Every once in awhile I get asked...What are your favorite restaurants in downtown New York? I posted this over a year ago, but revisit every once in awhile to add to the list! Working on Chicago next... 

Atlas Cafe - fun for groups, yummy tapas & sangriaBarbuto - opens the doors in spring and summer for a great outdoor feel
Bar'Rique - newbie wine bar on Bleeker St. with the tastiest dinner menu and to-die-for cheese platesBlue Hill - seminal Greenmarket haven with fresh farm fare from an upstate complex called Stone BarnsBlue Ribbon Sushi - delish sushi and relaxed atmosphere
The Breslin - gastropub in the Ace Hotel that serves delicious cocktails and meat lover's faves
Cafe Cluny - favorite Sunday brunch spot in the W. Village, wait in line for the best egg sandwich 'ever'The Charles - s'mores and more make this speakeasy/lounge a great dinner spotDiablo Royale - West Village Mexican taqueria saloonEssex - great weekend brunches on the LESFive Points - warm and relaxed Mediterranean-American eateryFreemans - comforting american cuisine tucked away in a charming LES alley
Gemma - hot spot on Bowery that serves up yummy Italian food
Gitane - Moroccan French cafe in the Jane HotelHotel Griffou - trendy grotto eatery with amazing cocktails and yummy dishesIl Buco - warm antique charm and Mediterranean dishesIndochine - French-Vietnamese fairy-tale favoriteKingswood - candlelit rustic feel with yummy american food
La Gazzeta - cozy Meat Packing district brasserie
La Esquina - best south of houston mexican spot on the map with killer margaritas (literally;)L'artusi - italian with amazing flavorful food and busy upbeat vibeLittle Owl - tiny w. village neighborhood fave Lupa - soft-hearted Tuscan trattoria
Lure Fishbar - new seafood, sushi, oyster bar that celebs love to frequentMorandi - cozy Italian with winning wine list and attractive crowdPalma - rustic Mediterranean-Italian gem
Pastis - chic, crowded Parisian style bistro in the heart of Meat-Packing district Pearl Oyster Bar - intimate New England style seafood restaurant
Pulino's Bar & Pizzeria - a boisterous crowd always hovers over the bar here for the best thin crust pizzaSmith & Mills - small cozy Tribeca restaurant where the food and experience are both amazing
The Spotted Pig - long waits are worth it at this upscale pub that serves up salty, smokey cured fareTartine - BYOB french bistro that is tiny and terrificWaverly Inn - impossible to get a reservation, this American dining is delicious