5 NYC Restaurants With Next-Level Bread Baskets

Grace Robertson Student Contributor, Connecticut College

This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at Conn Coll chapter and does not reflect the views of Spoon University.

In life, first impressions can be everything, and for many restaurants that first impression is the humble bread basket. This complimentary starter can tell you a lot about a restaurant; the type of flour used may indicate a certain food philosophy, while the way the condiments are elevated reflect a chef’s training.

Though the simplicity of the bread basket is overlooked in some cases, in others it can actually be one of the most memorable parts of the meal. I can instantly think of five restaurants where that holds true.

Upland

#fbf to warm-from-the-oven potato loaf w lemon & chive butter. yum. #upland #uplandnyc @chefjsmillie #potatoloaf #potatobread #bread #butter #breandandbutter @upland_nyc

A photo posted by janet shin (@janetthegeneral) on Aug 14, 2015 at 12:47pm PDT

First off, any restaurant that gives me an entire LOAF of bread to myself is one I’m on board with. This crispy, airy, freshly baked potato bread slathered with lemon and chive butter is everything and more. I’d be lying if I said I only had one during my first visit here.

Scarpetta

Let’s begin ….

A photo posted by Iz (@izzgg) on Sep 19, 2015 at 2:47pm PDT

This bread basket had the city buzzing for a while. It includes Italian staples like focaccia and a life-changing stromboli. The three condiments of mascarpone butter, citrus infused olive oil, and eggplant caponata, take this basket to another level. Cut back on some appetizers to make room for more bread.

#SpoonTip: Though Scott Conant has split with New York’s Scarpetta, he still works with the outposts in Los Angeles, Vegas, and Miami. I’ve dined at both Scarpetta LA and NYC, and definitely saw a discrepancy between the two, due to his absence.

Dirt Candy

Bread at @dirtcandynyc 🍦😂

A photo posted by Helen Yung (@icecreamchef) on May 19, 2015 at 3:07pm PDT

Chef Amanda Cohen’s vegetarian haven serves up a riff on monkey bread. Presented in a flower pot and with a side of garlic butter, the bread is warm, sweet, spongy, and a great way to kick off your veg-centric dinner. The downside? Only one per table.

Dirty French

not your usual bread and butter #dirtyfrenchnyc #nyc #lefooding #foodpurrv

A photo posted by @le.james.kahlo on Aug 16, 2015 at 4:00pm PDT

Team Torrisi’s flatbread with fromage blanc is a party in your mouth. Chewy and crisp, this herbaceous Moroccan style bread is really all you need to begin your meal. Skip your appetizers completely.

Del Posto

@erickong82 & I think this is the #bestbreadbasket in the city #bestfocaccia #oliveciabatta #rosemarylardo #sweetcreambutter #postweddingdiet

A photo posted by Hilary Ng (@hilaryng331) on Jun 13, 2015 at 7:45pm PDT

The Batali and Bastianich crew continues to dominate with perhaps the mother of all bread baskets. The sides of savory lardo are the stars among the loaves of olive ciabatta and focaccia for days.