The Bottom Line
The Orchard has earned a lot of positive buzz and Zagat's blessing (rated #2 best newcomer in Zagat's 2007 New York City Restaurants Guide). The specialty flatbreads and beautifully prepared fish dishes are worthy of the hype. A liquor license delay means you'll have to BYOB.
Pros
- Excellent food
- Flatbreads
- Stylishly cozy atmosphere
- No corkage fee for BYOB
Cons
- No liquor license
- Unremarkable decor
- Small tables
Description
- The Orchard: 162 Orchard Street between Stanton and Rivington Streets
- Directions to The Orchard: Take the F,V to 2nd Avenue. Download their map(my cabbie was impressed).
- For Reservations: Call 212-353-3570 or book through Open Table
Guide Review - The Orchard Restaurant Review
The Orchard on Manhattan's Lower East Side is one of the hottest new restaurants in New York City. Ranked as the #2 best newcomer by Zagat's, The Orchard offers a diverse menu with dishes inspired by the tastes of Italy, South America, and Asia.
The delicious flatbreads are specialties of the house. These crispy takes on the pizza concept feature unusual topping combinations. There's a steak tartare version, one with braised short ribs and sweet horseradish, and a Mediterranean flatbread with hummus and eggplant caviar.
Appetizer offerings include lobster empanadas, a tasty yellowfin tuna tartare, and the memorably named Drunken Goat Cheese Salad.
On the entree menu, the pan-seared striped bass and olive oil-poached halibut were standouts.
You're guranteed to leave The Orchard with satisfied taste buds. Just don't forget to stop on your way for a bottle of wine. Due to a delay with liquor licensing, The Orchard is BYOB only. On the plus side, there's no corkage fee and the helpful staff will promptly chill your vino with a smile.
The delicious flatbreads are specialties of the house. These crispy takes on the pizza concept feature unusual topping combinations. There's a steak tartare version, one with braised short ribs and sweet horseradish, and a Mediterranean flatbread with hummus and eggplant caviar.
Appetizer offerings include lobster empanadas, a tasty yellowfin tuna tartare, and the memorably named Drunken Goat Cheese Salad.
On the entree menu, the pan-seared striped bass and olive oil-poached halibut were standouts.
You're guranteed to leave The Orchard with satisfied taste buds. Just don't forget to stop on your way for a bottle of wine. Due to a delay with liquor licensing, The Orchard is BYOB only. On the plus side, there's no corkage fee and the helpful staff will promptly chill your vino with a smile.
