Tea & Sympathy
Photo: Noah Kalina
If vacationing in another country seems like an impossibility given these tough economic times, why not try a foodie staycation instead? Forget the luggage and passport – there are plenty of restaurants with food and atmosphere that will make you feel like you’re thousands of miles from home. Following are some options.
365 W. 46th St.; 212-586-0244
Visit St. Petersburg on Restaurant Row at this dazzling, opulent Russian replete with antique furnishings, costumed waiters, caviar blini and (of course) over 160 vodkas.
170 W. Fourth St.; 646-415-7924
This atmospheric Spaniard makes it easy to imagine you’re on the namesake Barcelona street rather than waiting for a seat in the tiny, brick-walled Village digs; better yet, the tapas won’t tap out your budget.
149 E. 57th St.; 212-752-0808
You’re transported back to 1920s Saigon at this East Side French-Vietnamese that sets the stage with ceiling fans, flora and a sultry upstairs bar.
125 W. 55th St.; 212-245-7400
Ok, it can be pricey, but this big, airy Greek seafooder in the West 50s is a whole lot cheaper than a trip to Athens.
108 Greenwich Ave.; 212-807-8329
Afternoon tea, bangers ’n’ mash, Welsh rarebit, a room filled with expats – you can’t get much closer to England in New York than at this West Village British oasis.
– Jeff Freier