For the Love of Lamb: New York’s Best Lamb Dishes
According to the saying, March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. And that applies to more than just the weather (but thank goodness for our recent string of 50-degree days)! Also a recognized symbol of spring and rebirth, lamb is an especially popular seasonal protein, not to mention a centerpiece of both Easter and Passover holiday tables. Which is why we’re spotlighting some of the most delicious lamb dishes at restaurants throughout New York –from Santina’s sexy Lamb Tartare to Jack’s Wife Freda’s Spiced Rack of Lamb over couscous.
Mission Chinese
Danny Bowien’s massive menu at his revamped branch of Mission Chinese Food is all-inclusive, to say the least, featuring everything from Mapo Tofu to Hot Cheese Pizza to an entire tray of Sea Urchin. And lamb frequently appears in a number of appealing guises, including Aromatic Lamb Broth with cellophane noodles and goji berries, Salt and Pepper Lamb Rib Tip with kefir crème fraiche and wild sumac, and Cumin Lamb Rib served with charred onions and dates.
Read MoreJack’s Wife Freda
This Soho favorite recently opened a second outpost in the West Village, to appease their clamoring brunch crowds. Although, the Middle Eastern-inspired dinner offerings make both locations well worth a visit — think Kefta Kebab with Tahini as well as a Ground Lamb and Eggplant ‘Lasagne’ at the Lafayette Street locale, or Spiced Lamb Tartare and Rack of Lamb with Herbed Israeli Couscous, over on Carmine.
Read MoreSantina
The wafer-thin, chickpea flour-based pancakes known as Cecina have already become a signature item at the Major Food Group’s newest venture, Santina. And out of the five optional accompaniments, the musky, caper-dotted Lamb Tartare is especially satisfying, although lamb-lovers will also appreciate the unusual Chitarra Santina; housemade noodles improbably tossed with both mussels and spicy merguez sausage.
Read MoreHappy Ending
Michelin-starred French chef, Francis Gabarrus, weaves Mediterranean and Japanese flavors into his dishes at Happy Ending; an Asian massage parlor-turned upscale restaurant and after-hours club. So before you hit the dance floor, be sure to try his intriguing Lamb Two Ways; a Tandoori-style loin and roasted chop, served with rustic root vegetables.
Read MoreDel Posto
You can never go wrong with the pastas (or anything, really), at Batali and Bastianich’s piece de resistance; Del Posto. And now that we’re on the cusp of a seasonal menu changeover, you’ll want to try the handmade Orechiette while you still can — tender ears of pasta cradling spicy lamb neck sausage, diamonds of carrot, and savory breadcrumbs of toasted rye.
Read MoreAu Za’taar
This Arabian bistro in Alphabet City highlights the French influence on Middle Eastern and North African cuisine. Which means that lamb is a mainstay on the globetrotting menu — from Baby Lamb Chops served over Tunisian couscous, to Grilled Kebabs accompanied by brown rice and salad, to slow-roasted, Armagnac and prune sauce-doused Lamb Shank and Bemieh Be Lahme; lamb stew with baby okra, tomatoes and spices.
Read MoreGato
In pizza-saturated New York, you might not think to head to Bobby Flay’s sprawling, “New Mediterranean” Gato for a noteworthy pie. And yet, his puffy, oblong-shaped Lamb Pizza, strewn with half moons of sausage, and smeared with tomato jam, mozzarella and mint, is a truly delectable option, when you’re looking for more than just your standard street slice.
Read MoreGoa Taco
This inventive, Lowe East Side pop-up fashions tacos out of flaky Indian parathas, filled with everything from Pork Belly and Pickled Cabbage, to Butternut Squash and Salsa Verde, and Housemade Chicken Chorizo with Brussels Sprout Slaw. But there’s a reason the Recado Rojo Lamb Shoulder is the best seller, featuring savory shards of meat paved with zesty tzatziki and smoky eggplant salsa.
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