Where Wall St. Eats

Dining scene booms on tiny downtown strip

By Ramin Ganeshram

Stone Street is a tiny alley tucked deep in the heart of the Financial District – and one of the best-kept culinary secrets in Gotham.

There is a slew of restaurants new to the scene last summer – and one comparative old-timer, frequented by after-work Wall Streeters, local residents out for a stroll, tourists and even uptowners in search of a European scene.

If any part of the city harkens back to Old World roots, it’s Stone Street – especially during the summer.

Tucked between 19th century buildings, café tables under brightly colored umbrellas crowd together on the cobblestones as waiters in long aprons serve espressos, drinks and bistro fare. There is often live music in the eateries, and weekend nights are hopping on this little avenue amid the monuments of commerce.

“We are a neighborhood restaurants with two lives – the Wall Street lunch regulars and those that live here who come in for dinner or drinks,” said Evelyn Gaidot, owner of Cassis on Stone. “More and more, we are seeing people from other parts of the city and tourists as well – the rich history of the area is a big draw.”

Gaidot herself only discovered Stone Street after wandering the neighborhood in search of a spot for her bistro.

The growing popularity of Stone Street as a destination has prompted restaurateur Peter Poulakakos to open not one but three of the lane’s hot locales. Although his venture, Bayard’s, took a hit post 9/11, Poulakakos went ahead with plans to open Financier Pastry Shop at the end of 2002.

“I wanted to open up things down here because it is such a beautiful street, with something for everyone,” said Poulakakos, who also opened Ulysses’ here last June. “I’ve met Italians who tell me it looks like streets in Italy, and Irish folks who say it reminds them of Dublin.”

The wide variety of restaurants offers options for everyone – from bar-hoppers to families in search of a quiet night out. Here are some samples:

62 Stone St. (212) 344-5600.

This bright and airy shop with the double-entendre name – financier is a type of sponge cake – offers perfect little pastries, coffees, teas and some sandwiches. Sit in the sunny front window with a raspberry napoleon and pretend you are in a Parisian café – without the surly waiters.

The staff’s congenial service makes this locale particularly family-friendly. Good for a light lunch. Open from 7am-8pm Monday to Friday,9am-5pm on Saturday. Inexpensive.

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