NYC has the best restaurants. The list of spots is seriously never-ending. I have had amazing food around the world, but NYC just has it all. There is somewhere for every cuisine, every diet, and every occasion. If you’re planning a trip to NYC, this guide is for you!
The best restaurants in NYC will vary depending on who you ask, what you order, how the service is, who you eat with, etc. If you know me, it’s all about good food + drinks AND good vibes. I am partial to the spots in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn because of where I live, work, and spend most of my free time; however, there are still so many spots that I have yet to try. And of course, I always let my phone eat first, so there are plenty of supplemental photos if you keep scrolling.
In this guide, I share what I believe are the top five best restaurants in NYC by cuisine.
P.S. If you’re not hungry now, you’re about to be starving…
Updated: January 2023
Table of Contents
BRUNCH
Sunday in Brooklyn
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Sonnyboy
Lower East Side, Manhattan
Lola Taverna
Soho, Manhattan
Chez Ma Tante
Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Maison Pickle
Upper West Side, Manhattan
Honorable mention that I replaced in January 2023: Café Mogador
BAGELS
Kossar’s Bagels & Bialys
Lower East Side, Manhattan
Frankel’s Delicatessen
Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Black Seed Bagels
Multiple locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan
Tompkins Square Bagels
East Village, Manhattan
Murray’s Bagels
Chelsea, Manhattan
Honorable mention that I replaced in January 2023: Greenberg’s Bagels
PIZZA
I cannot narrow down my “top five” pizza spots, because this is possibly the most abundant and essential cuisine in NYC. At least I narrowed it down a little?!
Rubirosa
Nolita, Manhattan
Roberta’s
Williamsburg and Bushwick, Brooklyn
Emmett’s on Grove
West Village, Manhattan
Lucali
Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn
Paulie Gee’s
Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Leo Sourdough
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Mel’s
Chelsea, Manhattan
Scarr’s
Lower East Side, Manhattan
PASTA
I Sodi / Via Carota
West Village, Manhattan
Lilia / Misi
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Arthur & Sons
West Village, Manhattan
Don Angie
West Village, Manhattan
Ci Siamo
Hudson Yards, Manhattan
Honorable mention that I replaced in January 2023: Ammazzacaffe
BURGERS
Au Cheval / 4 Charles
Tribeca and West Village, Manhattan
Emily / Emmy Squared
Multiple locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn
Bernie’s
Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Fairfax
West Village, Manhattan
JG Melon
West Village and Upper East Side, Manhattan
MEXICAN
Oxomoco
Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Tacombi
Multiple locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan
Rosie’s
East Village, Manhattan
Aldama
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Taqueria Ramirez
Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Honorable mentions that I replaced in January 2023: Añejo, La Contenta
THAI
Thai Diner
Nolita, Manhattan
Thai Villa
Union Square, Manhattan
Sage
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Wayla
Lower East Side, Manhattan
Noods N’ Chill
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
JUST GOOD FOOD
Ruby’s Café / Dudley’s (Australian)
Soho, East Village, Lower East Side, and Murray Hill, Manhattan
Nat’s on Bleecker (American)
Greenwich Village, Manhattan
Llama Inn (Peruvian)
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
St. Anselm (Steak)
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Ivan Ramen (Ramen)
Lower East Side, Manhattan
DESSERT
Levain Bakery
Multiple in Brooklyn and Manhattan
Magnolia Bakery
Multiple in Manhattan
Milk Bar
Multiple in Brooklyn and Manhattan
Little Cupcake Bakeshop
Soho, Manhattan
Eileen’s Special Cheesecake
Nolita, Manhattan
And now you know why I love to / have to walk around so much…
TIPS
RESERVATIONS
I highly recommend making a reservation about two weeks in advance if possible. Some restaurants take reservations 30 days in advance, so if you can plan that far ahead, do it!
Most of the best restaurants in NYC can be booked on Resy and OpenTable, but you can also check the restaurant websites directly.
When reservations are not available, walk-ins are usually still welcome. Try to go on the earlier side (5-6pm), though.
Lastly, for special occasions (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.), I have had pretty good luck e-mailing restaurants about two weeks in advance and getting a table that way.
ETIQUETTE
Do not expect the server to split the bill amongst the table. Have one person pay for the meal, take a picture of the receipt, split the bill yourselves, and use Venmo. Trust me.
For larger parties (6+ people), sometimes gratuity is included. Otherwise, standard tip is 20% – adjust accordingly.
COVID-19
With the spread of COVID-19, all travelers should prioritize their health and safety. Rules and restrictions are constantly changing, so stay updated HERE for related rules and restrictions in New York City.
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