LAChowhounder in the city for 2 days!

[allisonteal]

I used to live in New York (5 years ago) and while I have my favorite places, I am wondering if there is anything that I must go to or that is missing from my list:

Union Square Cafe
Grammercy Tavern
John's Pizza
Magnolia Bakery

Need more recs for breakfasts, casual lunches and nice dinners - any cuisine - more in the village/union square area. Just want really amazing food!

Thanks!

[Miss Needle]

I would definitely hit Momofuku noodle bar or ssam place -- a gourmet spin on a Japanese noodle shop and wrap place. Definitely was not here five years ago. I don't think LA has any place like it. It's located in the East Village.

[jenikap]

City Bakery is a must for breakfasts, etc...

[allisonteal]

I have been to City Bakery in NY many times, but we actually have a City Bakery out here now - although its not nearly as good as the one in NY and no one here likes it. I don't think people are used to paying $14 a lb for salads:)

[jenikap]

Point well taken.

[sam1]

Gramercy Tavern and Union Square Cafe are okay but I would go with Veritas (across the street from Gramercy) and maybe Eleven Madison Park with the not so new anymore chef.

John's Pizza doesn't do much for me. I'd consider trying Demarco's...Houston and Sullivan. It's owned by the kids of Difara's owner and while not as good as dad, I think its my favorite square pie in manhattan.

I would stop everything and go to 'ino for lunch or early dinner. Truffled egg toast, cheese plate, quatro panini, and some wine and you are in heaven. Very small and no reservations so earlier the better.

Crispo is a great idea as well.

[NAtiveNewYorker]

Yes, switch DeMArco's for John's BUT go to the take-out seating area NOT the restaurant. Restaurant has different pizza chefs (go figure) and lousy, lousy service.

Little Owl on Bedford and Grove is the new popular place in the West Village. Use the excellent Snack Taverna down the block if your dinner reservation there falls through.

For lunch get an Italian Hero at Faicco's on Bleeker Street. Dessert down the block at Roccos (cannoli). Or falafel at Taim on Waverly.

Chocolate croissant and coffee at Patisserie Claude on w. 4th. (Most people love that place.)

[pellegrino31]

Here's two suggestions:

1) Crispo: After seeing a lot of postings on this place, I finally had a chance to go this past weekend for dinner and it was amazing. Well executed Italian. The food was terrific - started with the risotto balls and frisee salad. Then my SO and I shared the spaghetti carbonara and the whole roasted branzino special. Perfect on both counts. Dessert was strawberries with marscapone and balsamic vinegar. Definitely recommend!

2) Grey Dog: good casual lunch place in W. Village - sandwiches, soups, salads. Gets pretty crowded though.