East Village Favorites
San Marzano
I can't say enough about this place. If you are a pasta lover like me, and you appreciate good food at an affordable price then line up with the rest of the east village to get the $9 bowl of amazingness from San Marzano. You get to pick your pasta shape and whatever sauce you are in the mood for, and 15 min later a beautiful and normal human serving arrives. Some of my favorite is the wild boar ragu, the spaghetti and meatballs or the pesto. If you are really hungry indulge in the burrata appetizer because you have no excuse but to lick the plate and sandwich the creamy cheese with some prosciutto and balsamic. You can also start with the exceedingly flavorful meatball appetizer and finish with another pasta and get the best of both worlds. On the side of all of this you must get a glass of wine, all $6 and go for the Barbera, it pairs well with all the food, if your friends say get the sangria, unless you are a fan of sugary drinks, don't indulge. I have yet to have brunch or dessert, but I am sure they are just as good as every bite i've ever had here.
Nicoletta
It doesn't help I can see this place from my bedroom, but Nicoletta has some of the best pizza I have ever had. I suggest the funghi which has wild mushrooms, sautéed spinach porcini marsala, mozzarella, and garlic. If you want to make it even better add eggs on top, and you add flavor and a sauce to dip your crust into. Other good options is the classica, cause who doesn't like the classics, as well as the tartufata. If we go, sit outside, the corner of 2nd and 10th is full of action, with 13 Step just across the street, and your sure to have a laugh or two. Don't be to turned off by the prices, the pizza may be $20 but it can easily be split by 2 people and is 100% worth it.
Bar Virage
Whether your grabbing drinks, on a date, have your mom out for the weekend or you just want to sit alone and eat a good meal, Bar Virage is the perfect place. Pretty much everything on their menu is delicious, some of my favorites are the tuna tartar (literally a must), the falafel, roasted cauliflower, calamari and smoked octopus, all light and great for sharing. If you are truly in the mood to indulge go for the short rib risotto, its f***ing incredible and will go down as one of the best risottos i've ever had. They also have a great cocktail list, and wines of course. Big fan of the rioja.
Iron Sushi
$3 sushi 4-8 every single night, what more do I have to say. The sushi is good, not michelin star but good enough to fulfill any sushi cravings and spend nothing. And that $3 doesn't just cover sushi but all sides and all drinks, so basically if you know your 3 times tables you are ready for Iron Sushi. If you happen to go not during the special hours or you order out from seamless order the rock shrimp tempura roll, so worth the extra $$.