In a no frills space, barely signposted, is a restaurant that has been quietly pushing the envelope of New York dining - and now Contra has introduced a longer and more ambitious set menu.

With Contra, chefs Jeremiah Stone, a former sous-chef of Rino in Paris who helped open Isa in New York, and Fabian von Hauske, who worked in the pastry kitchen of Jean Georges, set about exploring what makes a distinctly New York style cuisine. Their modern, understated, and seasonal approach has won their prix fixe menu much critical acclaim.

They recently introduced a longer tasting menu with a slight price increase, yet still offering incredible value - from $55 to $67 for six to eight courses. The shorter menu will continue to be available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with a choice between meat or fish, and diners can still order a la carte from the bar. While they call it a prix fix rather than a tasting menu, with this new rendition they are edging ever closer to the latter.

Ideal For

Luck of the draw dining

Signature Dishes

For a $3 supplement the bread course is eminently worth it; baked to order, it is typically brushed with rendered beef and served with absurdly creamy butter.

Signature Drinks

Natural wine and small-batch spirits