Legacy Records

Legacy Records Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant: There’s something exciting happening in downtown Manhattan, and it’s the magic of Hudson Yards. In this area heretofore marked by car repair shops, the Javits Center and a few random coffee shops, a restaurant has taken root, a precursor to the many residential buildings and commercial outlets about to create a mini-city within the city. Legacy Records from Delicious Hospitality Group (Charlie Bird, Pasquale Jones) is a pioneer here and a worthy one at that. With a bar upstairs and set in an apartment building that looks in every way like an oh-so-cool hotel with a hangout lobby, Legacy Records feels like the trendy cousin who invites you to be one of the first “in the know.”

Likes: Open space with modern, downtown vibe, but not overly noisy.
Dislikes: Location is a bit desolate but changing rapidly.

About the drinks & décor: The inviting round bar is your first stop, where mixologists trained by Jeff Bell from PDT will offer an artisanal beverage made from a mix of fresh veggies or fruit and trendy liquors --- try the “Fig Fix” made with Pommeau and fig jam. The main dining room is buzzy but not overly loud with striking art on the walls, hanging lights and leather-topped tables that help mute the noise. Seating of choice is the nook to the right where cozy banquettes afford a feeling of privilege as well as a prime location to watch the after-work, tourist and sophisticated crowd.

About the food & wine: The Italian-inspired menu is delicious. Über-fresh crudos are a must, served as a trio with selections drawn from live diver scallops, fluke, Spanish mackerel, red snapper and hamachi. Homemade bread costs extra but is worth it, accompanied by lardo and several cultured butters. Hopefully someone in your group isn’t a vegetarian, because you’ll want to order the honey-lacquered duck for two, making a Peking duck seem like a relic from the Old Country. Pastas are especially wonderful, so non-meat eaters won’t suffer at all; go for the oversized raviolo doppio, a shareable piece filled with pumpkin, smoked leek and lobster mushroom, a specialty of the house. If you still have room, the chocolate fondente for dessert is luscious. The wine list is well curated with both traditional and less known choices with most from Italy and France, and the knowledgeable sommelier will let you sample a few before you commit to a glass or bottle.