New York City Meatpacking District

The Meatpacking District is hot restaurant territory. Seemingly every big-name New York restauranteur has set up shop amid the fashionably grimy warehouses of this once-seedy neighborhood. Though you can certainly get an excellent meal, this isn’t an optimal destination for the frugal gourmand. Prices are high, and they’re as much about the scene as they are about the food. Most spots cater to a well-dressed crowd gaming up for a big night out.

Spice Market, 403 W 13th St. (☎212-675-2322), at 9th Ave. S A, C, E, L to W 14th St./8th Ave.; 1, 2, 3 to W 14th St. A worthwhile splurge, Spice Market is the latest effort of celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, who, despite his French roots, pays homage to Asian street food here. The enormous space is beautifully appointed with a club-like decor, and service is professional. However low-brow the origin of the cuisine, you’re in the hands of a master chef. Vongerichten’s updates on Asian appetizers, like mushroom-stuffed egg rolls and chicken samosas in a cilantro yogurt sauce, may be the best part of the meal ($9-15). Entrees $16-36. Open M-F noon-3pm and 5:30pm-midnight, Sa-Su noon-4pm and 5:30pm-midnight.
Pastis, 9 9th Ave. (☎212-929-4844; www.pastisny.com), at 12th St. S A, C, E, L to W 14th St./8th Ave. One of the cornerstones of the Meatpacking District’s rebirth, always-mobbed Pastis recreates the atmosphere of a classic Parisian brasserie with a slight New York edge. The owner scoured French flea markets for months looking for perfectly distressed lamps, newspaper racks, and mirrors to complete the decor, and the menu is filled with faithful renditions of French stalwarts. It’s one of the best brunch spots in New York, and it’s a hip scene latenight. Brioche french toast $16. Croque-monsieur $13. Pork chop with honey and lavender $24. Pan-seared organic salmon $27. Open M-Th 9am-2am, Sa-Su 9am-2:30am.
Markt, 676 6th Ave. (☎212-727-3314; www.marktrestaurant.com), at 21st St. S C, E to 23rd St. An enormous space with a classy retro feel, this brasserie serves delicious (if pricey) Belgian classics. Mussels $16-18. Belgian beef stew $16. Poached salmon with lobster stoemp $21. Grilled lobster in a Hoegaarden cream sauce $34. The enormous bar is a chill place to begin a night out. Open M-Th and Su 11:30am-midnight, F-Sa 11:30am-1am.
El Faro, 823 Greenwich St. (☎212-929-8210; elfaronyc.com) at Horatio St. S A, C, E, L to W 14th St./8th Ave. Over 80 years old, this restaurant has been around well before either the Village or the Meatpacking District became trendy. With wooden booths and a flamenco mural, the romantic dining room has not changed much. Try the varied tapas menu ($6-11.50) or one of its succulent paellas and mariscadas ($14 at lunch, $22 dinner). Open Tu-Su noon-midnight.