Best Historic Restaurants in Fordham

A dinner leading up the Christmas week at the Oyster Bar needs to be on everyone’s agenda when in Manhattan. The ambiance, vibe, food and service are spot on.

Golden beet salad was great and they were generous with the beets. The wild mushroom bread appetizer was phenomenal. Great sauce (almost like a stroganoff). Steak sandwich was served w an au jus and was juicy. My bride had the lobster Mac and cheese. Very buttery and rich. Perfect lunch. Despite being a little early they sat us before our reservation time. It was our anniversary and we got a special card and great complimentary dessert. Over all wonderful meal

A Timeless Vaulted Escape in NYC For our 12th anniversary, my wife and I wanted a memorable dining experience, and we found it in this hidden gem tucked away in the historic New Yorker Hotel. Housed in what was once an old bank vault, this steakhouse offered more than just a meal; it was an enchanting journey into the past. From the moment we stepped through the doors, the ambiance transported us. My wife, who’s lived her whole life in New York, remarked that the setting made her feel like she wasn’t in the city at all. The design—ornate, elegant, and brimming with old-world charm—evoked a sense of grandeur. It felt like stepping into a 1920s time capsule where every guest seemed important, fancy, and yes, a little bougie. The food was exceptional. I started with the crab cake, which came paired with a vibrant wasacaca sauce—a unique Venezuelan-inspired touch that added a fresh, tangy kick. For my main course, I chose the buttery salmon, which quite literally melted in my mouth. It was perfectly cooked, rich, and flavorful, leaving me savoring every bite. My wife opted for one of their signature steaks, and it was cooked to perfection with just the right balance of char and tenderness. The service was attentive and thoughtful, matching the opulence of the venue. If I had one critique, it would be the lack of non-alcoholic beverage options on the menu. While it wasn’t a dealbreaker, a few curated mocktails or even house-made sodas could have rounded out the experience. Overall, this restaurant made our anniversary truly special. Between the historic setting, the exquisite food, and the impeccable attention to detail, it’s a place we’ll cherish as part of our memories. For anyone looking to escape the city’s hustle and immerse themselves in timeless elegance, this steakhouse is a must-visit.

We had a lovely lunch at the Thayer. The fried chicken was expertly seasoned and the best I've had. Crunchy where it should be and juicy and tender inside. The Cole slaw was just right. Great snap to the fries. The other dish was the Chicken Salad club. Hit every mark and totally enjoyed it. We also ordered the soup of the day and the only mishap was it was brought out not piping hot. A quick word to the waiter and the soup was retuned and the temperature was corrected. In fairness, most restaurants never serve piping hot soup, which they should. We had a view of the Hudson and the ambiance of the hotel and restaurant is old world elegance. The price was very reasonable for the quality and quantity of food. We will definitely go back. It would be a fabulous place to watch the autumn colors. Next time.

I went to celebrate my birthday with family and close friends. I had such a great time at Jalao. The food was great. The staff were so friendly and kind.