In an city as culturally diverse as New York, the traditional definition of “bistro” — small restaurants serving modest home-style cooking — is inevitably altered and expanded. Try the dishes at these unique restaurants.
Veselka I 144 Second Ave.
Classic flavors of authentic Ukrainian food — including potatoes, cheese and spinach — come to light at this 24-hour bistro. Try their signature pierogies ($6.95 to $10.75) that come in both classic and original flavors, such as arugula and goat cheese.
Table Verte I 127 E. Seventh St.
Walk into the cozy atmosphere and enjoy seasonal vegetables. The yam cake ($4.75) is a must, as well as the choux fleur roti ($15), a roasted cauliflower dish that is paired with rosemary-scented quinoa, roasted yam and sautéed greens with a fig and caper sauce.
Fonda I 40 Avenue B
Popular for its fantastic guacamole ($10), which is freshly made with a great combination of spices and served with fresh tortilla chips, Fonda captures your palate from the start.
Supper I 156 E. Second St.
This delicious Italian bistro gets pretty busy, and understandably so. Well-prepared dishes like the kale panzanella ($16) and the kale gnocchi ($19) are both wonderful.
Mercadito Avenue B I 179 Avenue B
Come here for brunch to try the pollo taco ($9.50), which is encased in a soft corn tortilla and topped with crunchy cured onions. And don’t forget to try the magi magi torta ($12).
Cafe Orlin I 41 St. Marks Place
Cafe Orlin is another great place for a cheap, wholesome brunch. Their $14.50 brunch special includes a large serving of eggs, coffee and juice. Also savor their pumpkin pancakes, which come with a delectable cinnamon yogurt sauce ($7.50).
Abraço I 86 E. Seventh St.
This place is one of the few remaining eclectic spots in the East Village. Try an espresso macchiato ($2.50) paired with a rose almond cookie ($2).
Flea Market Cafe I 131 Avenue A
If you enjoy moules frites, Flea Market Cafe is a great place for you. The menu offers three choices of mussels: white wine with shallots and garlic, with Roquefort and Brie or with tomato, garlic, parsley and chipotle pepper ($18 each). All are served with a generous portion of crispy fries.
Vanessa’s Dumplings I 220 E. 14th St.
You can get six to eight dumplings under $5 at this joint. Try the popular sesame sandwiches ($2.50) made up of bread filled with meat, cucumber and a delicious sauce.
Virage I 118 Second Ave.
After being seated in this quaint place for brunch, you’re immediately given a breadbasket of three muffins (two corn, one blueberry) and cinnamon raisin, white and rye bread slices. One of their popular dishes is the goat cheese frittata ($10). Have a side of home fries ($4) sprinkled with spices.
Sanjana Kucheria is a contributing writer. Email her at [email protected].
Sanjana Kucheria is a contributing writer. Email her at [email protected].
