Last Updated: 3/28/24 | March 28th, 2024
Though I no longer live here anymore, New York City was my home for over three years, and I’ve been coming to the city since I was 16.
(Little known nerd fact: My parents took my friend Matt and I to NYC because we won a free trip for placing first (me) and second (him) in the Massachusetts state championship of the card game Magic: The Gathering. Yes, you read that correctly!)
As you probably know, NYC is one of the best foodie cities in the world — you can find cuisines from every ethnicity here. And from dollar pizza slices to expensive $400 USD meals at Per Se, it also has food to cover all price ranges.
After spending a decade of living in NYC, I developed a pretty robust list of recommended restaurants! Here’s some you shouldn’t miss when you visit:
Table of Contents
- 1. Yuka Restaurant (1557 2nd Ave)
- 2. Jeffrey’s Grocery (172 Waverly Place)
- 3. Miss Korea BBQ (10 W. 32nd Street)
- 4. SriPraPhai Thai Restaurant (64-13 39th Ave, Queens)
- 5. Russ & Daughters (179 E. Houston Street)
- 6. Left Bank (117 Perry Street)
- 7. Sao Mai (203 1st Ave)
- 8. S’MAC (197 1st Ave)
- 9. Masala Times (194 Bleecker St)
- 10. Vanessa’s Dumpling (118A Eldridge Street)
- 11. John’s on Bleecker (278 Bleecker St)
- 12. Via Carota (51 Grove St)
- 13. Somtum Der (85 Ave A)
- 14. Mamoun’s Falafel (119 MacDougal St)
- 15. Suprema Provisions (305 Bleecker St)
- 16. Peter Luger Steakhouse (178 Broadway, Brooklyn)
- 17. Friend of a Farmer (77 Irving Pl)
- 18. Joe’s Shanghai (46 Bowery)
- 19. Flex Mussels (1431 3rd Ave)
- 20. Jadis (42 Rivington St)
- Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to New York City!
1. Yuka Restaurant (1557 2nd Ave)
Yuka Restaurant is one of my favorite spots in the city. It’s a really good all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant with high quality fish and huge portions for only $31! Plus, you get a free miso soup and 50% off sake. They also have a diverse menu of fresh sashimi and traditional Japanese dishes to choose from but the real value is the AYCE menu. As a sushi snob, I was skeptical but it’s really good. Trust me.
2. Jeffrey’s Grocery (172 Waverly Place)
Located in the West Village, this is not a cheap meal (most mains are $20 USD), but they pour heavy, heavy glasses of wine and have some of my favorite oysters and seafood in the city. They also host a $1.50 USD oyster happy hour (3:30-5:30pm during the week), which I think is the best deal in the city!
3. Miss Korea BBQ (10 W. 32nd Street)
This is my favorite Korean BBQ restaurant in the city. Granted, I’m not a Korean BBQ expert, but the meat here is delicious, and they give you a TON of sides of a dizzying variety (which to me is the best part of Korean BBQ. Bring on the unlimited kimchi!). The fact that it’s usually full of Koreans is something I take as a good sign.
4. SriPraPhai Thai Restaurant (64-13 39th Ave, Queens)
This is the best and most authentic Thai restaurant in New York. As someone who has lived in Thailand, I rarely find a place I like. It’s never as good. I hardly ever get Thai food in the United States because I’m always disappointed, but this place is the real thing. It’s as close to eating in Thailand as you can get. I especially like the som tam (papaya salad) here. It’s legit.
5. Russ & Daughters (179 E. Houston Street)
This is the best breakfast and brunch joint in the city, hands down. Nothing else even comes close. Come here for latkes, lox plates, world-class cream cheese, and anything else breakfast/deli like you can think of. There are two sections: the restaurant and the deli. The restaurant always has a long, long wait, so if you don’t get there early, it’s better to grab from the deli around the corner and eat elsewhere.
6. Left Bank (117 Perry Street)
Located in the West Village, this French restaurant offers a wonderful happy hour menu, with a $25 USD prix fixe dinner that is one of the best budget meals in the city. You get two courses and wine in a romantically lit setting. My roommates and I also come here often, especially if we want a nice quiet bonding evening!
7. Sao Mai (203 1st Ave)
A great Vietnamese place located near my old apartment, this place serves pho that rocks my world. The portions are huge here and, according to my friend Jodi, who is an expert in all food Vietnamese, this place is authentic.
8. S’MAC (197 1st Ave)
A mac-and-cheese shop that takes the traditional dish and makes it even better. It’s heavenly, cheesy goodness. Their 4-Cheese and Cheeseburger are my two favorites. The fact that this place was around the block from my house was definitely a problem though — I ate there too often and may have gotten a S’MAC belly!
9. Masala Times (194 Bleecker St)
Serving Bombay-style street food, this place located near the NYU campus serves some really good Indian meals. I couldn’t get enough of it. The plates are sharable, and you get rice and bread, too. Try the Fish Tikka — it’s delicious.
10. Vanessa’s Dumpling (118A Eldridge Street)
I stumbled upon this place while walking home one day; it was only later that I found out it’s actually quite famous. After eating their dumplings, it’s easy to see why. They’re delicious — the pork dumplings had an intense flavor to them. And at 8 for $5.50, the price is just right.
While the original Vanessa’s is in Chinatown, there are now locations in Williamsburg, the Financial District, Long Island City, and the Upper West Side.
11. John’s on Bleecker (278 Bleecker St)
While pizza in New York is an institution, I admit I’m no pizza guru. To me, it’s either bad, good or really good. I can’t make those fine pizza distinctions like some New Yorkers can. I qualify John’s as really good. The thin-style pizza comes in huge portions big enough to serve three (no slices available here). Service is quick, but expect to wait for a table during dinner.
12. Via Carota (51 Grove St)
Via Carota is hands down one of the best Italian restaurants in the city. Offering a charming atmosphere with flavorful and affordable (for NYC standards) classic Italian dishes like fried rabbit and creamy burrata, you won’t regret taking the time for a nice meal here. The drinks are great and the vibe is also amazing. I love this place. Taylor Swift is here often too!
13. Somtum Der (85 Ave A)
With a Michelin star under its belt, this authentic Thai restaurant in the East Village is legit. Centered around flavors from Northeast Thailand’s “Isan” region, you’ll be able to try a variety of unique tastes such as deep-fried sun-dried pork, spicy grilled catfish soup, and the highlight of the menu, somtum. Somtum Der also has a second location in Brooklyn.
14. Mamoun’s Falafel (119 MacDougal St)
You will find inexpensive falafel and gyro stands all over Manhattan, but the best one is Mamoun’s. You can pick up a classic falafel sandwich with tahini and salad for $5, but all the options here are tasty and affordable.
Mamoun’s now has 3 locations in NYC: East Village, Greenwich Village, and the Upper West Side.
15. Suprema Provisions (305 Bleecker St)
This Italian eatery and wine bar is known for its salads, meats, and cheeses. I love its homemade pasta and large meat-and-cheese plates. It has a really, really good burger too. Try the ricotta crostini (with truffle honey, hazelnuts, and mint) and chocolate olive oil cake.
16. Peter Luger Steakhouse (178 Broadway, Brooklyn)
Located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, this is the best steakhouse in the city. Having been around since 1887, it’s an institution. The restaurant has a German beer hall feel and the steak (which they age in-house) is some of the best I’ve had in my life.
17. Friend of a Farmer (77 Irving Pl)
Since 1986, Friend of a Farmer has been embracing the farm-to-table movement for years, offering seasonal dishes as well as classic comfort food. The food is filling and hearty. They have a great brunch too! Get there early or make a reservation in advance because there is often a long line to get in.
18. Joe’s Shanghai (46 Bowery)
Renowned for its delicious soup dumplings, Joe’s Shanghai in Chinatown is a classic go-to among many New Yorkers. Although it’s often busy and you may need to wait a bit for a table, the time is always worth it for the huge menu and stellar quality. It’s one of the most authentic restaurants here.
19. Flex Mussels (1431 3rd Ave)
Flex Mussels offers mussels cooked in a variety of styles as well as oysters, shrimp cocktails, and other forms of seafood. I don’t even love mussels but I find this place so good. The sauces get soaked up in this amazing bread too. It’s an awesome spot. They also have a good selection of wine.
20. Jadis (42 Rivington St)
Open in the heart of the Lower East Side since 2006, Jadis offers a cozy, romantic atmosphere perfect for a date or leisurely evening with friends. Their seasonal menu offers French-inspired small and big plates, perfect for sharing over a bottle of one of their top-quality wines.
But this is just the tip of the iceberg too. New York City has some of the greatest bars and restaurants in the world and you could spend a lifetime (and a fortune) trying them all. Whether you’re eating on a budget or ready to splash out, NYC has something for you.
But don’t take my word for it. Come and put my suggestions to the test and let me know what you think!
Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to New York City!
For more in-depth tips on NYC, check out my 100+ page guidebook written for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel in the city that never sleeps. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.
Book Your Trip to NYC: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
If you’re looking for specific places to stay, here my complete list of favorite hostels the city. Additionally, if you’re wondering what part of town to stay in, here’s my neighborhood guide to NYC!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- Safety Wing (best for everyone)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
- Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Want More Information on NYC?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on New York City for even more planning tips!