Best Seasonal Restaurants in Ravenswood

Made anniversary dinner reservations weeks in advance. We were promptly seated despite arriving 20 minutes early. Very extensive beverage list including some delicious Italian beers. The roasted beets and octopus salad starters were delicious. Our entrees, the candele Genovese and the Lobster pasta with substituted homemade GF fettuccine were both excellent. Service was quick and attentive despite the considerable Sunday evening dinner crowd. A Torta Caprese, espresso, and an unexpected on the house shot of Lemoncello for each of us for our special occasion was a wonderful way to end a very memorable dinner. We cannot wait to go back!

One of the best experiences I’ve had in New York. Had to book pretty early in advance due to the Valentines Day weekend rush, but got a lovely early afternoon spot. The atmosphere was so elegant & classy. Our waitress Mary Alice was so kind, accommodating, and overall such a pleasure to interact with. Yes it is pricey, but the experience and the quality of the food/tea was well worth it.

Loved Oceana and will definitely return, easily the best restaurant near(ish) the theater district. I booked for Valentine's Day based on the menu online, when they called me to confirm a few days before they made a point of letting me know there was a four-course prix fixe for V-Day. Considerate! Although I must say: there were 5-6 choices for each of the courses so it was hardly a skimpy menu. My wife got the wine pairing with her meal and the sommelier was really informative, explaining not just the wine but why he paired it (we love that kind of stuff). Not all the dishes were homeruns, but all were above average. My appetizer of scallop crudo topped with caviar was one of the homeruns, I'd return for that dish; and for the "smores budino" dessert (which was served in big bowl, I expected it in a glass) -- it was a huge portion, very much shareable. My wife's beet salad was very good. The chef seems to really prioritize contrasting textures in all the dishes, which I love. My cocktail was also good (a Penicillin but with tequila instead of whiskey), tasty, not too sweet -- and not too strong. Space is great, high ceilings, not jammed in next to everyone (but close enough that we did eavesdrop on some hilarious conversations). Wait staff was there when you wanted them, absent when you wanted space. Excellent all around.

We came to this place under the premise that the food was outstanding based on the Michelin rating and social media touting that the food was comparably to that in Thailand…..this was the reason we booked. The service was lovely, everyone friendly and attentive which is always appreciated. The shrimp pancake appetizer was an interactive delicious experience. The rose quartz drink I had done virgin and enjoyed. The shrimp pad Thai was delicious, noodles done well, very tasty. The Wagyu pho was recommended and underwhelming honestly. We enjoyed both of the desserts we ordered, the crème brûlée and mango ice cream served with sticky rice….this was a highlight for us. Would I say Value….Probably Not.

I picked this restaurant by looking at online reviews. I could not have made a better choice. Our reservation was on time. We walked in, sat down and were immediately greeted by our server. Emily was her name. She was without a doubt, one of the best servers I have ever had the pleasure of working with she treated my wife and me as if we were her only customer and we were the most important people in the restaurant. It was truly a special occasion for us. The food was everything that she had said it would be and everything that I read online. It was fabulous. We took her suggestions for some of the dishes we got and every suggestion she made was fantastic. I will go back to Carmines anytime I’m in New York City.