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$$ | |
Don't let the unassuming air at this intimate restaurant on a leafy, largely residential block fool you: there is some serious cooking going on here. Case in point: any of the house-made pastas (perhaps cavatelli topped with shaved Parmesan and black truffles); bright, seasonal salads (maybe peach, arugula, and goat cheese); or any of the fish or meat main dishes, like lamb chops milanese or roasted chicken.
132 Greene Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11238, USA
Known For
- Unpretentious neighborhood spot
- Laid-back brunch
- Excellent cocktails
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Mon.
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$ | Lower East Side |
The all-American junk-food staple is elevated to high art here, with fresh seasonal ingredients, real fruit, and imported chocolate mixed into the batter. Traditionalists croon over the vanilla-bean doughnut, but there are plenty of exotic flavors to tempt taste buds: the dense, fudgy Blackout is covered in crumb topping; carrot-cake doughnuts have a cream-cheese filling. Choosing is the difficult part: options include cake doughnuts and yeast doughnuts, as well as "doughseeds." There are other locations around the five boroughs.
379 Grand St., New York, New York, 10002, USA
Known For
- Creative, seasonal flavors in cake and yeast varieties
- Fudgy Blackout doughnuts
- Fun decor
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$$ | |
The chefs here consider pizza-making both art and science, and their wood-fired creations prove just how deftly they balance the equation. The funghi misti—a white pie with mozzarella, wild mushrooms, and truffle oil—is downright irresistible. It’s no wonder locations in Brooklyn Bridge Park and Greenpoint have joined the original, which is casual in style but gourmet in quality. Check for seasonal specials, like the fig, Gorgonzola, and arugula pizza offered in summer.
291 Kent Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11249, USA
Known For
- Wood-fired pizza
- Casual vibe
- Great for families
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$ | Harlem |
This family-friendly burger joint on the bustling, brownstone-lined corner of 124th Street and Malcolm X Boulevard has a retro malt-shop interior adorned with headshots of Black entertainers and vintage Jet magazine covers. The eatery's name is a clever take on the world-famous Harlem Shake dance made popular by Harlem resident Al B, and also gives a nod to its rich organic milkshakes—such as the decadent Red Velvet, locally made with real cake and Blue Marble ice cream. Creative burgers include the award-winning Hot Mess, which is topped with pickled cherry pepper and bacon relish, American cheese, and smoky chipotle mayo. Tasty nonbeef alternatives, like the house-made veggie burger, the Hot Honey Chick sandwich (dark meat fried chicken drizzled with Mike's Hot Honey), or the simple, yet satisfying cheese fries are staples of the reasonably priced menu. There's happy hour on beer and wine during the weekdays 4--8 pm or go booze-free with a myriad of old-fashioned soda options, like the cherry-flavored Cheerwine or Earp's Sarsaparilla. Find even more seating out on the covered patio and during the summer months expect live jazz on Sunday, adding to the energetic vibe.
100 W. 124th St., New York, New York, 10027, USA
Known For
- Tasty fries including jerk or chili-cheese
- Organic milk shakes and yummy burgers
- Annual Miss and Mr. Harlem Shake contest
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$$ | Red Hook |
The smell of barbecue will have your mouth watering even before you get in the door of this cavernous hall, which many say serves the best BBQ around. Head for the counter to order meats by the pound, chicken, sandwiches, tacos, and sides. It's all outrageously good, but the brisket is a must.
454 Van Brunt St., Brooklyn, New York, 11231, USA
Known For
- Best BBQ around
- Lines are long on weekends
- Live music
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$$$ | Washington Heights |
Just try sitting still at this lively outpost of a popular restaurant of the same name in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. Set in the new Radio Hotel in Manhattan's Washington Heights neighborhood, home to the largest Dominican community in the U.S., the Latin rhythms are playing, the waiters are swaying, and the diners---mostly locals---are breaking into song with every chorus. Add delicious tropical cocktails like the signature Mamajuana Manhattan with sweet vermouth and house-made mamajuana (a spiced rum; it's the national drink of the Dominican Republic), sizzling bocaditos (snacks), and vibrant furnishings that include authentic carnival masks and D.R.-crafted cane-back chairs and stay-a-while banquettes, and you'll feel you have been transported to the Caribbean island. Menu musts include the croquetas de chivo (braised goat croquettes), sea bass ceviche served with crunchy plantain and cassava chips, chicharrón y casabe (hunks of crispy pork belly served with caramelized plantains), pecao frito (deep-fried red snapper), and seafood mofongo. It will be hard to leave room for dessert but you deserve the delicious cinco leches Dominicana soaked sponge cake. A spacious attached courtyard takes this party outdoors with live music in summer.
2420 Amsterdam Ave., New York, New York, 10033, USA
Known For
- Authentic Dominican food
- Lively local hot spot
- Creative Caribbean cocktails
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch weekdays
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$$ | |
Brooklynites make summertime pilgrimages to L&B's outdoor garden for squares of Sicilian-style pizza—the crunchy crust has a thin layer of mozzarella, tomato sauce, and just a drizzle of olive oil on top. L&B Spumoni's is three restaurants in one: a pizzeria, an informal Italian restaurant, and an ice-cream shop. The restaurant serves classics like fried calamari, Caesar salad, and marinara, Bolognese, carbonara, and Alfredo pastas. Whatever you come for, don't leave L&B without a scoop of spumoni ice cream.
2725 86th St., Brooklyn, New York, 11223, USA
Known For
- Old-style Brooklyn-Italian dining
- Namesake ice cream
- Sicilian square pizza
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$$ | Stapleton |
Staten Island has one of the largest Sri Lankan communities outside the South Asian nation, which means it's the perfect place to taste its cuisine. Along an unassuming strip of restaurants and groceries is this acclaimed, stand-out restaurant, tastefully adorned with Sri Lankan curios. During the week, different curries accompany à la carte dishes known as lamprais, kottus, and hoppers, however, on weekends there's an all-you-can-eat buffet of greatest hits for $15.95.
668 Bay St., Staten Island, New York, 10304, USA
Known For
- Deviled chicken and shrimp
- Eggplant motu and coconut samabol
- Popular cash-only weekend buffet
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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$ | |
Exceptional tacos large and small are the main attraction at this restaurant with a lengthy menu. Order the small ones, so you can try several different kinds. Favorites include braised pork, carne asada, and succulent marinated pork cooked on a rotisserie. Chilaquiles are among the breakfast options, and there are plenty of affordable dinner entrées as well. The margaritas are excellent and inexpensive.
4508 5th Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11220, USA
Known For
- Amazing tacos
- Potent margaritas
- Always busy
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$$ | |
This rustic-chic farm-to-table American restaurant put Ditmas Park on the culinary map when it opened in 2006, and it continues to draw local regulars as well as an in-the-know crowd from Manhattan and beyond. The vegetarian-friendly, locally sourced menu changes seasonally, although the burger, house-made pickles, and award-winning fries with curry mayo are staples. Weekend brunch is especially popular—try the "adult grilled cheese" with apple slices or the smoked pollock cakes, and don’t miss the chocolate bread with sea salt or the spicy Bloody Mary. In warm weather, tables are set out in the backyard. Check the website for wine dinners and other events.
1108 Cortelyou Rd., Brooklyn, New York, 11218, USA
Known For
- Farm-to-table menu
- Excellent weekend brunch
- Rustic setting
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$ | Upper West Side |
What started as a bright-yellow truck slinging out scoops and cones on NYC streets back in 2008 is now a Gotham ice-cream superpower, including two outposts on the Upper West Side (the other store is a few blocks away at 253 Columbus Ave.). Van Leeuwen produces all of its flavors just across the East River in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Favorites like vanilla, strawberry, honeycomb, and cookies and cream are made with fresh milk and cream, cane sugar, and egg yolks, but it's often the unique and downright weird flavors that keep ice-cream lovers coming back, like Hidden Valley Ranch and Kraft Macaroni and Cheese flavors. Sometimes it’s hard to believe that the vegan versions of chocolate, salted caramel, and mint chip, just to name a few, are made entirely dairy free using house-made cashew milk, organic coconut milk, and organic extra-virgin coconut oil. Of course, don’t forget to add hot fudge.
448 Amsterdam Ave., New York, New York, 10024, USA
Known For
- Flavors both classic and offbeat
- Over a dozen locations, plus more in other states
- Stellar vegan varieties available
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$$ | |
Pizza is the thing at Wheated, and the menu lists nearly 20 Neapolitan-style pies—all named after neighborhoods in Brooklyn, which is fitting for this laid-back, local's-favorite spot. There are several white (no sauce) and vegan options, but meat eaters should try one with Faicco’s sweet fennel sausage. Add a kick to your pie with locally produced Mike’s Hot Honey and the owner’s blend of ground, roasted Thai chili pepper. The cocktail menu has creative options that stand up to the pizza, so sipping drinks in the separate bar area is equally enticing.
905 Church Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11218, USA
Known For
- Brooklyn-named, sourdough pies
- Exceptional toppings
- Major bourbon menu
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch
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$$ | Midtown West |
This perennially packed Hell's Kitchen brasserie has been a magnet for burger lovers since day one. Though the menu offers a mix of flavors—including matzo ball soup, shrimp tempura, and salad bowls—the main attractions are the juicy patties, like the original 10-ounce patty melt with a tangle of onions, Gruyère cheese, and rosemary aioli. There's an option for everyone, including vegan options and a "Cali Reuben" turkey burger. For dessert, have an über-thick black-and-white malted milk shake.
630 9th Ave., New York, New York, 10036, USA
Known For
- Messy, delicious burgers of all kinds
- Deep-fried delights
- Wildly indulgent desserts
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$$ | Financial District |
It's hip to be square at this downtown pizzeria that occupies a long, narrow space with modern decor. At this favorite local family-run establishment, square (aka old fashioned or grandma) pies are worth the trek and are a convenient Stone Street stop en route to the Statue of Liberty. They also do a mean traditional round pizza, and first-timers should opt for the signature Old Fashioned: thin, crispy crust loaded with tangy tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Salads, pasta, and familiar Italian American dishes are on the menu, too.
54 Stone St., New York, New York, 10004, USA
Known For
- Square, Grandma-style pizza
- Location way downtown
- Seasonal outdoor seating on plaza
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$$ | Prospect Heights |
This homey pizza-and-pasta restaurant splits the difference between sophisticated artisanal fare for adults and simpler, kid-friendly options. While thin-crust pies are available with just sauce and cheese (this is Brooklyn, so the tomatoes are organic and the mozzarella farm-fresh), Amorina shines when it comes to unusually topped pizzas, such as Gorgonzola and fruit with figs, or a sauce-free potato pie with caramelized onions. Pastas lean toward the classics, with tasty lasagna (meat and veggie) and fettuccine Bolognese.
624 Vanderbilt Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11238, USA
Known For
- Unusual pizza toppings
- Family-friendly fare
- Classic pastas
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch
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$$ | Harlem |
Famous for their southern-style comfort food, Amy Ruth’s is all about “cooking with love” with shareable plates and heaping portions. The original owner (Carl S. Redding) learned to cook at his grandmother’s side during the summer months in Alabama, and he opened the Harlem restaurant on Mother’s Day in 1998. Chef Jannette Robinson has been serving up their famous chicken and waffles, cheesy grits, and fried fish ever since, keeping with the tradition of Amy Ruth Moore Bass.
113 W. 116th St., New York, New York, 10026, USA
Known For
- Chicken and waffles
- Comfort food
- Jerk chicken
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$$ | Greenwich Village |
Few guidebooks list this classic New York pizzeria, yet the jam-packed room and pleasantly smoky scent foreshadow a satisfying meal. There's a full menu of Italian classics, but pizza is the main event, and the thin-crust beauties are cooked in a coal-fired oven, to emerge sizzling with simple toppings like pepperoni, sausage, and eggplant. Monday through Thursday, you can call ahead to reserve a table; weekends, be prepared to wait and salivate. If you like the whimsical paintings that plaster the walls, ask the waiter the price: they're for sale.
106 W. Houston St., New York, New York, 10012-2529, USA
Known For
- Classic Big Apple pizza
- Wacky art on the walls
- No reservations on weekends, so long waits
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch
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$ | |
Follow the smell of fresh bread to this giant bakery with a storefront selling a variety of breads, cupcakes, cookies, danishes, and a select menu of sandwiches. It's especially convenient for picnics in Green-Wood Cemetery. The line of baked pita chips can be found all over the city.
755 5th St., Brooklyn, New York, 11232, USA
Known For
- Fresh pastries
- Picnic fixings
- Sandwiches
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$ | NoLIta |
New York is known for bagels, which tend to be doughy and delicious, but the Montreal-style bagels served here have a denser, sweeter dough, with “toppings” (sesame, poppy seed, salt, everything) that are more generous than on Big Apple versions. The all-day menu includes sandwiches with cream cheese, smoked salmon, whitefish salad, or baked eggs, with additional lunch choices like a BLT, roast beef with horseradish cream cheese, and a tuna melt.
170 Elizabeth St., New York, New York, 10012, USA
Known For
- Montreal-style bagels
- Closes at 3 pm
- Other locations around the city
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$ | DUMBO |
This homespun Latin American diner is the antidote to DUMBO's stilettoed galleristas and hipper-than-thou start-up scene. Neighborhood denizens, Latino expats, and the occasional off-duty mail carrier convene for hearty plates of pernil (roast pork), maduros (sweet plantains), and exceptional medianoche sandwiches.
73 Bridge St., Brooklyn, New York, 11201, USA
Known For
- Latin American favorites
- Casual, no-frills atmosphere
- Affordable prices
