Members of the New York Lifestyles Magazine foodie staff (including yours truly) recently headed over to Atlantis Prime for a friend’s birthday dinner and we were bedazzled. The staff is so friendly and they will ask you if you want your order customized in any way—and they are of course concerned about any food allergies. Sure, you expect a New York steakhouse to pull out all the stops for their customers, but the team at Atlantis Prime does everything except stand on their heads. Part of this is that they have only been open since early spring and are trying to put their best foot forward.
APPS THAT ARE “APP-PEALING”
Atlantis Prime knows how to set the tone for a meal with their highly praised appetizers that are heavy on the seafood. Lobster Ceviche is a crowd pleaser that’s as beautiful as it is tasty, while Tuna Tartare remains a staple among the regulars. Clams Oreganata and Spanish Pulpo offer flavorful, shareable options. For the landlubber set, the Beef Meatballs with Marinara and Melted Mozzarella is an Italian comfort food dish of the highest degree, and the Burrata Con Panna with Roasted Tomato and Pineapple brings a sweet-savory combo that surprises guests in the best way. Buffalo Mozzarella with Tomato, Onion, and Vinaigrette is a light and healthy choice, and I guarantee that both the freshness and softness of the homemade mozz will blow you away.
WHERE’S THE BEEF?
Guests often rave about the Bone-In Ribeye, which is dry-aged in house and delivers that deep, rich flavor people think of as part of true steakhouse experience. I personally tried this beautiful marbled meat medium rare and it was served just like the legendary Peter Luger’s steaks are—sliced at the table by your server, who also pours the natural juices and melted butter over each portion. The Porterhouse For Two is another amazing dish served at the table sizzling and then sliced and covered in butter, making it a favorite for carnivores with giant appetites. The Bone-In New York Strip has a slightly leaner but still dramatic flavor profile, while the Japanese A5 Filet Mignon really delivers to any guest seeking a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth cut.
SENSATIONAL SEAFOOD
As mentioned above, seafood plays just as big of a role in Atlantis Prime’s popularity. For those who like to live like there’s no mortgage check due at the end of the month, the Twin Lobster Tails with garlic, lemon, and butter are a classic luxe surf favorite. The Seafood Risotto is a simple Northern Italian dish elevated with fresh shellfish, while the Grilled Whole Branzino provides lighter, Mediterranean fare for those who prefer fish to steak or are just trying to eat healthier. Pan-Seared Halibut with Piccata Sauce and Grilled New Zealand Ora King Salmon are two of the most popular options on the menu.
Desserts conclude the Atlantis Prime experience with a bang, and a few items have become signature crowd-pleasers for people with sweet tooths. The Napoleon Cake is a top pick for its creamy, delicate layers, and I have to be honest and tell you that it is often sold out (call ahead if this is an item that you specially came to have). The warm New York Apple Crumble gives guests that nostalgic grandma-style apple pie flavor except for its irresistible super cinnamony crumbs. The Crème Brûlée, Blackout Cake, and Vesuvius Cake each offer something different—from light to rich to “over the top” in every way.
MORE REASONS TO VISIT
Now, let me call out my personal reasons for loving Atlantis Prime. First of all, the steaks are as good or better than any other steakhouse in NYC—and yes, that includes the aforementioned Peter Luger, Gallagher’s and Sparks. The prices for all beef cuts are a little more reasonable at Atlantis Prime (I would say the prices are actually 15 per cent less on all menu items). Secondly, the restaurant is huge and tables are well-spaced--the décor is what I would call “classic steakhouse” but with accents of strong gem colors including a red front entrance and mustard gold walls (the circular white space age chandeliers somehow work really well with all this). Thirdly, you cannot beat the location which is smack dab in the center of town—36th Street halfway between Fifth and Sixth. What a great place to take out of town guests after a classic tourists’ day of visiting the Empire State Building and Macy’s!
Lastly, I’ve got a big secret about Atlantis Prime that might just have you running over there: they have Manhattan’s greatest steak bargain as part of their $55 dinner prix fixe menu. You have to add an extra $15 to get the New York Strip (dry aged in house) but included are your choice of four great appetizers (including the aforementioned Burrata Con Panna served with a toasted house made sliced French bread) and choice of three sides (Sauteed Broccoli, Creamed Spinach and Mashed Potatoes). The crowd favorite Grilled New Zealand Ora King Salmon is on the prix fixe menu as well for no additional money. There is also a three course $30 lunch prix fixe that includes the ultra-tender and juicy Petite Filet Mignon for only an add on of $15.
Once you try Atlantis Prime, it will become one of your “go to” spots because of food consistency, large portions and no rush, attentive service.
For more information on Atlantis Prime, visit atlantisprimerestaurant.com
For more information on Executive Hotel Le Soleil, visit hotelsoleil.com/new-york