30 Best Restaurants and Spots to Eat in New York

Last updated April 25, 2025

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You probably didn't know that New York boasts over 24000 restaurants.

This guide presents my curated selection of the city's best restaurants and dining spots, revised frequently to capture evolving preferences and trends.

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1. S&P

This restaurant, which replaced the long-standing Manhattan lunch venue Eisenberg’s, has remained a leader in New York's luncheonette resurgence since its establishment in 2022.

This counter-service Flatiron eatery from the crew responsible for Court Street Grocers’s sandwich shop features a menu filled with pastrami, grilled peanut butter sandwich, cottage fries, egg creams, and tuna melts.

Indoor dining services are available here, and delivery and takeout orders through DoorDash can be made online.

2. Zaab Zaab

Zaab Zaab is the first and most entertaining Zaab Zaab site, the Bryan Chunton Thai eatery that specializes in Isan cuisine.

Select from options such as roasted tilapia, duck larb, and whole chicken. It will be grilled and roasted, accompanied by papaya salad.

It's important to note that along with other various Zaab Zaab sites throughout the city, there's a Zaab Burger spot offering smash Thai burgers.

3. L'Industrie Pizzéria

Established in 2017, this was previously one of the hidden spots of Brooklyn.

It's a premier pizzeria where one could drop by for a pizza or a scoop of gelato sprinkled with salt and drizzled with soft olive oil.

Currently, it’s extremely popular in both Manhattan and Brooklyn, frequently having queues extending down the blocks.

Slices here are served on paper oily plates with crunchy, naturally risen crusts and generous toppings such as pepperoni and burrata.

Take a look also at their lunchtime sandwich deals featuring provolone, capocollo, and a zesty pepper blend.

And don’t overlook desserts such as gelato, maritozzo, and sorbets.

4. Hyderabadi Zaiqa

This is a humble dining spot in Hells Kitchen that has won a James Beard Award.

It has another Midtown East location as well, and is adorned with a useful map highlighting nearly 30 varieties of Indian regional biryanis.

There are numerous options available here, such as chicken gongura biryani made with the aromatic leaves sourced from the namesake plant, with other dishes that highlight shrimp, eggs, paneer, lamb, and assorted vegetables.

This includes a vibrant orange meal that includes Andhraan’d mango pickles known as avakaya.

Additionally, think about the starters and soups here such as chicken vepudu served in a rich herbal sauce, or shorba featuring a light and vividly orange broth infused with chiles.

Indoor dining services are also available.

5. Semma

Semma launched several years back during a period when Indian eateries that focused on regional dishes were gaining popularity.

Yet, even within that esteemed group, this West Village eatery from the iconic Unapologetic Foods collective (known for, among others, Dhamaka, the Indian restaurant) stands out.

Certain plates here are so visually appealing that you might hesitate to slice into them, such as their lobster tail dipped in mustard and coconut milk, then the oxtail prepared in Goan style.

6. 2nd Ave Deli

This restaurant cuts its pastrami thinly, while Katz's provides a thick-cut version.

Originally launched in 1954, this Abe Lebewohl’s iconic establishment is still thriving.

It keeps captivating countless fans with its beef sandwiches and pastrami, even at its site at Midtown East, distant from the main one in East Village.

Additional highlights on their menu include stuffed cabbage, knishes, and ptscha.

If you're visiting for breakfast, you should also try their challah toast.

And if you'd prefer to go to their 2nd Upper Eastside spot, be aware that there's a bar on the upper level.

7. Pizza Napoletana

Anticipate queues at this spot that motivates numerous pizza journeys.

Anthony Mangieri remains renowned for his rigorous style of crafting Neapolitan pizza, alongside a straightforward menu showcasing expertly prepared classics.

This pizzeria secured first-place honors in the US and globally from the 50 Best Pizza organization.

Make sure to inquire about their daily special pizza and be aware that you can purchase the premium olive oil here imported by Mangieri.

8. Nepali BhanchhaGhar

This Yamuna Shres's laid-back restaurant, launched in 2015, is among numerous Nepali eateries that have emerged in Queens, focusing on momos, dumplings from South Asia.

Their momos are offered either steamed or fried in a shiny tomato sauce filled with potato, goat, paneer, shrimp, chicken, or beef.

It’s not surprising that they have claimed victory in the JacksonHeights Momo Crawl on five different occasions.

Indoor dining services are available here and orders for delivery and takeout via Uber Eats can also be made online.

While it’s important to try out their momos, be sure to also check out their other menu items, particularly their thali offerings.

9. Superiority Burger

Established by Brooks Headley, an ex-pastry chef, Superiority Burger began as a tiny space offering a limited range of primarily vegan options and daily gelato, including a unique vegetable burger for its main attraction.

Currently functioning in the previous Odessa location, its vegetarian offerings feature an array of unexpected dishes, including collard focaccia, funnel cake, and stuffed cabbage, alongside several other wonderful desserts.

When you get there, ensure you inquire about their delicious specials and make it a point to order one.

Their fries rank as some of the finest in the area and their Japanese seltzer maker will alter your sparkling water perception.

10. Keens Steakhouse

This Midtown South eatery boasts a distinct personality, highlighted by ceilings adorned with the largest collection of pipes in the world.

Regardless of whether it’s a unique occasion, any time is perfect to enjoy Keens Steakhouse, and there’s so much to appreciate about their traditional sides, like their creamed spinach and buttered carrots.

Tilman Fertitta, Texas billionaire, even purchased this restaurant in 2024 fall.

The restaurant upholds the mutton chop tradition, and a cheaper menu is offered at its pub.

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11. Balthazar

A French brasserie by restaurateur Keith McNally, Balthazar was launched in the year 1997 and transformed the landscape of an art-rich, industrial downtown Manhattan.

Currently, their menu features staples such as onion soup, seafood raw bar towers, profiteroles, and steak frites.

Balthazar's relevance endures, thanks to the ongoing commentary of McNally on Instagram.

12. Grand Central Oyster Bar

This place has been in the underground area of GrandCentral Station since the year 1913 (except for its temporary closure before).

This striking dining area with its tiled, arched ceilings, is among the top restaurants in New York.

It offers the prime spot to taste more than 25 types of seafood, including a selection of pan roasts, raw oysters, sandwiches, stews, and additional dishes.

Dine-in service is also available indoors though this restaurant is not open on Sunday and Saturday.

13. Le Bernardin

Since its opening in 1986, Eric Ripert’s fine dining establishment has maintained an uncommon five-star rating.

This traditional French eatery honors seafood with a tasting menu featuring yellowfin tuna, Dover sole, steamed lobster, and halibut.

There is also a vegetarian menu here that competes with the pescatarian option, featuring dishes like artichokes, mushrooms, and leeks.

Lunch here is a fixed-price experience with their 135-dollar choice divided into segments based on cooking methods, ranging from lightly cooked options like their baked snapper to raw items like oysters combined with uni.

14. Sky Pavilion

Situated directly opposite the iconic Port Authority at the edge of Hell’s Kitchen’s growing Chinese dining scene, Sky Pavilion stands out as one of New York's top Sichuan eateries, within a purely functional setting.

Chef Wang’s menu features an abundance of dishes such as ground pork with whole steamed fish, chile oil-infused tofu pudding crafted with fresh ingredients, and spicy stir-fried rabbit in the Zigong style.

Indoor dining services are available here, and orders for takeout can be made online.

Usually, meals here are arranged in playful designs and entertaining tableware, such as birds or a cart pulled by a donkey.

15. Kisa

Steve Choi JaeWoo and David Yun JoonWoo (the pair behind the whimsical Noho eatery), together with Yong Kim, evoke Korea’s taxi driver dining spots, where cost-effectiveness and quick service are essential.

Here, there is just a single option to pick: squid or spicy pork.

The remainder is a curated assortment of banchan such as soy-marinated salmons, perilla with shredded radish, and radish and beef soup.

A complete and wonderfully generous meal here costs about 32 dollars — a price that was once unremarkable but is now worthy of celebration.

It's helpful to note that, although their menu remains fixed, their banchan varies with the seasons.

Also, make sure not to miss the free hot chocolate, bean latte, and coffee from their machine as you leave.

16. Carnitas Ramirez

Tania Apolinar and Giovanni Cervantes expanded their Greenpoint TaqueriaRamirez with this delightful East Village branch that honors every pig part (in collaboration with partners Kari Boden and Yvon Tassigny).

Visitors here can enjoy a jar filled with choices such as surtida (various pork pieces), chamorro (shank), maciza (butt), costilla (ribs), barriga (belly), cachete (cheeks), lengua (tongue), and cuero (skin).

Request several at $6 each, then embellish everything at their salsa bar.

Carnitas Ramirez remains evolutionary, with pork selections that are incredibly flavorful and diverse — many rarely seen in local restaurants — elevating the restaurant to fine-dining status.

17. Le Veau d'Or

Le Veau dOr, one of New York City's oldest French bistros, reopened in 2024 summer after chefs Riad Nasr and Lee Hanson from Frenchette initially reached out to the former owner twelve years ago regarding the restaurant.

Their prix fixe dinner menu is priced at $125, while their newly introduced lunch costs $85, including appetizers, main courses, and desserts.

The meals here include frog legs garnished with herbs, mackerel cooked in a wine sauce, oeuf engelee, and signature calf’s head served in ravigote sauce.

A salad is also available for everyone at the table, and dessert comes after cheese.

Pastries prepared by Michelle Palazzo, the group's pastry chef feature strawberries or île flottante served with sabayon.

Indoor dining services are available though walk-ins remain very unlikely, the bar allows them, though it offers only a few seats.

Note that the restaurant usually opens reservations two weeks prior.

18. Ho Foods

Ho Foods, which has recently expanded, now boasts a larger dining room after incorporating an adjacent space.

It’s available for extended hours and there is a greater chance to enjoy its superb chile wontons, noodle soup, and radish cakes.

You can also savor its breakfast featuring soy milk, scallion pancakes, and Chinese doughnuts (you tiao) from Thursdays to Sundays.

Additionally, try their beef noodle combo which includes garlicky cucumbers, luro fan, and chile wontons.

19. Cha Long

Begin your meal in this restaurant with baerng golae; crispy coconut shells filled with juicy shrimp drenched inside yellow curry.

Numerous dishes here are creatively crafted, as are their regionally themed cocktails, featuring names such as Hidden Pearl.

Outdoor and indoor dining options are also available, and Uber Eats orders for delivery and takeout can be made online.

20. Mắm

This Vietnamese eatery Mắm began as a normal pop-up and became a permanent establishment, created by life and love partners, Nhung Dao and Jerald Head.

The menus here shift often, emphasizing local flavors.

One day could feature bún dậu, while another can highlight pho, and this uniqueness is what renders Mắm distinctively its own.

This restaurant has recently grown by acquiring an extra storefront for increased seating and even co-owns Lai Rai, a lively wine bar in the area.

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21. Café Boulud

The Cafe Boulud by Daniel Boulud launched its Upper EastSide upscale dining spot in 2023, preserving its menu divided into categories like la saison (seasonal rotating items), le potager (vegetable dishes), le voyage (international cuisine), and la tradition.

Romain Paumier, the chef relocated to manage their kitchen at Restaurant Daniel, creating dishes such as vadouvan carrot tart, sea bass encased in wine sauce with crispy potatoes; and rice polenta served with duck breast.

They also make sweet treats such as their mille-feuille, and their menu options include both tasting selections and la carte.

22. Hamburger America

George Motz, a burger expert, launched a homage to the classic hamburger with this restaurant collaboration with Jonathan and Andrew Schnipper (creators of the Schnipper’s burger chain).

It has 50 seats and offers walk-up or to-go orders for three varieties of burgers, 2 of which are always available (smash burger & fried onion), while the third is a rotating regional specialty.

You should definitely order their fries, and try out a slice of their Key limepie for dessert.

It's useful to note that there are usually two lines in this restaurant.

A quick one and a slower one, with the latter being for seating at their counter and then the former designed for a fast-casual dining experience.

Make sure to also try their burger special and ham sandwich, which is an unexpected favorite.

23. Four Horsemen

Natural wine bars’ surge was imminent when James Murphy together with his crew from LCD Soundsystem launched the Four Horse men in 2015.

Nearly ten years later, this constantly crowded dining and bar area continues to be a hub for wine aficionados, socialites, France enthusiasts, and food lovers.

It's uncommon for a bar to excel in both its food and drink selections, yet this Williamsburg bar achieves a perfect mix with its well-informed staff and Michelin-caliber small dishes.

Prices here align with a festive evening out, and walk-ins usually have a higher likelihood of securing seats if they arrive at the restaurant's opening time.

24. Abuqir

This Astoria Egyptian eatery is not as touristy and it has a more compact setup, yet the process remains unchanged.

Approach their counter showcasing various shrimp, fresh fish, and other seafood, choose a catch, and inform their staff about your preferred cooking method — fried, baked, blackened, grilled, etc.

Orders for takeout can be made in person here, and dine-in areas are also available both indoors and outdoors.

25. Golden Diner

This diner offers breakfast till 10 pm, meaning their cheese sandwich, Chinatown egg, & butter pancakes can be enjoyed all day long.

Dinner here features the tasty Golden cheeseburger topped with nice gochujang sauce, alongside a chile salad and Korean wings.

Their drinks are even inexpensive in comparison to numerous NYC venues nowadays.

26. Noz Market

This place offers the same seafood as Sushi Noz, the 2-Michelin-starred, but features a wider selection and is often quicker and more affordable.

Nozomu Abe, along with partners David Foulquier and Joshua Foulquier, has established a bar here for walk-in customers, in addition to a more upscale choice for an omakase experience and ala carte sushi.

Visitors can select from top-notch temaki sets, with omakase priced between $100 and $150.

Their selections of tea and sake are also remarkable.

27. Chama Mama

Over the past ten years, this cuisine of Georgia’s previous Soviet republic has gained popularity in NYC.

The restaurant is inspired by a passion for khachapuri, a classic meal featuring a bread oval surrounding a pool of cheese.

At the Chelsea restaurant’s Chama Mama, the bread comes in different varieties, accompanied by stews and charcoal kebabs.

Dine-in services are available here both indoors and outdoors, and orders for delivery and takeout can be made online.

Their wine menu features a notable selection, including some rare Georgian varieties like Goruli Mtsvane and Ojaleshi.

28. Sylvia's

Sylvia Woods established her eponymous restaurant in the year 1962, serving large portions of the comfort dishes of the South to Harlem.

This local venue is renowned for its classic cuisine and Southern warmth, which remain strong even years after its establishment.

You can request their daily specials like meatloaf, or opt for other meals like waffles and chicken or fried shrimp.

The Woods family still manages the restaurant, although she passed away in 2012.

Outdoor and indoor dining is also available here, and you can order delivery and takeout online.

The restaurant even features a Sunday gospel brunch and Wednesday live music.

29. Rolo's

This lovely Ridgewood restaurant has improved over time, established by four former Gramercy Tavern staff in 2021.

In addition to being an entertaining spot, there are many intriguing dishes here such as housemade mortadella, polenta bread, zesty scallop crudo, their version of suppli (potato croquettes), and numerous small plates highlighting vegetables.

Here, you can also find a lasagnaverde Bolognese or half-chicken, which has now become a staple on menus at many of the newer eateries in the area.

Their beef is unique, processed on-site, and presented as dry steaks, along with their burger.

This restaurant serves a restricted quantity of its tasty double cheeseburgers each evening, so if you plan to get one, come before 6 pm.

30. Roberto’s

At the time Roberto Paciullo opened his namesake restaurant in 1989 in Belmont, it was unexpected back then.

In Arthur Avenue’s red-sauced spots, this restaurant presents a unique Italian dining experience, resembling the cuisine typical of a countryside trattoria, complete with rustic farmhouse décor.

Ensure you try out their sumptuous ossobuco accompanied by risotto, an Italian egg soup, and cannellini beans veal scallopini featuring potatoes and mushrooms.

Roberto also manages multiple branches of 089, his other iconic Italian eatery, inside Manhattan and other parts of New York.

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