I’m lucky I married someone who loves roast chicken as much as I do. It would be a whole lot harder finishing off the classic “roast chicken for two” without him! I don’t know if you know this or not, but roast chicken was the first thing I ever cooked for Michael. He really fell in love with me after that! Yes, roast chicken is kind of my thing, if you hadn’t noticed. I know I’ve talked a lot about my favorite ones in France, but but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a phenomenal roast chicken in New York. Quite the contrary!

It seems like every good restaurant in New York serves its own version of the roast chicken for two. It’s certainly a trend I’m on board with. I’m always on the quest for great roast chickens, especially when the cold weather start to hit. However, it can be hard to know which ones are worth the commitment and which ones are better to skip at restaurants. I certainly haven’t tried all the roast chickens in the city, but here’s what I know so far. Check out my list of favorite roast chickens in the city — may you never eat dry white meat again!

1. The Nomad

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This one is a no-brainer. I’m sure you’ve heard about it if you haven’t tried it already. Just the presentation is jaw-dropping. Oh, and it’s also served with truffles and foie gras. That alone is enough to win me over, but the skin is also shatteringly crisp and the meat is meltingly moist. Treat yourself to this soon!

2. M. Wells Steakhouse

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Since this place just received a Michelin star, I suppose it’s no longer my little secret. Take a trip to Long Island City for an old-school steakhouse experience. This roast chicken is unique; it comes with the feet and head intact for a striking presentation. Roasted vegetables (just like I serve mine with at home!) are richly basted in chicken jus. This is one satisfying bird.

3. Rotisserie Georgette

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Who doesn’t love a rotisserie chicken? The juices and fats get perfectly distributed throughout the meat while the chicken roasts. It’s something you could never do at home, but luckily, Rotisserie Georgette has mastered the art of rotisserie chicken. You even get your own choice of jus flavorings — I love the herbs de provence version. Here, they served seared foie gras to go alongside the carved bird. HEAVEN!

4. Dirty French

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This is a new restaurant in the Ludlow Hotel by the same guys responsible for Carbone, Torrisi Italian Specialties, and so forth. Instead of Italian, they went for a French-Moroccan concept. It’s totally working for me. Their version of roast chicken is flavored with Provencal herbs and comes with crepes for assembling which is a fun and delicious idea.

5. My Own Recipe!

How could I make this list and not leave you with my killer roast chicken recipe!? My version is anything but classic. I rub the bird underneath the skin with goat cheese and plenty of fragrant herbs. In the oven, it all melts into the meat and becomes intensely rich. Plus, you can roast any vegetables you like underneath to soak up those delicious, cheesy juices! Hope you enjoy the throwback video!