As we exchange gifts, crunch the last Q4 numbers, and complain to our loved ones about how our Spotify Wrapped was “totally off” because of that one other person using our account this year, I thought it would be a good time to summarize a list of my own. I present to you: my five favorite restaurants in 2023.
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#5 - Chama Mama
I’m pretty sure Chama Mama is the most versatile restaurant in NYC. Cold in the winter? A hot chicken soup from Chama Mama will warm your soul. Hot in the summer? Visit their outdoor patio and sip a homebrewed lemonade. Date night for two? Walk in any time. Brunch for 10? Chama Mama can seat you, and even kids will enjoy eating here (what is khachapuri if not pizza without tomato sauce?). My point is, when in doubt, Chama Mama is the move. I particularly love it for brunch, when you can order chiji-piji, a Georgian take on shakshuka.
One of the nice things about a walk-in only restaurant is that you can always go last minute. KazuNori has definitely earned a place in my heart for coming to the rescue whenever a friend sends me a “what u feelin tn?” text. It’s affordable enough to work on a budget, plus they’ve been busy expanding their operations, so it’s a pretty convenient meeting spot as well. As always, KazuNori’s fish is high quality, and nothing brings comfort quite like the warm rice in their hand rolls.
When I crave carbs on date night, Mel’s is always the answer. This restaurant is dusty rose cute with some seriously top notch wood-fired pizza. I love that they have more than just pizza too; their appetizers are all great (often garlicky, vinegary, or otherwise strong-flavored) and the eggplant parm is worth ordering at least once in a blue moon. You can usually snag a seat at the bar or reserve ahead for a larger party without too much trouble. The catch: do NOT get dessert. It’s just bad, and I don’t know why (I recommend getting tahini ice cream at Seed + Mill across the street in Chelsea Market if you need something sweet).
Few things got me excited like a reservation at Rosella in 2023. The food is outstanding and the service is so personable and friendly, you feel like a regular the very first time you’re there. It takes pretty much all my self discipline not to drink the tangy sauces accompanying their incredible ceviches/crudos straight out of the bowl (I do it with a spoon like a civilized person). And perhaps most amazingly, this restaurant introduced me to finger limes. Life will never be the same.
When someone asked me this year “what’s your favorite restaurant in New York?” (usually, someone who doesn’t live here) I had one obvious answer: The Noortwyck. I could eat at the Noortwyck weekly, possibly more, and be blissfully happy. The menu has good variety without being overwhelming and changes seasonally. Anything baked is probably going to be mind blowing, a major plus at brunch for a waffle/french toast nut like me. You can walk in basically any time, and oh yeah, it feels like sitting in the living room of my dreams. Hands down, this was the restaurant that made my year.
These restaurants delighted, excited, and comforted me throughout the year. Frankly, my life wouldn’t be the same without them! So, a big thank you and my deepest gratitude to the teams that make these places run – New York is lucky to have you. ✨
Rosella was the best meal I've had in a long time, Emily's loved it's can't miss!
Loved the 2023 top choices! Noortwyck here I come!!