15 restaurants to try in NYC
New York City is known for its diverse and delicious food scene. From five-star fine dining to street food carts, there’s something for every taste and budget. The city is home to some of the world’s most famous restaurants, as well as countless hidden gems that offer unique and authentic culinary experiences. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, a foodie or simply looking for a great meal, this city has something to offer!
In this post, we will explore some of the best restaurants in New York City, highlighting a variety of cuisines, neighborhoods, and price points. So, whether you’re in the mood for a classic New York slice or want to try the latest food trend, read on to discover the perfect spot for your next meal.
1. Rubirosa
Rubirosa
Location: 235 Mulberry St, New York
Price range: $$
Welcome to pizza perfection! Located in the heart of NoLiTa, Rubirosa is chosen as the #1 pizza in NYC by many – and we have to agree! If we could only recommend one pizza to try in NYC, this is the one. A classic New York pizza with a thin crust, a traditional pomodoro sauce and and the best vodka sauce I’ve ever had.
Our recommendation: the pizza tie-dye and the Rubirosa suprema.
PS: book your spot well in advance. It’s really hard to get a table!
2. Italian market & restaurant: Eataly Downtown
Eataly NYC Downtown
Location: 4 World Trade Center, 101 Liberty St 3rd Floor, New York
Price range: $$-$$$
Eataly Downtown is a colorful restaurant located inside an Italian market where you can eat, shop and learn. Expect delicious Italian dishes with high-quality ingredients.
Besides, they feature a stunning decoration with colorful installations and the service is really good.
Our recommended dishes: pasta fresca & pizza margherita.
PS: There’s another Eataly in Midtown, Eataly Flatiron that you might want to check out.
3. The best seafood in NYC: Lamia’s fishmarket
Lamia’s Fishmarket
47 Avenue B, New York
Lamia’s fish market is a must every time I visit the city. Located in the East Village, they offer fresh seafood & fish dishes with a Mediterranean twist.
The food, ambience and staff are incredible. It’s a perfect place for a date or a group celebration!
Our recommended dishes: oysters and seafood risotto
PS: They offer brunch with bottomless mimosas on weekends and oysters from $1 for their happy hour.
4. Michelin Awarded Korean Steakhouse: Cote NYC
Cote Korean Steakhouse
Location: 16 W 22nd St, New York
Price range: $$$-$$$
Cote NYC offers the best Korean btw experience. Each table features smokeless grills.
Every cut of meat is incredibly tender and flavorful. Definitely worth the visit. Do not miss the steak Omakase for a feast of Japanese Wagyu!
On top of the quality of the food, the ambiance and the service is impeccable.
Our recommendations: The Butchers Feast and the Wagyu paella.
PS: Cote NYC is the first Korean steakhouse in NYC and the only Michelin starred Korean restaurant in the world.
5. Asian Fusion: Jue Lan Kitchen
Jue Lan Kitchen
Location: 49 W 20th St, New York
Price range: $$$
Jue Lan Kitchen is located in the Flatiron district and offers multi-room seating, including indoor and outdoor spaces. The outdoor garden courtyard is amazing!
They offer delicious Asian-fusion dishes with a modern touch.
The ambiance is really cool and the stuff is amazing.
Our recommendations: spicy crab tacos, anything from their sushi bar and their delocious frozen margaritas.
PS: Jue Lan is often visited by famous celebrities especially in the music industry.
6. A British touch: Queensyard
Queensyard
Location: 20 Hudson Yards, New York
Price range: $$-$$$
Located in Hudson Yards, Queensyard offers American cuisine with a London touch in a beautiful setting with unbeatable views to The Vessel.
Besides the amazing foods, they have an extensive gin cocktails menu.
Our recommendation: Brooklyn burrata, Venison tartare and East coast oysters.
PS: they offer brunch menu on weekends!
7. The most famous rooftop in NYC: Magic Hour rooftop
Magic Hour Rooftop
Location: 485 7th Ave 18th floor, New York
Price range: $$$
Magic Hour is located on top of the Moxy hotel in Midtown, 18 stories high over the city and it’s one of the most famous rooftops on instagram. There are two outdoors spaces and one of them features impeccable views to the Empire State.
The ambiance is hard to beat, with seasonal floral displays and amazing staff.
Our recommendation: avocado toast and hamburgers.
PS: they offer brunch menu on the weekends!
8. A well kept secret in Times Square: R Lounge
R Lounge
Location: 714 7th Ave, New York
Price range: $$-$$$
Located inside Renaissance Time Square Hotel, the R Lounge features a unique view to Times Square. They offer a great variety of cocktails and dishes.
9. Italian homemade food: Aperibar
Aperibar
Location: 120 W 41st St, New York
Price range: $$
A chic Italian restaurant nestled between Bryant Park and Times Square that offers small and large dishes to share. As someone born and raised in the Mediterranean, I’ve found their food so authentic and delicious.
Our recommendations: the octopus, East coast oysters and the NY strip.
PS: they offer Monday to Saturday happy hour!
10. Sundowners with a view: JIMMY roofop
JIMMY
Location: 15 Thompson St, New York
Price range: $$-$$$
Located on top of the ModernHaus SoHo hotel, this rooftop sits 18 stories above SoHo and features a pool and amazing 360-degree views to the city.
JIMMY is the perfect spot for sundowners and tapas in a very lively atmosphere.
11. Modern Indian cuisine in NYC: Gupshup
Gupshup
Location: 115 E 18th St – Between Park Ave &, Irving Pl.
Price range: $$-$$$
Located in the Flatiron district, GupShup offers modern Indian cuisine and signature cocktails. Highly recommended!
12. Japanese ramen in NYC: Kyuramen
Kyuramen
Location: 133-42 37th Ave, Queens, NY
Price range: $
Everyday is ramen day! NYC is so good for yummy cravings when it comes to international food. I was craving authentic Japanese ramen and I went to Kyuramen in Flushing the day I got my vaccine and it felt so energizing! Maybe I’m wrong, but I’m sure this helped me so I didn’t develop any side effects!
13. Lebanese food in NYC: Au Zaatar
Au Zataar
Location: 188 Avenue A, New York
Price range: $$
Au Zaatar in East Village is home of the original table side shawarma.
If you love Lebanese r Middle-Eastern food, this restaurant is a must!
Our recommendation: the shawarma, the cauliflower pizza and the mezze.
14. Fine Dining: MO Lounge at Mandarin Oriental New York
MO Lounge
Location: 80 Columbus Cir Floor 35
Price range: $$$
MO Lounge is the best for fine dining and the food exceeded the gorgeous views to Columbus Circle and Central Park. Expect inventive cuisine, tempting cocktails and chic surroundings!
15. Elegant Greek cuisine: Nerai
Nerai
Location: 55 E 54th St, New York
Price range: $$
Nerai offers sophisticated Greek cuisine in the heart of Midtown.
Our recommendation: Tuna tartare and Maine lobster.
16. French Bistro vibes: Boucherie
La Grande Boucherie
Location: 145 W 53rd St
Price range: $$$
Boucherie is located in several locations in the city. We visited La Grand Boucherie, which is located in a stylish patio with Belle Époque details.
Boucherie offers a culinary trip to France in a tasteful ambiance, offering impeccable service and delicious flavors.
Our recommendation: Steak tartare, Croque Madame and crème brûlée.
