Thursday

07-10-2025 Vol 2017

Discovering Standout Dishes Around NYC: A Weekly Roundup

Eater editors have taken to the bustling streets of NYC to unearth a trove of standout dishes worthy of sharing.

From comforting soups to unique pastries, this week’s culinary explorations highlight the best experiences from various neighborhoods.

Starting in Brighton Beach, the Ocean View Cafe serves an exceptional Kharcho, a traditional Georgian stew priced at $11.99 cash ($12.47 with card).

This delightful soup features tender chunks of lamb and rice enriched with a thin broth infused with cherry plum puree and seasoned with khmeli suneli, a celebrated Georgian spice blend.

Fresh dill elevates the dish further, making it perfect for sharing on a sunny day alongside a vibrant pickle plate.

And before you leave, make sure to grab a bag of their handmade frozen pelmeni, a standout from local grocers’ offerings.

Moving to Chinatown, we find Lei, a new wine bar from Annie Shi, where the scallop crudo takes the spotlight.

At $20, this dish showcases perfectly bouncy and subtly sweet scallops, complemented by a unique twist: lily buds, known for their role in hot and sour soup.

These buds add a chewy texture and brightness to the dish, making it ideal for hot summer days, especially when paired with a fizzy wine.

Let’s not forget to indulge in the decadent and toasty eight-treasure rice pudding served with sticky toffee and vanilla ice cream for dessert, despite it being slightly richer for the season.

Next up is the pithivier terre et mer at Le Chêne, the latest French restaurant by former Margot chef Alexia Duchêne.

This $79 dish, a stunning domed savory pie, is packed with layers of pork farce, eel, and potatoes, creating a rich, comforting meal.

Complemented by a vibrant beetroot sauce that adds a tangy twist, the dish is described as reminiscent of a French pot pie.

Though the price tag may be steep, it’s hefty enough to ensure leftovers for the next day’s meal.

On a lunchtime visit to Tasty Dumpling, a cash-only gem in Chinatown, one editor discovered some unexpected flavor delights.

While ordering classic fried chive and pork dumplings at $2 for four, a mix-up provided samples of the dill and pork special instead, showcasing the herb’s freshness and grassy taste.

This happy accident highlighted the $6 cold sesame noodles, making for an under-$10 meal that voters of culinary excellence are sure to appreciate and keep returning for.

Rounding out the week, the Otway Bakery in Clinton Hill presents a blueberry and corn danish priced at $5.50, a seasonal treat that beautifully incorporates large blueberries.

The danish features a delectable corn pastry cream enveloped in layers of crunchy-soft laminated dough.

Its unique circular design, reminiscent of an inverted cupcake, draws attention to the best parts of the pastry, enhanced by a sprinkling of turbinado sugar for added texture.

These dishes reflect not only the diversity of flavors across NYC but also the creativity chefs are bringing to summer menus.

Stay tuned for more culinary discoveries, as Eater editors continue to explore the vast dining landscape of New York City.

image source from:ny

Benjamin Clarke