Wildair is known for being the better of the two sister restaurants along with Contra. Located a few blocks from one another in the Lower East Side, Wildair is the more casual endeavor, compared to the tasting menu approach at Contra.

Wildair had received so much buzz, initially, that I kind of pushed it further down my wish list. I mean, relax people. How good could it be? Plus, they don’t take reservations, which means you either show up as on as they open or be ready to wait til you’re nearly skin and bones before your table is ready.

But boy, was it worth showing up for the Early Bird Special!

We weren’t starving, so we avoided the $4 table bread which I had read such positive reviews were about.

The two of us shared 3 courses and a dessert and left completely satisfied.

We started with the lettuces with pistachios and herbs (mostly dill). This was a really lovely start and the lemony vinaigrette offered a refreshing brightness.

I’m not generally a fan of steak tartare (why can’t you throw that stuff in the broiler for a few minutes??) but this version featured shavings of cheddar and Brazil nuts and the flavor was nice and the texture did not gross me out. Success!

The fried Pork Milanese with that tasty sauce with the weird name (gribiche) was affordable and a sizable portion. Definitely good for sharing.

The chocolate hazelnut tart came and I was crestfallen when I laid my eyes on it’s diminished size. Honey I Shrunk The Tart! Photos on IG made this mouthwatering dessert appear massive. That being said, it ended up being the perfect portion and I’m not even sure I could have eaten more.

Ha, who am I kidding??

142 Orchard St
New York, NY 10002
b/t Rivington St & Delancey St
Lower East Side
(646) 964-5624
wildair.nyc

Romaine lettuces, pistachio

Beef tartare, smoked cheddar, brazil nut

Pork milanese, gribiche, mustard greens

Chocolate Hazelnut Tart