Chef Alfred Portale's Gotham Bar and Grill has been around since 1984. Many people I talk to love this place, and after a recent meal there, I could see why. It's the perfect American restaurant.

Their famous yellowfin tuna tartare ($22),with Japanese cucumber, shiso leaf, and sweet miso is very good, and perfect.

A roast suckling pig ($40), with broccoli rabe, sweet onion marmalade, and crushed potatoes, in an apple cider jus, was absolutely amazing, and one of the best pig dishes I've had. Pure deliciousness.

Dessert cannot be skipped at Gotham Bar and Grill. Pastry Chef Deborah Racicot's affogato ($14) blew my mind. Chicory ice cream, hazelnut financier and espresso sauce, with a vanilla mascarpone sorbet, was mind-blowing. I really loved this dish, and wanted to take a bath in it.

Gotham Bar and Grill is an institution in New York City. A truly fabulous restaurant all round. A mainstay. A treasure.

Gotham Bar and Grill
12 East 12th St, (bet. University and 5TH)
New York, NY 10003
212-620-4020