It’s official: Andre Balazs, developer of the popular Standard Hotel chain, is taking over the troubled Cooper Square Hotel in the East Village. That means he’ll be “chang[ing] the culinary experience” at the hotel’s current food and beverage operation The Trilby at some point in the distant future. While you wait for those changes to take effect, there are plenty of examples of great restaurants within hotels to try (including the one Balazs runs across town at The Standard Hotel). [The Feast]
400 FIfth Ave. | (212) 613-8660Though the surroundings leave something to be desired (dining in the room is not too different from eating in a hotel lobby), the food at Michael White’s first hotel project is excellent.
20 E 76th St | (212) 772-2600Perhaps Daniel Boulud’s most well-rounded restaurant (it’s high-end, yet retains a neighborhood feel) is located within a hotel. Like the best hotel restaurants, you would never guess it from the inside.
1196 Broadway | (212) 792-9000April Bloomfield’s second Ace Hotel restaurant is a reboot of the original John Dory, which closed its Chelsea location in 2009. This time the focus is on more casual fare, with a large raw bar and crudo selection.
Two East 55th St at Fifth Avenue | (212) 710-2277Though there’s no mistaking that this Alain Ducasse restaurant is located within a hotel, chef Didier Elena’s food transcends stuffy the confines of the St. Regis.
377 Greenwich St. | (212) 925-3797Andrew Carmellini’s rustic Italian spot located in Tribeca’s Greenwich Hotel is known for its great pasta, excellent chicken for two, and killer ricotta cheese. Don’t fill up and leave without trying one of Karen Damasco’s desserts, though.
16 E. 46th St | (212) 490-8300Critics have slammed the restaurant’s decor, but innovative, ambitious food transcends the uninspired surroundings.
2 Lexington Ave. | (212) 777-2410Danny Meyer’s version of a “rustic” Roman-style trattoria in the Gramercy Park Hotel serves up killer pastas (try the Malfatta with suckling pork) alongside an excellent Italian wine list.
848 Washington St. | (212) 645-4100Balazs should take a few notes from his very own operation across town run by chef Dan Silverman, which serves excellent food considering the heavy volume (over 1,000 covers a day).
15 West 56 St. (bet 5th and 6th avenues) | (212) 757-5878David Chang’s first foray into the dicey world of Midtown dining resides in the Chambers Hotel and serves up a toned down version of the menu chef de cuisine Tien Ho shaped downtown at Momofuku Ssam Bar. Also, chairs with backs!
The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges
25 East 77th St The Mark Hotel | (212) 606-3030Jean-Georges’ recent opening in The Mark Hotel on the Upper East Side serves up casual, accessible fare (think truffle pizza and crab cakes) in a spacious dining room.
16 W. 29th St. | (212) 679-1939Located within the trendy Ace Hotel, head here for Chef April Bloomfield’s signature lamb burger and either of the restaurant’s large-format feasts (whole lamb or pig).