The Upper West Side was once thought to be on the sidelines of Manhattan’s trendsetting culinary scene. However, that notion has largely changed and more quality restaurants keep opening and adding an exciting atmosphere that have transformed the area into the latest hot spot for foodies around the city. The new restaurants focus on offering an authentic taste of diverse international cuisines and reflect the neighborhood’s worldly feel. Take a look and read our guide for the eateries below, they’re bound to make your mouth water!
Mojka
852 Amsterdam Ave.
Mojka opened its doors to the Upper West Side at the start of the year ready to delight its customers with exquisite Korean cuisine. The dishes served here are elaborately prepared and the staff couldn’t be more attentive and courteous. Order one of the many tasty stews which combine a variety of fresh ingredients such as spicy Korean curry, potatoes, onions, carrots, and peas in order to create an explosive combination of flavors. The stews are a great option for those looking to treat themselves to a healthy and delicious meal at the same time. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s the perfect dish to warm up to during these bitterly cold winter days we’ve been experiencing lately. Some of the other menu highlights include the bibimbap burger with veggies and a fried egg wrapped in a brioche bun, noodles, dumplings, and Korean barbecue. The amazing banchan comes with an entree order and mixes Japanese pickles with scallion and sesame seeds. Yum! Prepare for an exotic culinary adventure and don’t forget to complete the experience with a beer or soju cocktail!
http://mokja101.com
Boule & Cherie
170 Amsterdam Ave.
Located in the heart of the Upper West Side, Boule & Cherie is a French bakery that transports its customers to the other end of the Atlantic through its authentic pastries and elegant Parisian design. The recently opened bakery offers sweet treats as well as plenty of sandwiches and salads making it the perfect pick for a quick lunch while on the go. There’s a wide selection of quiches such as the tomato and blue cheese or spinach and they come along with a portion of hearty greens on the side. Handcrafted croissants, blueberry cookies, petit fours made with almonds, and palmiers are some of the classic baked goods to be tasted here. Some of the pastries such as the guava and cream cheese fuse the original French recipe and inject it with a kick of Latin flavor. Boule & Cherie is a wonderful addition to the neighborhood and a great spot to catch up on work while enjoying the calm ambiance.
http://bouleandcherie.com
Pizzeria Sirenetta
568 Amsterdam Ave.
Pizzeria Sirenetta hails from the same owners of the Mermaid Inn who decided to open this restaurant after realizing the lack of Italian dining options on the Upper West Side. This new joint is located right next door to the Mermaid Inn and the owners have turned the empty space into an alluring restaurant that features white bricks and a classic Italian tile pattern. The design is centered around an open kitchen that separates the venue into two separate dining rooms. The open floor plan allows for customers to watch their pizza slide into a wood and gas oven to later come out hot and ready to eat. Their Neapolitan pizzas are made from scratch and use fresh ingredients while offering a diverse selection of toppings including the white clam and the spinach with garlic hot peppers. Sirenetta’s menu, which translates to “Little Mermaid” , also offers its share of typical Mediterranean, pasta salads, and antipasti for a perfectly balanced meal. We couldn’t think of a better spot to satisfy those of us that constantly crave anything Italian!
www.pizzeriasirenetta.com
2016 is coming in strong with the inauguration of these wonderful restaurants. The Upper West Side’s culinary scene keeps getting more competitive and we can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings. Let us know if we might have missed a new spot and we’ll make sure to include it in an upcoming article!