When you think of New York City’s most popular eateries, you automatically think of the restaurant’s signature, most Instagrammed dishes: the burger from 4 Four Charles Prime Rib, the Cacio e Pepe from Via Carota, and the Ricotta Toast from Misi.
But what many food lovers don’t know is the city’s best dishes are the ones that quietly fly under the radar, just like Joey and Rachel’s steamy romance in Friends.
Most, if not all, of your favorite Friday night spots have a secret menu with exclusive, off-the-menu offerings.
See Also: A Look Inside New York's Most Exclusive Members-Only Clubs
Once you’re privy to this knowledge, you are granted a secret passcode to NYC’s competitive culinary scene.
Ordering these off-the-menu dishes is like wearing a badge of honor that reads, “If you know, you know.”
Want to be let in on our little secret? Keep reading.
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55 E Houston St, Manhattan
This celebrity hangout is famous for its mouthwatering veal parm, but have you ever tried it with vodka sauce? Emilio’s off-the-menu Vodka Sauce Veal Parm is one of the city’s best-kept secrets, and it will truly change your life. The creamy pink sauce beautifully complements the thinly-cut veal, crispy prosciutto, and the gooey, mouthwatering cheese, making you question why the original recipe wasn’t made with Vodka sauce to begin with. The harmonious blend of sauce, meat, and cheese create an oasis of flavors that explodes on your tongue with every single bite.
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Multiple Locations/Website
Unless you live under a rock, you know that Nobu serves the best Rock Shrimp in the world. But what you didn’t know, is you can elevate this classic dish to the next level by requesting the off-the-menu Honey Truffle Aoili. The incredibly decadent aioli adds garlicky, musky tones to the tempura-battered shrimp, resulting in a deep-fried utopia. The creaminess of the sauce juxtaposed with the crispiness of the shrimp creates a multi-dimensional dish that you will never forget.
Multiple Locations/Website
When it comes to off-the-menu dishes, Nobu is on a roll. Pun very much intended. This critically-acclaimed establishment is famous for its melt-in-your-mouth Miso Black Cod, and while way more lowkey, the Black Cod Lettuce Cups are nothing short of amazing. We’ve had lots of fish in our day, and none have been as buttery and succulent as Nobu’s Black Cod. The salt-rich sweetness of the miso paste adds a beautiful Umami flavor to the fish, which is then cut by the sharp crunch of the lettuce. If you want to impress somebody with your food knowledge, bring them to Nobu and order this hidden gem. They can return the favor by paying the fat bill!
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Multiple Locations/Website
Off-the-menu means something a little different for Omakase, but nonetheless, the Uni Shooter from Sushi By Bou is the definition of an uncovered treasure. Prepared with sake, uni, ikura, ponzu, and scallop, this unique concoction is an easy way to enjoy our two favorite things: seafood and alcohol. The sushi chef will instruct you to drink it as a shot, allowing the enthralling saltiness of the uni to coat your throat on the way down.
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81 Thompson St, Manhattan/Website
Unpopular opinion, but the off-the-menu meatballs at Carbone are better than the Spicy Rigatoni. *Mic Drop.* To take this a step further, add these extraordinary meatballs to your pasta, and you have a Spaghetti and Meatballs spin-off that should be written about in history books. The juicy ground beef is married with the tenderness of the veal and the spice of the Italian Sausage, creating a formidable triple threat that cannot be messed with. The sweet, yet zesty tomato sauce takes the dish from great to excellent, making it nearly impossible to not lick the plate clean.
103 Greenwich Ave, Manhattan/Website
Don Angie may be famous for their Pinwheel Lasagna, but the real star of the show is the off-the-menu Tagliorini Alla White Vodka with Caviar. Yes, you heard us correctly, vodka sauce and caviar. With innovation at the forefront of everything that they do, it’s no surprise that Don Angie created its own category of sauce. Made with butter, white peppercorns, Parmigiano Reggiano, chicken stock, and creme fraiche, this brilliant creation is certifiably addictive. As if that wasn’t enough, the state-of-the-art Osetra caviar adds an indulgent richness we didn’t know we needed.
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123 W 52nd St, Manhattan/Website
Your Investment-Banker ex probably bragged about Ocean Prime’s Black Truffle Mac And Cheese, but does he know they have a secret Lobster Mac? We didn’t think so. Take that, Brad. The cheesy, buttery goodness of the traditional recipe is amplified by the rich tones of the lobster, creating a dish that epitomizes luxury. Although we could eat this side for all three courses, the off-the-menu Lobster Mac pairs great with the restaurant’s signature steak.
Multiple Locations/Website
We’re pretty tough critics when it comes to fried food, but it’s safe to say Hillstone’s off-the-menu Flying Chicken Platter surpasses every meal we’ve ever had at a baseball game. The tempura-battered chicken fingers are cooked to absolute perfection, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia from the good old old days. Unsurprisingly, the tenders are incredibly tender, leaving remnants of moist deliciousness on your tongue, and a bit of “par for the course” grease on your fingers.
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Everything from Lilia is next-level, but the off-the-menu Dry-Aged Ribeye is just as good, if not better, than the award-worthy pasta dishes. Made with delectable Rosemary Garlic Butter, and served with a side of crispy potatoes, this dish further confirms that Chef Missy Robbins is a culinary genius. The meat is juicier than any steak we've ever had from a leading steakhouse, and the butter adds a rich creaminess that truly captivates all of your senses. If you're a potato lover (who isn't), you should order this dish just for these golden (brown) treasures. *Mouth Waters.*
Photography by: Motomoto sc
