Places in the Village

Babbo

Babbo Ristorante e Enoteca, opened by Mario Batali and Joseph Bastianich in June 1998, is an exuberant celebration of the best of Italian food, wine and lifestyle.

Recommended by The Big Cheese

Beard Papa's

Beard Papa's is an Osaka based chain with locations all around the world, including a handful in New York City.  Their speciality is a cream puff pastry shell filled with whipped cream custard, available in vanilla, chocolate and a wide variety of speciality flavors, that is then lightly dusted with powdered sugar.

The cream puffs have been dubbed "Best Cream Puffs in the World" by a number of newspapers and in 2008 Wired Magazine awarded Beard Papa's the "Wired" rating - the magazines highest possible rating.

 

 

Recommended by David Bienenstock

Forbidden Planet

Founded in April 1981, Forbidden Planet NYC has been a staple to tourists and locals alike for its wide selection in alternative hobbies, such as graphic novels, comic books, role-playing games, manga and anime, and a wide selection of collectible figurines and statues.

Since then, we've undergone several transformations, most notably moving our store to 13th Street and Broadway in 1996.

Recommended by Trenton Doyle Hancock

Hummus Place

With locations scattered throughout the city the Hummus Place is a restaurant that specializes in dare I say, hummus. The hummus is prepared in their special imported Tahini (which can be purchased to go) and all plates, that range from the Hummus Fava (whole fava beans stew, tahini, egg, olive oil and spices) to the plain and simple Hummus Tahini (Tahini, olive oil and spices) are served with pita bread and a pickle.  In addition there's toppings (egg, olive oil, roastedpine nuts), wine, beer, Turkish coffees and traditional Middle Eastern sides.

Recommended by Brad Hirschfield, Susan Blond

Judson Church

Beginning in the 1950s, the Judson Memorial Church has supported a radical arts ministry, first led by associate pastor Bernard Scott and subsequently by associate pastor Al Carmines. The church made space available to artists for art exhibitions, rehearsals, and performances. The church also assured that this space was to be a place where these artists could have the freedom to experiment in their work without fear of censorship. In 1957, the Judson Memorial Church offered gallery space to Claes Oldenburg, Jim Dine, and Robert Rauschenberg, who were then unknown artists.

Recommended by Noémie Lafrance

Knickerbocker

Knickerbocker Bar & Grill, located in the heart of Greenwich village, is a neighborhood favorite. Established in 1977, its popularity has grown over the years, due to its moderate prices and large portions.

Recommended by Jim & Hester

Rugby

Rugby is an American clothing brand launched in 2004 under the parent company Polo Ralph Lauren. The brand's first location opened up on Newbury Street in Boston and since then 11 stores have opened nationwide - including one on University Place in Greenwich Village.  The store specializes in preppy staples such as chinos, corduroys, rugby jerseys and sweaters.

Recommended by Brazilian Girls

Tomoe

Proficiency in sea-bound delicacies is the main draw to Tomoe Sushi in Greenwich Village. Not decor, not ambiance, especially if you're willing to forgo those bells and whistles to have the undisputed best sushi (far) east of Tsukiji Market. Discriminating diners turned sashimi mavens have long lauded this haunt for its ameri-sized portions and excellent tastes. Recommended for those who aren't really into sushi by those who really are. Simplicity perfected.

 

  -Frantz Barosy

Recommended by Noémie Lafrance

Union Square Farmer's Market

The Union Square Farmer's Market is one of, if not the biggest farmer's market in New York City. The market is open four days a week and features some of the city's freshest and highest quality products.  If you're there early in the day it's not uncommon to find New York's best chefs scouring the market for seasonal ingredients.

Recommended by Johnny Iuzzini

Ushiwakamaru

In 2003, after 10 years of running a sushi bar of the same name in Cliffside Park, NJ, chef Hideo Kuribara transported his business to West Houston Street, among bridge-and-tunnel bars and tourist-trap restaurants. Sushi in this neighborhood tends toward the monstrous sort dispensed by Yama and Tomoe, where huge floppy fish is the draw and sushi's all-important rice is an afterthought. For eschewing this, Ushi Wakamaru stands out. The quality of its fish can't match that of big boys like Sushi Yasuda and Kuruma Zushi, but its low prices preclude comparison.

Recommended by Noémie Lafrance

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