The area around City College in Hamilton Heights hasn't always been a hotbed of good food, but that's starting to change. Now you can choose from a handful of terrific restaurants for a sit-down meal–Oso, Fumo and The Grange quickly come to mind–as well as a number of spots offering tasty grab-and-go bites. From Hawaiian BBQ to açaí bowls, the good stuff starts here:
1625 Amsterdam Ave between 140th and 141st Sts
The Mediterranean-blue facade of this new fast-casual spot hints at what's inside: an eatery serving Greek street food. Your main choices are pork and chicken gyros–layers of marinated meat roasted on a vertical spit–served in a pita sandwich or on a platter. There's also falafel, salads and Greek-style fries served with crumbled feta.
1502 Amsterdam Ave between 134th and 135th Sts
The fourth branch of this Hawaiian eatery just opened near CCNY and features everything from ahi tuna poke and fried fish tacos to kalua pig and loco moco, an island specialty featuring hamburger patties on rice topped with fried eggs.
132 Edgecombe Ave between 141st and 142nd Sts
Healthy types will love this bright, three-month-old shop selling pressed juices, smoothies and açaí bowls–and won't mind the fact that it's down a steep hill from CCNY.
1504 Amsterdam Ave between 134th and 135th Sts
This simple spot answers all your sushi cravings–plus a few more you didn't know you had. Pick from 15 signature rolls, including the Taxi Roll, a combo of shrimp tempura, mango, spicy yellowtail, tobiko, jalapenos and spicy sauce.
1596 Amsterdam Ave between 138th and 139th Sts
An offshoot of Fumo, the popular Italian restaurant right next door, the year-old Uncle Tony's is a slice joint that stands out for its sublime square pizza. And not just one variety: choose from the thin-crust pan pie or the thick "bakers," made with 48 hour-proofed dough. Oh, and there's regular pizza as well. For pizza lovers, it's a win-win-win.
