Recently, I was asked what my favorite picks would be from our site. I proceeded to provide a long, scattered, impossible-to-follow list of restaurants, which led me to steer that person even more astray than they were before they asked for my opinion. In an effort to make amends for confusing that poor soul, I sat down and thought, hard, and came up with a solid list of three. Each embody a cuisine that I can’t live without (seriously, if you asked me what cuisine I would pick if I could only eat one for the rest of my life, I would torture myself deciding over these three), and they’re so great in so many ways in addition to the food that comes out of their kitchens, they’re a Savored must. I hope you find this list as helpful as I found it challenging to make!
Betel
Besides a personal connection with the restaurant, I can’t get enough of the exciting and authentic Thai cuisine that comes out of Betel’s kitchen. Intimate and sultry, Betel is nestled on the West Village’s idyllic Grove Street, and boasts a chic interior designed by critically acclaimed Martin Brudzinki. While the beauty of the dining room is not to be overlooked, the real magic at Betel comes from Chef Adam Woodfield. A veteran chef at some of the most renowned Thai restaurants in the world, Woodfield’s goal is to serve exciting renditions of Thai cuisine that reflects the hawker stalls found on his journeys through Thailand. The ‘Hama Hama’ oyster, pork and prawn dumplings and strawberry mojito are not to be missed.
Ofrenda
If you’re in search of a fun meal with great food, look no further than this 7th Avenue location. While I’ve found that Mexican restaurants always carry a notable amount of punch, Ofrenda separates itself from the rest with its inspired dishes created by Chef-Owner Luis Arce Mota’s family recipes. Ofrenda’s cozy dining room boasts an atmosphere that is lively and welcoming—and its cocktail program ain’t too shabby either. I can’t stop thinking about the quesadilla with Oaxaca cheese and the grilled hanger steak.
Spina
Thoughts of Spina literally bring a smile to my face, as it is the epitome of authentic charm, appealing to the vivacious and fun-loving East Village crowd. Situated perfectly on the corner of 11th St. and Avenue B, this cozy Italian trattoria specializes in house-made pastas and a carefully crafted wine list. The service will make you swoon, the pasta is unforgettable, and its prime corner location is a great spot for lingering over a few glasses and a bit of people watching. You can’t go wrong with any selections from the menu—especially the pastas—and while I don’t know exactly what crudo special they’ll be offering when you go, I strongly urge you to try it.
