The National Bar & Dining Room is one of midtown’s most popular lunch spots. A modern American bistro with a “comfortable yet chic” ambiance, The National is welcoming to all who enter. Whether you are part of a duo looking to catch up or you are with a small group for a gathering, I assure that you will be more than satisfied by your dining expereince. Not only is the food delicious, but the staff is quick and efficient and the menu is nobread approved!…
For lunch I highly recommend starting with the roasted cauliflower. This dish is roasted perfectly; it is absolutely delicious and it is topped with greens to make it a filling appetizer. As I ate, I glanced around at the tables of diners around me and noticed that salads were on just about every table, so that made my entree decision easy. The salads are unique and light, and make for the perfect lunch. The salmon with shaved fennel and arugula, the calamari with quinoa and peppers, and the salad of roasted vegetables (baby beets, sunchokes, and more) are my top nobread picks. All entrees are, or can be made, gluten free and the grilled bronzino is my top pick. Lastly, for the sides… the crispy brussels sprouts are incredible, but they are heavy on the mustard glaze so be careful if you are nodairy, too. The french fries are great, too, but they ARE subject to cross contamination.
Chef/propreitor Geoffrey Zakarian has done an excellent job of making The National a midtown must-try. At dinner, small bar bites and several more appetizers are added to the menu. Chicken wings, ricotta gnudi, and meatballs look delicious, but they are NOT nobread approved, and if you order the charcuterie, make sure you ask for this with nobread. Quaint, classy, and nobread friendly; I highly recommend The National for your next client lunch or dinner.