Phase 2 Dining in Manhattan: A Guide to Savoring the Best Local Cuisine

With the phased reopening of New York City, including Manhattan, many diners are eager to explore and support local establishments during the safe Phase 2 dining period. However, as the pandemic continues to evolve, it's crucial to consider the safety of restaurant workers who are at the highest risk of contracting and spreading the virus. This guide will delve into recommended eateries in Phase 2, offer practical tips for home cooking, and highlight the importance of supporting local businesses while prioritizing health.

The Current Dining Landscape in Phase 2

During Phase 2, many restaurants in Manhattan have resumed limited dine-in services, ensuring compliance with strict health guidelines. These guidelines include enhanced sanitization, spaced seating arrangements, and capacity limits to ensure customer and staff safety. While many diners are excited about the prospect of dining out again, it's important to choose establishments that truly adhere to these measures and prioritize the health and well-being of their staff and patrons.

Top 5 Restaurants in Phase 2

Here are five highly recommended restaurants in Manhattan for Phase 2 dining, each known for its quality cuisine and commitment to health and safety:

Beecher’s Handmade Cheese: Located in Soho, Beecher's is celebrating its third anniversary under new ownership. The restaurant offers a unique blend of artisanal cheese and sandwiches, with a menu that changes seasonally to reflect the freshest ingredients. They have implemented comprehensive safety measures, including touchless ordering and contactless payment options. Carter’s: Known for its authentic Southern cuisine, Carter's in Greenwich Village has reopened with a menu that emphasizes healthy, hearty Southern cooking. They have also introduced a takeout-only option to reduce contact and maintain safety standards. Telescope Room: This rooftop bar in Chelsea is offering a winter menu that includes various options for small plates and cocktails. They have also introduced reservation-only seating to ensure social distancing and cleanliness. Nobu Manhattan: Known for its upscale Japanese cuisine, Nobu Manhattan in Midtown has reopened with a modified menu to cater to the phased reopening guidelines. The restaurant is both dine-in and takeout, making it an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy a sophisticated dining experience. Katz’s Delicatessen: A beloved institution in the Lower East Side, Katz's has reopened with a limited menu but a full array of traditional deli fare. Patio seating is available, offering a safe and nostalgic dining experience.

Home Cooking and Supporting Local Businesses

While dining out offers a unique experience, it's equally important to support local businesses and take care of our restaurant workers, who are already at high risk. By cooking at home, you can give them a break and still enjoy delicious and nourishing meals. Here are some tips for home cooking during Phase 2:

Plan Your Meals: Plan your meals for the week to reduce food waste and ensure balanced nutrition. Stock Up on Ingredients: Take advantage of bulk buying, especially for staple items like grains, proteins, and produce that can be frozen or preserved. Eat Seasonally: Opt for seasonal produce to ensure optimal freshness and taste, while also supporting local farmers. Experiment with New Recipes: Why not try your hand at making something new, like a homemade pizza or a gourmet stir-fry?

Why Support Local Restaurants?

Supporting local establishments is crucial for the economic recovery of Manhattan. By choosing to dine at these places, you contribute to their success and help maintain their commitment to high-quality food and safety measures. Here are some reasons why supporting local restaurants is essential during Phase 2:

Direct Support: When you choose to dine at local restaurants, you are directly supporting the local economy and small business owners. Job Creation: Local businesses provide employment opportunities that are vital to the community. By supporting these establishments, you help create more jobs and foster a more robust local economy. Quality and Authenticity: Local restaurants often offer unique, authentic dishes that reflect the rich cultural heritage of their neighborhoods. Their food is often prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring unparalleled quality and taste.

As we navigate through the phased reopening of New York City, it's essential to prioritize both personal health and the health of our communities. By supporting local establishments and choosing to cook at home, we can enjoy delicious and nourishing meals while also contributing to the recovery of our city.

Beecher's Handmade Cheese

Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, located in Soho, is known for its artisanal cheese and sandwiches. The restaurant recently celebrated its third anniversary under new ownership and now offers a unique and evolving menu. They have implemented touchless ordering, contactless payment options, and a phased reopening plan to ensure the safety of their staff and patrons.

Carter’s

Carter’s in Greenwich Village is a Southern cuisine restaurant that offers a menu emphasizing healthy, hearty dishes. They have introduced a takeout-only option and have implemented stringent safety protocols to ensure customer and staff safety. Carter’s is committed to providing a warm and inviting dining experience while adhering to Phase 2 guidelines.

Telescope Room

The Telescope Room in Chelsea has reopened with a winter menu that includes various small plates and cocktails. They have introduced reservation-only seating to ensure social distancing and cleanliness. The rooftop bar provides a unique and safe dining experience during Phase 2, offering stunning views and a taste of New York City’s nightlife.

Nobu Manhattan

Nobu Manhattan in Midtown has reopened with a modified menu to cater to the phased reopening guidelines. The restaurant offers both dine-in and takeout options, making it an ideal choice for a sophisticated dining experience. Nobu is committed to providing high-quality Japanese cuisine while adhering to health and safety measures.

Katz’s Delicatessen

Katz’s Delicatessen, a beloved institution in the Lower East Side, has reopened with a limited menu but a full range of traditional deli fare. Patio seating is available, offering a safe and nostalgic dining experience. Katz’s is known for its brisket, pastrami, and other classic deli items, making it a must-try during Phase 2.