New Restaurants Open in Manhattan’s Flatiron District

Manhattan’s Flatiron District is known for its historic triangular Flatiron Building and was once referred to as the “Photo District,” given the many photography studios that occupied the area. Today, the District is also known for its top-notch restaurants, and recently opened notable spots for Spanish, Lebanese and Italian cuisine. Check them out…

Pamplona
Chef-owner Alex Ureña – who worked for years with David Bouley - has reopened his Spanish restaurant to feature a more moderate bistro menu featuring such tasty staples as paella, tapas and gazpacho, but with a unique twist. His paella is made with rabbit and bomba rice, and the gazpacho features shrimp and goat cheese. Also, sample several Basque-inspired dishes, as well as salt-cod croquettes and fritters made with ham, cheese and cider.

Location: 37 East 28th St., between Park Ave. South and Madison Ave. Click here for more details.

Ilili
Philippe Massoud opens his sleek two-story Mediterranean restaurant on November 16. "Ilili" is the Lebanese word for "tell me" and Massoud will definitely be telling patrons a lot as they savor grilled quail with garlic whip and lemon; steak tartare with burghul (bulgur wheat), red onion and mint; and duck shawarma with pomegranate molasses, fig and green onion.

Location: 236 Fifth Ave., between 27th and 28th Sts. Click here for more details.

Lunetta
Lunetta, which has been serving delicious homestyle Italian cooking in Brooklyn's Boerum Hill neighborhood, has just opened a Manhattan branch in the corner space formerly occupied by Mayrose. Start with the fried artichokes with lemon and herbs, or the octopus with red chilies and tomatoes. Follow with the crispy cod served with fennel and citrus salad, or the duck agnolotti with raddichio and rosemary. Enjoy all with a smooth Italian vino!

Location: 920 Broadway, at West 21st St. Click here for more details.