Welcome to my Restaurant Row.


Here are my New York City restaurant favorites. The Row is based on food, service, overall great staff attitude and dare I say wonderful patrons.

The Row are places where you will have a solid meal as well as a great time–a no bull zone! Hope you enjoy the list and perhaps we may even see each other in one of these great dining rooms.

A domani, JT, Dr. John Tantillo.




And here’s the list. Each listing is also a link, which you can follow to the restaurant’s website, should you choose to click on it.
Vice Versa


This is my dining room. The owners are my friends and when I want to have dinner with family, I go see Franco, Stefano and the marvelous VV team.

This is my place to relax and "glad they know I came!" BTW, ask for the JT soup that is not on the menu!


325 West 51st Street, New York, NY 10019   •   Between 8th & 9th Aves
212-399-9291

Etc


This is the sister restaurant to Vice Versa and the place I hold my Seminars, Events and Social Gatherings. With my dear friend Daniele as the point man, I simply love going there. Sunday Evenings you may even catch one of those outstanding concerts with talented musicians that make the evening simply ineffable.

Another great place to be! They also have a great Sunday brunch, where you see owners: Daniele, Franco and Stefano interacting and greeting their friends and beloved patrons.


352 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036   •   212-399-4141

Circo


Another one of my favorites with Bruno at the helm. You can be sure that you will not be disappointed. When I don’t want to think about or look at a menu, Bruno does the thinking for me and my guests. Food is outstanding along with staff.

You may even see Woody, Tony or Neil having a meal with friends and family. What can I say but Bruno is the last of the great MDs in New York. Thanks, Bruno, for being you!


120 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019   •   212-265-3636

Ballatos


I just like this place. The meat balls are the best in the City, bar none. Just a relaxing spot to go for some of Mom’s great Italian cooking. A must see and must eat place.


55 E. Houston St., New York, NY 10012   •   212-274-8881

Orsay


One of the most exciting restaurants in NYC. You never know who you will see there. The attitude is great, the food outstanding and a place to go to have great fun. A wonderful bar with patrons who make it (and let’s not forget the great bartenders)!

BTW, they make great Vodka Collins! Cheers!


1057 Lexington Avenue @ 75th St., New York, NY 10021   •   212-517-6400

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Del Frisco’s


With Felix the MD, running the show and the steaks making it worthwhile, DF is tops!

Try the Crab Cakes which I believe are the best in the City. The Filet Mignon is to die for those who are (and are not) watching those fat grams! The shrimp with three sauces is another encounter of the food kind. And the lemon layer cake with cream so that you can cut it (if you know what I mean) is the dessert not to be missed! Alyce knows what I mean.


1221 Avenue of the Americas @ 49th Street, New York, New York 10020
212-575-5129

The Old Homestead


When you are downtown, and who isn’t these days, and you want a great steak, there is no better than my old favorite: The old Homestead. As I like to say, if it’s ok for the NY Knicks it’s ok with me. Why do the Knicks go there?

It’s those Kobe steaks which is like nothing you have ever experienced, that’s why. Yes, I know it’s pricey (over $100 per serving), but if you share it with the table as an appetizer, the pain is lessened. You simply "gotta" have it, at least once in your life!


56 9th Ave. (between 14th & 15th st) New York, NY 10011   •   212-242-9040

Le Bernardin


Simply the best French seafood restaurant in NYC. Their newly renovated dining room, with Ben the MD, the outstanding staff and let’s not forget Eric Ripert, Chef extraordinaire, make this one of NYC’s finest dinging experiences. See you there! And "Be There" for a time that will never be forgotten.


155 W. 51st St., New York, NY 10019   •   212-554-1515

Le Cirque


The place everyone must go to at least once in their lives. Located in the Bloomberg Building, you can’t go wrong for the place that Sinatra, royalty and everyone who is anyone once dined.

Must see and experience place even for a drink!


151 E 58th St., New York, NY 10022   •   212-644-0202

Serendipity


If you want the best chicken wings in NYC this is the place. With my dear friend Stephen Bruce overseeing quality control and paying attention to details, you can be sure that this legendary place will put a smile on your face. Of course, you must try the frozen hot chocolate the dessert created by Mr. Bruce himself and the foot long hotdog which brings you back to your childhood.

After your meal, tell Mr. B that JT sent you! But please don’t use me to try jump the line – it’s always worth the wait.


225 East 60th Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenues), New York, NY 10022
212-838-3531

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The Palm


With their new rewards program and a steak to die for, choose this place wherever you are when in NY city or across the US. Staff is great and steaks are superior.

You simply can’t go wrong with the Palm. Multiple locations in NYC.


#1. 837 Second Ave, New York, NY 10017   •   212-687-2953
#2. 840 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017   •   212-697-5198

La Promenade


With my dear friend Chef Alain Allegretti, doing the honors as Chief Chef in Charge this is to place to be and the place to eat. Food is excellent and the energy level extremely high.

Great people watching. See u there!


461 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10011   •   212-255-7400

SD 26


The restaurant to go to when you are in the Flatiron District. With Marisa the owner along with her father Tony watching over all things food and service, you can be sure that your evening will be unforgettable. The quail when it is on the menu is the best in the city and their premier dish, the uovo ravioli is like "kissing for the first time."

Simply a great place to take clients and those you want to spend some quality time with.


19 E. 26th St., New York, NY 10010   •   212-265-5959

Megu Downtown


This downtown treasure is the very best in Asian food. I simply can’t get enough of this place with its impressive interior and food that is simply superior. You will want to go back every week. Try the mushroom medley and the Kobe steak and you will say: "I love this place." Just go there and you will see what I mean.


62 Thomas Street (between West Broadway and Church)   •   212-964-7777

City Hall


Literally around the corner from Megu downtown, this place is just so wonderful. The steaks are great and the atmosphere – most impressive, Henry the owner watches over you and the food which means that you will not be disappointed.

Also catch them when they are doing one of their entertainment events which adds another element to the uniqueness to this fab place. Don’t take my word for it, just do it!


131 Duane St (between Church St & Broadway) New York, NY 10013
(212) 227-7777

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The Modern


Located in the Museum of Modern Arts (MOMA), this restaurant is one of the best (if not the best) in NYC. For the chocolate lover, their Chocolate Cart (and yes I said cart) included in their price fixed menu, compliments their super deluxe daily selections which means a great time for all those who dare to experience heaven before their time! Simply devilishly heavenly!


9 W. 53rd St., New York, NY 10019 (Near Fifth Ave.)
212-333-1220

Pure Food and Wine


For vegans and non-vegans this restaurant, I believe, is the best! With no ovens in the kitchen, you can’t believe the healthy food alternatives that will be served to you. Try their pasta dish only served for dinner and you will be hooked. When you are in the mood for eating the way the doctor tells you to eat, this is the place to go. It is also the place to go when you are in the mood for a low carb pasta dish, that is not really pasta, but sure tastes like it.

Take yourself back to the Wizard of Oz and "learn it for yourself!" Visit, Pure Food and Wine, ASAP


54 Irving Pl. (between 17th St & 18th St.), New York, NY 10003
212-477-1010

Valbella


What can I say. The atmosphere is perfect; the food out of this world with the staff first class and professional. With owner David overseeing the festivities, you can’t go wrong with this meat packing district favorite. There isn’t a bad dish on the menu and with the room’s atmosphere, you will be placed in a different world. Eat, drink and be merry at a restaurant that will stand the best of time and beyond!

BTW, I am always reminded not to forget to remind my friends to visitor that marvelous wine room! So there!


421 W 13th St (between 9th Ave & Washington St), New York, NY 10014
212-645-7777

Patsy’s


It’s the restaurant that Sinatra built and the place you must go to at least once in your life when you come to NYC. You will never know what celebrity you may bump into and for that, along with the warm reception you receive when you get there makes this institution an original that should not be missed.

BTW, their manicotti is one of the best in the city. See ya there!


236 West 56th Street, New York, NY 10019   •  212-247-3491

Brooklyn’s Fudgetaboutit Restaurants

DeStefano's Steakhouse


The best steak in Brooklyn. Owned by my friend Joe D, a lawyer by day and a restaurateur by night. Joe and his son and wife make sure that the steaks are always fresh and the delicious French fries are always prepared just right. If you are lucky, you may even get to taste Joe’s famous zeppole!

Call Joe to be sure and tell him that JT suggested you call first and ask about Z-sert.


89 Conselyea Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211   •   718-384-2836

Bamonte’s


Another one of my favorite Brooklyn restaurants. I love their manicotti and pastas. The eggplant parm is one of my favorite dishes. When in Brooklyn and you want solid Italian food, there is no other than Bamontes.


32 Withers St, Brooklyn, NY 11211   •   718-384-8831

N.B.: The restaurants mentioned are Dr. John Tantillo’s haunts. Dr. Tantillo has not been paid by the restaurants to appear on this list. Restaurants however are welcome to purchase advertising on Dr. Tantillo’s radio show – BrandTalk.

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