Top 10 Budget Eats in Manhattan

‘Le Bernardin’ is my favorite restaurant in Manhattan but a tasting menu there is $180.

This list gives you a better way to spend that $180

10 great meals you could have for the price of one

The countdown begins......

10. Chikalicious203 East 10th Street

A desserts-only place Amazing petit fours Portions are too small for someone

with a serious sweet tooth A three-course dessert tasting and a

coffee would be about $15

9. Sushi Yasuda204 E. 43rd St

Sushi has the potential to be world food and here you get a good selection of sushi and sashimi

Service tends to be friendly but slow

A prix fixe lunch would cost between $20 to $30

8. Ruby Foo’s1626 Broadway

A restaurant which has understood the concept of fusion-food

This is a fun, family-friendly kind of place

Helpful service Seafood options from lobster to

salmon to tuna, are really interesting A good dinner is about $20 per head

7. Petrie Court CafeThe Metropolitan

Great views of the Central Park and of the Kravis Gallery, etc

Great ambiance enhanced by the presence of priceless pieces of art

Food is carefully prepared

Cost per head will be between $15 and $35

6. Pio Pio1746 First Ave

A congested ‘hole in the wall’ The Peruvian-style rotisserie

chicken is fabulous Do not forget to get lots of hot

green sauce to go with it

Two can split a chicken – about $8 per head

5. Peking Duck House28 Mott St

Great peking duck which is carved next to your table

Good combo options for parties of 4 or more

The decor is probably the best in Chinatown

The cost per head would be about $15

4. Jean Georges1 Central Park West

Great food by a great chef in a great setting

Service is not too great

Whichever way you look at it; The prix fixe lunch at $25 is a steal.

3. Joe’s Shanghai9 Pell Street

Crab meat and pork soup dumplings are what you come here to eat

The rest of the food is not bad either

For dessert, try the ‘Chinese ice cream factory’ next door

About $15 per head would be approximately what you spend at Joe’s

2. Aquavit65 E. 55th St.

The Cafe is good; no need to go inside for the more expensive food

The Smorgasbord gives you a sampling of great Scandinavian cuisine

The daily traditional Swedish meal is a great deal too.

Either of the above will cost below $25

1. Churrascaria Plataforma 316 W. 49th St.

A meat lover’s paradise; a buffet starring meats grilled Brazilian-style

Salads looked good but I couldn’t get distracted from the meat

I even forgot to save space for the dessert

An all you can eat lunch for $35

This list is restricted by: My wallet – That is why a list of budget

eats My tastes – I have not listed any Indian

restaurants as I find better ones in India I love tapas but I did not find any place

that really sets itself apart I don’t drink alcohol, so the wine list does

not play a role in my ratings

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