Budget-Friendly Dining at Michelin’s Newest Bib Gourmands

Being awarded with Michelin stars is one of the highest honors a restaurant can receive (albeit that it’s actually a tire company!)  And while landing on Michelin’s newer, “Bib Gourmand” list (comprised of spots offering high quality eats on a budget; i.e., two courses plus wine or dessert for $40) isn’t exactly the same, well, it ain’t too shabby either.  So here are a few of our favorite, cost-effective eateries, that made the grade for the first time this year!

Bar Primi: The most casual of Andrew Carmellini’s restaurants, this new, pasta-focused spot offers delectable bowls of noodles for under $20, from a simple Spaghetti Pomodoro paved with parmigiano reggiano, to thick Bucatini heaped with hearty lamb amatriciana, and seasonal options, such as toothsome Rigatoni, dotted with musky maitake mushrooms and sweet Jersey corn.

Pearl & Ash: Granted, the highly creative, Asian-inflected small plates at this chic Bowery eatery are considerably pricier than Nom Wah’s, but Richard Kuo showcases serious technique (and top-of-the-line ingredients) in every single morsel.  Check out the tender squares of Focaccia, shellacked with maple syrup and chicken fat, caramelized curls of Octopus, flavored with sunflower seeds and shiso, and impossibly delicate planks of Tea-cured Salmon, improbably paired with goat cheese, tamarind and seaweed.

Nom Wah Tea Parlor: Although this seminal, 95-year-old dim sum parlor been around much longer than the Bib Gourmands (which were created in 1995), it’s certainly nice to see them finally make the list.  And averaging around $4.50 a pop, you’d be hard-pressed to blow your budget here on dishes, such as Shrimp and Snow Pea Leaf Dumplings, Turnip Cakes with Chinese Sausage, and “The Original” Egg Roll; chicken and mixed vegetables wrapped in a thin egg crepe.

Biang: Actually more formal and refined than its siblings — the growing chain of fast-casual Asian eateries, called Xi’an Famous Foods — the Queens-based Biang offers full waiter service and hip décor.  But that doesn’t mean you can’t find delicious dishes sold for a song; such as Spicy Soft Tofu in chili oil ($3), Stewed Oxtail on the bone ($11), and the signature, Biang-Biang Noodles ($6-8), named for the banging sound they make, while being formed, pulled and slapped against the counter.

Baker & Co.: From the owner of Aurora and Emporio, this year-old Italian trattoria in Greenwich Village serves comforting, highly seasonal fare (ideally enjoyed on the sweet back patio during the warmer months).  Current, especially delicious dishes include Potted Chicken Pate with poached figs, Burrata Cheese with plums, Meatballs made with rabbit and foraged mushrooms, and a whole Branzino, served with crispy Brussels sprouts and lime jam.

Khe-Yo: One of the city’s only Laotian restaurants, Chef Soulayphet Schwader joined with partner and longtime friend Marc Forgione, to bring decidedly unique dishes to Tribeca.  Not-to-be-missed eats include Crunchy Coconut Rice, studded with spicy lime leaf sausage, Spicy Magret Duck Salad, tossed with watercress, banana flowers and crispy duck tongues, and the Banana leaf-wrapped Red Snapper, accompanied by baby artichokes and the fiery house “bang-bang” sauce.

Bar Primi
325 Bowery., btwn. Great Jones & 3rd Sts.
(212) 220-9100
barprimi.com

Biang
41-10 Main St. at 41st Ave.
(718) 888-7713
biang-nyc.com

Baker & Co.
259 Bleecker St., btwn. Cornelia & Morton Sts.
(212) 255-1234
bakerandcony.com

Khe-Yo
157 Duane St., btwn. Broadway & Hudson St.
(212) 587-1089
kheyo.com

Nom Wah Tea Parlor
13 Doyers St., Bowery & Chatham Sq.
(212) 962-6047
nomwah.com

Pearl & Ash
220 Bowery., btwn. Spring & Rivington Sts.
(212) 837-2370
pearlandash.com