Gosh, Kate, I could probably write about this neighborhood for hours given the fact that I lived at Harrison and Greenwich for almost six years. There are so many options there for both fine dining and chow. I hope many are still there:
Chantrelle (2 Harrison) was one of the very few serious restaurants in that part of town when I moved there in the early 90s as there were still a good many squatters and/or artists which allowed for more chow options than fine dining. Chantrelle was always the place that I'd take my mom when she'd come to town to visit. She was more taken in by the abundance of fresh flowers and the clean, creamy feel of the room, and the carefully scripted handwritten menus than she was by the food. I can't comment too much on the current state of Chef Waltuck's food as I haven't eaten at Chantrelle in four years now. At the time I left, the kitychen had slipped a bit. But, it was still a destination.
Right next door to Chantrelle is the fabulous and fabulously expensive Nobu and Nobu Next Door. My focus there was always on the sashimi which had a really clean flavor with a sharply contrasting seasoning...such as yellowtail with a bit of simple minced thai chili. I'm sure that it's not as wildly popular as it once was .
The IP Deli, on the street level of Independence Plaza at Greenwich and Harrison makes a really good servicable Cuban Sandwich. That was my post drinking snack of choice many nights.
Churrascaria Plataforma has an outlet on West Broadway which is good though, in my opinion, it doesn't match up favorably to the Uptowen version. the people watching is incredible in that place. the fare is standard, though well executed Churrascaria. I've eaten ther in the past year.
Drew Nierporent's group owns a number of great restaurants, including the previously mentioned Nobu. Montrachet compares favorably Chantrelle in terms of food quality though the room isn't as nice. I used to love their halibut cooked in a fig leaf.
Tribakery is a great place to grab a quick sandwich or soup at a reasonable price (that's New York reasonable) for lunch.
Do yourself a favor and jump up to Greenwich Village for brunch one weekend at Good on Greenwich
Avenue. Their lemon ricotta pancakes are to die for.
I refuse to eat at any of David Bouley's places because he has screwed so many people in his professional life.
One of my regular joints was The Harrison at Greenwich and Harrison. To this day, I consider their squid ink and seafood risotto one of the most remarkable dishes i have ever eaten in my life.
More chowish is Burrito Bus on West Broadway near Canal. Huge mission style burritos with rice and beans are the kind that you'll only need to eat once a day. One of my embarrassing personal admissions is that I really like Burritoville though many curse its existence.
Kitchenette serves affordable comfort grub. I really like their breakfasts.
Bubby's is a local institution. Great grub and the best corned beef hash I've ever had.
Some people like Yaffa's. I'm not one of them.
I'm not sure if Columbine is still around on West Broadway. But, I alsolutely loved their sandwich of fresh tomato, basil, parmesan, olive oil and mashed white beans on flat bread. It was unfortunately named prior to the high school tragedy.
Finally, Acapella (1 Hudson) serves really good (and really pricey) neighborhood Italian/American with lots of garlic. The space is really impressive. Their seafood and mushroom risottos are both really excellent.