TARTINERY

 

 
Top 5 Cozy Restaurants in NYC
Warm your Belly (and Soul) with these Winter Gems


 
1. Rafele Ristorante: Catch some wood-burning warmth
Our insider tip: Choose a seat around the Chef’s bar and feel the warmth from the nearby wood-burning oven. In this prime seat you’ll get to watch the Chef in action (he’s cute, and Italian and he donated his CHOPPED winnings to charity – that alone will take the edge off winter’s chill). Sit here and salivate over the delicious, rustic Italian fare being trotted out past you. Then dive into some belly-warming pasta or pizza (watch it being made before your eyes), get some salumi and cheese to share, and cap it all off with a great red wine.
DETAILS:  29 7th Ave South  /  212-242-1999  /  http://www.rafele.com  
Chopped clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TL4GawfjqfA

2. The Smile: Transport yourself into subterranean coziness

Slide down the secret steps of The Smile on Bond Street (you might not even notice it walking by – but it’s worth a detour) and be transported into a wood-paneled world of coziness.  Treat yourself to delicious Mediterranean fare, such as Moroccan lamb meatballs.  Brunch is a good bet here – inventive dishes, great coffee and bloody, and a bakery full of goodies.
DETAILS:  26 Bond Street  /  646-329-5836  /  http://www.thesmilenyc.com/#the-smile

3. Tartinery: Simplify and slow down

Be transported! Live like a French person for a moment – Tartinery prides itself on high-quality, simple ingredients in an unhurried, sexy atmosphere.  Their signature item – the tartine – is done to perfection. Artisan bread, with succulent, fresh toppings is best paired with a fresh pressed juice or full-bodied French red. The tartine is made to savor and share – how very French of them! Our favorite seat: Downstairs is a brick and pine refuge from bustling Nolita sidewalks.
DETAILS:  209 Mulberry Street  /  212-300-5838  /  http://www.tartinery.com/#/intro/
4. OatMeals: It’s not just for breakfast anymore
OatMeals is a breath of warm air on a cold winter’s day. You’ll be impressed by the elevated inventiveness of the savory bowls – think parmesan cheese and truffle oil. Of course, they have sweet as well, and even delectable oatmeal raisin cookies. Choose from their well-curated bowl ideas or create your own with your favorite sweet and/or savory ingredients.
DETAILS:  120 W 3rd St  /  646-360-3570

5. Payard: Velvety hot chocolate and desserts to-die-for

Payard claims to have the best hot chocolate – why not test that theory! Insider’s secret: Pair a delicate and delicious salted-caramel macaron along with it. The hot chocolate is European-style – nice and thick and chocolaty. Bring your favorite chocolate-lover to share a sip with. It will surely impress even the coldest of hearts.
DETAILS:  116 West Houston Street  /  212-995-0888  /  www.fpbnyc.com/