UN Plaza Grill: Great Food, Great Location, Wonderful Evening

Mar 30, 2022 by Two Sues On the Aisle

Reviewed by Chef David and Two Sues on the Aisle, Sue Weston and Susie Rosenbluth

From the moment we walked into the UN Plaza Grill, nestled on First Avenue in the shadow of the United Nations and adjacent to Trump World Tower, we were whisked into a peaceful space where dramatic tigers adorned the wall. Ensconced in an intimacy created through theatrical use of lighting, the dining room is just bright enough to admire elegantly plated dishes, with ample space between tables and soft background music. Before we tasted a single bite, we knew we were in an oasis in the heart of New York City, a divine combination of elegance and comfort. How could we ask for anything more?

And then the restaurant served us food.

Kenny, UN Plaza Grill’s general manager, and his wait staff treated us like royalty, with a level of attentiveness and professionalism that made this meal a fine dining experience. Presentation is not everything, but it sure prepares the diner for the tastes that will follow.

Works of Art

At the UN Plaza Grill, each platter was a work of art, pleasing to the eye while accentuating the uniqueness of each dish, appearing side-by-side on the table in a sea of contrasting colors, textures, and shapes. It was almost too pretty to eat.

But plating just added to the allure after our cocktail, a Kir Royal, we began with the soup course. We were served a round, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth delicate matzo ball surrounded by a rich chicken soup with plenty of real chicken parts floating in the broth, and pastry-puff-covered complex mushroom bisque. Both were too good to leave behind, and almost too filling to eat (especially if we wanted to leave room for what was coming).

This theme continued throughout the sampling, as the plates for each course filled the table, each beautifully displayed, showing the restaurant’s wide versatility and range of culinary creativity, full of vibrant flavors.

European and Mediterranean Menu

We loved the menu’s European and Eastern Mediterranean flair. Our appetizers were a pastiche of beef potstickers (pan-seared dumplings, beef scallions, shitake mushrooms, with a sesame seed/ponzu dipping sauce), curried lamb samosas, chicken “lollipops” (pan-fried chicken in sweet Thai chili and hot sauce) a favorite of the night, and beef carpaccio.

 

The fish course included the chef’s special Tuna Crispy Rice with spicy tuna and teriyaki, a dramatic Sushi Tower (salmon, tuna, avocado, spicy mayo), and Nigiri Flight (tuna, salmon, spicy tuna, and caramelized teriyaki salmon).

Our mains featured boneless chicken in a lemon-tarragon sauce, a tender and savory Delmonico steak, and roasted half-duck in an apricot-lemon zest sauce with herbed couscous.

And don’t let us get started on the desserts. Suffice it to say, you could get lost in the apple tart with vanilla “ice cream” and the molten chocolate cake.

We debated about our personal favorites, concluding that everything was superbly presented and expertly prepared, but we found the side dishes, creamed spinach and Japanese eggplant in sweet chili sauce, were the most unexpectedly delightful dishes.

There Will Be a Next Time

This is a restaurant that defies one-dimensional descriptions, which is why we were pleased to be able to try the chef’s culinary kaleidoscope. Nevertheless, there were many dishes we didn’t get to experience—maybe next time.

And we all agreed, there will be a next time because UN Plaza Grill is in a league of its own. There’s something for every palate, tasteful but not flamboyant and definitely not boring. The restaurant offers culinary mastery which just happens to be kosher. A restaurant not to be overlooked.

Its ambiance is conducive for any occasion. Business types looking for a kosher restaurant that offers elegance with ample seating for private conversation, will not be disappointed. It’s ideal for deal-making, reconnecting with friends, or shidduch dates.

This unique kosher restaurant, with its simple yet elegant space, is appropriate for meetings, small weddings, and parties.

Great Meal

Accolades to the chef on an outstanding meal, perfect down to the fresh mint tea and coffee with a splash of espresso.

The UN Plaza Grill, certified by the OU, is located at 845 UN Plaza. The phone number is 212-233-1801. The restaurant opens at 5 PM and offers a three-course Prix Fixed meal for $69 as well as its regular à la carte menu and a Happy Hour between 5 and 7 PM on Sunday through Thursday.

We left wanting nothing more than a long walk with the backdrop of the United Nations, a great end to a perfect evening of dining in New York City.