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  • Kat Chang '22

Top Six Restaurants in Downtown Manhattan for When It's 32 Degrees

Kat Chang '23



Thirty-two degrees outside, mid-February. You're looking for a nice, cozy place for dinner with your friends, but the Yelp reviews are inconsistent, and the menu hasn't been updated since 2018. Look no further: here is a list of the top six restaurants for a cold night in NYC.

A tucked-away bar and restaurant, Terra NYC is located in Tribeca–without Tribeca prices. Terra offers a perfect contemporary and intimate mix with a diverse menu of small plates, from their Fettuccine ai Funghi to their Risotto d’Aragosta or lobster ravioli. Their special menu has also offered options like tuna tartare for those who want something lighter, but branzino for those wanting something more filling. If you’re looking for a last-minute dinner for two--even on a Saturday night– you have a good chance of getting seated without a reservation.


Another cozy, intimate dinner option for a two-hour, chatty kind of dinner, The Marlton Hotel. Between 5th and 6th avenue on 8th street, the hotel holds a vintage, modern feel; their classic brown leather couches and stone framed fireplaces feel like a warm hug. The Marlton is a great place for a 6 pm study session on a Friday night, accompanied by lamb meatballs and saffron yogurt, or the contrary, a sink-in-your-seat catch-up with a few friends, splitting their Squid Ink Bucatini or Farmer's Board with Red Quinoa Tabouli and Kale Harissa.

If you’re missing home, head to Trattoria Pesce Pasta. Trust me, it feels like you’re eating at a family dinner, even if you’re a party of one. The restaurant is small but hard to miss with its distinct red banner and casual seating. Their lasagna bolognese sings of rich, full-bodied notes that linger in your mouth, even when it's been minutes since your last bite. With moderate prices and service that screams family, this West Village staple is sure to bring you all the feels.

Perhaps you want a West Village feel, but more upscale: The Leroy House has it all. Best characterized by their creative plates that keep you full, The Leroy House is a popular neighborhood spot for a cozy night out. Although their menu sits on the pricier end, their Crispy Duck Confit with Strawberry Chutney and Pan Seared Salmon with Truffle Jus is a treat well worth the price. Some of their appetizers include deviled eggs with pickled mustard seeds, crab gratin, and a burrata salad with butternut squash, pepitas, and Calabrian chili oil– all best enjoyed in their intimate atmosphere with good company.

Hudson Clearwater, located not too far from The Leroy House, is more fitting for a quicker, hour-long dinner. Dining space tends to be limited, but if you go earlier, you may find a spot to eat at the bar. Their Crispy Polenta with Charred broccolini, goat cheese, pickled shallots, gremolata, and an herb vinaigrette is just one of many creative appetizers offered here, with a cozy ambiance perfect for a date night or a weekend packed with multiple activities or events.

For a weeknight dinner or quieter night, Walker’s offers a dark, NYC-bar feel, accompanied by high-quality American eats. If you’re looking for a classic tavern burger and a solid draft beer selection (if you are of age, of course), this local favorite is sure to provide a casual dining experience that is both familiar and worthy of revisiting.

Whether you're heading to Terra or Walker’s, you are bound to find a restaurant that is cozy and worth the trip outside–in the downpour, sleet, or heat.


All Photos Courtesy of Kat Chang '22

Edited by: Ave Doster '22, Adithi Vimalanathan '22, Natalia Cseh '23, and Ms. Brilliant


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