Over-stressed restaurateurs have been trickling out of Manhattan for lower rents in the outerboroughs for years now.
But in the relatively quiet neighborhood that’s part NoMad, part Flatiron, the foodies have begun flocking.
With recent openings by long-beloved chefs, like Nick Anderer, Jesse Schenker and Justin Smillie’s (of Maialino, Recette, and Il Buco Alimentari, respectively), it seems time to head back to the city.
1. The Gander
15 W. 18th St., 212-229-9500
Earlier this year, popular Recette chef Jesse Schenker expanded into this sprawling space, serving up some of the dishes he’s known for, like “Buffalo” sweetbreads ($12), as well as homemade pasta and hearty but creative mains like suckling pig porchetta with apple mustard ($32).
Before you go, do some background reading and check out Schenker’s recently released tell-all autobiography, “All or Nothing.”
2. Cafe El Presidente
30 W. 24th St., 212-242-3491
Popular NoLita spot Tacombi has brought its street-style tacos north, with former Peels chef Jason DeBriere at the helm.
The new space evokes the traditional taquerias of Mexico City and adds authentic breakfast dishes to the menu, including eggs tinga ($14) and huevos rancheros ($11).
3. Park Avenue
360 Park Ave. S., 212-951-7111
After 22 years on the Upper East Side, Park Avenue — the elegant restaurant that changes its menu, décor and name with each season — has moved 40 blocks south. It’s currently in Park Avenue Autumn mode, but Winter is coming Dec. 2.
4. The Little Beet Table
333 Park Ave. S., 212-466-3330
This spinoff of popular Midtown fast-casual spot the Little Beet has similarly healthy, flavorful fare, but both the plating and the atmosphere is far more upscale.
“At Little Beet [at 135 W. 50th St.], you order a base protein with different sides, so you’d get chicken breast with a side of broccoli,” says managing partner Josh Morgan. “Here, we have a great pan-seared roasted chicken with heirloom carrots. We have a lot of opportunities to put composed dishes together.”
5. Upland
345 Park Ave. S., 212-686-1006
Just a couple weeks in, beloved chef Justin Smillie’s Upland has already become a neighborhood favorite — even model Gigi Hadid and entourage graced the restaurant with their nubile presence on opening night.
Smillie serves stunning California-inspired Italian dishes like estrella pasta with chicken liver, sherry and sage ($16), as well as surprising, Asian-accented plates, such as chilled farro noodles with Maine sea urchin, scallions and sesame ($23).
6. Cosme
35 E. 21st St., 212-913-9659
Acclaimed Mexico City chef Enrique Olvera opened this highly anticipated Mexican restaurant last month.
The airy, plant-lined space evokes a bit of 1950s Acapulco, but the menu, with dishes like a husk meringue with corn mousse ($12), is thoroughly modern and delicious.
“I don’t want people to say, ‘This is really creative.’ I want them to say, ‘This is really tasty.’ ” says Olvera.