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4 Yorkville Restaurants Earn Michelin Status for Affordability and Taste

By Shaye Weaver | September 25, 2015 2:01pm | Updated on September 28, 2015 8:52am
 Four Upper East Side eateries were listed on Michelin's 2016 Bib Gourmand awards.
UES Winners of Bib Gourmand
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YORKVILLE — The Michelin Guide deemed four Upper East Side eateries to be among the most affordable and delectable in the city. 

Beyoglu, San Matteo, J.G. Melon, and Uva made it on the Michelin's 2016 Bib Gourmand list — a distinction given to eateries that accomplish both affordability and excellence — along with 129 other restaurants in the city.

The awards are given to restaurants that serve two quality courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less, according to Michelin.

“This year’s selection put a light on just how exciting and dynamic New York City’s dining scene is today," said Michael Ellis, the international director of the Michelin Guide.

On the Upper East Side, Yorkville scored big:

Uva, 1486 Second Ave.

This Italian wine bar and restaurant serves tapas-style plates including meatballs, bruchetta, cured meats and cheese, as well as larger entrees like grilled shrimp skewers, beef carpaccio, homemade ricotta gnocchi and half-moon shaped ravioli with prosciutto and mozzarella.

Desserts include chocolate truffles with vanilla sauce and whipped cream, and cinnamon ice cream ball slider with apple sticks and caramel sauce.

Prices range from $7 to $27.

Uva opened in 2005 by the Lusardi Group, an Italian family originally from Parma. This isn't the first time the restaurant has been acknowledged by Michelin.

Massimo Lusardi, Uva's owner and manager, said they've gotten listed every year, but it still carries value.

"It's a reminder that us being an affordable restaurant is being appreciated and we will continue to be that for our patrons without sacrificing quality," he said. "Everyone that is a part of the restaurant, both presently and in the past, has cared for it and I believe customers feel that when they're there."

Uva is open Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Sunday. Brunch is served on the weekends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Beyoglu, 1431 Third Ave.

The Turkish and Mediterranean-style eatery serves doner kebab; char-grilled octopus with olive oil, lemon and vinegar; and a jumbo shrimp casserole baked with mushrooms, peppers, plum tomatoes and kashkaval cheese — among other traditional Turkish fare.

Beyoglu, owned by restaurateur Orhan Yegen, serves mainly meze, or a selection of small dishes meant to be coupled together.

Its smaller items like the soup of the day, hummus, falafel and salads are priced under $10 each. Daily specials, including the doner kebab, and its fish specials, like its char-grilled swordfish kebab, range in price from $14.50 to $17.

It's open from noon to 10:30 p.m. daily.

San Matteo, 1739 Second Ave.

At San Matteo, gourmet pies — from the classic margherita to buffalo mozzarella — come at just $11 to $20. Calzones (like one stuffed with fresh ricotta, mortadella, salame and homemade mozzarella) and pastas are all priced under $20.

Ciro and Fabio Casella, originally from Salerno, opened the restaurant in 2010.

It's open Monday through Thursday from 5 to 11 p.m. and noon to 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

J.G. Melon, 1291 Third Ave.

Founded in 1972 by Jack O'Neill, J.G. Melon is a part tavern, part restaurant serving American classics including what Michael Bloomberg called "the best hamburgers in the world."

The menu isn't long. Prices for burgers range from $10.75 to $11.50. Entrees also include a roast rock Cornish hen for $17.75 and a large sirloin steak for $31.75.

It's open Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 to 3 a.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 to 4 a.m.

The 11th edition of the Michelin Guide New York City will be available starting Oct. 1.