This New York-style Italian deli is popular for its selection of housemade mozzarellas, including fresh and smoked options, as well as a dried variety that can be customized with black peppercorns, sun-dried tomatoes or Kalamata olives. While you’re there, pick up a steak margherita sandwich. Nancy Fuller raved about this hefty sub composed of Italian bread layered with marinara sauce, caramelized onions, grilled mushrooms, sausage, fresh mozzarella, roast beef, pepperoni and fresh arugula.
Stop by this Italian specialty shop to chow down on the Godmother sub, a favorite of chefs Susan Feniger, Mary Sue Milliken and Curtis Stone. This super-stuffed beauty is layered with prosciutto, mortadella and salami. Other additions, like provolone cheese and pickled peppers, round out the flavor.
This unassuming coffee shop serves breakfast dishes worth waking up for, as well as lighter lunch fare like salads and sandwiches. Try one of the house-baked pastries or the Banana Stuffed French Toast. This hearty take on a morning classic features thick slices of locally baked brioche, which are dunked in an eggy batter and fried until golden brown. The brioche is then slathered with Nutella and layered with bananas. A dollop of smooth mascarpone whipped cream completes the plate.
This funky spot features outlandishly delicious treats like the Bea Arthur, which transforms a classic cone and vanilla soft serve into a truly indulgent creation. Swirls of dulce de leche and crushed vanilla cookies are found throughout, in both the made-from-scratch custard and the cone itself.
Head to one of Terroni’s locales for delicious traditional Southern Italian fare. A must-try is the Lamb Ragu, featuring pasta made by hand, then tossed in a savory sauce of tender lamb and herbs. For a sweet finish, indulge in the sugar-dusted fried dough balls with a decadent Nutella filling.
Named after Thomas Jefferson's maître d', who loved fine dining, this restaurant draws diners with its bounty of fresh dishes made from local ingredients. A standout is the Barnyard Burger: Smoky slabs of bacon and a fried egg are piled onto a cheese-topped patty, then doused in a foie gras sauce.
This upscale burger joint slings hormone-free, house-ground patties and local craft brews. A must-try is the Poutine Burger Special: This patty comes served on a house-baked bun and is topped with french fries smothered in gravy, a slice of cheese and a runny fried egg.
In the mood for a satisfyingly meaty sandwich? Sink your teeth into the fried bologna sandwich at Martin’s BBQ. This adult version of a kids’ classic stars a hefty slab of homemade bologna with a crispy browned crust. It’s nestled in a slider roll and then topped with mustard, pickles and onions.
Head here for American dishes with bold twists, like a spicy take on mac and cheese. A puree made from roasted poblano peppers adds the kick to this creamy creation, which stars gooey mounds of pepper Jack cheese. The dish is then topped with panko breadcrumbs to create a satisfyingly crunchy crust.
Chocoholics in need of a morning fix should try this spot’s irresistible take on a breakfast classic. The Chocolate Tower French Toast features chocolate-morsel-studded bread that’s dipped in batter, grilled and then served in a pool of rich banana sauce. Chocolate shavings add a final sweet touch.
This casual tavern made a name for itself with hearty upscale eats. Michael Symon, for one, can't get enough of the Chicken Before the Egg dish that he describes as "one delicious, gluttonous mess." A housemade English muffin loaf is grilled in duck fat, then smothered with pan-fried chicken livers, followed by a flurry of candied maple bacon; a rich fried egg completes the plate.
Aarón Sánchez began his career here, and he still raves about this spot’s blackened redfish: a flaky fish with a delectably seasoned crust. Aarón also loves the Turducken: an over-the-top turkey stuffed with a duck and a chicken. Cornbread, andouille and oyster dressings add to the decadence.
At this comfort food restaurant, everything is served up on biscuits. Guy could not get enough of the classic biscuits and gravy, noting that the biscuit had the "best texture ever." He also devoured The Reggie with fried chicken, bacon, cheddar and gravy all inside a "flaky and light" biscuit.
For owner Joan McNamara, fresh meals made with love are at the heart of her family and her restaurant. Katie Lee raves about the “wonderful, homey taste” of the short rib sandwich. Buttery sliced bread is stacked with a layer of pickled onions and a mound of tender meat smothered with melty cheese.
Billed as an Indian gastropub, this hip spot offers a menu of innovative dishes that combine Indian street eats with North American bar snacks. Aarti Sequeira recommends the Chicken Tikka Poutine Fries. A fiery dusting of a paprika-centric spice mix gives each and every fry “a little kick,” Aarti says. These flavorful golden fries come topped with a creamy mound of cheese curds, a generous ladleful of beef gravy and a heap of tender, grilled chicken finished with fresh cilantro.
Make restaurant favorites at home with copycat recipes from FN Magazine.
Let Guy take you on a coast-to-coast tour Friday at 9|8c.