Sarabeth's, Amsterdam Avenue, New York City

Sarabeth's
Rating ***.5/5

The Upper West Side is a warmer place for it. Sarabeth's is everything you want in a round the corner breakfast place. And more. Even the temperature is managed to perfection. The staff is quick but don't rush you, gentle with young visitors and encouraging. The coffee is good - not astounding. The kind you expect in a homely place. The whole ambiance is like coming to Mama's kitchen. To have exotic coffee with sharp accents would be too much of a statement. The charm of Sarabeth's is that it has no rough edges. Just a smooth welcome.

Don't get me wrong, there is nothing mediocre about this place. The lemon ricotta pancakes are outstanding. It's the kind that begs for butter. The scrambled eggs are fluffy and the bread is excellent. They are most well known for their pancakes but I would like to suggest eggs Benedict for your next order.

Sarabeth's 3.5/5
423 Amsterdam avenue, new York city

Recommendations: fresh fruit or lemon ricotta pancakes, eggs Benedict
Atmosphere: Warm, comfortable, bustling but not rushed
Service: quick and polite
Decibel: Conversation buzzes around you pleasantly. Occasionally kids change the pitch
Price Range: $50 for 2 people
Hours:  
Reservations
Child friendliness: very, strollers need to be stored though.

Nobu, 57th street, NewYork City

Nobu

Rating ***/5

Has it become much too touristy for it's own good? It's still an excellent place for a steep drink. But the thing that struck us at Nobu on 57th was the disdainful disinterest of the hostess. She can make or break an evening. And it is with regret that we must fail her in that department. The food was served just right, well informed waiting staff and a hip ambiance met with some personality. That said, we would recommend Hakkasan (London) over Nobu in overall experience.

The Peruvian sashimi was worth mention. The mixologists are talented. In short it has the makings of a perfect formula, but it lacks soul. Enough said

Nobu: ***/5

40 west, 57 street, manhattan, New York

Decibel: Moderately loud music, conversation possible but intimate

Price Range: $ 200 for 2 people

Hours: 12.30pm to 3pm and 7pm to 12.30am.

Book a table for dinner

Child friendliness: Children not permitted downstairs but they aren't thrilled to have young guests at all.