A ‘Good’ Experience

Stunning Interior Decor

When dining in a neighborhood packed to the brim with top-notch eateries, sorting through all of the options can at times be overwhelming. Fear not loyal foodies, as I’m here to give some insight into one of my newfound favorites.

With an inherent apology for the obvious play on words, let me say, my evening at Good Restaurant lived up to its name (and then some).

While I’d like to think I don’t quite fall under the high-maintenance umbrella (wouldn’t we all?), I, admittedly, have the highest of standards for restaurant experiences – and this pleasant oasis on the edge of the West Village was a delight on all fronts.

First, I’ll set the scene. Walking that nearly impossible line between cheerful and chic, Good’s beautiful décor transitions seamlessly from daytime to nighttime. With dark wooden furniture set against beige banquettes and muted silver accents, Good’s dining room represents both the energetic bustle of the neighborhood and the romantic vibe of the Village’s tree-lined streets. Outside, their sidewalk seating has a minimalist feel, allowing people-watching of eccentric passers-by to hold the lion’s share of any diner’s attention. Combine this ambience with the attentive service, and you’re well on your way to a special evening before you even place an order.

Now on to the fun stuff– the food itself.  Being a loyal follower of the ‘let’s get lots of plates and share it all,’ mindset, I always arrive at a restaurant with multiple menu items in mind to order. Armed with personal recommendations and a thorough knowledge of the menu itself (thanks in large part to my habitual act of reading and re-reading the menu in the days leading up to any meal), my friend and I quickly selected three dishes to split.

To start, we tried the savory baked goat cheese and tomato cazuela. Served warm, this creamy dish featured the perfect balance of goat cheese swimming in a pool of tangy tomato flavors. With each bite of this decadent mixture – spread generously over freshly grilled country bread and devoured in seconds – we had little to say beyond ‘wow.’ Gone as quickly as it had arrived, this perfectly portioned appetizer left us anxiously awaiting the dishes to come.

Next came the harvest salad. This healthy serving incorporated mixed lettuces, aged cheddar, roasted pear and pecans, all dressed in a flavorful apple cider vinaigrette. With extra points for that flare of the unique found in the dressing, the harvest salad was exactly what we needed – something familiar yet exciting – and whet our appetites even more for the main event.

Delightful Harvest Salad

As soon as this seafood masterpiece was put down on the table, we could smell the treat we were in for. Cooked to a silky medium-rare, the salmon was covered in a crispy skin that was precisely salted and resting delicately over a combination of sautéed potatoes and sun-dried tomatoes. Dressed further with a subtle paprika aioli, this dish was perhaps the highlight of an already impressive meal.

Overall, Good accomplished something many restaurants overshoot – leaving us feeling perfectly full without being uncomfortably stuffed, complete with smiles on our faces. I’d recommend this Greenwich Avenue gem to any friend – just as long as I was invited to go along.