One Night Only: The Best One-Time Visits

Continuing our Beyoncé-themed journey through my top dining spots in New York City, today’s feature is ‘One Night Only’ – a compilation of NYC restaurants I’ve experienced just once, yet they’ve left a lasting impression. 

Soundtrack: “One Night Only” – Beyoncé

VIA CAROTA 
Italian (West Village)
51 Grove Street, Manhattan

This Ina-approved Italian sport is one of the hardest reservations in the city and one that’s definitely worth the hype! If you can’t snag a reservation or don’t live in the city, the Via Carota Cookbook is phenomenal!

Reservations: Open 30 days in advance at 10am on Resy.

Favorite Dishes:

• Olive all ’ascolana. fried green olives with pork sausage
• Carote. carrots, spiced yogurt & pistachios
• Svizzerina. hand-chopped grass-fed steak

FRENCHETTE
French (Tribeca)
241 West Broadway, Manhattan 

We had one magical (if expensive) brunch here and I think about it often. The vibe is great, the food phenomenal, and the drinks have a kick. 

Reservations: Available 30 days in advance here.

Favorite Dishes:

• Smoked Trout Beignets
• Quiche 
• Tartare Frites

MISS LILY’S
Jamaican (East Village)
109 Avenue A, Manhattan

I haven’t been to this East Village location but the one that used to be on Houston was had some seriously delicious Jamaican food.

Reservations: Available here.

Favorite Dishes:

• Jerk Pork Spare Ribs
• Jamaican Curry Shrimp
• Classic Jamaican Oxtail Stew

BONNIE’S 
Cantonese (Williamsburg)
398 Manhattan Avenue, Brooklyn

Every one was talking about this restaurant when it opened a couple years ago, and I was concerned it wouldn’t live up to the hype, but it did and more. They have a cookbook in the works that I can’t wait to try. 

Reservations: Available here.

Favorite Dishes:

• Cha Siu Bkrib Sandwich
• Gnow Yuk Chow Mein
• Jiew Yeem Yao Yu
• MSG Martini 

SHUKETTE
Middle Eastern (Chelsea)
230 9th Ave, Manhattan 

This is a HARD reservation to get and for good reason. It’s lively space with delicious plates – you usually can arrive without a reservation for a shorter wait if you’re willing to sit at the bar.

Reservations: Available here.

Favorite Dishes:

• Labneh
• Frena
• Harissa Carrots
• Grass-Fed Steak Shisk Kebab

BAD ROMAN 
Italian (Columbus Circle)
10 Columbus Cir, Manhattan

Another restaurant that was appearing everywhere was Bad Roman, and I was convinced it would be bad – a case of style over substance. But I was happy to proved wrong – the lemon cheese cake shaped to look like a lemon was a highlight

Reservations: Available here.

Favorite Dishes:

• Black Truffle Honey Whipped Ricotta
• Spicy Gem Caesar
• Filetto with Cacio e Pepe Raviolo
• Lemon Cheesecake 

VAN DA
Vietnamese (East Village)
234 East 4th Street, Manhattan

This was the last restaurant meal we had before lockdown and we went out with a bang. We treated it like a tasting menu – getting close to the entire menu – and their were very few misses. 

Reservations: Available here.

Favorite Dishes:

• Pho Short Rib Grilled Cheese
• Lemongrass Beef Tartare
• Banh It Ram

SPICY VILLAGE
Chinese (Lower East Side)
68 Forsyth Street, Manhattan 

This popular spot known for their spicy big tray chicken – the Sichuan peppercorns will leave your mouth zinging – and hand-pulled noodles.

Reservations: Not Available

Favorite Dishes:

• Spicy Big Tray Chicken 

LASER WOLF
Israeli (Williamsburg)
97 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn

My initial thought when seeing the menu was $40+ is insane for two meat skewers. What I didn’t realize is the this price included unlimited salatim – a huge platter of dips, salads, and nibbles accompanied by fresh pita and an ice cream closer. I’d come back for the salatim alone.

Reservations: Available 21 days in advance at 10am via Resy.

Favorite Dishes:

• Lamb Kofta
• Zatar-Spiced Eggplant

BAHN MI SAIGON
Vietnamese (Chinatown)
198 Grand Street, Manhattan 

Their Spicy Bahn Mi Saigon is the best bahn mi I’ve found in the city

Reservations: Grab and go counter

Favorite Dishes:

• Spicy Bahn Mi Saigon (#1)

RADIO BAKERY
Bakery (Greenpoint)
135 India Street, Brooklyn

My new boss loves a good meal as much as I do and she raved about Radio Bakery! For a team meeting she brought in a huge selection of their breakfast menu and they were some of the best pastries and bread I’ve had in the city.

Reservations: Grab and go counter

Favorite Dishes:

• Cheesy Pretzel Bearclaw
• Earl Grey Morning Bun
• Smoked Salmon Sandwich
• Everything Spice Focaccia
• Shakshuka Focaccia

I SODI
Italian (West Village )
314 Bleeker Street, Manhattan 

This is the older sister restaurant of Via Carota and just as hard to get into. My friend Stephanie snagged us a 4:30pm reservation just before my move. Reading the Yelp reviews, I was a little nervous about the hype this restaurant had garnered, but it came through (wondering if they have hit and miss nights). The mile high lasagna was a dream and the Coniglio in Porchetta (rabbit wrapped in “rigatina” and roasted with rosemary and garlic) was one of the best dishes I’ve ever had.

Reservations: Reservations available on Resy

Favorite Dishes:

• Lasagna a Sugo
• Coniglio in Porchetta

More Favorite Restaurants of New York City here.