Robb NYC Guide: Where Chefs Eat
Think of it as an underground guide to the city's best restaurants. We asked the people who know New York food best—the chefs who make it—where they like to eat. The results are, not surprisingly, eclectic, with everything from opulent feasts to obscure neighborhood haunts (and a whole lot of Asian food). There's at least one thing they have in common: At non-peak hours, sometimes very late at night, you're likely to see tables of culinary superstars ordering something downright mouthwatering. Follow their lead.
Click the map icons to get information and read our original reviews.
View Robb NYC Guide: Where Chefs Eat in a larger map
Anfora and Dell’Anima: Harold Dieterle loves these neighboring West Village haunts for lunch meetings or dinner on his own.
Burger and Barrel: The gastropub makes Dieterle’s favorite burger (and an awfully decadent truffle burger during truffle season).
Keste: Chefs gather weekly at this West Village spot for its perfectly crisp pizza.
Legend: Dieterle’s favorite neighborhood spot for spicy comfort food. Read more from Dieterle…
Ramen master Ivan Orkin recommends Totto Ramen in midtown and the Brooklyn favorite Chuko in Prospect Heights for ramen that brings you “closest to Tokyo.”
Neta: Orkin heralds the omakase at this edgy sushi restaurant in downtown Manhattan.
Kyo Ya: The authentic Japanese multi-course tasting menu is a must among chefs of Japanese cuisine.
Takashi: Korean BBQ through a Japanese lens, according to Orkin. Read more…
Sakagura: A subterranean Japanese joint with a winning menu and sake list, recommended by Ivan Orkin and Bruce Bromberg of Blue Ribbon, and a Robb NYC favorite for after-work dinks.
Wo Hop: A downtown dive that serves hearty Catonese cuisine late enough to serve the chefs of late-night food joint Blue Ribbon.
‘inoteca: A small-plate Italian restaurant with a strong wine list and prime corner spot for people watching, according to Bruce Bromberg.
The Spotted Pig: Heralded by its competitors at Blue Ribbon for a quality 8 p.m.-caliber meal at 2 a.m.
Spitzer’s Corner: A well-appointed gastropub with an impressive beer list. Read more from Blue Ribbon’s Bruce Bromberg here...
Congee Village Restaurant & Bar: Stellar Cantonese cuisine for regulars and nightlife denizens alike.
E.A.T.: This Upper East Side deli and restaurant has Matt Abramcyk (Beatrice Inn, Super Linda, Tiny’s) coming back simply for its egg-white salad.
Cafe Sabarsky: For fine food and fine art, the traditional Viennese restaurant in the Neue Galerie is Abramcyk’s go-to for inspired dining. Read more from Abramcyk...
Great NY Noodletown: This Bowery mainstay is a favorite of many famous chefs, including the owners of Chinatown’s Apothèke and Pulqueria and David Chang of Momofuku.
Sanur: Go here for Indonesian, Malaysian, and “some of the best pad Thai in the city,” say the owners of Apothèke and Pulqueria, Heather and Christopher Tierney.
Les Enfants Terribles: The French-African-inspired food at this remote dining spot is a refuge for the Tierneys after hours. Read more from the Tierneys...
Tbar Steak & Lounge: When François Payard is looking to escape French fare, he heads here for a healthy cut of steak. Read more from Payard...
The Dutch: Rich Torrisi and Mario Carbone of NoLitan favorite Torrisi Italian Specialties love to go to go to this hot spot for late-night dining.
Walker’s: When chef David Bouley wants no-frills, “straightforward” eats, he goes to this old Tribeca tavern.
Restaurant Marc Fargione: This neighborhood mainstay, opened by the son of legend Larry Forgione, stands up to the father’s revolutionary fine American cuisine.
Jungsik: For something more decadent, Bouley goes for the Korean tasting menu at Jungsik. Read more from Bouley...
