Tis the season… and whether you are a Christmas head or you are playing tour guide to some bridge and tunnel, there is a decent shot you end up looking at a the Christmas tree, dancing with the Rockettes, catching Top of the Rock views or ice skating in Rockefeller Plaza soon. All that tour guiding, family time or braving the cold can really gin up an appetite. Don’t get stuck in a tourist trap or box cutter chain restaurant. We’ve got you covered with the top bites for all pocketbooks within a stones throw of the Rock.

This article is just a small taste of the 🔥 dishes on 8it. Hit the green button at the bottom of this article to explore all NYC’s top dish recos, new dish drops and food pop-ups on the 8it app.

Spicy Cumin Lamb
Café China

The devil called, he wants this dish back. If you’re in for some spicy food, this is your pick… if you’re strong enough. Sichuan peppercorns and cayenne peppers collide for this spicy inferno of a lamb stir fry rounded out by smoky cumin at Cafe China. Make sure to order plenty of rice to offset the heat of each bite.

This dish is recommended by: 8it NY

Joju Banh Mi
Joju Modern Vietnamese Sandwiches

Banh mis are becoming like the Lil Wayne of sandwiches… everyone likes to remix them. But this classic version of the Vietnamese sandwich gets it right every time. Spicy, aromatic, slightly crunchy and well-balanced, the Joju banh mi has all the necessary elements and its all tied together by some intense head cheese.

This dish is recommended by: Fung Bros. Food

Cubano
Margon

Another classic sandwich located conveniently near the Rock, Margon slings maybe the best Cuban sandwich in NYC. Each ingredient from the pork, to the ham, to the swiss cheese and pickles are portioned perfectly, but the crunchy bread is the star of the show. A triple threat of sauces: garlic sauce, hot sauce and mayo round out this near perfect Cubano.

This dish is recommended by: Grub Street, The Infatuation

Bison Au Poivre
Le Rock

Your surroundings can sometimes feel a bit cookie cutter in Midtown, which is all the more reason why the bison au poivre at Le Rock is a Must-Eat dish. A dish that will no doubt help you channel your wild side, this adventurous spin on a classic could make you temporarily forget a good steak. This cut of bison is so tender, it’ll make you contemplate which red meat is truly best.

This dish is recommended by: The Infatuation

Dover Sole
La Grenouille

A perfectly-cooked piece of fish never goes out of style and the quality of one doesn’t get much better than the dover sole at La Grenouille. Since 1962, this midtown institution has been repping classic French dishes in NYC. Served with haricot vert and dijon hollandaise, simplicity is the key to this success story of a dish.

This dish is recommended by: Grub Street

Tasting Menu
Caviar Russe

If you’re looking to channel your inner high-roller on your visit to midtown, look no further. Caviar Russe, as its name indicates, is famous for its tasting menu centered around one top-notch ingredient: caviar; and they have the best of the best. More luxury ingredients like sea urchin, foie gras and king crab are piled on for your indulgence.

This dish is recommended by: Michelin Guide

Burger
Burger Joint

Tucked away from the public eye, it was one of Anthony Bourdain’s favorite burgers. Burger Joint inside the Thompson Hotel uses a no-frills approach to achieve their status as one of New York’s top burgers. Flame-broiled quality beef and all the fixings is all it takes.

This dish is recommended by: Anthony Bourdain

Porterhouse
Gallaghers Steakhouse

In NYC, you’re never too far from a great steakhouse, but Gallaghers is a special place that takes you back in time. The former prohibition-era speakeasy has one of the cities funkiest, most flavorful dry-aged porterhouses and they all age in giant meat locker near the restaurant’s entrance. Take down this steak and experience the essence of a classy night out in NYC.

This dish is recommended by: The Infatuation

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