New York City Restaurants

Ready to take a bite out of New York? Hope you've come hungry. In a city where creativity is expressed in innumerable ways, the food scene takes center stage, with literally thousands of chances to taste what Gotham is all about. Whether lining up at street stands, gobbling down legendary deli and diner grub, or chasing a coveted reservation at the latest celebrity-chef venue, New Yorkers are a demanding yet appreciative audience.

Every neighborhood offers temptations high, low, and in between, meaning there's truly something for every taste, whim, and budget. No matter how you approach dining out here, it's hard to go wrong. Planning a day of shopping among the glittering flagship boutiques along 5th and Madison Avenues? Stop into one of the Upper East Side's storied restaurants for a repast among the "ladies who lunch." Clubbing in the Meatpacking District? Tuck into a meal at eateries as trendy as their patrons. Craving authentic ethnic? From food trucks to hidden joints, there are almost more choices than there are appetites. Recent years have also seen entire food categories, from ramen to meatballs to mac 'n' cheese, riffed upon and fetishized, and at many restaurants you find an almost religious reverence for seasonal, locally sourced cuisine.

And don't forget—New York is still home to more celebrity chefs than any other city. Your chances of running into your favorite cookbook author, Food Network celeb, or paparazzi-friendly chef are high, adding even more star wattage to a restaurant scene with an already through-the-roof glamour quotient. Newfound economic realities, however, have revived appreciation for value, meaning you can tap into wallet-friendly choices at every level of the food chain. Rest assured, this city does its part to satisfy your appetite. Ready, set, eat.

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  • 1. 21 Greenpoint

    $$$ | Greenpoint

    Co-owned by Homer Murray (actor Bill Murray's son), this restaurant gained notoriety when it relaunched with a legendary event featuring the older Murray tending bar. But it's worth a visit, with or without Bill, for chef Sean Telo's creative menus that aim to make tasty dishes while sourcing sustainably and reducing food waste; from tempura-coated shishito peppers to wood-fired pizzas, it's always fun to see what he'll come up with. The urban-rustic design (white subway tiles, wooden tables, hanging plants) is equally welcoming for weekend brunch or a romantic dinner by candlelight.

    21 Greenpoint Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11222, USA
    718-383–8833

    Known For

    • Owned by Bill Murray's son
    • Creative menu
    • Dedication to sustainability

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch weekdays
  • 2. 2nd Ave Deli

    $$ | Upper East Side

    The second generation operating this legendary, traditional kosher Jewish deli moved its enormous corned beef and pastrami sandwiches and buckets of pickles uptown from the original longtime location on 2nd Avenue in the East Village, keeping the name and the menu. That also includes hearty soups, wursts, blintzes, and potato pancakes. Upstairs is an upscale cocktail lounge that opens at 5 pm daily and has a limited bar menu. A deli-only location is in Midtown East.

    1442 1st Ave., New York, New York, 10021, USA
    212-737–1700

    Known For

    • Matzah ball soup
    • Bagel and lox (smoked salmon) platters
    • Upstairs cocktail lounge
  • 3. A.L.C. Italian Grocery

    $ | Coffee

    Modeled after an old-school salumeria, and run by the grandson of Bensonhurst’s beloved Italian food importing and distribution business, D. Coluccio & Sons, this specialty grocery stocks everything from cheese, chocolate, salami, imported pasta, sauces, bread, and pizza dough to prepared foods and salads. The memorable Italian heroes and sandwiches include the Pork Ridge (with homemade porchetta, Italian Crucolo cheese, and the spicy, spreadable salami called 'nduja) and the vegetable and ricotta sandwich. There are a few tables up front, but the prime picnic territory of Shore Park is just a short walk away.

    8613 3rd Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11209, USA
    718-680--4465

    Known For

    • Italian sandwiches
    • Many kinds of imported pasta
    • Small but impressive cheese selection
  • 4. ABC Kitchen

    $$$ | Flatiron District

    Much more than a shopping break, Jean-Georges Vongerichten's restaurant is a love letter to greenmarket cuisine. Underneath the exposed concrete beams, a chic crowd devours fresh, flavorful appetizers like the roast carrot and avocado salad or pretzel-dusted calamari, and winning entrées that include pizzas, pastas, and hearty mains. The restaurant is committed to all the right causes—environmentalism, sustainability, supporting local farmers—all of which are announced in a near manifesto-length list on the back of the menu; thankfully, ABC Kitchen pulls it off without seeming patronizing or preachy.

    35 E. 18th St., New York, New York, 10003, USA
    212-475–5829

    Known For

    • Vegetable-forward dishes
    • Organic ingredients
    • Sophisticated setting

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 5. Adda

    $$ | Long Island City

    With Indian dance music on the speakers and tabloid pages papering the walls, Adda broadcasts a hip, fun vibe, though the trendy decor almost belies what comes to the table: authentic Indian favorites packed with freshly-ground spices that draw inspiration from Grandma's cookbook and Mumbai street-style fare. The Chacha’s lamb chops, marinated with garam masala spices and grilled to perfection in the clay oven are a must-try, as well as the flavorful halka phulka (snacks) like dahi batata puri, a delicately fried puff pastry meant to be eaten in one bite and filled with yogurt, chutneys, and baby potatoes. The garlic naan and black dal are also noteworthy as sides (and also to cool the palate).

    31--31 Thomson Ave., Queens, New York, 11101, USA
    718-433–3888

    Known For

    • Exquisitely spiced food
    • Authentic dishes
    • Shareable plates

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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  • 6. Aita

    $$

    Don't let the unassuming air at this intimate restaurant on a leafy, largely residential block fool you: there is some serious cooking going on here. Case in point: any of the house-made pastas (perhaps cavatelli topped with shaved Parmesan and black truffles); bright, seasonal salads (maybe peach, arugula, and goat cheese); or any of the fish or meat main dishes, like lamb chops milanese or roasted chicken.

    132 Greene Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11238, USA
    718-576--3584

    Known For

    • Unpretentious neighborhood spot
    • Laid-back brunch
    • Excellent cocktails

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch Mon.
  • 7. al di là Trattoria

    $$ | Park Slope

    Roughly translated as "beyond," al di là has been consistently packed since it opened in 1998, and it's easy to understand why: it serves well-prepared Northern Italian dishes in a cozy atmosphere. The warm farro salad with seasonal ingredients and goat cheese is perfectly al dente; the hand-pinched ravioli are delicious; and meatier entrées like braised rabbit, Tuscan tripe stew, and pork loin scallopini with prosciutto are highlights.

    248 5th Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11215, USA
    718-783--4565

    Known For

    • Knowledgeable servers
    • Ragù
    • Local favorite

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 8. Ample Hills Creamery

    $

    Among artisanal ice-cream fans, nobody has earned a more passionate following than Ample Hills, the Prospect Heights creamery started by screenwriter Brian Smith and his wife, Jackie Cuscuna. Their Gowanus branch churns with families and ice-cream aficionados, who pack the second-floor terrace and attend ice-cream-making classes. Favorite flavors are Mexican Hot Chocolate and Salted Crack Caramel.

    305 Nevins St., Brooklyn, New York, 11238, USA
    347-725--4061

    Known For

    • The dark chocolate--based It Came from Gowanus
    • Rooftop terrace
    • Windows into the production kitchen
  • 9. Arepa Lady

    $ | Jackson Heights

    The Arepa Lady, originally known for slinging cheesy, golden arepas (stuffed corn cakes) from her famed street-cart on Roosevelt Avenue has since established three stand-alone restaurants across New York City. The Jackson Heights location is the original “mother restaurant” and keeps to the classics like arepa de queso (freshly ground corn flour mixed with cheese) and arepa de choclo, served with your choice of meat. Try the popular chichiron (smoked pork belly) or Colombian chorizo (which is sliced, rather than ground up). Expect to find Manhattanites, locals, and tourists alike sipping sangria and margs while getting their fill of savory cakes at this charming eatery.

    77--17 37th Ave., Queens, New York, 11372, USA
    917-745--1111

    Known For

    • Fresh arepas
    • Chichiron
    • Patacones (fried green plantains)
  • 10. Aurora

    $$

    Handmade pastas, exceptional antipasti, and wonderful brunch have earned homey Aurora a loyal following. Most ingredients are locally sourced, though the mozzarella and burrata hail from Italy. Ricotta, black truffles, and prosciutto di Parma elevate the eggs Benedict at brunch, when the French toast comes stuffed with apple compote and topped with Amarena cherries. The trattoria's main dining room is inviting enough, but angle for a seat in the enclosed garden (heated in winter), where lush ivy covers the brick walls.

    70 Grand St., Brooklyn, New York, 11211, USA
    718-388–5100

    Known For

    • Rustic space with an enclosed garden
    • Authentic Italian food
    • Superlative brunch
  • 11. Ayada Thai

    $$ | Elmhurst

    There are plenty of great Thai restaurants in Elmhurst, but this oft-packed spot tops them all (in fact, it's opened a branch in Manhattan's Chelsea Market). Operating out of two side-by-side storefronts (you go wherever there's a table), Ayada serves fiery, flavorful Thai favorites, as well as some dishes you've probably never heard of before. A favorite appetizer is raw shrimp served with a slice of garlic, bitter melon, and chili paste that will knock your socks off. The e-sarn sausage (made with fermented meat) is served with sliced ginger and peanuts, and, for a table of four, the succulent whole fried fish is a bargain.

    77--08 Woodside Ave., Queens, New York, 11373, USA
    718-424–0844

    Known For

    • Spicy options for whole fish
    • Raw shrimp salad
    • Foodie and local favorite means longish wait times for a table
  • 12. Ba Xuyên

    $

    Head to this nondescript spot at the north end of Chinatown for outstanding bánh mì sandwiches that cost just $5. The No. 1, with several kinds of pork, pickled vegetables, and a mound of cilantro on a baguette that's perfectly crusty on the outside and soft on the inside might very well blow your mind. Order one to go, with an avocado shake, and enjoy lunch alfresco in Sunset Park, just a block away.

    4222 8th Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11232, USA
    718-633--6601

    Known For

    • Awesome bánh mì
    • Avocado shakes
    • Bare-bones decor but very friendly service
  • 13. Bad Roman

    $$$$ | Upper West Side

    Set on the third floor of the Deutsche Bank center at Columbus Circle, and one floor down from the temple of haute cuisine, Per Se, this irreverent, playful, maximalist, authentic, inauthentic, and just plain fun Italian restaurant is not bad at all; in fact it's very, very good. Any illusions that this is a traditional and polite Italian dining experience are left at the door where you are met with a half-ton wild boar statue wearing a neon necklace and a dining room that is a feast of color and texture with red and white travertine, trompe l'oeil mosaics, and lush greenery suspended from wood coffered ceilings above orange banquettes. The bar is clad with marble and mirror, there's a working fountain by the bathroom, and floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of Central Park (not that you'll notice.) Yes, there's food, too, and it lives up to the stage set by the design with delicious riffs on classic Italian food. Highlights include a filet mignon meatball small plate, filet mignon topped with cacio e pepe raviolo, a broiled two-pound lobster with a mound of Calabrian pasta between the claws (to share), and tiramisu ice-cream cake. Cocktails are creative and the crowd is here to play.

    10 Columbus Circle, New York, New York, 10019, USA
    212-970--2033

    Known For

    • Playful setting and crowds
    • Two-pound lobster with a mound of pasta between the claws
    • Great wine list and reasonably priced by-the-glass wines

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch
  • 14. Baked

    $ | Red Hook | Coffee

    Original creations like the Brookster (chocolate chip cookie dough baked inside a brownie) and delicious interpretations of whoopie pies, blondies, bars, and cookies keep this sleek bakery and café buzzing. There are breakfast items and a few lunchtime savory selections, too. Buy the cookbook so you can re-create the recipes at home.

    359 Van Brunt St., Brooklyn, New York, 11231, USA
    718-222--0345

    Known For

    • Creative brownie recipes
    • Comfy seating
    • Homemade granola (take some home)
  • 15. Bakeri

    $ | Greenpoint | Coffee

    When Williamsburg's best European-style bakery wanted more space, it opened a Greenpoint outpost and included a rustic communal table, antique finishes, and hand-painted wallpaper. From house-made focaccia to financiers, there are plenty of mouthwatering choices (including vegan and gluten-free options) for breakfast and lunch. At breakfast you can watch the bakers in the open kitchen as you sip your morning coffee and snack on a raspberry pistachio muffin or Norwegian skolebrød. Soups and sandwiches on freshly baked bread are served at lunch.

    105 Freeman St., Brooklyn, New York, 11222, USA
    718-349–1542

    Known For

    • Croissants and other European pastries
    • Rustic chic vibe
    • Vegan and gluten-free options
  • 16. Balthazar

    $$$ | SoHo

    Even with long waits and loud noise levels, most people agree that it's worth the effort (make reservations) to experience restaurateur Keith McNally's flagship, a perfectly New York reproduction of a Parisian brasserie. Like the decor, entrées recreate French classics: Gruyère-topped onion soup, steak frites, and icy tiers of crab, oysters, and other pristine shellfish.

    80 Spring St., New York, New York, 10012-3907, USA
    212-965–1414

    Known For

    • Lively scene
    • A New York institution
    • Outstanding brunch

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 17. Barney Greengrass

    $$ | Upper West Side

    Since 1908, this local landmark has been known for brusque waiters serving stellar platters of smoked salmon, sturgeon, whitefish, and pickled herring to a happy crowd packed to the gills at small Formica tables. Split a fish platter with bagels, cream cheese, and other fixings, or get your velvety nova scrambled with eggs and buttery caramelized onions. If still hungry, go for a plate of cheese blintzes or the to-die-for chopped liver. Be warned that the weekend brunch wait can exceed an hour, so you may want to get food to go or come during the week.

    541 Amsterdam Ave., New York, New York, 10024-2803, USA
    212-724–4707

    Known For

    • All kinds of smoked fish and chopped liver
    • Cheese blintzes
    • Classic New York deli charm

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner
  • 18. Blue Bottle Coffee

    $ | Coffee

    Self-described coffee aficionados line up for the espresso and pour-overs at Blue Bottle, which originated in Oakland but feels very much at home in Williamsburg. The former factory building has light streaming in through large windows so the La Marzocco espresso machine seems to shine, and a Kyoto-style iced-coffee dripper, which looks like it belongs in a science lab, is displayed opposite the coffee counter. There's not much seating, so it's best to get your coffee and snack (mmmm, s'mores) to go. Beans are roasted in a vintage Probat roaster in back.

    160 Berry St., Brooklyn, New York, 11249, USA
    718-387--4160

    Known For

    • Third-wave coffee
    • Great pastries
    • Cool design
  • 19. Brancaccio's Food Shop

    $

    In need of picnic supplies, lunch, or a take-home meal? Owner Joe Brancaccio has been feeding the neighborhood with his daily-changing menu of sandwiches, rotisserie chicken, and prepared pastas and vegetables since 2010, and the shop just keeps getting busier. There are also house-baked croissants (plain, chocolate, or cheese), imported Italian sodas, and hard-to-find Mexican Coca-Cola (made with cane sugar, not high-fructose corn syrup).

    3011 Fort Hamilton Pkwy., Brooklyn, New York, 11218, USA
    718-435--1997

    Known For

    • Awesome sandwiches
    • Extensive changing menu
    • Renowned rotisserie chicken

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues.
  • 20. Brooklyn Roasting Company

    $ | DUMBO | Coffee

    Artfully disheveled staffers brew coffee from fair-trade and rain-forest alliance–certified beans, while local gallerists and start-up techies flirt over perfectly poured cortados and other beverages at this East River--adjacent café. The loft-style industrial space is filled with antique roasting equipment and ample seating, and also serves pastries and sandwiches.

    25 Jay St., Brooklyn, New York, 11201, USA
    718-855--1000

    Known For

    • Artisanal coffee
    • Industrial architecture
    • Pastries and light snacks

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