Updated: 10/12/20 | October 12th, 2020
New York City has been my home for close to three years, though I’ve been coming to the city since I was 16.
(Little known nerd fact: My parents took my friend Matt and me 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.
Because of the variety and quality of food here, I rarely cook at home (kitchens are small and there’s better food everywhere!), and so, over the years, I’ve developed a robust list of recommended restaurants that I want to share with you now.
My 21 Favorite Restaurants in NYC
1. Corner Bistro (331 W. 4th Street)
World-famous for its thick and greasy hamburgers, I think this is one of the best burger joints in the city. This tiny, dimly lit bar is definitely not the restaurant you would expect to find such mouthwatering food. I bet they haven’t cleaned the grill in ages, which makes the burgers have such an amazing taste. I’m sure the drinks here are good too but I only ever come for the burger.
2. The Fat Radish (17 Orchard Street)
With some of the best farm-to-table, organic food in the entire city, the menu here changes based on seasonality, offers lots of vegetarian options, and will leave you full and feeling healthy.
3. 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 USD oyster happy hour on their entire selection (4–6pm during the week), which I think is the best deal in the city!
4. 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.
5. SriPraPhai Thai Restaurant (64-13 39th Avenue, Flushing, Queens)
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 because I’m always disappointed but this place is the real thing. It’s as close to getting to eating in Thailand as you can get. I especially like the som tam (papaya salad) here. It’s legit.
6. Tomoe Sushi (172 Thompson Street)
This tiny restaurant serves big cuts of fish on perfectly warmed rice. Their toro(fatty tuna) is outstanding. Tomoe is considered one of the best sushi bars in the city and gets packed quickly, so come early or for lunch. Prices here aren’t on the cheap side, but their $18 USD lunch set offers the best value.
7. Russ & Daughters (179 E. Houston Street)
This is the best breakfast and brunch joint in the city, hands down. Nothing 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.
8. Left Bank (117 Perry Street)
Located in the West Village, this French restaurant offers a wonderful $20 USD Sunday 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!
9. Sao Mai (203 1st Ave)
A great Vietnamese place located near my 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.
10. S’MAC (345 E 12th St)
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 is around the block from my house has become a problem, though — I’m eating there too often and may be getting a S’MAC belly!
11. Masala Times (194 Bleecker St)
I was only recently turned on to this place near the NYU campus. Serving Bombay-style street food, this place 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.
12. Vanessa’s Dumpling (220 E 14th St)
I stumbled upon this place in the East Village 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 were delicious — the pork dumplings had an intense flavor to them. And at 10 for $2, the price is just right.
13. John’s on Bleecker (278 Bleecker St)
Pizza in New York is an institution, and 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. Service is quick, but expect to wait for a table during dinner.
14. Chelsea Market (75 9th Ave)
Chelsea Market is more a collection of food places than a single restaurant. It’s extremely popular and a great place to pop into when you need some groceries, a meal, or snacks. You’ll find good Thai food here, and Amy’s Bread has amazing bread. The Lobster Place has decent sushi (and great lobster), but I really enjoy their clam chowder. If you want a meal with local and organic food, try the Green Table.
15. Rosemary’s (18 Greenwich Ave)
This West Village Italian restaurant boasts a rooftop farm with fresh produce and herbs that goes directly into the food you eat. Their handmade pastas are a must-eat and they have a good Rosé selection. It’s one of the best weekend brunch locations in the city too. Come early because it fills up really quickly, especially on nice warm day.
16. Bennie’s Thai Café (88 Fulton St)
As someone who has lived in Thailand, I’m quite picky about my Thai, but this restaurant is legit. It’s a popular lunch spot with the working crowd and serves incredible curry. It’s one of the few locations where I can get an authentic Thai iced tea too! Service is a little too fast and abrupt, but who cares? The food is incredible.
17. 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 with tahini and salad for less than $5, but all the options here are tasty and affordable.
18. Karasu (166 Delkab Ave)
This is often considered a restaurant and cocktail bar, but it’s more of an izakaya speakeasy (you’ll need to enter through a secret door). It has an elegant ambiance and the drinks are top-notch. The menu isn’t huge, but everything is delicious.
19. Peter Luger Steakhouse (255 Northern Blvd)
Located in Williamsburg, this is the best steakhouse in the city. It’s an institution in the city. 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.
20. Friend of a Farmer (77 Irving Pl)
Since 1986, Friend of a Farmer has been embracing the farm-to-table movement, offering seasonal dishes as well as classic comfort food. The food is filling and hearty. They have a great brunch too!
21. Pete’s Tavern (129 E 18th St)
This vintage bar has been open since 1864. It’s an unpretentious place where you can enjoy some pub food and enjoy that classic tavern atmosphere.
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.
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 information and tips on NYC, check out my 100+ page guidebook written for budget travelers like yourself! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money 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, and bars, and much more!! Click here to learn more and get started.
Book Your Trip to NYC: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines 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. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. Some of my favorite places to stay in New York City are:
If you’re looking for more 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. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
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 travel – and I think will help you too!
Kyle B.
Matt, how do you do those mapped lists that show details for each spot? Would love to add that to my site as I review breweries and restaurants in and around NYC.
Hard to condense NYC down to such a short list, but I’d add Friend of a Farmer near Gramercy Park and Jacob’s Pickles on the Upper West Side for brunch. The latter has fried chicken sandwiches on homemade buttermilk biscuits. Get there early!
Asar
You can easily create the map that Matt has with My Maps On Google. Just search for it on Google.
D.L.
Hey Matt!
I’ve been bizzzy but just thought I’d put my two cents in since I am back on your site again. You may remember I’m in NYC too and I agree with Kyle B., it’s hard to condense NYC down to such a short list!
I am on the upper west side but I travel to all boroughs & neighborhoods on a regular basis -except Staten Island. I cook on a regular basis now but many of the good places I’ve visited are still around! (Ive been here for 19 years).
I am guessing you live downtown near the former 5points area but, I have a bunch of recommendations for you all over the city!! What’s the best way to share that info- I wonder?
D
Beatrice
That sushi looks so good and all the other options to dine out are equally as tempting! Thanks Matt for sharing these good addresses with us. Haven’t been to NYC (yet) so this will be very handy for a foodie like me.
Stephen Gollan
New York is such a foodie destination. I love all the different avenues designated to different cultural cuisines. I particularly love the Sushi in New York! Cant wait to get back to New York and try some of these places you recommended Matt!
Angela
This is a great, international list! I miss eating in NYC. Gotta get back there soon!
Daniela
I absolutely love to eat an international food when In New York. I will definitely visit some of the places you recommended in your list!
Suze
I like the sound of the Fat Radish, for one the name is great and for two, I’m a fan of fork to table restaurants
Corynne
I love that NYC is one of the those places you can visit a bunch of times and still discover new things. Thanks for sharing!
Karen Rowley
These all look amazing. Having spent 8 years going to New York to visit two kids in college there, may I suggest, Cherce Midi, Tia Pol and Maletesta? All wonderful downtown restaurants.
Matt, as a new fellow blogger, I just started reading your blog and want to tell you how much I already love it!
Pepper Dasnee
This post is making me want to be in New York right now! Thank you for sharing this list 🙂
Lyndsay
Hmm, never been to one of those. I will keep this in mind on my next visit! Thanks for sharing!
Michele
Matt, have you ever done NYC Restaurant Week? Most of the special pre-fixe menus are pretty reasonable and the list of participating restaurants is good.
Shannon
Pretty sure I want to visit NY just to get fat now…. Suddenly I am very hungry. Great post!
Alex
This is a great list! I love the variety. That is one of the things I love most about NYC is that there is every type of restaurant that you could possibly be looking for. Percy’s Pizza looks very good and I want to try it next time I am in town. Besides all the delicious restaurants have you ever tried any of the food carts on the street? There are a lot of yummy ones to try.
Pierce Sohlden
Hey Matt,
This list helps a lot. I have been to NYC before but it was when I was very young so I do not remember anything. So I don’t really count that time and NYC is at the near the top of my list of places to go. When I go there this will really help me know where I want to go and what to expect from these restaurants, I won’t have to spend forever trying to find places to eat. Thanks for the list!
Candie
Great list, Matt! During my last trip to NYC in May, I was lucky enough to stumble upon the wonderful market that is Madison Square Eats. I loved the pizza and gourmet ice cream sandwiches. Thanks for this list; I’ll definitely use it on my next trip to the city!
Jill
SriPraPha is in Woodside Queens. You have it as Flushing. You should venture to Flushing and explore the places in Prince Streets and the basement food stalls. You’re missing out not trying the 7 line restaurants.
Pamela
I love travelling and more than that I love food. So this post would love really helpful for me on my vist to New York. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Carmen
wow some of these foods really look and sound mouth watering. I am a fan of healthy food and well American foods are known to be big and greasy, but cannot help try some of them if I go to America.Thanks for the list Matt.
Holly
I love New York! Have you tried PizzArte? 69 W 55th St – I highly recommend. Or if you are just craving for some Mac n Cheese there is always S’Mac!
Angela Farmery
Thanks Matt, we recently visitors New York and tried out the Miss Korea BBQ which was our first time eating Korean food and we loved it. Great place to eat x