A Michelin-Starred Evening at Gramercy Tavern in New York

Posted by Rowena Dumlao Rowena Dumlao - Giardina 9/07/2024

A Michelin-Starred Evening at Gramercy Tavern in New York

Gramercy Tavern, situated in New York City's Flatiron District, has long been recognized as one of the city's top dining destinations. Since opening its doors in 1994, this iconic American restaurant has grown from a promising newcomer into a culinary institution, earning a Michelin star and setting a benchmark for excellence not just in New York, but worldwide.

The Dining Room

From the moment you step into Gramercy Tavern, the ambiance strikes a perfect balance between welcoming and refined. The restaurant is thoughtfully divided into two distinct spaces: the vibrant Tavern, where the atmosphere is casual and energetic, offering a more laid-back dining experience, and the elegant Dining Room, where the focus shifts to a more formal and intimate meal. In the Dining Room, the seasonal menus take center stage, with each plate showcasing a creative, playful approach to flavors. The dishes here are not only crafted with the finest local ingredients but also designed to delight, with unexpected pairings and textures that highlight the kitchen’s ingenuity. Whether it's a intricately plated appetizer or an perfectly balanced main dish, every course reflects the seamless blend of precision and artistry of the chefs.

The Tavern

My dinner at the Dining Room of Gramercy Tavern was a flawlessly orchestrated experience, where food, service, and ambiance blended effortlessly. The staff was warm yet meticulous, ensuring that every detail, from the thoughtful preparation to the exquisite presentation, was executed to perfection. The inviting, comfortable atmosphere elevated the evening beyond just a meal, turning it into a truly memorable event. What made it even more special was that the sommelier assigned to my table, hailing from Italy, had also trained at the Associazione Italiana Sommelier, adding a personal touch to an already exceptional experience.

Gramercy Tavern easily stands out as one of New York City's top dining spots. Its Michelin-starred dishes, flawless service, and welcoming vibe create a memorable experience that lingers long after the last bite. With its ever-evolving menu rooted in local ingredients, Gramercy Tavern continues to set a high standard in the city’s culinary scene.

Executive Chef Michael Anthony with Chef de Cuisine Aretah Ettarh (photo taken from Gramercy Tavern’s website)

The Chef and Culinary Evolution

Gramercy Tavern's culinary excellence is guided by Executive Chef Michael Anthony, who took over the kitchen in 2006 following the departure of Tom Colicchio, the restaurant's original chef and business partner to restaurateur Danny Meyer. Since then, the restaurant has continued to thrive, earning critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including a three-star New York Times review and four James Beard Awards, such as "Outstanding Restaurant" (2008), "Best Chef: New York City" (2012), and "Outstanding Chef" (2015). Anthony's cookbook, V is for Vegetables, also garnered a James Beard Award for Best Vegetable-Focused Cookbook in 2015, further solidifying his reputation as a culinary visionary.

TOP: Corn Agnolotti, Shrimp, Sungolds Basil BOTTOM: Hay Smoked Gnocchi, Broccolini, Mushrooms, Chili

Chef Anthony's approach is centered on the use of seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients, crafting dishes that balance simplicity with sophistication. His philosophy of "evolution over revolution" ensures the restaurant continually adapts while staying true to its roots. A prime example is the introduction of a pasta program by former sous chef Nick Anderer, blending American flavors with Italian traditions, showcasing Gramercy Tavern’s ongoing commitment to innovation and its deep connection to local food culture.

TOP: Norwich Meadows Freekeh, Zucchini, Sunflower Seeds, Black Garlic BOTTOM: Roasted Duck Breast & Confit, Lentils, Radish, Snow Peas

The Tasting Menu

The tasting menu at Gramercy Tavern beautifully reflects the restaurant's commitment to seasonal American cuisine and locally sourced ingredients. This five-course experience, priced at $168 per person, offers a culinary journey through the best flavors of the season. Unlike in many places, there is no à la carte option, but each course offers two choices, allowing diners at the same table to select different dishes, which is a refreshing change from traditional tasting menus, especially compared to Italian dining customs.

TOP: Elysian Fields Lamb, Eggplant, Kale, Pickled Shallots BOTTOM: Pan-Seared Halibut, Pole Beans, Turnips, Lemon

During my visit, the Norwich Meadows Freekeh, paired with zucchini, sunflower seeds, and black garlic, stood out as an exceptional dish. The Corn Agnolotti with shrimp, sungold tomatoes, and basil was another highlight, showcasing vibrant seasonal flavors, while the Elysian Fields Lamb with kale, eggplant, and pickled shallots epitomized the restaurant’s dedication to farm-fresh ingredients. For those wanting to elevate the experience, a carefully curated wine pairing is available for an additional $98, enhancing each course perfectly.


TOP: Heirloom Tomatoes, Peaches, Almonds, Thyme BOTTOM: Chocolate Cream Pie, Blackberry Caramel

Dining at Gramercy Tavern is truly a premium experience, with every detail carefully considered, from the quality of the food to the attentive service. Prices reflect this high standard, with guests typically spending between $75 and $200, depending on the menu and selections. For lunch, the Greenmarket Lunch offers à la carte options or a four-course menu at $95 with a $65 optional wine pairing from 11:30 to 14:30, while dinner service, from 17:00 to 21:30, showcases the five-course seasonal menu with optional wine pairings.