The Best of Hell’s Kitchen

It’s undeniable. New York City’s famed Hell’s Kitchen is a hotbed neighborhood for restaurants and foodies in Manhattan.  Stretching from 34^th to 59^th streets and starting west of 8^th Avenue, Hell’s Kitchen used to be a barren gangland. But today, you’ll find everything from young families to hip singles frequenting the old school shops and new trendy restaurants.  Cotton Candy contributor Carla Sullivan gives us an intimate look at some fave spots worth the trip to the west side of midtown Manhattan.

Patsy’s – 236 West 56^th Street

You can’t get more authentic Italian then this. Since 1944, this family-owned business has attracted the stars – from Michael Bublé and Liza Minnelli, Ashanti and Tony Bennett to Rob Lowe and the man himself, Frank Sinatra. Don’t expect fancy décor, but the food is consistently amazing, and you can’t help but feel like a true New Yorker when dining in this Hell’s Kitchen establishment.

Patsy's

Casellula – 401 West 52^nd Street

Cheese lovers rejoice. This tiny cheese & wine café is a great find for those looking for an adventure.  Casellula features about different 40 cheeses nightly (from familiar to obscure, mild to potent) and has an amazing connoisseur of cheeses who, every night, pairs the cheeses perfectly with out-of-the-box treats, such as pickles, mustard and chocolate.

Casellula

Ember Room – 647 9^th Avenue

Recently opened in February 2011 by uber-chef, Todd English and Ian Charlermkittichai, this upscale Asian BBQ is the hot spot in Hell’s Kitchen.  Dimly lit and with the feel of a trendy lounge, the open kitchen of this two-floor restaurant serves the chicest diners, if you can score a table.  With the beautiful décor, don’t get too distracted by the ambiance.  The food is worth your full attention.  The Ember Room’s succulent dishes include Stone Work Hacked Miso Lobster and BBQ Short Ribs.

The Ember Room

Kyotofu NYC – 705 9^th Avenue

Although Kyotofu NYC does have a lunch or dinner menu, what drives patrons to this sleek, white Japanese Dessert Bar & Bakery are the amazingly inventive yet equally delicious dessert-beverage pairings. Kyotofu earned “Best Cupcake” accolades, but other not-to-be missed treats include the Matcha Green Tea Crème Brulee, paired with a Pink Hou Hou Shu Sparkling Sake as well as the Vegan Vairhona Chocolate Cake, to be savored with a Pedro Ximenez Sherry.

Kyotofu NYC

Written by: Carla Sullivan

After careers in broadcast journalism and public relations, longtime foodie Carla Sullivan combined her love of dining out in the City with the love for her two kids. Founder of MiniMunchers.com, Sullivan is dedicated to seeking out kid-friendly restaurants in Manhattan.