CULINARY ROAD
By Morris Gut
Bronx Voice
February 27, 2026
BRONX, NY - A beautiful Technicolor harbinger of spring, the annual Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx runs through April 26TH.
I look forward to visiting NYBG, walking through the beautifully restored Enid Haupt Conservatory and beholding the seductive floral arrangements and dramatic plantings. This year’s colorful theme: Mr. Flower Fantastic’s Concrete Jungle. (For additional info: www.nybg.org)
After taking in all that beauty, we do get hungry.
Here are a few suggestions…
DINING AT NYBG
There are themed Dining Pavilions throughout the park and near the Enid Haupt Pavilion: the casual Pine Tree Caféand farm-to-table Hudson Garden Grill. Open daily. For info: 646-627-7711, or 718-817-8700. www.nybg.org/visit/dining/
On select nights, visitors can also enjoy Orchid Evenings filled with entertainment, dancing, cocktails and snacks. Check online for reservations. www.nybg.org
THE JOHNSON IS A MODERN DINER
Partners John Solo, Stefanos Katsikoumbas and George Ballisbas opened The Johnson a year ago, their vision of a contemporized diner and bar that combines the best traditions of the past and present. Host Peter and his team will take good care of you.
A great stop for breakfast, lunch, or dinner 7 days a week. We recently stopped in for a late breakfast and were quite happy. The menu runs the gamut from Breakfast All Day, Eggs Benedict, Corned Beef Hash, Cobb Salad, Pat Lafrieda Burgers, 14 oz. Ribeye Steak, Eggplant Parmigiana, and Moussaka. The Johnson Diner & Bar, 3533 Johnson Ave., Riverdale, the Bronx. 315-677-7665 www.thejohnsondinerbar.com
LIEBMAN’S TRADITIONAL DELICATESSEN
Liebman’s original kosher Jewish delicatessen in Riverdale, the Bronx, has been serving their traditional larder since 1953. And now, for all you corned beef and pastrami mavens, owners Yuval Dekel and Craig Weitz have premiered a much anticipated new location at Addyman Square in Ardsley. Liebman’s serves a wide selection of old-world favorites including Matzo Ball Soup, Frankfurters with Mustard & Sauerkraut, Smoked Fish and Appetizing Platters, Overstuffed Pastrami Sandwiches, Stuffed Cabbage, Hungarian Goulash, and Chicken in the Pot with All the Fixings. Dine in. Take out. Delivery. Liebman’s original deli is located at 552 W. 235 Street, Riverdale, Bronx. 718-548-4534 Liebman’s Ardsley, 472 Ashford Ave. 914-231-6222 www.liebmansdeli.com
DINING WITH A VIEW AT THE SEA SHORE!
Just a short drive from NYBG. Jeffrey Weiner and his veteran crew on City Island serve abundant platters of seafood at this sprawling 94-year-old institution: Oysters Rockefeller, Daily Raw Bar Selections, Lobsters Galore, Surf & Turf Platters, and Italian Seafood Specialties. Check out all the dining areas. Daily happy hours. Multiple seating areas. Sea Shore Restaurant, 591 City Island Ave., City Island, Bronx. 718-885-0300 www.seashorerestaurant.com
VENERABLE MARIO’S IN NEARBY LITTLE ITALY
Arthur Ave. is just a stone’s throw from the Garden. Since 1919 five generations of the Migliucci family have worked the front and back-of-the-house making sure patrons are well served at this venerable Little Italy institution. The amiable Regina Migliucci is at the helm. Great appetizers include Hot Antipasto Platter for 2 and Spiedini alla Romana Skewered Mozzarella Sandwiches. Move on to such entrees as Penne Rustica with Sausage, Stuffed Braciola Napolitana, Osso Buco the Size of Mt. Vesuvius, and Traditional Chicken Parm. Check out their Private Label Sauces and Olive Oils for take home. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Private party facilities. Free parking lot and valet service. Mario’s, 2342 Arthur Ave., Bronx. 718-584-1188 www.mariosarthurave.org
COMFORTING SPECIALTIES AT TORTOISE & HARE
This bustling tavern on Broadway in Riverdale, along the picturesque running tracks at Van Cortland Park, serves up inviting comfort dishes that run the gamut from Wings in a Variety of Styles, French Onion Soup Dumplings, Plump Burgers and Sandwiches, Irish Toasties with House Fillings, and Caesar Salad with Choice of Toppings. Weekend Brunch Specials and Happy Hour Drink Deals add to the appeal. Anthony and his crew will keep you happy. Tortoise & Hare, 6115 Broadway, Bronx. 347-843-7868 www.tortoiseharenyc.com
ANTONIO’S TRATTORIA ON BELMONT AVE.
Right smack in singer-composer Dion’s old neighborhood, just a block off Arthur Ave. at 186th St., proprietor Anthony Lancione and his team offer a flavorful take on Italian American cuisine. Sit in one of the inviting dining areas and treat yourself to such house specialties as Osso Buco with Rich Gravy, Short Ribs Toscano, Chicken Quattro Formaggio, Linguine con Vongole, Rigatoni with Broccoli Rabe, and Lasagna di Casa. The Thin-Crusted Brick Oven Pizzas are quite good. The same team own Alessia’s Trattoria in Mamaroneck. Antonio’s Trattoria, 2370 Belmont Ave., Bronx. 718-733-6630 www.antoniostrattoria.com
HEARTY TAVERN FARE AT MORRIS PARK INN
Proprietor Steve Poli of bustling Morris Park Inn offers a full tavern menu and generous portions. Sit at one of the high-top tables in the dining room or at the bar. Specialties to look for: Nachos Supreme with House Toppings, Baja Crispy Fish Tacos, Chopped Cobb Salad, Hefty Tavern Burgers, Mussels with Spaghetti, Baby Back Ribs, Fried Seafood Combo Platter, and Center Cut Pork Chops. Morris Park Inn, 1024 Morris Park Ave., Bronx. 718-239-4109 www.morrisparkinn.com
GOOD BREWS AT BRONX BEER HALL!
Located inside the historic Arthur Ave. Retail Market, not far from Fordham University and NYBG, the Bronx Beer Hall is a good place to hang for Locally Sourced Craft Beers and Wines. Mike’s Deli just down the aisle coordinates some of the food service with the bar, offering Hearty Italian Sandwiches and Specialties. Good spot for mingling and networking. Entertainment schedule. Closed Monday. Bronx Beer Hall, 2344 Arthur Ave., Bronx. 1-347-396-0555 www.bronxbeerhall.com
BUREKS AT TONY & TINA’S PIZZERIA!
It is a pizzeria, for sure, but this Albanian/Mediterranean-themed eatery on the corner of 189th St. is all about their popular Balkan-Style Bureks with Savory Fillings — flaky phyllo pies with your choice of pumpkin, spinach, ground meat, or cheese. Their Homemade Yogurt Dipping Sauce pairs perfectly. There is Homemade Baklava for Dessert. Open daily. Street parking. Tony & Tina’s Pizzeria, 2483 Arthur Ave., Bronx. 718-733-8094 www.tonytinaspizzeria.com
(Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in the Bronx and Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)
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