Taste-maker Ruby’s TOP 3 RESTAURANT PICKS
1. Torishin
I fell in love with grilled chicken. The first yakitori spot to receive a Michelin Star in NYC, Torishin, blew me away with their omakase set ($118 per person). The meats are all grilled over charcoal, infusing the meats with a smoky, charred flavor. Not only do you get a variety of skewers (ranging from parts of the chicken to different kinds of vegetables), but they also include small Japanese dishes that are so delicate but packed with flavor. Overall, my favorite bites were the chicken oysters, Iberico pork, and eel appetizer but honestly, everything was a star. I highly recommend this spot for date nights or a treat for yourself!!
2. Mesiba
A Middle Eastern restaurant located inside the Moxy Hotel in Williamsburg, Mesiba blew me away with their flavors! You must get the tableside hummus that comes with warm, fluffy frena bread. I honestly think that was the best hummus I’ve ever had! I highly recommend ordering the prawn risotto and lamb neck — both so different from one another but incredible nonetheless! The prawn risotto had a powder of “cheese rock(?)” shaved on top which added a whole other depth of flavor to the already creamy & spiced dish. The lamb neck was incredibly tender and came with these small flatbreads (if injera and tortillas had a baby). If I wasn’t on antibiotics, I definitely would’ve tried their cocktails but I’ll save that for another trip.
3. San Sabino
This spot is impossible to get a reservation right now so I’m incredibly thankful Michelle got us a last-minute spot! The must-gets are the creamy lobster triangoli and octopus carpaccio — literally mind-blowing & the seafood is so tender, and packed with flavor. Their steak impressed me: fried and lightly crispy on the outside (like katsu) while tender and juicy on the inside. The cheesy frittelle is my new Roman empire — imagine an empanada and ravioli had a baby, stuffed with lemony, ricotta cheesy goodness & drizzled in honey. The cocktails/mocktails were DELICIOUS, one martini inspired by garlic bread! Prices here are pretty high for smaller portions but I left so stuffed & happy. Worth the resy!
