The East Coast has an array of dining options, which makes it hard to narrow down. From Michelin star gems to long standing favorites, we’re highlighting five great restaurants on the East Coast.
Minibar, Washington D.C
James Beard Outstanding Chef Award Winner, Chef José Andrés works his magic at his intimate flagship restaurant Minibar. The two Michelin starred restaurant wows guests with Avant-garde cooking designed to ignite the senses in a gastronomical mélange of art, science, technique, and tradition. With only 12 seats, the Penn Quarter gem comes with a price tag. The 20-25 course tasting menu starts at $275 per person, and that’s without beverages. But the experience…. priceless.
Suraya, Philadelphia
Philadelphia is making a name for itself among epicureans, so it’s no wonder we would find one of the best restaurants in the east in the City of Brotherly Love. The Lebanese’s hotspot, with humble beginnings, has blossomed into one of the best, if not THE best restaurant in Philly. Long before it was a dinner destination, Suraya was a breakfast and lunch spot, serving rose pistachio cruller. But that was just the beginning, Suraya’s market offers everything imaginable: house-made French and Levantine pastries, sandwiches and even imported spices. The star of the show is dinner, featuring traditional dishes with a modern flair. Savor menu items such as Kawarma, Baladi and Djej Meshwi with a glass of Arak, the traditional, colorless anise-flavored aperitif.
Thames Street Oyster House, Baltimore
The waterfront Thames Street Oyster House, located in historic Fells Point is the place to go for authentic, fresh seafood. The raw bar features at least ten different kinds of oysters daily from both coasts, but the selection of outstanding seafood doesn’t end there. Sourcing from the most reputable local and domestic fisherman ensures the finest quality of seafood. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails in the main bar, dine to the backdrop of water views upstairs, or casually mingle in the charming courtyard. Sure, the oysters are the draw, but don’t miss out on the cast iron crab cake, it’s by far some of the best you will ever taste.
Gramercy Tavern, New York City
This long-standing favorite has topped the charts for more than two decades. The one Michelin starred gem, is a go-to for lunch and a cozy and elegant dinner stand-out. Chef Michael Anthony creates culinary masterpieces inspired by the seasons. The Tavern serves an a la carte menu throughout the afternoon and evening, while the dining room offers fixed pricing and tasting menus as well as an a la carte lunch. A few highlights of the ever-changing menu include the Beet & Pea Shoot Salad; Green Garlic Burrata, Sesame, Peanuts; and the Pork Loin & Belly, Red Cabbage, Apples, and Pickled Peppers.
Peter Lugar Steakhouse, Brooklyn
Around since 1887, Peter Lugar’s Steakhouse has long been an institution among every type of foodie from high profile Manhattanites to young newlyweds passing through. The only meat that even comes into consideration is USDA Prime, which represents less than 2% of graded beef cattle. Known for their porterhouses and creamed spinach, it’s the consistency and classics that draw a crowd, willing to pay cash since credit cards are not accepted. That doesn’t stop the thrones that flock to the standby for the best dry aged steaks around.
