adventures of mascarah.

Where to Eat in Soho & Nolita

I’ve been called a “walking Zagat guide” by more than a few of my friends and although I’m far from that, I am most definitely a lover of food. I’ve started sharing my top picks, hood by hood. If you’re new to my lists, here’s West Village, Chelsea & Flatiron and LES. Next Tuesday? East Village. Now…without further ado..

Best:

• Savoy: So. Fresh. So. Good. Nothing innovative but totally tasty. This place is a little gem. One of my favorites in the neighborhood.
• Balthazar: Home of the downtown power brunch, the secret reservation line…and an amazing shellfish/oyster platter that will blow your mind. This is the most copied restaurant in the world and rightly so. It’s just one of those places…
• Lure Fish Bar: LOVE this place. Amazing burger, fabulous oysters, fresh sushi and my favorite shrimp appetizer in the world. Advice: post up at the bar and skip the more pretentious dining room. This place is a bit of a scene but somehow it works…
• Blue Ribbon Sushi: Delicious. Fresh. Yummy.
• Café Habana: CORN. ON. THE. COB. And everything else is pretty good too (on top of that the waitresses are almost always HOT).

Good:

• Raoul’s: An old school institution that is a fun place to unwind with your friends and people watch generations of locals gathering for pate and wine. Probably the most uptown place in Soho but it gets a free pass because there’s something about it that is just really cool.
• Boqueria: One of my favorite tapas joints in the city with a mean sangria. The original is in the flatiron district but this new, second outpost is a bit more spacious and equally delicious.
• Ed’s Lobster Bar: A direct Pearl Oyster knock-off but still packs a solid lobster roll.
• La Esquina: A legendary location with a solid menu. A bit pricey and not very authentic but overall it is just a dang good time.
• Lombardi’s: Lines around the block and no reservations at this famous pizza joint. Come with your family on a Monday and be prepared to wait.
• Café Gitane: Best dang couscous ever!
• Aquagrill: Falafel crusted fish that will blow your mind and a shellfish plateau that rivals Balthazar’s. I love this place for a fresh, delicious seafood night out. (Note: A bit on the pricey side…)
• Mercer Kitchen: Jean. Georges. Pricey and a major scene but solid food, all around. Great place to take your model-izer friend.
• Kenmare: Go now while my friend Joey is at the helm. Order the chicken, gnocchi, meatball sliders, chocolate cake.
• Peasant: Solid italian in a cozy environment. A bit pricey but overall delish

Cheap:

• Calexico: a taco cart with guys who get it right. It’s new Texan taco, but it’s a great cheap quick lunch. Chipotle pork = king.
• Hampton Chutney Co: I’m not sure how authentic these dosas are but delicious they most definitely are. One of my favorite on-the-go lunches in Soho. I like to take them around the corner to the open space on Lafayette, pop a squat a dig in. Delish.
• Hoomoos Asli: Delicious shawarma at a pretty affordable ($8.75) price…
• Lucky Strike: One of my fav late night and random bar eats in this part of town. A little frat-tastic at times but during the week it scores a solid crowd (bonus: for ladies – lots of good rugged eye candy)
• Café Select: Cheap, good wine with affordable, solid eats.
• Famous Ben’s Pizza: yummy, cheap and open late night. Love their square slices.
• Kelley & Ping: Grab a lunch box (Dim Sum, Rice/chicken or pad thai) or a noodle dish from this yummy Asian grocery and noodle shop.
• Café al Portal: One of my favorite burritos in the city and if you live in the area- they deliver!
• Pinche Taqueria: Grab a few to go. Won’t blow your mind but they are quite solid. Favs include: rolled tacos, carnitas, carne asada and al pastor.
• Ruby’s: I love this Aussie café and their fun, somewhat authentic food. The aussie burger is divine.

Brunch:

• Nolita House: Absolutely LOVE their Bluegrass Brunch – mac & cheese and live music and Coors Light = awesome.
• Hundred Acres: From the Cookshop & Five Points guys so you know this joint is local, fresh ingredient driven and very good. Downside? Super long waits and staff who are rude more often than not.
• Felix: Annoyingly cash only but the pitchers of caipirinhas and mojitos are fabulous, ditto on the fries. And some of the hottest male waiters I’ve ever seen…
• Café Colonial: I’m not sure if anything here is mind blowing but it is a solid, delicious brunch.
• Public: One of my favorite brunches in the city and way too long of a wait.
• Lovely Day Café: Irish Sausage & Fried Egg sandwich. Orgasmic.

Random:

• L’Orange Bleue: Not the best food in the world but a really fun place to go with a group. They have an awesome belly dancer show that happens every half hour or so and a super fun staff.
• Café Noir: Sometimes obnoxious, sometimes a perfect place to eat some late night fries and a delicious baked brie (so FREAKING good).
• 8 Mile Creek: Has to be on the list somewhere because it’s packed to the brim with hot aussies more often than not.
• Emporio: An awesome happy hour at the bar with super cheap wine and solid pizzas.
• Rice to Riches: Tons of different types of rice pudding. Not the best you’ll ever have but still worth an occasional visit.

Skip:

• Downtown Cipriani: In a word? BLAH.
• Elizabeth: There’s just nothing good about this space besides the garden in the back and the fact that it’s on Elizabeth St. Overpriced and just not worth it.
• Snack: Is there a good Greek restaurant in this city? Because I can’t find one in Manhattan that I love. Astoria or bust?
• Shorty’s 32: Some of the worst service in the city and mediocre food.

I’m sure I’m missing some places so tell me…what do you think?