Pinpointing the epicenter of New York’s power dining scene is tricky these days. In the absence of the old Four Seasons, and the rise of its successor the Grill, the Financial District has come on strong with conveniently located places such as Augustine.
But if you were the new president at Goldman Sachs Group Inc., where would you eat? If you’re David Solomon, who has been tapped to be the successor to CEO Lloyd Blankfein, the answer would be everywhere.
Solomon eats out as frequently, and as purposefully, as some food critics. It’s often for work, but just as much for fun. You can find him at newly opened places as well as long-standing culinary institutions, and he’s gained a reputation as an avid diner around town. “He’s one of our most loyal customers,” says Grant Reynolds, wine director at Charlie Bird, the popular Italian-accented restaurant in SoHo in which Solomon has invested. “A lot of other places would say the same thing. He’s that supportive guy for so many restaurants in the city, and the one that makes a point of knowing everyone’s name.”
He’s also a fan of Sean Feeney, a Goldman alum who’s co-owner of Lilia in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg. Solomon puts the surprise power spot on his list of new favorites for the artichoke—served whole with parmesan and breadcrumbs—the pastas, and the energy of the warehouse-style dining room. “Sean’s a great guy who created an incredible restaurant,” Solomon raves.
As much as the food, Solomon is devoted to wine. He has a deep cellar and brings a bottle to restaurants when he goes out socially. “Wine list prices are crazy right now,” he says. “I prefer to bring something with me.” Still, he’s not strictly a BYOB diner: He’ll always buy something off the list to accompany what he’s brought. “David is one of the more knowledgeable and adventurous wine people out there,” says Reynolds. “He’s brought in some of the best ’70s and ’80s California cabernets I’ve ever tried.”
I caught up with Solomon over the phone, and he shared 11 other of his favorite restaurants and bars—from the places where you can talk business in private to the best spot for fried chicken. Just don’t interrupt him while he’s eating.
The Power Meals
Carbone
The epic Italian American restaurant that transformed red-sauce cooking as Zac Posen–clad waiters mix Caesar salads tableside. Solomon’s go-to orders? The veal parmesan and the spicy vodka rigatoni.
Marea
Chef Michael White’s elegant seafood restaurant on Central Park West has been one of New York’s power dining rooms since it opened in 2009. “It’s a good place to discuss business over a great bottle of wine,” says Solomon.
Porter House
For work dinners, Solomon also favors the renovated dining room with views of Central Park at Porter House in the Time Warner Center. “The food is solid, it’s quiet, and you can talk,” he says. There are a half-dozen selections of prime dry-aged beef as well as A5 wagyu from Miyazaki. His favorite cut is the rib-eye.