If you are out in Soho or the West Village and need a satisfying meal at any time of day, Jack's Wife Freda is a good place to try. This place has a big following, and it's because they aren't trying to do anything crazy- just simple food, done well. I love the Mediterranean influenced menu at this all-day bistro, as well as the warm & welcoming atmosphere. Stop by for a quick lunch between appointments, or meet friends for a lively brunch on the weekend!
cafe mogador
Cafe Mogador is probably my husband's and my #1 go-to neighborhood spot. Although it's always super packed on the weeknights and for weekend brunch, we love going for a quiet weekday breakfast. Due to my husband working in a kitchen himself, which usually consists of very long hours and late nights, we get to go out for breakfast dates more often than dinner dates. It's quite nice to have the random Tuesday morning free together, and we love nothing more than indulging in breakfast at Cafe Mogador. We literally don't even look at the menu anymore, either. It's always the Middle Eastern eggs, poached, for me, and the Moroccan Eggs with a side of Merguez sausage for him. Plus a cappuccino and Americano, or two, of course. It really never lets us down, and is always so filling and satisfying. The fluffy za'atar pita bread is the perfect accompaniment for cleaning up every last drop from your plate. We love sitting in the enclosed "backyard" area, which has a bit of a jungle feel with all the greenery, and is the perfect temperature year-round!
santina
The coastal Italian menu with a strong focus on fish and vegetables drew me to Santina immediately. As part of the Major Food Group (think Dirty French, Carbone, Sadelle's etc.), the restaurant joins a list of popular, acclaimed restaurants, and in doing so has high expectations to fill. Upon entering Santina, you're greeted by bright colors and a welcoming, Mediterranean-inspired interior, which is a nice reprieve from the typical dark and gloomy New York restaurant. I love the colorful, hand-painted, and unique dishes used as well. I was excited to try the super creative (and not to mention beautifully plated!) squash carpaccio, and it did not disappoint. The delicate butternut squash was balanced nicely with a honey agrodolce, pink peppercorns, pumpkin seeds, and crème fraîche. The cecina (Tuscan chickpea pancake) was served in the skillet accompanied by a delicious avocado salsa verde, and came offered with a variety of toppings. We chose the spicy Calabrian tuna tartare, which was super fresh. with just the right amount of spice. The kale & sunchoke salad was light and refreshing, perfect before heading into our main courses. There are several seasonal rice and pasta dishes on the menu, and we thoroughly enjoyed our fusilli Santina with Merguez sausage & mussels (the guanciale e pepe rice dish, however, was quite underwhelming). The Guajillo chicken with eggplant yogurt was cooked perfectly and so full of flavor; the radicchio and frisée added a nice contrasting bite to the dish as well. We had plans for dessert elsewhere, but I would definitely like to return and taste the sweets, along with many other things on the menu! I love that Santina easily caters to meat-eaters, pescatarians, and vegetarians alike, with many fresh and creative dishes available for everyone. Although the prices are a bit high, it's on-par with the neighborhood, and the solid food & fun atmosphere ensure I'll be returning again soon.
meadowsweet
Meadowsweet is one of Williamsburg, Brooklyn's best eateries- and the Michelin guide agrees, garnering it one star in both the 2015 and 2016 guides. The restaurant offers a delicious New American, Mediterranean-inspired menu by Chef Polo Dobkin. Chef Dobkin first earned a Michelin star for the previous occupant of the space, The Dressler, which was considered one of the great, original Brooklyn restaurants. He is now back as both owner and Executive Chef of Meadowsweet, partnering with his wife Stephanie, who acts as general manager. She also oversees the cocktail program, which uses herbs from the the restaurant's own garden loft, and is not to be missed. Besides being great at what they do, the couple is also extremely generous and helpful. They've been a great aid to my husband when it comes to running a restaurant, offering beneficial advice and support along the way. Furthermore, the food at Meadowsweet highlights my favorite cuisine, and I never fail to fall in love with the fresh, creative, and beautifully-plated dishes.
glasserie
Glasserie is a bit of a hike for most in NYC- it's at the very top of Greenpoint. But trust me, it's 100% worth the trip. The fresh and unique take on Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine is comforting and satisfying. It almost doesn't feel like you're in NYC! Sit outside at a cute table on the cobblestone walkway, or cozy up in the rustic-feeling interior. Whether you dine for brunch or dinner, prepare to be impressed! At brunch, the mezze feast is a must-order: freshly grilled flatbread (with herbs & flaky sea salt-so addicting!) with 10 varying small plates, complete with unlimited refills!