My Favorite 20 Places to Eat in NYC

Though I no longer live here anymore, New York City was my home for years, and I’ve been going there 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, New York is one of the best foodie cities in the world — you can find cuisines from every ethnicity here. And from dollar pizza slices to $400 USD meals at Per Se, it also has food to cover all price ranges.

After spending a decade living there, I developed a pretty robust list of recommended restaurants. Here are some you shouldn’t miss:

1. Yuka Restaurant (1557 Second Ave)

Yuka is one of my favorite spots in town. It’s a really good all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant with high-quality fish and huge portions for only $31 USD! Plus, you get a free miso soup and 50%-off sake. It also has a diverse menu of fresh sashimi and traditional Japanese dishes to choose from, but the real value is the all-you-can-eat 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 NYC. It also hosts a $1.50 USD oyster happy hour (3:30-5:30pm during the week), which I think is the best deal in town!

3. Miss Korea BBQ (10 W 32nd St)

This is my favorite Korean BBQ restaurant in New York. Granted, I’m not an expert, but the meat here is delicious, and they give you a lot of sides of a dizzying variety (which to me is the best part — 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, because I’m usually disappointed, but this one is the real thing. It’s as close to eating in Thailand as you can get. I especially like the som tam (papaya salad) — 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 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 town. You get two courses and wine in a romantically lit setting. My roommates and I also came here often, especially if we wanted a nice quiet bonding evening!

7. Sao Mai (203 First Ave)

This is great Vietnamese eatery located near my old apartment that serves pho that rocked my world. The portions are huge, and, according to my friend Jodi, who is an expert in all food Vietnamese, it’s all authentic.

8. S’MAC (197 First Ave)

S’MAC is mac-and-cheese restaurant that takes the traditional dish and makes it even better. It’s heavenly, cheesy goodness. Its 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 restaurant located near the NYU campus serves some really good Indian meals. I couldn’t get enough! The plates are sharable, and you get rice and bread too. Try the fish tikka — it’s delicious.

10. Vanessa’s Dumpling (118A Eldridge St)

I stumbled upon this while walking home one day; it was only later that I found out it’s actually quite famous. After eating the dumplings, it’s easy to see why. They’re delicious — the pork ones had an intense flavor. And at 8 for $5.50 USD, 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 guru. To me, it’s either bad, good, or really good. I can’t make those fine distinctions like some New Yorkers can. That said, I qualify John’s as really good. The thin-style pizza comes in portions big enough to serve three (no slices are available). The 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 (by 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 Avenue A)

With a Michelin star under its belt, this authentic Thai restaurant in the East Village is legit, centering around flavors from Northeast Thailand’s Isaan region. You can try a variety of unique tastes, such as deep-fried, sun-dried pork, spicy grilled catfish soup, and the highlight of the menu, somtum (papaya salad). 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 USD, but all the options here are tasty and affordable.

Mamoun’s now has three locations: 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 New York. 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 ever had.

17. Friend of a Farmer (77 Irving Place)

Since 1986, Friend of a Farmer has been embracing the farm-to-table movement, offering seasonal dishes as well as classic comfort food, which is filling and hearty. It has 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 Third Ave)

Flex 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. Soaked up the sauces in the amazing bread too. They also have a good selection of wine. All in all, it’s an awesome spot.

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. Its seasonal menu offers French-inspired small and big plates, perfect for sharing over a bottle of one of its top-quality wines.

***

After living in the city for years, this list reflects what I think are some of the best and most unique offerings the Big Apple has to offer.

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 splurge, 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!