Holiday Dining In Lower Manhattan

Serena Dai, Editor, Eater New York recommends where to eat when you’re in Lower Manhattan during the holidays

By: Joseph Ferris

Whether you are looking for the perfect spot to impress visitors or a quick pick-me-up while shopping for the holidays, you’ll find a number of great restaurants to visit in Lower Manhattan. We called on our neighbor and food expert Serena Dai, Editor of Eater New York to shine a spotlight on a few Downtown restaurants you should check out this season.

Hole in the Wall Cafe – 15 Cliff Street
A great place to start your day, Hole in the Wall is a coffee shop by day and cocktail bar by night. In the mornings, Hole in the Wall serves up coffee, pastries and a memorable Avocado Toast weekdays from 7a-5p and 8a-5p on weekends.  After 5pm, the space transforms into Sugar Momma, serving up drinks like The Gatsby, a cocktail made of gin, pama, lemon and prosecco and a menu of oysters, tacos and wagyu rib eye.

Manhatta – 28 Liberty
Danny Meyer’s Manhatta — is one of the neighborhood’s newest restaurants and a go-to for special occasions.  Located on the 60th floor of an iconic Lower Manhattan skyscraper, Manhatta offers panoramic skyline views paired with a French-influenced pre-fixe menu.

Takahachi Bakery – 25 Murray Street
In search of a quick break for lunch? Treat yourself to the oasis that is Takahachi Bakery. This quiet gem sells a large variety of Japanese baked goods like cakes, crepes and macaroons at reasonable prices.

Tomorrow – 200 Pearl Street
Affordable, tasty and from the team behind the Michelin-starred Málà Project, Tomorrow brings an ever-changing menu of Chinese comfort food to Lower Manhattan. Tomorrow mixes old standbys like fried pancakes and leftover fried rice with more adventurous options like pig ear in chili oil. Three entrees cost just $10.

Augustine – 5 Beekman Street
For a romantic night out, make your way to the stunning Beekman Hotel. Inside this architectural gem, you’ll find Augustine. The Keith McNally-helmed restaurant delivers a real Lower Manhattan experience. The kitchen, now under the helm of Markus Glocker from the Michelin-starred Bâtard, serves up French classics as well as a wide array of steaks.

Kesté Wall Street – 66 Gold Street
If you’re looking for a spot that can accomodate crowds and even the pickiest of eaters, Kesté Wall Street will do the trick. Run by father-daughter pizzaiolos, the restaurant has 20 different kinds of wood-fired pizzas to choose from and gluten-free options. They also offer pizza-making classes. A delicious holiday gift.

Racines – 94 Chambers Street
After a long day in the neighborhood, take a load off at Racines for a relaxing vino nightcap. The wine list at this sophisticated but relaxed spot features natural, organic and biodynamic wines from small French vineyards.