Bar Pitti
At first glance, this simple Italian spot with its crowded sidewalk cafe seating area, looks more suited to people watching than eating. The food, however, is authentic Tuscan and reasonably priced, which explains its devoted local following, including quite a few Italian expats. The pasta is made from scratch. The bread is from the best bakery in New York (Sullivan Street Bakery). The wild boar ragu, veal meatballs, eggplant Parmigiano, grilled sardines, fresh soups and salads are all sublime. Bar Pitti used to be affiliated with the fancier restaurant next door, which serves some of the same dishes at higher prices. As of November 2009, Bar Pitti doesn't take reservations and accepts cash only.
Bar Pitti
268 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10014
(212) 982-3300
Cafe Loup
This friendly, classic French bistro has been a fixture in the West Village fixture for over 30 years. Here you'll find well-prepared French comfort food at moderate prices. Popular dishes include bavette frites (skirt steak with French fries), pate de campagne and potato leek soup. The restaurant's daily specials usually have a more contemporary approach. The restaurant is decorated with the owner's fantastic collection of vintage black and white photographs, including some rare Brassai images of 1930s Paris.
Cafe Loup
105 W 13th St
New York, NY 10011
(212) 255-4746
cafeloupnyc.com
Do Hwa
Run by a mother and daughter team, this home-style Korean restaurant offers delicious food at reasonable prices, in a sleek, modern atmosphere. It's a good choice for people who want to try Korean food for the first time, as well as for those more familiar with the cuisine. Menu highlights include the spicy kimchi pancakes, fried butterflied shrimp, dumplings, bibimbop and Korean barbecue. Some of the tables have built in grills, for those who enjoy cooking their barbecue at table.
Do Hwa
55 Carmine Street
New York, NY 10014
(212) 414-1224
dohwanyc.com
Article Written By Fleur Forsythe
Fleur Forsythe writes about the arts, crafts, cooking, entertaining, travel and DIY home design. She began writing professionally in 1996. She is also an artist whose art, crafts and photography have been licensed commercially and exhibited for 17 years. She holds a B.A. in art history and studio art from New York University. Her articles can be found on eHow, Answerbag and Trails.
