Although Murray Hill is not considered a destination for meals, I have lived here for 3 years, and there are a few spots that I recommend for certain cuisines.
Chinese: (Delivery) Big Bowl Noodle House - although BB is located outside of Murray Hill village, it sure does deliver to it. Its tough to find a consistently good Chinese restaurant (outside of Flushing or Chinatown), so when you find that "go-to" spot near your apartment, you stick to it. Being able to order Chinese delivery in confidence, without having to worry about the quality of the ingredients is a luxury not all city dwellers have. The price is right at BB as well. Walking by the restaurant and seeing the predominantly Chinese clientele eagerly awaiting their dishes at the take-away window further my appreciation for BB. If you have the itch for Chinese delivery, and wish to stop scratching your head over all the options - give Big Bowl a try.
Japanese: (Eat-in, Delivery) Ive eaten at quite a few Japanese restaurants in Murray Hill, and am lucky enough to live a minute walk away from Tony's. (39th and 2nd) Despite the flashing Christmas lights on the railing, Tony's makes sushi and dishes that are far from tacky. For the price - Tony's is some of the best sushi I have had in Manhattan. The fish is extremely fresh - the sashimi is great, and the selection of rolls offers any sushi lover an option. A lunch time special (which is found at nearly all Sushi spots) is a great option for the money conscious diner, and the service is always friendly and quick. Good spot for a date as the table settings offer a casual vibe, and on quiet nights the privacy of your own apartment. Across the street is "Aquamarine",a fusion restuarant which as the name indicates is "trendy". The sushi at Tony's is cheaper, better quality, and served with a smile. Don't get fooled by the low lights in Aquamarine, if you do your dinner will be the low point of your day.
American / Bar: As a regular at "The Bravest", I have to say its some of the best bar food in the neighborhood. The Bravest Burger is well made, served on good bread and bud lights are $2.50 everyday all day. The chef at Bravest is an older Chinese gentleman who makes great Chinese appetizers (soup,egg rolls, spring rolls etc.) every morning. A big screen TV, great food, plus a friendly staff make The Bravest one of my favorite bars in Manhattan. Give this place a shot, and you will have found your new local spot for that bar food fix. Try the mini-burger at Bravest, it is as big as a regular burger, and served on an english muffin, with a side of vegetables or fries for $6.50. The Bravest may look like a dive bar from the outside, but give it a shot - the food is great. For an alternative on Third Avenue try the Wharf, or Black Sheep - both great pubs with a food that goes beyond your average bar menu.
Deli: It seems like all our beloved NY Deli's are being taken over by "Pret" type establishments.The dime-a-dozen restaurants with hot/cold buffets are not what I consider delis. I consider a deli to be a place where you can walk in, order whatever you want on a sandwich (the cold cuts HAVE to be Boar's Head) and pay a reasonable price for a quick, satisfying meal. For those of us who can't get to Katz's on a regualar basis, and can not afford Carnegie there are alternatives. The deli/bodega that is "NYC Deli" (between 38th and 39th on 2nd) fits the bill. Don't let the looks of this place fool you, they make a quick great sandwich, for a great price. As a proponent of small businesses, give the guys in NYC a shot to make you a sandwich, you wont be disappointed.
Italian: Libretto's Pizzeria (3rd Ave between 37th and 38th) With so many pizza shops its tough to know which ones are good without testing them yourself, heres a spot that wont disappoint. My roomate found Libretto's one afternoon when he needed a place to eat quickly with his girlfriend. A pizza joint that makes a great pie, with a full dining area in the back - what every neighborhood needs. The options for slices are great, the crust a perfect thickness and sauce to match. This by the slice parlor, although not part of the Napolitana revolution - serves a NY slice far better than your nearest Abitino's. The menu is extremely affordable, and their pasta dishes and main courses appropriately sized. Next time you need an italian dinner, without the trip to little Italy look no further than Libretto's.
-gingergrub
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