Yes, I’m capitalizing on the Pokémon GO trend right now. But I’m also giving you my top restaurant picks for NYC Restaurant Week. These are the worthy places to go that I’ve personally tried  – otherwise you can really get stuck with a bummer restaurant. For me, a bummer is a place that is really normal. Maybe the food is good, but it’s just TOO NORMAL. My picks will give you a memorable experience – food & atmosphere included. Plus you’ll look really cool recommending them to friends.

Here are my top picks and what to expect:

The Cecil

M-F dinner

I went here a few years ago after they were named the top restaurant in New York. Then I kept going back. The food is an Afro-American-Asian fusion – which is something you haven’t tried before. Guaranteed. Try the oxtail dumplings, they are bomb.

Bocca di Bacco

M-F lunch & dinner, Sunday brunch, lunch & dinner

There are three location around the city that you can choose from. I tried the dry-aged ribeye steak – ridiculous. In a good way obviously. It was just such a juicy, perfectly salted piece of meat that literally melted in my mouth. Not a joke. And their wines were mindblowing. Just made me want to go back to Italy..

Beauty & Essex

M-F dinner, Sun dinner

One of my fave secret restaurants, Beauty & Essex by Chef Chris Santos has ecclectic plates with bursts of flavor. Plus, the place is super glam and they even have free champagne in the ladies’ bathroom…#winning

Beautique

M-F dinner

Normally a fancy place to splurge, Beautique is coming at you with a true deal for Restaurant Week. I would absolutely go with the Branzino for this one, folks, and try a signature cocktail like the Maison Martini.

 

Miss Lily’s 7A

M-F lunch & dinner

Both Miss Lily’s locations are available for Restaurant Week. Miss Lily’s 7A is one of the best places in NYC to get true Jamaican food. Plus, it’s hilarious and fun – I named it one of the top places to eat with a big group in the city.

Spice Market

M-F lunch & dinner, Sun dinner

Located in Meatpacking, this place is super trendy and impressive. Inside is two giant floors of eccentric Southeast Asian designs. This is where to dress up, get fancy and try some really bold dishes and spicy cocktails.

Smoke Jazz & Supper Club

M-F dinner, Sun brunch/lunch

It’s normally quite hard to get reservations here, as it’s both a restaurant and jazz bar. If you’re looking for a great place to watch authentic Harlem jazz, this is where to do it. Keep in mind you may have to pay a cover for the music, so keep an eye out.

Lido

M-F lunch & dinner

Fresh, Italian fare that REALLY hits the spot. I stumbled into this place one day for a quick meal in Harlem. Loved it. Try any of the handmade pasta dishes.

 

 

 

 

Restaurant Week details:

• Reservations are available now on the NYCgo.com website – restaurant week officially starts July 25th and goes through August 19th. Do it quick, these things book up fast.
• The deal is three courses for either lunch ($29 per person) or dinner ($42 per person).

Get ready to eat! Let me know where you end up going @maryinmanhattan.