Review: HARTA at Grayson Hotel is a Mediterranean Dining Oasis in the City

Have you been to Harta yet? If not, make your plans and find out what the buzz is all about. Located in Grayson Hotel at Bryant Park, the dining destination is by the New York City based hospitality group, Apicii. The Mediterranean brasserie presents a distinctive global menu. Bright and airy, the botanical inspired setting by Dutch East Design offers a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood. Harta's casually elegant setting is the ideal place to relax and enjoy a meal seeing a Broadway show. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you'll appreciate Harta's personable and efficient servers that make your visit a pleasure.

The cuisine from the Apicii team is led by chief culinary officer, Jonathan Benno and executive chef, Mark Zuckerman. They have created an outstanding menu that is sure to please all tastes and dietary preferences with seasonal dishes that draw inspiration from Greek, Italian, French and Spanish fare. We stopped by on a Thursday for lunch and enjoyed a delectable meal. Many of the lunch items are also offerred on the dinner menu and you can expect all your dishes to be perfectly presented.

Start your meal with some spreads. The zesty Charred Eggplant has the vibrant flavors of smoked olive oil and mint with fresh mint leaves for a garnish served with warm house focaccia topped with black sesame seed. The Fava Bean Hummus is a guest favorite seasoned with Aleppo pepper. Be sure to order Small Plates. The Potato and Chorizo Croquettes are substantial, tender spheres accompanied by a savory Romesco sauce. Other Small Plates include Falafal, Burrata, Tuna Crudo, and salads such as the Mediterranean Salad and Kale Chicken Caesar Salad. Spreads and Small Plates make great table shares.

Entrée selections have just the right variety. We enjoyed every bite of the Chicken Tagine. The on-the-bone chicken dish is served piping hot with the perfect accents of nicoise olives, onion, saffron and pomegranate served on a pilaf of rice and vermicelli. The lunch menu also includes their signature Harta Burger, Arborio Risotto, Roasted Oyster Mushroom, and Black Bass.

The cocktail categories are wonderfully curated. "Long Drinks" combine top spirits with delectable fruit flavors and scintillating sodas for lasting refreshment. The Lavender is a beautiful blend of Ketel One Peach and Orange Blossom, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto, and Harta Lavendar Soda. The "Light Hearted" grouping features powerful, decadently delicious tastes in complex creations. The "Spirited" category has drinks centered on a few ideally balanced flavors standout Ivory with Fords Gin and a Harta Vermouth Blend. For those that prefer, Harta has a choice selection of wine and beer.

For a meal topper, popular dessert items include the Basque cheesecake served with mission figs and raspberries that put a creative spin on a New York classic. The Quince Crostata with luscious mascarpone and ginger toffee elevate the dessert perfectly. And ice cream lovers will be delighted by the soft serve desserts.

Harta invites you to enjoy a culinary adventure that will transport you to the warmth and splendor of the Mediterranean while indulging in a masterfully designed menu of food and drink you won't find anywhere else.

Our readers will like to know that Grayson Hotel also features Bar Sima, a rooftop mexcaleria on the 28th floor of the Grayson Hotel with fabulous views and thoughtful mix of global cuisine and cocktails. And opening this spring is Bar Harta, a place to gather to enjoy another fine venue.

Harta at the Grayson Hotel is located at 30 W 39th St, New York, NY 10018. Read about Apicii's restaurant concepts at hartanyc.com and barcimanyc.com, or follow along on social media @hartanyc and @barcimanyc.

Photo Credit: Noah Fecks

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