How to Have the Most Epic Restaurant Week Ever
On January 23, the city’s first Restaurant Week of 2017 will begin. For three weeks (Restaurant “Week” is a bit misleading) some of the top dining rooms in New York will offer three course, prix-fixe menus at accessible prices (last year, it was $29 for lunch and $42 for dinner).
Whether you’re tucking in for a lengthy lunch or dinner, having a memorable Restaurant Week meal is about so much more than finally being able to foot the bill at a Michelin-starred standout like Café Boulud or Charlie Palmer’s Aureole.
After all, some 360-plus restaurants participated in the most recent Restaurant Week, and that’s to say nothing of the equally large crowds that turn out at each establishment.
Before you attempt to join the masses at New York City’s premier eating event, check out our top tips and tricks for attending Restaurant Week like a pro.
Make Reservations—Lots of Them
If you’re using Restaurant Week to try the hottest tables in New York City without paying the standard price, you’re not alone. Make your reservations immediately (if you sign up for the event’s newsletter, you’ll know exactly which when restaurants begin taking bookings). And feel free to overbook yourself. That way, you can take your time to examine the menus before deciding where to dine.
Order From the Regular Menu
Compare Restaurant Week offerings with the standard menu. For the best meal, opt for a dish that’s always on the menu—or at least an echo of it. Some chefs cheat Restaurant Week by crafting cheaper plates specifically for the promotion. Look instead for signature items. These are the ones that typically taste best and don’t cut corners on quality.
Eat Out for Lunch
Many participating restaurants offer both lunch as well as dinner menus. Save even more money by opting for a lavish lunch (about $15 less than the dinner option). This is especially worthwhile at restaurants where the menus are virtually identical. You’ll have to take a long lunch from the office, however, or skip your typical Sunday brunch: Restaurant Week menus are rarely offered on Saturdays.
Bring Everyone You Know
Restaurant Week might sound like a perfect opportunity to take your significant other out for classy date, but your best bet is to bring a group of friends, your family, or your colleagues. Veteran Restaurant Week diners recommend that every member of your party orders a different dish, so you can mix, swap, and sample the entire menu. Just note some restaurants cap the size of your party during Restaurant Week, so be sure to call in advance.
Raise the Bar
The No. 1 rule of Restaurant Week is to avoid eateries that always serve affordable plates (if you go to lunch and order what’s typically a $10 appetizer and $20 entrée, you’ll quickly see how Restaurant Week earned the dubious nickname “Free Dessert Week”). This is your chance to order at legendary restaurants like Le Cirque, Michelin-starred Ai Fiori or Aureole, and upscale steakhouses such as Delmonico’ (one of the first restaurants to participate in Restaurant Week).
