Ali Dulman, my college roommate, is always up for a food adventure. When I am looking to try something new I know I can count on Ali to have a list of places she’s been dying to try. Just this two weeks ago on a Saturday Ali and I ventured to Clinton St Baking Co. to indulge in some pancakes! We couldn’t decide banana or chocolate so we combined! Let’s just say, I have never had an unenjoyable meal with Ali and we have been to restaurants in NYC, Westchester, Las Vegas, Chicago, Nashville, St.Louis, Barcelona and Florence just to name a few. Ali’s recommendations are always great! Here are her NYC favorites! 

1. Quality Eats: “This place is so fun!” 

Ali says it best herself. This steakhouse is young, trendy and all around delicious. The chef is not afraid to take the norm and spice it up! Ali suggests the peanut butter and jelly bacon appetizer and the crème brulee corn that comes with the steaks. We both can agree you cannot leave without the birthday cake sundae dessert. 

2. Loring Place: “It’s worth it”

West Village: 21 W 8th St, New York, NY 10011

I am embarrassed to say I have made a reservation at Loring place over 5 times and every time something comes up! Ali has influenced me that next time I will HAVE to go (ditch the work dinner if need be) because they make all vegetables taste amazing! She also says the space is really minimalistic and pretty! 

3. Emily Brooklyn: “Really Really good pizza” 

Clinton Hill: 919 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11238

While Ali is not one to trek to Brooklyn, she claims Emily in Brooklyn is much better than the one in the WV, and better than Emmy Squared. I went to Emmy Squared with Ali- I thought it was terrific so this must be out of this world! She suggests the mozzarella, truffle, pistachio and honey pie! “It’s to die for!” 

4. Upland “Vibes!” 

Nomad: 345 Park Ave S, New York, NY 10010

All around winner for food says Ali. The food, vibes, and service are what keep Upland the number one choice for any meal. The food is relatively simple and just all around delicious. My best advice is sit at the bar and eat, making a reservation can be difficult. 

5. Root & Bone: “The food is indulgent and delicious!” 

East Village: 200 E 3rd St, New York, NY 10009

This Southern food restaurant is best for brunch or dinner! Besides the food, Cheddar waffles, being indulgent and delicious, Ali says the atmosphere is incredible. “It’s homey and cozy.” The food makes you feel all warm and satisfied too!  

6. The Bao: “ Great Chinese food, but in a trendier setting!”

Lower East Side: 13 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003 

This restaurant was my go to spot when I went to NYU for a semester! Seriously great, and Ali says it best: “They have teeny tiny soup dumplings, which are easier to eat than the full size ones and not as likely to burn your mouth!” 

7. Russ and Daughters Café: “This place doesn’t disappoint” 

Lower East Side: 127 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002

As an original Russ and Daughter daily customer, when they opened the café I was so excited! I used to travel from the Upper East Side, down town, get my bagel, and have NO WHERE to sit! Now the café gives the best of Russ and Daughters in a cool sit down setting. Ali agrees when she says “It’s nice to eat a bagel in a sit-down restaurant setting, instead of the usual Sunday morning on my couch!” PS. All of their jewish food is delicious (highly recommend the latkes!) 

8. Cookshop: “Has never let me down” 

West Chelsea: 156 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011

Ali’s usual order is “the kale salad, roasted chicken, and a side of potatoes.” Cookshop makes good food great! I love their donuts and cornmeal pancakes for brunch! Actually, fun fact I spent my 21st birthday here!  

9. Little Beet Table: “Healthy but not unsatisfied!” 

Gramercy: 333 Park Ave S, New York, NY 10010

Healthy, clean, farm to table. Little Beet, and Little Beet Table are an easy go to for me. I used to have it every day for lunch, whether it be the protein bowls or sushirrito! Little Beet Table has the best butternut squash soup and their salad is big enough for 4! 

10. Westville: “Easy, affordable, healthy and yummy!” 

6 Locations: Chelsea, West Village, East Village, Hudson, Dumbo

Ali would “eat here once a week if she lived closer.” What she doesn’t know is that I actually order in from Westville once a week! Hahah- big advocate of all of those awesome food delivery services- especially in the cold winter! (not just because I used to work for UberEATS!)  

11. Burger Joint: “Favorite burger in NYC hands down.”

Midtown West: 119 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019

Ali’s favorite burger in NYC- BOLD! I have not tried this one yet, but Ali seems to say it’s amazing. She says she will be back and I have a feeling I will be the one to make her go back sooner than later!  

12. Taqueria Diana: “Best Mexican” 

East Village:129 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003

Affordable Mexican food with cool vibes. Sometimes at Mexican restaurants guac can get so expensive that it is refreshing to hear that this place is actually affordable. Ali actually claims it’s cheap. She may be comparing to the Rosa Mexicana’s of NYC where you can’t walk out without paying through your nose. 

13. Bar Pitti- “Favorite pasta” 

West Village: 268 6th Ave, New York, NY 10014

Ali Claims this is the best pasta in NYC! There is really nice sidewalk seating in the summer that allows you to have great people watching. Many famous people actually go to bar pitti on the regular. One negative though, this place is CASH ONLY and NO RESERVATIONS. This restaurant can be both cash only and no reservations because all of their customers swear it is incredible! (Especially for a date night!) 

Just one last note, Ali also had Union Fare and Shuka on her list, however Molly had suggested those two in my previous Sunday Spotlight– so if you didn’t catch the drift then… now GO TO UNION FARE and SHUKA! NOW! 

If you like Ali’s restaurant suggestions- be sure to follow her @alidulman you wont regret it!