The rolled eggplants were silky, rich, and perfectly balanced with that creamy cheese filling. The khachapuri? Golden, indulgent, and borderline addictive. The lamb shank fell apart like it had something to confess. The dumplings were soft, delicate, and dangerously easy to keep ordering. And the borscht… deep, soulful, the kind of dish that makes you pause mid-conversation and just… respect it. And then there’s Nelly. Nelly is exceptional. Warm, intuitive, effortlessly charming. She doesn’t just serve you, she hosts you. The kind of person who makes you feel like the restaurant is running because you walked in. If this review were based solely on Nelly and the kitchen, I’d already be planning my birthday dinner here. But unfortunately… there’s Vlad. You don’t miss Vlad. Not physically, he looks like he could bench press the table you’re sitting at. But energy-wise, it’s a whole different experience. He moves with a kind of high-tension intensity, like everything is just slightly personal. Plates arrive with a firmness that suggests unresolved feelings. There’s eye contact that lingers, not warmly, not aggressively, just… pointedly. Like you’ve entered into a dynamic you didn’t agree to but are now somehow part of. At one point, trying to be polite, I asked for his name. Without missing a beat, he responded, “Why are you asking?”, then turned his back and walked away with the urgency and gravity of someone about to deliver the future king of a small but emotionally complicated nation. It’s a very specific energy. Polished on the outside, tightly wound underneath. The kind of presence that feels like it’s constantly performing strength while quietly asking for something else entirely. You don’t question it. You just take your dumplings and proceed carefully. Nothing was dropped. Service was technically fast. But hospitality is more than delivery, it’s atmosphere. And Vlad brings an atmosphere that, let’s say, competes with the borscht. So here we are. An incredible kitchen. A standout server in Nelly. And a dining room presence that shifts the entire tone of the experience. Two stars. Because sometimes, all it takes is one person to turn a perfect evening into a very memorable… situation. Would I return? Yes. Would I hope Nelly intercepts my food before it reaches Vlad? Also yes.
Alex Mz - a month ago

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I’m now friends with Friend of a Farmer - and I can’t wait to hand with them again. What an eclectic spot, nestled in the charming Gramercy Park neighborhood of NYC. Reservations are a must, as this place is right and seating is limited. But it’s worth it. The aesthetic is 19th century New England farmhouse, so forget the dark styling and modern atmosphere that populates most of Gotham’s eateries. This place is as unique as they come. Grab a table or sit at the warm bar on the first floor. We opted for brunch, which was to die for. I had a breakfast wrap with a spicy kick and layered with sausage and egg. My wife had a full breakfast complete with eggs and pumpkin pancake, and it was all top notch. And OMG… the home fries. Boom. Service was little rustic, meaning it was slow - but we weren’t in a rush. Bathrooms are clean, so another plus. They can also fit a larger group upstairs, but I’m guessing you need advanced reservations to pull that off. Put this place on your list. A must-try.
Matthew Garrepy - 2 months ago

Friend of a Farmer is one of my favorite restaurants. The ambiance is beautiful with such a cozy and welcoming atmosphere😊 The staff is always very kind and attentive, and I especially want to mention my server today, Terrence, who was wonderful. My favorite dish is the Boomer Special — I always choose the French toast and sausage. It never disappoints! I highly recommend this place for any occasion ❤️
Mima Mandic - 3 months ago

Went here for a solo breakfast whilst in NYC. Really cosy interior, really enjoyed the design and warmth of it. The staff were very friendly and chatty, which was appreciated. I ordered the boomer special (which is a little bit of everything) with the apple pancakes and the smoked salmon as the protein - it was all delicious and very well done classic American food. Coffee was also great. Thank you 💫💫
Tabby Brough - 5 months ago

If you’re going with a group, I’d recommend reserving the room at the entrance. It’s like a small attic room - intimate, cozy, and beautiful decor. The crostini was my favorite appetizer although the sweet potatoes were great. The chicken pot pie lived up to the hype, it’s seriously a must order here. Lastly, I recommend the crimson harvest for drinks! It’s so good!
Abby - 2 months ago

First time visiting to Friend of a Farmer. The decor is super cute and cozy, and the service was friendly and attentive. Already a long line outside of the door when we arrived and the host would come sit you by party size as tables open, but the wait wasn’t bad at all. We ordered the quinoa bowl and the crab cake benedict special, and both were delicious with very generous portions. We didn’t try their famous chicken pot pie this time, but would definitely come back with a bigger group to share one next time. Overall a great experience!
Kyle Liu - 3 months ago

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