UWS -- looking for something new or over-looked

[jcooper]

I am looking for something new'ish/over-looked on the UWS (80s/90s/100s) to try Friday. No Indian, Chinese/Thai/Vietnamese (not that I don't like it, just been doing too much of it). We like Pair of 8's or Ouest (and can handle that price point), but have been there recently with our dinner companions. Any ideas will be appreciated...

[Daniel76]

I would tell you to go to Spiga or the spot that use to be called Onera..

[poorstudent]

Citrus a fusion of Latin American, Japanese/Sushi, Mexican, a trendy place on the corner of 75th and Amsterdam.

[mcoleman]

Citrus seconded. It's not a destination but a functional neighborhood spot, the sushi is surprisingly good tho some of the rolls are a bit busy. caveat: really loud later.

[poorstudent]

thats the tradeoff for a good trendy place

[CJEamadeus]

I like Sipan on Amsterdam and 94. Surprisingly unknown, but features very good moderate-priced Chilean food, is cozy and attractive, with good service, good drinks.

[jsgjewels]

Sipan just closed, they're converting it into a different type of restaurant. Too bad, I also liked it when I went, great ceviche.

[voodootrane]

Kinda surprised not to hear Cafe con Leche (we hit the one on 95th and Amsterdam); they're arroz con pollo and ropa vieja are great every time. Also, Malecon on 97 for rotisserie chicken (the skin is ridiculously good) and their boneless chicarron de pollo.

Just below your range on Amsterdam between 77th and 78th, there's La Vela; just had a good meal there with my fiance and her mother. Another Italian possibility is acqua, which I've enjoyed a few times (Amsterdam and 95th)

[caphill2320]

I would second the recommendation of Genarro. The food there is fantastic, authentic italian, but go early and bring cash!

[JoLi]

I like Tenzan for sushi and Cafe Ronda for argentinian food. Love Ouest, Telepan and Compass (in that order) for higher end food.

[Pan]

I'm not familiar with Cafe Ronda. I'm just guessing that it may be in the 70s? How do the food and prices compare with Pampa?

[nativeNYer]

cafe ronda is on col bet w72 and w71. it is more of a tappas place with a couple of argentian grills . prices of the grills are comparable to pampa's. ronda is a cute place and the food is good. service is a bit shaky at times.

[JoLi]

Yep. I like to get the Parrillada when I go to Ronda (mixed grill), enough to feed 2 folks easy. never had a problem with the service there, although not stellar, I don't think it's ever been noticeably bad.

[jsmitty]

have u tried land on amsterdam and low 80's.its low cost, flavorful thai. somewhere in between authentic thai and creative thai. small room. i like it.

[nativeNYer]

overlooked: how about pomodoro on columbus and W71. no one mentions this place on this site but it's always crowded. food, service and atmosphere are great.

[jsmitty]

cassis is formulaic french bistro mediocrity!

[comidaqueen]

I love Compass. Have found the food and service to be fabulous every time I go (which is rather frequently).

Other UWS ideas, for sushi I like Haku on Broadway and 89th. I have heard good things about Pizzabolla, but I haven't been yet. Am a big fan of Celeste. I have had tasty brunch meals at Good Enough to Eat, Barney Greengrass and Sarabeth, but I haven't been to any of them for dinner. I have also heard good things about Turkuaz on 100th and Broadway, but haven't been for dinner yet!

[Marine Engineer]

I went to Turkuaz with three friends a week ago, and I thought it was great. We all had a glass of wine, split the cold appetizer sampler (which was awesome, the bread they give you is great too) and an entre each, for $40 each including tax and tip. I had the Sultans delight, which was lamb cubes in a gravy over roasted pureed eggplant. Really good. I took a nibble of the girls dishes, and everything seemed to be good. Then the bellydancer came out and danced for about 20 minutes.

Pizzabolla is also very good, a bit cheaper, very good pasta, a good inexpensive wine selection.

[Ben]

I notice nobody has mentioned Compass. I believe it is in the upper-end class for the area. Overlooked or do people disagree? Or too variable over the years?

[selizara]

I go to Compass on a pretty regular basis. I have always found their menus to be interesting, and the service attentive and gracious. In the past three years, after many visits, I have yet to be disappointed. Also, their prix-fixe pre-theater deal is a great and easy choice.

[nychowgirl]

Barcibo is a new wine bar at 69th and Bway that's owned by the same guy who owns Bin 71. The menu is similar to Bin's (cured meats and cheeses, panini, etc.) and while it doesn't have the same cozy feel of Bin because it's at least 3x the size, it's a pleasant and roomy alternative to Bin if you plan to stay in the neighborhood and want a better chance of finding a seat when you arrive.

[ohny]

Thanks for the update nychowgirl...sounds like a decent place to check out.

[jcooper]

Thanks everyone for their suggestions. I've been to most of the places listed and like most of them....but I guess I am looking for someplace I haven't been. I guess there are very few new places and even fewer overlooked restaurants on the UWS. I'll look into Ana's, Cassis, Picnic, and Barcibo Enoteca. If anyone else has some other ideas or comments about these 4 places, I'd appreciate it.

[ohny]

While just south of where you mentioned...
There is a new place that just opened on Broadway at w. 68th or w 69th I think. Its called Barcibo Enoteca (or something to that affect). I'm not entirely sure, but it I think it is a wine bar with tasting plates?
Anyone tried this place yet or have word on it???

[jsgjewels]

What do you guys think of Ana's on 103d? I've been there once just for apps and thought that was quite good, so wondering if the rest measures up.

[nychowgirl]

PS: I actually prefer the food at Cassis to the food at Luxembourg....also Cassis is neighborhoody while Luxembourg is a little more of a scene (...as much of a scene as you can find on the UWS, that is!)

[nychowgirl]

I think Bistro Cassis is often overlooked on the UWS. It's probably been open a year and while the food is your standard French fare, it always delivers. Certainly not in the league of a place like Ouest or Telepan, but I think it's excellent and if you haven't been, it's worth a try.

[Sean Dell]

PS

But if you're looking something reliably good, in a wonderful room, try Luxembourg, as jsmitty suggests, above.

[Sean Dell]

We ate at 'Cesca last night, and I have to say it was superb. The bruschetta(e) were wonderful. One in particular stood out, ricotta with a topping of finely chopped brussels sprouts and mint. Wow.

We both had pastas, which is unusual. Mine because their Sunday special is a sauce of sausage and something-or-other, which was delicious. She had the ravioli in a brown butter and sage sauce (but not burra salvia, a more caramelized, sweeter version). It was also excellent, worthy of Babbo or Lupa (I'm serious).

We had half a bottle of a Trentino red, that was perfect for the occasion, a quick Sunday supper. I say 'we'. She is pregnant but allows herself the occasional sip, which is fine.

Try it.

- Sean

[kakes]

Picnic, on Broadway, in the 100's was great when we had dinner last fall, not so good for brunch (which doesn't matter since you're looking for dinner). Very casual atmosphere, however.
Regional, (italian) also on Bway, in the high 90's is a place worth trying. They have a great cookie plate for dessert.

[jsmitty]

my list reads
telepan
ouest
cesca
jean georges (cafe) less money, smaller,but same money than the stuffier diningroom
celeste
genarro
shun lee
i think cafe luxenborg has improved as well an uws institution
good luck

of the bunch ouest and telepan are slam dunks. you will spend 60-70 at both places with
wine

[cimui]

Hmm, you might like Cesca or Spiga or Celeste for Italian, the Neptune Room for seafood, Gabriellas, Cafe Frida or Calle Ocho for Latin(esque). Gabriella's is fun, but Frida is sexier with better drinks. Calle Ocho is both, and also pricier. If you have a big group, don't go to Celeste.

[nativeNYer]

bettola on w79 and amsterdam is very good.check it out on menupages.com.