The Rise of High-End Quick-Casual Restaurants
eatingmynyc / September 10, 2017
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Gone are the days where Pret and Hale & Hearty dominate the quick-casual market. As prominent chefs are converting their high-end concepts to dining experiences more apt to the informal crowd, there has been an increase in high-quality, fast-casual restaurants in New York City. Here are some of our favorites to open in the past year
Made Nice
Salmon Rosti salad and Milk & Honey Soft Serve from Made Nice.Who would have thought you could get a rendition of the famous chicken at The NoMad for $22 instead of $79? Or dishes inspired by those at Eleven Madison Park for a fraction of the price? The visionaries behind both of the restaurants, Will Guidara and Daniel Humm, made it possible with Made Nice, a fast-casual, counter-service restaurant with salads, combinations of meat and vegetables, and a roast chicken with fries that is a must-order. Don’t skip out on dessert, either!
Chef’s Club Counter
Eggslut, formerly at Chef’s Club CounterChef’s Club Counter is a unique concept – it’s a grab-and-go menu featuring dishes from prominent rotating chefs. In the past, Eggslut, Mercer Kitchen, and Belles Hot Chicken were highlighted, amongst others. The space is an offset of Chef’s Club, a similar but higher-end version of the counter eatery.
The Sosta
Assortment of pastas from The Sosta.Imagine a super cute, non-vegan, Italian version of By Chloe, and you have The Sosta. The incredibly chic, quick service restaurant has a variety of pasta dishes (notably the spaghetti pomodoro and campanelle with pesto), salads, focaccia sandwiches, and an affordable antipasto board. The cutesy, pink-hued interior is seriously ‘gram friendly, too. “Mangiano, Baby!” is right.
Chikarashi
Assortment of poke bowls from Chikarashi. PC: @chikarashiChikarashi is by far one of the highest quality and affordable poke spots we’ve stumbled upon on this poke-crazed city. Everything is phenomenally fresh and flavorful in the minimalist, wood-lined restaurant. The unagi bowl is not to be missed nor are their daily specials — uni and ikura are sometimes featured!
Martina
Margherita and Salsiccia pizzas at Martina.Danny Meyer can’t seem to do wrong in this city. Martina, his new thin-crust Roman-style pizza spot, features a Shake-Shack like approach. The eatery is counter-service with 10” pizzas topping in at $12, starters up to $7, and salads at $9 and under. Considering that gratuity is included in the price, it’s an affordable option for relatively upscale and absolutely delicious pizza.
Daily Provisions
Crullers from Daily Provisions.Yet another Danny Meyer hit, Daily Provisions is a neighborhood bakery/cafe featuring mouth-watering crullers, sandwiches, and coffee. It’s also the only place in New York City where Salt & Straw ice cream, the West Coast institution, is available.
Pasta Flyer
Pesto Pasta and Garlic Dots at Pasta Flyer. PC: @jordanarothmanMark Ladner of Del Posto is opening a fast-casual Italian spot that is making his upscale fare available to those who aren’t willing to spend $30-$40 on a pasta dish. Each check is anticipated to be between $8-$10, which is quite inexpensive for high-quality Italian food. There are three types of pastas to choose from, one gluten free option included, and three sauces: marinara, pesto, and ragu – the latter two costing an additional $1. For another additional charge, meatballs, whipped ricotta, and more can be added. Vegetable sides such as spicy broccoli and fried cauliflower are available, as well.
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