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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.
The multiyear winner of Jackson Heights's annual Momo Crawl, Nepali Bhanchha Ghar is an unassuming spot known for its jhol momo (juicy dumplings in a rich, tomato-y, chutney-esque broth) and other Nepalese fare. Also on hand are a spicy, crispy noodle dish that will remind you of packaged ramen (though in a good way), thali platters vibrant with fiery, colorful curries, and a special savory fried doughnut called sel roti, served with a spicy tomato chutney.
Worthy Korean barbecue will draw you in to this longtime favorite, but be sure to explore the full menu to find the other authentic Korean dishes that also draw crowds from morning through midnight, and then early into the next morning. This casual spot has tile floors and wooden chairs and tables, and the tables have charcoal-fueled grills for extra sizzle on meats and garnishes. Jjigae (Korean stews), bibimbap, scallion and kimchi pancakes, and other Korean fare round out this hit K-town menu.
If the Upper West Side and the French Riviera collided, it might look a little bit like Nice Matin. This longtime neighborhood favorite is particularly popular in warm-weather months, when regulars plant themselves at sidewalk tables and gawk at passersby while munching on Gallic fare like pan-roasted monkfish, garlicky mussels, and, of course, steak frites. The novel-size wine list has more than 2,000 bottles, so bring your reading glasses.
At this impressive location in a unique setting of Botticino marble that's part of a century-old building lobby, the sushi stalwart serves the innovative Japanese cuisine that namesake master chef Nobu Matsuhisa made famous (though he's rarely in attendance these days). Count on fresh, colorful, daring dishes, or just put your meal in the chef's hands with Nobu's tasting menu ($225), or omakase, then let the kitchen do the rest.
The exuberant atmosphere and edgy Korean American food at Nowon perfectly captures the current East Village zeitgeist to live outrageously in the moment and eat deliciously weird food. The short menu focuses on creative takes on fast food-esque options like Korean fried chicken, crispy tater tots, and burgers, with music playing just on the edge of too loud in the background.
This ramen and cocktail bar serves up a contemporary twist on Meiji-era period restaurants in Japanese port towns. Spearheaded by Shigefumi “Shige” Kabashima, the drink menu offers 23 inventive cocktails—from the Smoky Pineapple to the Clarified Pina Colada or the Mexican Firing Squad, which features spicy tequila—served in antique drinking vessels. Sakes, wines, and a mocktail round out the list. The food menu is more succinct. Among five types of Chinese-derived ramen, the Kyoto consists of a rich soy, chicken and fish broth combined with pork belly, spicy bamboo shoots, garlic oil, an egg and scallions. Other dishes, such as pork buns, curries, and an oyster of the day are available, along with a beer-steamed mussel adorned with cotton candy. Weekend brunch is also offered.
In a tightly packed, high-energy space, Israeli celeb chef Meir Adoni covers a lot of ground, serving whatever is delicious from Morocco to Yemen—as well as points in between. Standouts include the smoked eggplant carpaccio, the fantastic breads (including the giant Jerusalem sesame bagel and the challah), and just about everything else.
This casual, friendly spot serves up Malaysian staples with pizzaz. Tuck into a hearty roti canai, a crispy pancake served with a luscious curry dipping sauce; satay, chicken skewers accompanied by an addictive peanut sauce; or Panang Asam laksa, a tongue-tingling soup with thick rice noodles and chunks of tender fish in a lemongrass-spiked broth. These are only a few of the hits on an enormous menu.
Entering this restaurant is like walking into the dressy stateroom of a modern luxury ocean liner, a perfect setting for some of the most vivid and delicious seafood in town. Floor-to-ceiling windows look out north and west, and the arrestingly designed raw bar backed with Mediterranean-hue ceramics serves stunningly fresh choices including gorgeous oysters. Expect to find a contemporary menu with enticing appetizers, whole fish, live Maine lobsters, and vegetarian options.
New York hot spots change often, but this spot has managed to maintain its quality and flair since 1980: it still feels like the spot in TriBeCa to rendezvous for lunch or dinner, grab a drink, and get a late-night bite. The neo–art deco room and chill outdoor tables stay full daily with local office workers and nightly with residential revelers who adore the classic French-brasserie vibes. Cocktails are expertly made, and the pleasant service and well-chosen wine list are always in style. Menu highlights include crisp Nicoise salad, buttery croque monsieur, and authentic beef Bourguignon.
Some of the nation’s most highly regarded food has emerged from the kitchen at Odo, which serves elaborate multicourse Japanese meals known as kaiseki for lunch ($145) and dinner ($265) with two seatings only per meal. With just 14 counter seats around the small open kitchen, the experience is essentially a delicious kind of theater.
The array of delectable baked goods at this counter-serve spot imported from Denmark is what lures most customers, but locals know this is also a great place for sandwiches, soups, and fresh bread. If you like cinnamon, you must try the cinnamon pastries.
Named after one of the two masterminds behind the design of Central Park and Prospect Park—Frederick Law Olmsted that is, of Olmsted & Vaux—this restaurant caused a stir when it first opened in 2016, for keeping live farm animals in its backyard. Today, the animals are gone, but you can still sip a cocktail there before enjoying seasonal farm-to-table fare. The airy space with an exposed-brick wall and a cascade of plants is a welcome respite in any season, but gets especially lively during brunch on weekends.
Thai restaurants come and go, but this one has stayed, in large part due to its authentic tastes and no-frills prices, including a two-course prix-fixe lunch (appetizer and shrimp, chicken, or beef main) for under $12. The decor is no-frills contemporary, allowing the food to shine. Adventure beyond pad Thai to explore curries and lemongrass-scented meat, fish, and noodle dishes. Save room for green tea ice cream or paper-thin crepes slathered with green tea custard.
This diminutive, sparsely bedecked restaurant is the domain of owner and chef Elyas Popa, born in Romania and raised in California, who fuses the two culinary traditions to create a unique and satisfying menu. Expect dishes like mǎmǎligǎ, a Romanian polenta staple that is deeper and richer here thanks to melted Parmesan cheese and bone broth. Also, great is the "broken burrata," combining gooey southern Italian cheese with tangy Romanian telemea cheese plus a sprinkles of yuzu and bits of lovage and tomato to create a creamy, salty, acidic, and sweet sensation on the palate.
The east-side institution has been dispensing great burgers and beer since 1884. Despite renovations and several owners over the years, the original location (there are offshoots in Lincoln Square and Battery Park City) maintains the beveled-glass and scuffed-wood look of an old-time saloon, and the veteran bartenders and loyal patrons are as much a part of the decor as the light fixtures. More civilized at lunchtime, the bar area heaves with an after-work mob on weekday evenings. Pull up a stool for superlative bar food, like ahi tuna tacos and the signature burger smothered in creamy béarnaise. Heartier mains include chicken pot pie, baked macaroni and cheese, and short rib beef stew.
When it comes to baked goods, the party is definitely happening at this delightful, tiny café where breakfast sandwiches are served all day (well, 'til 4 pm every day when they close), and the lunch options include sandwiches and individual pizzas. The display case tempts with all sorts of delicious goodies, including brownies, cookies, and croissants—though if carbs are your thing, you can't go wrong snacking on a hunk of freshly baked baguette.
This diner-inspired eatery has been described as "a love letter to the Midwest." Named after the mother of restaurateur Greg Baxtrom—illustrious chef of several prominent eateries—this family-friendly restaurant has pivoted its menu from elevated renditions of nostalgic Midwestern dishes like fish sticks and French bread pizza, to a focus on all-day breakfast items, some classic diner sandwiches, and most prominently, Chicago tavern-style pizza pies—flat, circular pies with crispy crusts—not to be confused with Chicago deep-dish.
The latest addition to chef Cisse Elhadji's ever-growing restaurant roster is PB Brasserie, a traditional French brasserie with a sprinkle of Senegalese spice. This sprawling space is conveniently located on 125th Street, and has traditional French dishes, like tuna tartare, frisée au lardon, salmon bearnaise, and one of the most buttery, cheesy, and decadent mac and cheeses in the neighborhood. But for one of the best meals offered here, go for the moules Africana, a heaping pile of mussels in a warm curry-like broth, best with just a dollop of Senegalese hot spice for an extra kick. While most happy hours are surrounded by drink deals, PB Brasserie has one of the best food-focused happy hours in town, with bites ranging $12--$18 everyday 4--7 pm (don't worry, drink specials are available, too).
One of Manhattan's last classic standalone diners, Pearl Diner has been serving all the favorites from its compact corner spot since the early 1960s. In the affluent Financial District, it's a welcome relief to find such an affordable (and hearty) menu.
There have been many imitators and few real competitors to this West Village seafood institution. Since 1997, Rebecca Charles has been serving arguably the best lobster roll in New York City in a no-frills space (which expanded next door to accommodate the throngs) on charming, restaurant-lined Cornelia Street. But that's not the only reason you should cast your net here. Pan-roasted sea scallops and plus-size crab cakes compete with the legendary lobster roll for your taste buds' attention. Service is very efficient—you might even say rushed.
