The Wilson, tucked into NoMad and adjacent to Chelsea, focuses on New American cuisine with a special emphasis on seafood. The restaurant is well designed to make the most of its space, but it’s biggest draw, for me, is the enclosed patio (which boasts heating systems for the winter!) as it is dog-friendly.
Though they have a few rules for well-behaved pooches, The Wilson welcomes your four-legged companion and has a few menu options created just for them.
The wall of living moss anchors the outside and is unavoidably evocative of a garden party or barbecue—what an exceptional way to make you feel welcome, right?
The Wilson offers a superb brunch on weekends along with a delightful make-your-own-bloody-mary Tackle-box that will provide for most groups.
Of course, you can get the brunch-standard mimosa (and fortunately they use quality orange juice and fizzy wine rather than the swill many places try to pass off on their patrons.
For those of you who are a bit more adventurous, they have a lovely and ambitious cocktail menu.
Service here is very friendly and professional, it’s clear the powerhouse group behind The Wilson emphasizes hospitality at all levels.
One of their signature items are these avocado fries. They’re a delightful play of contrasting temperatures, textures, and flavors.
They have their takes on pretty much any brunch item you could want and a few more dishes that are a bit further afield.
Owen’s Shrimp Pad Thai is incredibly delicious and quite hearty—certainly give it due consideration if you’ve a busy or long day ahead.
I quite enjoyed the blue crab and avocado eggs Benedict. It was flavorful, and sufficiently light. A great choice for brunch on a hot summer’s day in NYC.
You’re likely best off if you take a huge group and sample many (all?) of the dishes. As it stands, I can’t wait to get back and try a few more. The menu is enticing and what I could see at surrounding tables all made me want to try more.
Regardless, make sure to save some room for dessert. You’ll not want to miss Chef’s creations.
Deceptively decadent
The kitchen can send out some light, fruity delights or you can go for a more indulgent, decadent option—such as a s’mores inspired chocolate monstrosity (in the best of ways) or some fresh berries with a matcha ‘soup’ for those of you who didn’t leave enough room and need the more refreshing option.
