50 Best Dishes in New York

[Haisoodewa]

So I've just begun a video project that will attempt to pick out the 50 best dishes in New York City. As you can imagine, it's an impossible feat-5,000 Best Dishes would be a little easier. I've only been in the city for a few months now and the contributors to these threads seem to have great perspective on the food here, whether it's from per se or　はぎ　さき Bar. Can you help me compile a (short) list of the foods that everyone in New York knows about but few from outside the city( aka me) have discovered? I'm looking across the whole price spectrum, but I'm most interested in the harder to come by amazing yet cheap food. Thanks everyone

[coconutgoddess]

St. Alps Tea House
Some of the BEST Dumplings.. and by far the best pearl drinks I have had in a long time. My little sister is a NYC girl.. I am a cali girl. This is one place frequent EVERYTIME I am there. Best part.. dumplings are about $3.00 a plate.

Another place is a Yakitori place in St. Marks Sq. I am sorry that I dont know the name. I will try to find it. Again, great food.. very inexpensive.

For more expensive food.. I really love Craft. I know, probably a little cliche, but very yummy. I would say the best Foie Gras in the city. For sure the best Sweetbreads.

Dessert.. my pick is ANYTHING at Max Brennar's.

coconutgoddess
http://coconutgoddess.typepad.com/foi...

[tpigeon]

Ones I did not see on the list yet...

Wyagu Beef - Per Se (Yes it cost 10 times more than PL but is better)
Tripe Marinara - Babbo
Square Slice - DiFara (do outer bouroughs count?)
Eggs Nova & Onions (soft scrambled with 2 plain untoasted bagels) -Barney Greengrass
Rice flavored gelatto - Il Lab
Bagel cream cheese & lox - Russ & daughters
Pain Chocolat & Eclairs - Patisserie Claude
Corn on the Cob - Cafe Habana

[erikka]

similiar idea but different execution: Slowly Poached egg, Jamón serrano, chorizo, Smoked Cheese and Rice Cracker Crusted Asparagus from Degustation and the onsen tamago soup at Sakagura (poached egg, sea urchin roe, salmon roe in dashi broth) - I think of both dishes and drool.

Prune's burger, as well as their sweetbreads
spicy lobster at Morimoto
Balthazar's french fries
Sripraphai roast duck salad, whole red snapper

[erikka]

oops, not sure why my reply ended up on your post, sorry!

[fdb]

On my last visit to NY a few weeks ago, I had the chance to taste the onsen tamago at Sakagura. It was SOOOO delicious!

[Elyssa]

I 2nd the Barney Greengrass recommendation but would also add the nova and whitefish salad platter w/ untoasted bagels. As a DC Hound with nothing like that around here I dream about it.

I would also have to add the chopped liver from 2nd Avenue Bakery.

Btw this seems like a very cool project. Just out of curiosity what format is it going to take and will it be online, open to the public in a museum, a documentry etc? I would be very interested in seeing the end result. Thanks

[cimui]

I just went to WD 50 last night, so the beef tongue from the tasting menu is fresh on my mind. (The menu describes it as "beef tongue, fried mayo, tomato molasses".) Fantastic. And pretty.

For the cheap, but harder to come by food, the first thing that comes to mind is the halal cart on 53rd near 6th. It's inexpensive and tasty (though I don't know if it's really the best halal cart in midtown like everyone says)--and hard to come by b/c you have to have a surfeit of time on your hands to stand in line so long.

There might be a bit of internal tension to your project insofar as the best dishes in NYC may not be the same thing as what "everyone in New York" knows about. At least that is one of the conceits of this board. =) A lot of Hounds like to eat where no Hound has eaten before.

[Aloo0628]

Oh man I TOTALLY second the cart at 53rd and 6th (aka "chicken and rice" or "platters"). Get extra white sauce, no salad, and a mix of chicken and gyro meat (the beef is a new addition that I have yet to try). Also, make sure you get the food from the cart that sets up after 7pm...I think there may be another cart there earlier in the day - imposter! This cart has quite a following: http://www.53rdand6th.com/

Another favorite, though not quite as high up on my list, is Kati Roll. Sort of an Indian Burrito, I suppose - spiced meat or potato (or both!), grilled onions, and chutney rolled up inside a paratha (a flaky Indian flatbread, sort of a cross between a croissant and a tortilla). My favorite is the Chicken Tikka variety.

Enjoy!

[Silverjay]

FYI, it's not "はぎ　さき Bar" but "居酒屋 萩". Also "さき" transliterates as "saki", rather than "sake" "さけ" which would anyway, mean salmon. It's always written as "酒". Anywho, you're referring to "Sake Bar Hagi" on 49th st., where I've never encountered anything particularly memorable, though I'm definitely a fan.

My few Japanese dishes on such a best dish list might be the shio tama (salt egg) from Ramen Setagaya , the lamb chops at Yakitori Totto, and the mirugai from Sushi Yasuda.

[E Eto]

Or sometimes Hagi is written はぎっ (not sure if it's a play on words) like on the back of the t-shirts worn by the servers.

[big o]

Some recent and some long-running favorites:

Beef marrow with oxtail marmalade at Blue Ribbon
Banh mi sandwich at Bahn Mi So 1, Saigon, Momofuku Ssam Bar
Truffled egg toast and eggplant lasagnette at 'inoteca
Fried pork dumplings at New Green Bo
Salt baked crabs/squid/shrimp at NY Noodletown
Bagel with whitefish salad and tomato at Russ & Daughters
Pastrami sandwich at Katz's
Carne asada burrito from the Calexico cart
Lobster mac n' cheese at Nolita House
Tampiquena at Mercadito
Skate at Ed's Lobster Bar
Cheeseburgers at Wolfgang's and Walker's
Shrimp tacos at Cafe el Portal
Seafood pasta at Bianca
Cuban sandwich at El Castillo de Jagua
The little empanadas at Industria Argentina
Pho at Cong Ly
Huevos Rancheros at Cafe Habana
Radiator pasta with lamb meatballs at Jacques
Soup and challah at B&H Dairy

[piccola]

Add my vote for the truffled egg toast.

More for my short-list:

Veggie congee from Congee Village
Taro bun or veggie bing from Roll & Dough (now closed, I think)
Grilled veggie arepa from Caracas Arepa Bar
Crispy soul chicken sandwich from Red Bamboo
Sabich from Taim
Chocolate-cheese muffin from Samad Gourmet
Mushroom pierogi from Ukrainian National Home
(to be continued)

[kathryn]

Yup, Roll & Dough is gone now. Alas!

[tpigeon]

If you are going to put cafe habana on the list you can't forget the corn on the cob :).

[vvvindaloo]

Bratwurst on a roll with the works, Hallo Berlin Cart in Midtown
Crispy Pork or Drunken Noodles with Beef, Sripraphai (Woodside, Queens)
Pastrami on rye, Katz's
Potato & cheese pierogi, Veselka
Cannoli or Cassata, Villabate Pasticceria (Bensonhurst, Bklyn)
Patsy's pizza for classic NY Italian-style pie
Joe's for a NY-style pizza slice
Cheese and salumi platters with condiments, Otto
Fruits-du-mer tower, Balthazar
Circus-themed dessert, Le Cirque
Shack Burger, Shake Shack
Rugelach, Zabar's
Sliced nova lox, Zabar's
Carnitas tacos, El Coatzingo, (Jackson Heights, Queens)
Frosted Flower Cupcake, Cupcake Cafe
Chocolate Challah breadsticks, Amy's Bread
Beef Cheek Ravioli, Babbo
Truffled egg toast, 'ino
Porterhouse with creamed spinach, Peter Luger
Fried Pork Dumplings, Dumpling House
Orecchiette with sausage and broccoli di rape, Roberto's (Belmont, Bronx)
Ribs, Dinosaur BBQ
Sashimi, uni and eel, Sushi Yasuda
Lobster roll, Pearl Oyster Bar

[coconutgoddess]

ok.. where is the dumpling house. the name alone sounds like my kid of place!!!

[vvvindaloo]

careful, they're addictive!

[foodluvngal]

I cannot be anywhere near Dumpling House without stopping in. Last Sunday, I was on my way to meet some friends for dinner in Chinatown and I STILL couldn't resist. I DID, however, limit myself to a single order of 5 succulent dumplings and a small Hot & Sour Soup ($2.00 total) - talk about self-control! Somehow, I still managed to enjoy a nice, big dinner at Kam Chueh on the Bowery. Oink.

[orthorunner]

Just have a few thus far as I'm relatively new to the city:
Pumpkin cupcake from SSS bakery, I'm not usually much for cupcakes but it's a winner
"Stuffed cabbage" at Kefi (appetizer, a new take on a dolmade)
Fennel and Golden raisin bread at Amy's bread
Sullivan Street Bakery-Mushroom pizza slice
Luzzo's for a neapolitan pizza slice
Ino-panini with prosciutto, spicy relish, and grana
Enjoy!

[Peter Cherches]

I don't know if everyone in NY knows about it, but I'll nominate the huitlacoche corn souffle cake at Itzocan Cafe as one of the great appetizers in NYC. Unique, delicious & sensual.

http://petercherches.blogspot.com

[MMRuth]

I've only had it at the Bistro Itzocan location - but agree - it is wonderful and innovative, as is much of their food.

[Hugh DeMann]

I couldn't agree more with Peter. Itzocan's corn souffle is so good I'm sometimes order two as my main course.

[LSchnetzer]

The pastrami at Katz's is key.
From Grad Sichuan Ma Po To Fu - or Chili tofu. My husband and I feel very strongly that this is the best in the US.
At Russ and Daughter's I recommend the super heeb - I know it is less traditional than the lox, but it is amazing.
And knish - but not sure where to get the best one.

[Renguin]

try the mapo dofu at wuliangye. i've had it at a million different places (most of which are in china) and everywhere does it a little different. i think wuliangye's is a little better than Grand Sichuan (not sure which grand sichuan you're talking about, but this goes for any of them). the tofu has more integrity and the sauce is a little less watery.

[addictedtolunch]

Pizza from Patsy's
Porterhouse from Lugers
Pastrami from Katz's
Bialy from Kossars
Blintz from B & H Dairy
Banh Mi from Saigon Bakery, A Chou Deli,, So. 1, , Sau voi- whatever
Fried Chicken- Bon Bon
Knish from Knish Nosh
Brownie from Fatwitch or Balthazar
Nova from Zabars (prefer to Russ et al)

[Peter Cherches]

A Kossar's bialy is essential.

[fdb]

Fatwitch brownies are addictive.

[ChefJune]

What would I include in a list of the 50 Best dishes in New York?

The first thing that came to my mind when I saw the thread topic was the scallop and foie gras at Tocqueville. It's positively ethereal.

and Waldy Malouf's Essence of Lobster Soup and Potato Gratin (at Beacon).

cheap eats? the crab soup dumplings at Shanghai Cuisine (Bayard & Mulberry).

oops! forgot the raviolo with egg and white truffle at San Domenico!

[DoctortedNYC]

Square Slice from Spumoni Gardens[L&B Pizzeria]

Oyster Pan Roast at Grand Central Oyster Bar

Roast Beef Sandwich at Brennan and Carr

Juniors Strawberry Cheese Cake

[CDB]

falafel from Azuri Cafe

bucatini from lupa

beef cheek ravioli from babbo

patatas bravas from tia pol

Cheese slice from Sal and Carmine's

hot Onion Bagel from David's Bagels

lobster roll from marys/pob

fondue from artisinal

[houston]

Square at DiFara's
Dumplings at Dumpling House
Crispy watercress salad at Sripraphai
Corned beef at Katz's
Everything bagel (well done) from Ess-a-bagel with lox from Russ & Daughters
Double Shack
Mutton meatballs at Tasting Room (but obviously that's rarely on the menu)
Pinkberry with mochi, white chocolate chips and strawberry
Cubano at Margon
53rd and 6th
Char shu over rice at Great NY Noodletown
Peking duck at PDH
Fried tiny buns (when they make them) at New Green Bo

[kam0424]

Pork at Five Points
Filet Mignon with balsamic onions at Gramercy Tavern
Pork Steamed buns at Excellent Dumpling House
Parpadelle at Lil Frankie's
Apple Pie at Lil Pie Co.
Double Chocolate Cookie at Levain Bakery
Scallop App at Crema
String Beans at Moon House
Brownie Sundae at Serendipity
Pizza at Lucali's
Poached Halibut at Le Bernardin

[Peter Cherches]

Xiaolongbao (steamed tiny buns/ soup dumplings) seems to be a favorite item for many, but there's no agreement on restaurant. I might give the edge to Shanghai Cafe.

[feast]

I agree with post of L Schnetzer on 9/22.
The Super Heeb at Russ and Daughter's is amazing!.
This summer, the Super Heeb received a Sandwich of the Week award, from Time Out. I first learned of this amazing yet cheap food, in Heeb magazine and on heebmagazine.com.

[bladerobbins]

These posts are making me hungry...

To add a few things
-bagel pudding at Russ and Daughters (also as has been said whitefish sal
-pickles at Gus's Pickles
-chocolate chip cookie from City Bakery
-falafel at Azuri
-miso black cod at Nobu

I would also highly recommend expanding your list to include the outer boroughs

[kbnyca]

tarte flambé from the modern
the omakase at sushi of gari
uni in lobster gelée at joel robuchon
seabass carpaccio at the mercer kitchen
soup dumplings at joe's shanghai
the black sea bass main course at Town
any pizza from grimaldi's (brooklyn, i know!)

[windycity]

This is a fun project. I am going to have to break this up into desserts and others though:

Lychee ice cream - Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
Beaux Arts tart- Payard Patisserie
Olive oil gelato - Otto
Tres caramel rice pudding - Rice to riches
Chocolate cupcake - Two Little Red Hens
Flurt frozen yogurt

Non-desserts:
Green Mango salad - Sripraphai
Soup dumplings - New Yeah Shanghai Deluxe
Soft Shell Crab - NY Noodletown
Tonkatsu ramen - Menkuitei (at least until Ippudo opens up)
Spicy pork sandwiches - Ren Ren Cafe
Chicken wings and drumsticks - Bon Chon
Guava and cheese empanada - Mama's Empanadas

So in conclusion, I eat a lot of cheap junk food. Which doesn't mean it's not special, right?

[chocokitty]

I second Otto's olive oil gelato.

Others I recommend that isn't mentioned yet:
-The humongous and gooey, chocolate chip cookie from Levain Bakery
-The foie gras, mole lentils, and quince yogurt from WD-50
-Crispy brussels sprouts from Alta
-Pizza Bianca from Grandaisy or Sullivan Street Bakery (a large slice for $1)
-Jacques Torres' ice cream sandwich (it's seasonal)
-Parisian macarons from La Maison du Chocolat (I've searched everywhere in Manhattan with my friend last spring and this is the closest to Pierre Herme's)
-The Fatty Tea Sandwiches, Watermelon Pickle and Crispy Pork Salad, and Chili Crab from Fatty Crab (lusciously fatty and delicious for all but the chili crab's sauce is so tasty that I would eat it by the bucket with lots of bread)
-Falafel sandwich from Taim (it's transcendent)
-The Bo Ssam from Momofuku Ssam (sure it's $180, but it's meant to be shared with a large group and it comes with a dozen oysters to boot)

http://thewanderingeater.wordpress.com

[piccola]

I'd say the sabich from Taim rather than the regular falafel.

[zbs]

They are both terrific. I'd add:

• Steamed pork bun from Mai Lai Wah (in part for some of the most delicious atmospherics in Chinatown)
• Marrow toast from Marlowe & Sons
• Panna cotta with saba from Franny's
• Roast pork banh mi from Ba Xuyen
• Anything al pastor from Rico's Tacos
• Upside-down tuna tarte from the Modern
• Kyotofu's mini miso chocolate cakes
• The effect of the wine pairings at Fleur de Sel (does that count?)
• Cheeseburger at Burger joint / Le Parker Meridien
• Gyro from Spartan Souvlaki
• Una pizza napoletana
• Small plates from Momofuku Ssam

[kathryn]

It's $200 now. :(

[Brooklyn Enthusiast]

-Chef's Tasting menu from Sushi of Gari
-hamburger from J.G. Melon's
-French fries from Coffee Shop
-Baja Fish Tacos/guacamole from Mercadito
-Ribs from El Parador
-bagel & cc from H&H
-chocolate chip cookie from City Bakery
-hot cocoa from Jaques Torres
-steak frites from Balthazar
-meat lasagna from Noodle Pudding
-taglietelle w/ ragu al di la
-pumpkin corn bisque soup from Cafe Medina
-sweet potato fries from Galaxy Burger
-rock shrimp from Nobu
-tuna ceviche from Sushi Samba
-coconut rice from Esperanto
-veal piccata & gigi salad from The Palm

[Aiceegray]

Wow--what a .list this could become...maybe you'd need to narrow it to 50 best dishes by cuisine!!!! But I'll play:

Prune's eggs en cocotte for brunch - A slowly baked runny egg topped with chicken and natural chicken juices served with Brioche to soak up the goodness alongside a butter lettuce salad with the perfect mustard vinaigrette
Degustation croquetas - so light and airy, crispy on the outside creamy on the inside and perfectly fried
Pizza from Una Pizza Neapoletana
Beef Cheek Ravioli at Babbo
Love Letters with Mint & Lamb Ragu at Babbo
Gravy Meatball Sliders at Little Owl
From the Omakase Menu at Sushi of Gari - Salmon topped with Hot Tomato Nigiri Sushi
From the Omakase Menu at Jewel Bako - O Toro Nigiri Sushi bruleed with a torch and topped with rock salt (and maybe a squeeze of yuzu)
The Sheep's Milk Ricotta Gnudi with Brown Butter and Fried Sage leaves at Spotted Pig
Clinton Street Baking Company - A brunch special: Poached eggs over homemade corn beef hash cakes and biscuits. Add a side of cheese grits...mmm
THe Chawan-mushi at Sakegaru
The Ka Jang Tang (Spicy Pork bone and Potato soup) at Kunjip
An H&H bagel with lox from Zabar's and Ben's real cream cheese from Murray's cheese.

[dkstar1]

Here are some of my faves in a random order:

1. Crispy Watercress Salad - Sripraphai
2. Lamb Nanini - Tabla Bread Bar
3. Warm Lamb's Tongue Vinaigrette - Babbo
4. Soup Dumplings - Joe's Shanghai
5. Onion Soup Dumplings - Stanton Social
6. Anguille - Eel and Foie Terrine - L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon
7. Mint Love Letters - Babbo
8. Sheep's Milk Ricotta Gnudi with Brown Butter and Fried Sage - Spotted Pig
9. Rabbit and Spaetzle - Wallse
10. Scottish Partrige - Wallse
11. Pastrami on Rye with Mustard - Katz
12. Grilled Chicken Club - Penelope
13. Bagel with plain cream cheese and Baltic Lox (champagne color) - Russ & Daughters
14. Pork Belly dish - WD~50
15. Chicken Tikka Roll - Roomali
16. Uni - Sushi Yasuda
17. Bone Marrow with oxtail marmalade - Blue Ribbon
18. Beef ribs - Hill Country
19. Shirred Eggs - Deborah
20. Ssam - Momofuku Ssam Bar
21. Double Shack Burger - Shake Shack
22. Tuna Tartare - Jean Georges
23. Penang Curry - Sripraphai
24. Olive Oil Gelato - Otto
25. Lobster Shepherd's Pie - Union Square Cafe
26. Trout and Spinach - Telepan
27. Garden Salad - Blue Hill at Stone Barns (I assume they serve it at Blue Hill too)
28. Foie Gras Creme Brulee - Eleven Madison Park
29. Foie Gras Terrine with Cocoa - Eleven Madison Park
30. Steak Frites - Artisanal
31. Eggs Meurette - Balthazar
32. Tempura Green Beans - Red Cat
33. Uni Panini - El Quinto Pino
34. Chicken Liver Pate & Crostini - (tie) BLT Prime/Irving Mill
35. Mac and Cheese - Blue Smoke
36. Prosciuto Panini - tie (Bread, 'inoteca)
37. Taro Puff Lollipops (with minced pork) - Buddakan
38. Whole Hog - Daisy May BBQ
39. Sirloin Chili - Daisy May BBQ
40. Any sausage from the cart - Hallo Berlin
41. Honey Lavender or Rice Gelato - il laboratorio del gelato
42. Jack and Coke dessert drink - Room 4 Dessert (now closed)
43. The bread - Country
44. Pithivier with vanilla ice cream and whisky sauce - Country
45. Spicy Redneck (deep fried bacon wrapped hot dog with chile and cole slaw - Crif Dogs
46. Chicken 65 - Copper Chimney
47. Mujidderah Sandwich - Kalustyans
48. Bacon Cheeseburger - Molly's Shebeen
49. Pepporoni Pizza - Adrienne's Pizzabar
50. Veal Osso Buco - The Orchard

[financialdistrictresident]

Didn't OP request amazing yet cheap? Where do these land on the $$$$$ scale?

[dkstar1]

oh - I didn't see the word "cheap". But, many of those dishes are fairly cheap. I've broken it down...

Inexpensive

1. Crispy Watercress Salad - Sripraphai
3. Warm Lamb's Tongue Vinaigrette - Babbo
4. Soup Dumplings - Joe's Shanghai
5. Onion Soup Dumplings - Stanton Social
7. Mint Love Letters - Babbo
8. Sheep's Milk Ricotta Gnudi with Brown Butter and Fried Sage - Spotted Pig
11. Pastrami on Rye with Mustard - Katz
12. Grilled Chicken Club - Penelope
13. Bagel with plain cream cheese and Baltic Lox (champagne color) - Russ & Daughters
15. Chicken Tikka Roll - Roomali
17. Bone Marrow with oxtail marmalade - Blue Ribbon
18. Beef ribs - Hill Country
19. Shirred Eggs - Deborah
20. Ssam - Momofuku Ssam Bar
21. Double Shack Burger - Shake Shack
23. Penang Curry - Sripraphai
24. Olive Oil Gelato - Otto
27. Garden Salad - Blue Hill at Stone Barns (I assume they serve it at Blue Hill too)
31. Eggs Meurette - Balthazar
32. Tempura Green Beans - Red Cat
33. Uni Panini - El Quinto Pino
34. Chicken Liver Pate & Crostini - (tie) BLT Prime/Irving Mill (the one at BLT Prime is free)
35. Mac and Cheese - Blue Smoke
36. Prosciuto Panini - tie (Bread, 'inoteca)
37. Taro Puff Lollipops (with minced pork) - Buddakan
38. Whole Hog - Daisy May BBQ
39. Sirloin Chili - Daisy May BBQ
40. Any sausage from the cart - Hallo Berlin
41. Honey Lavender or Rice Gelato - il laboratorio del gelato
42. Jack and Coke dessert drink - Room 4 Dessert (now closed)
43. The bread - Country
45. Spicy Redneck (deep fried bacon wrapped hot dog with chile and cole slaw - Crif Dogs
46. Chicken 65 - Copper Chimney
47. Mujidderah Sandwich - Kalustyans
48. Bacon Cheeseburger - Molly's Shebeen
49. Pepporoni Pizza - Adrienne's Pizzabar

Pricier

2. Lamb Nanini - Tabla Bread Bar
6. Anguille - Eel and Foie Terrine - L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon
9. Rabbit and Spaetzle - Wallse
10. Scottish Partrige - Wallse
14. Pork Belly dish - WD~50
16. Uni - Sushi Yasuda
22. Tuna Tartare - Jean Georges
25. Lobster Shepherd's Pie - Union Square Cafe
26. Trout and Spinach - Telepan
28. Foie Gras Creme Brulee - Eleven Madison Park
29. Foie Gras Terrine with Cocoa - Eleven Madison Park
30. Steak Frites - Artisanal
44. Pithivier with vanilla ice cream and whisky sauce - Country
50. Veal Osso Buco - The Orchard

[dec111]

stay away from beef ribs at hill country. what a rip-off. it is only bone with one strip of burned, chacoal-like "beef" on one side, and one on the other side. Chewing charcoal would be tastier. and it is not cheap, considering quantity of beef for price paid. will never, ever go back there.

I would add cumin lamb sandwich from flushing but need to get name of mall it is located.- 2.50

[serious]

Have you had the beef rib from Daisy Mays? A great delicious bargain.

[tpigeon]

Totally the opposite from my experience. But that was a while ago...

[ginsbera]

I am a fan of Hill Country, but generally opt for the brisket, pork chop, pork ribs or short ribs. The latter is my favorite thing on their menu by far, amazing.

[kpsquared]

I LOVE the fries at Coffee Shop! I always talk about them, but either people disagree or they found them unmemorable.

[Corsica]

Great idea for a thread! I love all the suggestions on here. So far, I've got...

Prosciuitto at Lupa
Pastrami in rye at Katz's
Super Heeb at Russ & Daughters
Corn on the cob at Cafe Habana
Chopped liver at Eisenberg's
Pepperoni pizza at Grimaldi's
BLT and frrrozen hot chocolate at Serendipity (screaming children be damned)
Pork dumplings and beef sesame pancake at Dumpling House
Sticky toffee pudding at Tea and Sympathy
Velvety cream of tomato soup at Sarabeth's
Banana pudding at Magnolia
Bistro Burger at Corner Bistro
Filet with mustard sauce at Buddakan
Chocolate bento box at Brasserie 8 1/2
Salmon Sampler at Aquavit
Chicken tagine with lemon and olives at Cafe Mogador
Chopped salad w/ grilled chicken at Citrus
Soy burger at DoJo
Cheese selection at Gramercy Tavern
Frites w/ rosemary mayo at Pommes Frites
Salmon caviar platter at Russian Vodka Room
Carne frita at Sofrito
Gnocchi verde w/ tomato cream sauce at Petaluma
Octopus salad at Aquagrill

Jesus, I'm starving.

[chipcuento]

A dirty water hotdog? Or maybe grays?

[royalbev]

Deconstructed pork buns at Buddakhan
Lobster Roll at Ed's Lobster Bar
Peanut Butter and Chocolate Parfait at Allen&Delancey
Butterscotch Panna Cotta at davidburke&donatella
Roasted Razor Clams at Casa Mono
Roasted Oysters at Beacon
White Pizza with Spinach at Apizz
Macaroni & Cheese side dish at Blue Smoke
Bone Marrow with oxtail marmalade at Blue Ribbon
Skate with bacon and potatoes at Blue Ribbon
Free Range Chicken Pot Pie from Waverly Inn
Pulled Pork Sandwich at Dinosaur BBQ
Pork Chop with Roasted Corn at Blue Hill
Corner Bistro Burger
Fried Chicken & Waffles at Sylvia's
Roasted Quail with Cheese Grits at Irving Mill

[sara73]

* steamed pork buns at Momofuku Noodle or Ssam
* chocolate chip cookies from Levain bakery on UWS
* French fries from Cafe de Bruxelles in GV
* whole cheese pizza at DiFara's
* chocolate ice cream at Blue Marble in B-lyn

[ginsbera]

Pizza (all)- DiFara
Steamed Vegetable Dumplings - Dumpling House
Three Cheese or Bresola, Asparagus and Pecorino Panini - 'ino
Turkey Club - Market Table
Fried Chicken - Blue Ribbon
Strudel - Bar Room @ The Modern
Cheeseburger - Shake Shack
Black and White Shake - Island Burgers and Shakes
French Fries - Market Table
Cheesesteak - Carl's
Falafel - Taim
Duck Meatballs - Perilla
French Onion Soup Dumplings - Stanton Social
Charred Piquito Peppers - Tia Pol
Croquettes - Tia Pol
Roasted Potatoes - Blue Hill
Creamy Polenta with Blue Cheese - Beast in Brooklyn

[namreb]

joe shanghai - pork and crab soup dumpling
knickerbocker- steak for two
knickerbocker- onion soup
glasers- black and whites
assenzio's polenta w truffles
aquagrill- potenta laced with truffles

[Pan]

When are you beginning videotaping?

I haven't seen a mention of Saravanaas yet. Get one of the masala dosai or utthapams. I haven't been there enough times to choose which type is best, but their sambhars and chutneys are wonderful, in any case.

But not everyone in New York knows the place. If you want places that everyone in New York knows about (some have been mentioned already):

Katz's pastrami sandwich
Patsy's (East Harlem) plain (margherita) pizza (or go to Di Fara's in Brooklyn and get a calzone with pepperoni and porcini or an artichoke square slice)

Slightly less well-known:

Any of the better flavors at Il Laboratorio di Gelato (have them give you a few samples)
Any number of dishes at Great NY Noodletown (I recommend the Ginger-Scallion Lo Mein, the Beef Muscle Shrimp Wonton Soup, and any of the dishes with flowering chives)
I agree with felafel at Azuri (but I haven't been to Taim yet). Fantastic!
Mujadara at Kalustyan's (2nd floor)
Roti Telur or any number of noodle soups at Skyway
A Vietnamese sandwich at Banh Mi Saigon Bakery in Manhattan or the consensus best place in New York, Ba Xuyen in Brooklyn, which I haven't been to yet

[alwayscooking]

I just went to Saravanaas this week visiting from Boston - and it was terrible! I thought we had lousy (with the exception of one place) south Indian food but . . .

My full review http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/616404

[moh]

Based on the replies, I certainly hope you have a big budget and appetite! I agree with a previous poster that it is going to be hard to define "best" and even harder to limit the number of dishes to 50.

For example: Per Se is considered one of the finer restaurants in NYC, and it could be argued that several of their dishes could be included in the list. I would nominate the "Oysters and Pearls" "Beef Charollais" and "Fois Gras au Torchon", just to name a few. BUT:
1. These are not cheap.
2. Per Se is well-known to people outside New York, and does not need to be discovered.
3. Per Se is part of the Keller enpire, and one could argue that these dishes are not representative of NYC cuisine, but rather are an expression of California market-driven cuisine.
So although they are in NYC and are one of the top restaurants, one could argue none of their dishes should be on your list.

You may have to limit your list a bit. The diversity of the responses already shows how difficult (but delicious!) your task will be. Eventually, as creator of your list, I think it will be most interesting to know your personal take on the whole affair. Why did you chose your list of 50? What makes the dishes on your list worthy of inclusion? How are these dishes iconic of NYC? Are your choices motivated by general popularity? Artistic/culinary achievement? Do your choices have to be unique to NYC? Who is your intended audience for this list? These questions will guide you criteria for "Best 50 dishes".

A few items to add for consideration: None of these are expensive, but for me, they are iconic examples of NYC food. Are they the best dishes? Very debatable.
Agree with LES pickles (Pickle Guys)
Chocolate cream cheese strudel from Zabar's
Hot dog (Gray's Papaya)
Fried Chicken from Charles Southern Kitchen in Harlem (but many soul food dishes could be included here)
Roasted Chestnuts from street vendors: a NYC tradition
Deli Pastrami sandwiches
Burger and milkshake at The Burger Joint, Parker Meridien (Iconic American food stuck in the corner of a fancy hotel. Very NYC. I love it.)

[minkdreads]

Crispy Soul 'Chicken' at VP2 (Vegetarian Paradise 2) is pretty much "famous" amongst vegetarians here. It's hands-down their most popular menu item, and VP2 is absolutely one of the most well-known and popular veggie restaurants in the city.

[martin levine]

Very interested in your project. Have been compiling my own list of inexpensive great meals and restaurants for several years. Love to help out if you need any. I treasure my finds, however your people have made some great suggestions. I love,
Prosperity Dumpling, a meals worth of food for 1.00.
Grimaldi's Pizza is the gold standard for me.
The Pastrami from RUB is better than Katz's.
Thats it for now. Let me know if you want some help.

[jsmitty]

duck meatballs-a voce

[steakrules85]

I'll throw some out there

Porterhouse, french fries, holy cow hot fudge sundae, bacon from Peter Luger
Porterhouse- Keens
Ribeye- Uncle Jack's
Mac and cheese- Del Frisco's
Gnocchi, braised short ribsblue cheese tater tots, chocolate chestnut sundae- BLT Prime
Pumpkin Lune, Duck, Hazelnut chocolate cake- Babbo
Ricotta Gnudi- Del Posto
Clinton Street Bakery- Blueberry Pancakes

[steakrules85]

I am going to add in....

Strip House- Porterhouse, Goose fat potatoes, chocolate cake, creamed corn, potatoes romanoff

Old Homestead- Prime Rib

Prime House- Pistachio Souffle, Truffle Asiago Fries

Porter House- Baked Alaska, Hash browns

Craft- Porterhouse, Short Rib, Lobster, Gnocchi, Corn and Bacon Risotto, Crispy Bacon

[Hugh DeMann]

I don't have time to read all the replies, so this may be a duplication:

Salt & Pepper Shrimp at Phoenix Garden

[misnatalie]

blueberry bagel from H&H
slice from Joe's on Carmine
chocolate cupcake from P*Ong
black cod from Nobu
lime cake from Teany
spicy rizak sandwich from Tiny's Giant Sandwich Shop
Pastrami sandwich at Katz's
Matzoh Ball soup from Ben's
Chocolate Chili gelato from Il Lab
chocolate chip cookie from Jaques Torres
French toast pudding at Rice to Riches

[FuDee]

I have scanned the responses, and here is my feedback: I absolutely agree with MisNataie re: Katz's Pastrami and Black Cod from Nobu (but Joe's has absolutely lost a step if that pie is not FRESH out of the oven and not a reheat job).

I'm fully on board with Steakrules on the Blueberry Pancakes at Clinton St. Bakery (but I strongly disagree with the suggestion that RUB's pastrami is better than Katz's, let alone very good at all).

I agree with Corsica on Gramercy Tavern's Cheese plate- really impressive selection.

I'm with Pan on votes for Patsy's in E Harlem and Banh Mi at Saigon Bakery.

100% agree with Namreb that Joe's Shanghai Soup Dumplings must be on the list.

I love Dkstar1's inclusion of the Beef Ribs at Hill Country BBQ- they're awesome.

CDB is right on point with the Beef Cheek Ravioli at Babbo.

And lastly, my own favorite recommendation for place still unknown to most people, but has two of the greatest dishes in NYC. The place is Sanur Indonesion/Malaysian Restaurant at 18 Doyers (downstairs). The two INSANE dishes are the Crab Curry Soup with Transparent Noodles, and the greatest Chicken Satay you will ever have. If they are out of Crab, then get any curry soup and ask for transparent noodles. Simply un..believable.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fudee

[Laren]

One thing I'd add that I'm not sure I saw here that's certainly in the realm of cheap -- arepas at Caracas. I'm partial to the De Pabellon. In addition to the lobster roll at Pearl, I'd add the fried oysters. And I actually prefer the goose liver ravioli to the beef cheek at Babbo. Maybe also the gnudi at Mia Donna.

http://www.sweetblogomine.com

[Laren]

One thing I'd add that I'm not sure I saw here that's certainly in the realm of cheap -- arepas at Caracas. I'm partial to the De Pabellon. In addition to the lobster roll at Pearl, I'd add the fried oysters. And I actually prefer the goose liver ravioli to the beef cheek at Babbo. Maybe also the gnudi at Mia Dona.

http://www.sweetblogomine.com

[David A. Goldfarb]

A few in no particular order--

Chicken Adobo at Cendrillon
Pastrami at Katz's
Corned beef at the Carnegie Deli
The Nova Special from Zabar's (Nova, cream cheese, olive, orange juice and a coffee for about $6)
Scallion pancakes from Ollie's
Hot chocolate at City Bakery
Saag paneer from Curry and Curry
Porterhouse from Peter Luger
Lobster roll from The Oyster Bar (Grand Central)

[GooGoo]

What about the Cinghiale Wild boar with chocolate over pappardelle at Maremma
Sweet Corn Ravioli at Jean Georges
Veal Tenderloin with Liquid Parmesan at JG also
Eel avocado roll at Mottsu
Grandma's Ravioli at avoce
Sloppy Giuseppe at Maremma
Arugula Prosciutto Parmesan pizza at Luzzo's
Crema di Grom at Grom

[Taylor.Watson]

The two that have to be on the list are Katz's pastrami sandwich and also a regular (or square, or whatever) pie from Difara's. Also, given that you are looking for cheap eats, I think the arroz con pollo at La Fonda Boricua should be on that list.

[guttergourmet]

How about the uni ika sugomori zukuri at Soto? Or the tako yawarakani at 15 East?

[guttergourmet]

Oh yeah and the scallops with pickled cherries, seaweed and lemon puree at Momofuku ssam bar.

[guttergourmet]

Not to mention the foie gras ganache at Aquavit.

[uhockey]

I'm not from NYC, but having been there a number of times I can definitely say that the following are not only "NYC best" but amongst the 50-best dishes I've had anywhere in my life:

#1) Grilled Octopus with “Borlotti Marinati” and Spicy Limoncello Vinaigrette at Babbo
#2) Foie Gras Terrine with Cherries Lemon Balm and Sicilian Pistachios at EMP
#3) Tiramisu at Il Mulino
#4) Goose Liver Ravioli with Balsamic Vinegar and Brown Butter at Babbo
#5) Warm Chocolate Bread Pudding Cacao Nib Ice Cream at Gramercy Tavern
#6) Pumpkin“Lune” with Sage and Amaretti at Babbo
#7) Roasted rice cakes with shrimp, tamago, cashews at Momofuku Noodle
#8) Chocolate Bread Pudding with Vanilla Creme Anglaise at Dessert Truck
#9) Nutter Butter at Bouchon Bakery
#10) Red Velvet Cupcake at Amy's Bread
#11) Banana Bread at Norma's

[David A. Goldfarb]

One more--best creme brulee is at Sarabeth's.

[tm76]

Bread pudding from Negril
Oxtail and coconut-scented rice and peas from the Islands
Lobster burger from Ed's Lobster Bar
Foie gras from Jean Georges
Cheese fries from Shake Shack
Mexican style Corn on the cob from Cafe Habana
Moroccan meatballs and hummus platter from Cafe Gitane
Tuna tataki salad at Coffee Shop
Slice from Joe's Pizza on Carmine St.
Lasagna and chicken parm/ziti from Tuscany in W 50's

[santorinii]

I'm not sure if these would be considered "The Best" but they have certainly become my most memorable in the city thus far...

-Babbo: Veal Loin wrapped in Pancetta
-Bouchon Bakery: Cheese and Bacon Scones
-Craft: Roasted Quail, Hen of the Wood Mushrooms
-David Burke & Donatella: Pretzel Coated Crab Cake
-Degustation: Seared Scallops in a Mussel Broth w/ Sea Beans, Grapes and
Dehydrated Cherry Tomatoes
-Jean Georges: Squab "à l'Orange" with Crystallized Tamarind
-Momofuku Noodle Bar: Berkshire Pork Buns
-Morimoto: Kakuni, Banana Chocolate Mousse w/ Toasted Coconut Meringue and Rum Raisin Ice Cream
-Thor: Crispy Gnocchi w/ Wild Mushrooms
-Veselka: Stuffed Cabbage and Pierogis
-Yakitori Totto: Totto Chicken Soup, Seaweed Salad

Here's to hoping to many more great eats when I return to the city!

[douglas525]

The sliders at Momofuku Ssam...melt in your mouth. Grilled octopus at EU...side of fries, and you've got yourself a meal. Ham sandwich at Gramercy Tavern...yes, a ham sandwich of all things trumped everything else we got for lunch there one day.

[douglas525]

For cheaper, the roast chicken at La Isla on 14th near B, anything at Puebla on 1st Ave near 3rd, and the crispy fried squid at Nha Trang (sp?) on Baxter near Canal.

[Desidero]

Funny you mention the ham sandwich at Gramercy Tavern. I had the best roast beef sandwich of my life at Gramercy Tavern at a recent lunch.

[kathryn]

Sliders? At Momofuku Ssam? Since when do they serve burgers?

[douglas525]

the pork belly sliders, on the bun...i thought they called them sliders, but maybe not. anyway, they're like two bites each, like a burger slider, and awesome

[Lucia]

I've never heard them called sliders--they're pork buns

[serious]

The fried artichoke at Cafe Fiorella (63-64, Broadway) is outstanding.

[serious]

Peking Duck @ Peking Duck House, 53rd between 2nd and 3rd

[Delucacheesemonger]

While many of mine were mentioned, some many times, here are some not seen
Tripe at Pastis
Italian sub at Faicco's
Licorice gelato at Grom
Hamachi Bim Bop at Morimoto
Lamb's Tongue at Spotted Pig
Veal Liver at Wallsye
Sturgeon at Barney Greengrass
Honeyed pork shoulder at New Yeah Shanghai

[chowgirlnyc]

Mmmm...

Buccatini at Lupa
Orechietti with pork ragu at Lupa
Watermelon and crispy pork salad at Fatty Crab
Fluke with buttermilk, yuzu, and Sriracha at Momofuku Ko
Brussels sprouts at Alta
Soft-boiled egg with hackleback caviar at Momofuku Ko
Crispy watercress salad at Sripraphai (Queens)
Mutton chop at Keen's
Red Mango original with mochi, chocolate chips, and strawberries
Banh Mi at Banh Mi So #1 (Broome between Mott and Elizabeth)
Pork buns at Fatty Crab

[PAULSCOHEN]

THE FROZEN BANANNA IN COCONUT MILK AND TAPIOCA IS INCREDIBLE AT YAKITORI TOTO.

[chocolatebirthdaycake]

Best Italian Sandwich (Sub/Hero/Hogie) ANYWHERE...Crosby Connection at Parisi Bakery (NOT to be confused with the other more pedestrian deli called Parisi on Mott Street!!)

This one is at 290 Elizabeth Street btween Bleecker & Mott and is only open M-F until 4PM.

Best proscuitto, fresh herbs, FRESH ingredients and BEST Italian hero rolls (whole wheat and regular). No place to sit so get it to go...it will change your sandwich experience forevah!!!!

[martyl9]

cold duck with spicy hunan sauce from Shun Lee Palace. eating right now for breakfast the left over from yesterday's lunch. just wonderful.(just in case not on the above lists)

[foodwhisperer]

baked clams: don peppes(queens),, ennio and michael
Pinels (chick pea italian fritters) Fernando's
corn beef pastrami: katz's
edamame dumplings: buddakan
caviar purses: quilted giraffe (oops theyre out of business)
egg barley: 2nd ave deli
potato pizza: grand daisy
laab kai (thai issan chicken): toon's
veal parmigiana: ennio and michaels
cheesecake: eileen's
hot dog: katz's, papaya king, nathan's
lo mein: 17 mott wo hop downstairs
char shu bo(pork bun) golden carriage
scallop dish : bouley upstairs
foie gras: jean georges
chawanmushi: kyo ya
foie gras sushi: sushi gari
soba uni: 15 east
jalapeno yellowtail: nobu
lobster ceviche: sushi samba
angry lobster: fille ponti
ramen: ippudo
passage to india sushi roll: takahachi tribeca
eel in broth kaiseki: bouley upstairs
dim sum: golden unicorn
porterhouse: peter luger

[Gotham1]

Do not forget Nobu where the food lives up to the hype. The miso cod is there is excellent and should definately be on your list of the 50 best dishes in New York.

[shaogo]

Chicken Hash at "21"
A Sabrett natural casing hot dog with mustard and sauerkraut from any cart
Oyster Pan Roast at Grand Central's Oyster Bar
Pastrami Sandwich at Katz's Deli
Escarole and Beans at Rao's Restaurant
The Smoked Fish Sampler at Barney Greengrass
Lobster at The Water Club
Frites and Sweetbreads at Bruxelles
Short Ribs, mashed potatoes and greens at Sylvia's in Harlem

[dec111]

I cannot believe that someone recommended the beef ribs at Hill Country. I had the worst beef ribs ever at Hill Country. They charge by the pound and we spent a fortune on a bunch of charred bones, with (I am not exaggerating) two burnt strips of "meat" on the sides of each bone, which went down maybe only one fourth of the size of the bone. the "meat" tasted like charcoal. One of the sides I got tasted sour.
The other barbecue we got was not memorable either. The waitress was nice. That was about the only redeeming thing about the place.Worst bbq in NYC by far. Might as well just get some charcoal delivered from the supermarket. It might taste better than Hill Country.
Bahn Mi at Paris Bakery.
Stir fried crabs with black beans and pork at Hop Kee.
Snails in black beans at Hop Kee.
Preserved veggies and pork belly casserole at Amazing 66.
Spicy Whole Tilapia fish at Spicy and Tasty

[Pan]

The name that stands out in your list is Paris. You prefer them to Banh Mi Saigon Bakery, I take it? Could you please elaborate on why?

[neil]

Boston CH visiting needs some addresses

[Pan]

That last one should be Molly's Pub & Shebeen.

[LeahBaila]

Agreed with your comments re: Hill Country.

www.thelunchbelle.com

[planetjess]

Disagree with comments re: Hill Country, but do think beef ribs are near lowest priority for ordering. Brisket lean at Hill Country definitely makes my "top 50" list (and the brisket moist might squeeze in there too, some days). A pound of that brisket, a jar of sweet tea and me at a table might make my top 10 list of favorite meals in NYC.

[bradyjkim]

Pretzel Croissants - City Bakery - (Like to buy them there and take em to another deli and have them whip up a breakfast sandwich)

Sesame Beef - Mr. K's - My favorite dish at my favorite Chinese restaurant

Kimchi Dumplings - Mandoo Bar - underrated and underappreciated dumpling spot in K Town.

Chocolate Stuffed French Toast - Dizzy's Diner (BKN) - an entire hershey's chocolate bar liquified in challah bread french toast. simply divine.

Bacon - Peter Luger's - It's like a pork candy bar.

Pastrami - 2nd Ave Deli - I thought it was a touch better at the old location, but still delicious.

BBQ Potato Chips with Blue Cheese Dip - My favorite side from Blue Smoke, one of many.

[Wursthof]

Whenever I visit I always head for the Takoyaki at Otafuko. $5 for six of the most delicous bites. Make sure they put the mayo/okonomayaki (sp?) sauce, ground nori and bonito flakes on them.

I also try to make it to Casa Mono for the Mono Sundae with the sherry poured over the top.

[Ottojr]

Mango Cheesecake - Negril Village. You have to try this
Spicy Coleslaw - Devi
Halal Cart - 56th & 6th
Bar-B-Que Chicken - Pink Tea Cup
Mussaman Curry - Montien
Any Soup at Cafe Edison

[smartpalate77]

Frisee au lardons, steak frites, creme brulee - Balthazar
This morning's farm egg, chocolate bread pudding - Blue Hill
Nova lox - murray's sturgeon shop, UWS