973 Best Restaurants in New York, USA

Background Illustration for Restaurants

We've compiled the best of the best in New York - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

JACX&CO

$$ | Long Island City

New York has seen a proliferation of food halls in the past few years, but few are as sleek and modern as this LIC space. Fitting for its borough, JACX&CO offers a wide range of innovative flavors from independent chefs, including refreshing, vegetable-forward Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fare from taïm, fresh juices from Essex Squeeze, and omakase upstairs at Sushi Nikko. For a less vegetable-forward meal, try a smash burger at Paper Plate, a slice from Ace's Pizza, or grab a cocktail at the bar.

James

$$ | Prospect Heights
Part of the charm of this acclaimed New American eatery is its jewel-box location on a corner of two otherwise residential brownstone blocks. The menu features fresh takes on comforting staples like tender sautéed skate, Angus beef burgers (arguably the neighborhood's best), flavorful roast chicken, and creative brunch dishes. Some ingredients are sourced from the owners' rooftop garden. The small space has a surprisingly ample bar and is inviting, with live greenery and leather banquettes.
605 Carlton St., Brooklyn, NY, 11238, USA
718-942--4255
Known For
  • Upscale American favorites
  • Cozy, stylish space
  • Angus beef burger
Restaurant Details
No lunch weekdays

Something incorrect in this review?

Jeju Noodle Bar

$$$ | West Village

Many restaurants have come and gone from this corner location, but it seems this lauded Korean spot, with its tall windows, wood tables, and modern lighting, will be boiling noodles and simmering broths for a while. Specializing in Korean ramen, called ramyun, Jeju concocts spicy deliciousness in a bowl, producing cauldrons filled with smooth, rich veal broth bobbing with tender brisket and Wagyu, among other specialties. The chef worked in the kitchens of Bouley, Nobu, and Per Se; you can tell with the first slurp he has the skill to thrill.

679 Greenwich St., New York, NY, 10014, USA
646-666–0947
Known For
  • Korean-style ramen
  • Pork-belly steamed buns
  • Sake and soju lists
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon. and Tues.

Something incorrect in this review?

Recommended Fodor's Video

Jewel by Tom Schaudel

$$$

Upscale yet reasonably priced, Jewel, by Long Island's renowned chef-restaurateur

Tom Schaudel, is sophisticated with a touch of whimsy, with its multitude of glass-ball chandeliers. The service is attentive and professional. The beet salad impresses and is a perfect starter to the millionaire's pizza with black truffle, fontina cheese, and fried egg. The salmon with thick "forbidden" coconut rice with mango vinaigrette is a stunner.

Jimmy Hays Steak House

$$$$

Great steaks are the draw at this elegantly upbeat restaurant, and though a meal here doesn't come cheap, fans return for the perfectly prepared food and impeccable service, starting with valet parking that rivals that of New York City's best steakhouse. Favorite main dishes include Black Angus rib eye paired with sautéed spinach and a potato pancake, and Lobster Jimmy (pan-sautéed lobster with lemon, butter, and garlic). For poultry fans, the Tuscan chicken is a flavorful choice. Dessert options include chocolate mousse, peach melba, or crème brûlée. The restaurant is about a five-minute drive from Long Beach.

If you plan to share, be prepared for an $8 sharing charge.

Joe Coffee Company

$ | Chelsea

New Yorkers love Joe because it's a minichain that was born and bred right here in the city. And while there are locations scattered around Manhattan, this diminutive spot has the distinction of being the onetime place of employment of the guy who inspired the Saturday Night Live character and nightlife authority Stefan, as the actor who played him, Bill Hader, would regularly pop in here before heading up to 30 Rock. It's also a good pitstop for those walking the High Line. This place has everything.

405 W. 23rd St., New York, NY, 10011, USA
212-206–0669
Known For
  • Good for people-watching
  • Friendly service
  • Affordable, high-quality coffee

Something incorrect in this review?

Joe's Pizza

$ | West Village

You might recognize this Village institution from its frequent cameos in TV and film (in Spider-Man, Tobey Maguire's Peter Parker was a Joe's delivery boy). But it's the classic, gooey, New York slice, dripping melted cheese onto paper plates, that really makes the place famous. And in a city brimming with by-the-slice spots, the crispy-bottomed offerings here are the best.

7 Carmine St., New York, NY, 10014, USA
212-366–1182
Known For
  • An excellent New York slice
  • Cash only
  • Gruff service
Restaurant Details
Reservations not accepted

Something incorrect in this review?

Joe's Shanghai

$$ | Chinatown

Joe opened his first Shanghai restaurant in Queens in 1994, but buoyed by the accolades showered on his steamed soup dumplings—filled with a rich, fragrant broth and ground pork or a pork-crabmeat mixture—a Manhattan Chinatown location followed in 1995. After 25 years, it's moved to a new spot not far from the original and although the space is modern and updated, the food is just what fans have been raving about for years.

Joe's Steam Rice Roll

$ | Flushing

Even among the overwhelming options in Flushing, this spot still feels new and unique. It’s namesake dish is cheong fun, a squidgy, chewy, slippery rice-flour roll beloved in Hong Kong, and you can also order egg crepes known as jianbing or Chinese pancakes with your choice of meat topping. Joe's Signature rice roll, a heaping portion that could easily feed two, comes with beef, dried shrimp, pork, eggs, and veggies.

136--21 Roosevelt Ave., Queens, NY, 11354, USA
646-203–7380
Known For
  • Large portions
  • Cheong fun rice rolls
  • Jianbing crepes

Something incorrect in this review?

Joe’s Italian Deli

$$ | Belmont

Seven shops within four blocks of Arthur Avenue make fresh mozzarella daily, but Joe's is one you don't want to skip. (The trick is, they add the perfect amount of salt.) For lunch, dive into one of the gigantic hero sandwiches, a generous portion of chicken parmigiana, or one of the other daily specials from the hot bar. The ceiling is draped with assorted house-made and imported cheeses, as well as multiple types of prosciutto and other meats.

685 E. 187th St., Bronx, NY, 10458, USA
718-367–7979
Known For
  • Delicious, good-value sandwiches
  • House-made mozzarella
  • Old-school Italian deli vibe

Something incorrect in this review?

John Thomas Steakhouse

$$$

A two-story 1848 farmhouse on the grounds of La Tourelle Country Inn is home to this restaurant that specializes in grilled meats but also serves chicken and fish dishes (and a vegetarian entrée). Filet mignon, prime rib, strip steak, and porterhouse are among the choices. Sides, such as garlicky mashed potatoes, are served family style. In summer you may eat outside on the deck, with views of the lawns, gardens, and La Tourelle. The restaurant is about 3 mi south of downtown, near Buttermilk Falls State Park.

John's Pancake House

$

This year-round neighborhood joint serves delicious pancakes and creative omelets all day, along with hearty homemade soups and chowders, thick burgers, shakes, and spicy chicken-salad wraps. The fried ice cream is famous. Come at off-hours especially on weekends, because there's usually a line. Early risers can get breakfast from 6 am, and it's open every day except Christmas.

721 Main St., Montauk, NY, 11954, USA
631-668–2383
Restaurant Details
No credit cards
No dinner
Reservations not accepted

Something incorrect in this review?

Jolly Fisherman and Steak House

$$$

Waiters in tuxedos serve simple dishes such as broiled fish at this seafood restaurant with fireplaces and paintings of old Roslyn. Children get their own menu.

Joni's

$

This casual spot serves good coffee, salads, rejuvenating fresh-squeezed juices and smoothies, daily breakfast and lunch specials, and exotic wraps such as the Thai Me Up, with gingered tofu or chicken with veggies in peanut sauce, or the Slum Burger Millionaire, an Indian-style tuna burger. Eat at the outdoor picnic tables or bring your meal to the beach or hotel. The place is popular for a quick bite, but there's usually a line at the counter and a bit of a wait.

Joshua's

$$$

In business for more than four decades, this venerable eatery's unassuming interior gives no hint of the wonders coming out of the kitchen. The inventive Middle Eastern menu includes zucchini flat cakes with yogurt and apricot jam and red beet risotto with seared scallops and asparagus. Joshua's smorgasbord brings together hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, dolmas, and warm pita bread. A popular spot for vegans, vegetarians, and those on a gluten-free diet.

Joyce Bakeshop

$ | Prospect Heights
The neighborhood’s friendliest place for a cuppa joe (locally roasted Gorilla coffee) is known for its exceptional pastries—from French macarons to scones to whoopie pies—baked fresh on the premises. Table seating is available in the bright, airy room.

Juliana's

$$ | DUMBO

This authentic pizza joint has been serving arguably the best coal-fired pies on the block, ever since Patsy Grimaldi severed ties with the Grimaldi's location next door. Juliana's—named in honor of Patsy's mother—has reigned as the DUMBO destination pizza place for classic white and margherita pies. However, don't expect to stop in for a quick slice; it's personal to large pies only.

Junior's Restaurant

$$ | Downtown Brooklyn

Famous for its thick slices of cheesecake, Junior's has been a quintessential Brooklyn eatery since 1950, with a menu that also includes their famous steakburgers and matzo ball soup. Their Reubens and thick French fries are first-rate, as are the potato latkes and pretty much all the breakfast offerings. Sink into one of the vinyl booths and enjoy comforting diner and delicatessen classics in this brightly lit space.

Jupiter

$$ | Midtown West

Amid the bustle of Rockefeller Center, head to the rink level (one floor down from the street) for some of this neighborhood's most creative house-made pasta dishes. The trio of owners from downtown's King restaurant make this all-Italian trattoria a welcome discovery of delicate sauces, refined antipasti, and short but reliable entrée menu showcasing seafood, meat, and vegetarian dishes. Jupiter adapts the Rock's Art Deco style with modern decor that feels soothing and sophisticated, especially when gazing across the concourse to the ice- and roller-skating rink.

20 W. 50th St., New York, NY, 10020, USA
212-207–0060
Known For
  • Superior house-made pasta
  • Nouveau-deco decor
  • Original takes on classic cocktails

Something incorrect in this review?

Çka Ka Qëllue

$$ | Murray Hill

Not all the beer in the Balkans will help you pronounce the name of this small restaurant, focusing on the hearty and underrated cuisine of Albania. Start off with some dips and spreads—red pepper, creamy kajmak (Balkan cheese)—before moving on to the veal-stuffed dumplings, the clay-pot-cooked lamb and rice, or the qebaba (finger-sized ground veal sausages). Finish the meal with a glass of rakia, the potent (often homemade) fruit brandy that is ubiquitous in the Balkans.

118 E. 31st St., New York, NY, 10016, USA
212-213–2082
Known For
  • Artery-hardening cuisine
  • Grilled meat
  • Creative cocktails

Something incorrect in this review?

Kashkar Cafe

$$ | Brighton Beach

Try Uyghur cuisine, from the autonomous region of Xinjiang in northwestern China, at this relaxed café. Decorated with tchotchkes and paintings of the Uyghur people—residents along the Great Silk Road that once linked the East with the West—Kashkar serves dishes reflective of the crossroads of Chinese and Arab influences, including manty (spiced lamb dumplings), and Uyghur lagman (noodles with meat and vegetables). The few Uzbek dishes from the historic Central Asian thoroughfare are on the menu as well, including assorted halal shish kebabs. Alcohol isn't on the menu, but you're welcome to bring your own wine or beer.

1141 Brighton Beach Ave., Brooklyn, NY, 11235, USA
347-743–3832
Known For
  • Uyghur and Uzbek cuisine
  • Large portions
  • Colorful restaurant

Something incorrect in this review?

Kati Roll Company

$ | Greenwich Village

You can think of kati rolls as South Asian tacos: griddled parathas (flatbreads) stuffed with savory-spiced grilled meat, shrimp, paneer, chickpea mash, or spiced mashed potato. They're the only things sold at this tiny, popular spot cheerfully festooned with Bollywood posters. This is an excellent and inexpensive lunch option, but lines often form on weekdays, and there are only a few seats, so a good plan is to take your kati roll to a nearby park bench. There are also locations at 39th Street and 6th Avenue, at Third Avenue and E. 43rd Street, and on 2nd Avenue at St. Marks Place.

99 MacDougal St., New York, NY, 10012, USA
212-730–4280
Known For
  • Tasty kati rolls, mostly to take out
  • Cheap late-night eats
  • Long lunch lines
Restaurant Details
Reservations not accepted

Something incorrect in this review?

Kava

$ | Meatpacking District
The word for "coffee" in many Slavic languages, Kava has a very European vibe about it. The comfortable atmosphere is great for taking a break from Meatpacking District shopping. In addition to the usual espresso drinks, Kava also offers a menu of better-than-average breakfast-y treats, such as avocado toast and a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich.
803 Washington St., New York, NY, 10014, USA
212-255–7495
Known For
  • A Euro vibe
  • Serving beer and wine in the afternoon and early evening
  • Morning snacks

Something incorrect in this review?

Keens Steakhouse

$$$$ | Midtown West

Given its location around the corner from Madison Square Garden, this long-standing steak house founded in 1885 sees its share of sports fans—but whatever your taste, take a gander at the ceilings, which are lined with thousands of clay pipes (those of Teddy Roosevelt and Babe Ruth get their own display case). Expect all the standard, meaty choices of perfectly seared steak, mutton, and more, along with market-fresh seafood and daily specials. Single-malt scotch aficionados can choose from 200-plus varieties on the menu here. Head to the small bar for the more affordable pub menu.

72 W. 36th St., New York, NY, 10018, USA
212-947–3636
Known For
  • Dry-aged steaks and meats
  • Huge scotch selection
  • Old-world atmosphere

Something incorrect in this review?

Keki Modern Cakes

$ | Chinatown

If you're craving something dessert-ish but not too sweet, the light and \"bouncy\" Japanese-style cheesecakes and cream puffs in flavors like matcha, ube, and cookies and cream from this little shop are delicious. The American-style cheesecake is really good, too.

79 Mott St., New York, NY, 10013, USA
646-863–2094
Known For
  • Seasonal soft serve
  • Cheesecake so fluffy that it jiggles and bounces
  • Top-line ingredients

Something incorrect in this review?

Kesté Pizza & Vino

$$ | West Village

At the back of this long, narrow restaurant is a beautifully tiled, wood-fired oven that is used to cook (at 1,000º F) what might be Manhattan's most authentic Neapolitan pies. Blistered and chewy around the edges, the margherita pie gives way to a softer center pooled with San Marzano tomato sauce and house-made mozzarella. There are numerous pizza options, including white pies and gluten-free crusts. This is a definite contender for best pizza in New York. The dining room is casual, and the location means it's almost always busy.

271 Bleecker St., New York, NY, 10014, USA
212-243–1500
Known For
  • Varieties of authentic Neapolitan pizza
  • Gluten-free option
  • Always busy
Restaurant Details
Credit cards accepted
Reservations not accepted

Something incorrect in this review?

Kimika

$$ | NoLIta

The combination of Japanese and Italian cuisines may not be common, but it's definitely a match made in culinary heaven at this buzzy spot on the ground floor of the Nolitan hotel. Expect flavor and texture profiles that mix spicy, briny, and creamy in ways that will dazzle your taste buds, as in a soy butter pasta that's something like a spaghetti alla carbonara and a delicately fried eggplant katsu accompanied by caponata.

40 Kenmare St., New York, NY, 10012, USA
212-256--9280
Known For
  • Classy ambience and presentation
  • Memorable pasta dishes
  • Sticky rice arancini is a must
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun. and Mon.

Something incorrect in this review?

Kinfolk 90

$
Multitasking is taken to a high level at this fabulous space that includes a coffee shop, a men's boutique, and a nightclub, all of which ascribe to the same überhip lifestyle. At Kinfolk 90, creative types meet for locally roasted coffee in a former garage decorated with custom artwork. Next door, the Kinfolk store sells street-style clothes and accessories for the urban sophisticate—it's one of two New York shops that stock threads by Japanese designers Bedwin and the Heartbreakers. And then there's Kinfolk 94, where the in-crowd parties in a custom-built wooden geode outfitted with low benches and a full bar; there are DJs on weekends, the occasional live performance, and rotating art shows.
90–94 Wythe Ave., Brooklyn, NY, 11249, USA
347-799–2946
Known For
  • Coffee
  • Cocktails
  • Street-style men's clothing store

Something incorrect in this review?

King

$$$ | SoHo

King is a beloved local spot run by three women who met while working at the famed River Cafe in London. Serving up better-than-average Italian and French fare in a stylish atmosphere, King's short menu changes frequently when new ingredients come into season, but expect dishes like Gorgonzola-spiked risotto, crispy chickpea fritters, and rosemary-accented hanger steak.

18 King St., New York, NY, 10014, USA
917-825–1618
Known For
  • Smallish portions
  • Weekly changing menu
  • Nice Italian and French wine list
Restaurant Details
No lunch

Something incorrect in this review?

King and I

$$

The decor at this busy Thai restaurant is rather basic, but don't let that deter you from trying the varied menu that includes excellent dishes like crispy duck and steamed dumplings. Weekend specials are often standouts too.

93 Main St., Nyack, NY, 10960, USA
845-358–8588
Restaurant Details
Credit cards accepted

Something incorrect in this review?