Gotham Bar and Grill, West Village/ Union Square, NYC

Food: ☆☆☆☆ ½

Service: ☆☆☆☆ ½

Ambiance: ☆☆☆ ½

Cost: $$$$

Must try: Butternut Squash Ravioli, Fresh Tagliatelle, Gotham Chocolate Cake, Strawberry Parfait with Black Sesame Cake.

There is a reason why Executive Chef’s Alfred Portale’s Gotham Bar and Grill has been on the top of it’s game for over 25 years now. It has the distinction of being one of the only New York restaurants to have received three-star reviews from the New York Times five times in a row!

There is something about Gotham Bar and Grill that makes it timeless and yet contemporary both in ambiance and in food. The style of service is one of casual elegance which puts you at instant ease.

Portale’s cuisine is modern American showcasing innovative plates with clean flavors. The menu is unfussy and easy to comprehend and the wait staff is really there to help you have a great time. The desserts are to die for – I think I had one of the best dessert experiences ever at Gotham – just try their Gotham Chocolate Cake!

Mind you at Gotham Bar and Grill you will pay top dollar but at least you come out feeling like the experience was worth every penny!

(They do offer a three-course $25 prix-fixe lunch, which is a real steal!)

Here is some of what we ate: