"Just about everything at The Sardine Factory is over the top, from the high-backed monogrammed velvet chairs and an array of sconces and tassels right down to the enormous prawn cocktail, which arrives at your table surrounded by a cloud of dry ice vapor. The classic steakhouse menu is on the fancy side, but not fussy, and most importantly, the food is top-notch. The clam chowder is herby and full of cherrystones, in a tomato-cream base that blends the best parts of New England and Manhattan styles, and the don’t-skip wagyu bavette steak is textbook charred and topped with crispy onions." - Gabi Moskowitz