Discover the vibrant New York restaurant scene, where culinary innovation meets diverse flavors. From upscale Michelin-starred venues to cozy neighborhood bistros, NYC offers a dining experience for every palate. Indulge in world-class cuisine, whether it’s authentic Italian in Little Italy, fresh sushi in the East Village, or gourmet street food in Brooklyn. The city’s dynamic food culture ensures every meal is a culinary adventure. Here’s a look at the restaurants that make New York a gastronomic paradise.
Le Bernardin
Le Bernardin is a classic French restaurant focused on seafood. Chef Eric Ripert’s 3-Star Michelin Restaurant has maintained a four-star status from the New York Times since its opening in 1986. In addition to their pescatarian offerings, there is a vegetarian menu and an extensive wine list. They are known for dishes like Hiramasa, Striped Bass, and Lobster.
Keens Steakhouse
Heralded by The New York Times and Bon Appetit Magazine, Keens Steakhouse is a quintessential New York experience. They are home to the world’s largest pipe collection which decorates the ceiling of the restaurant, but even better known for their mutton chops. Try their Legendary Mutton Chop for a real treat.
Sylvia’s
James Beard Foundation America’s Classics Award winner Sylvia’s serves up generous portions of soul food. It was founded by the queen of soul food, Sylvia Woods back in 1962. Still family-owned, Sylvia’s brings southern-style comfort food to Harlem with dishes like Fried Catfish, Chicken and Waffle, and BBQ Ribs.
Liebman’s Deli
Leibman’s Deli has a 70-year legacy and is the last kosher deli you will find in the Bronx. The family-owned and operated delicatessen is as classic as they come. Their overstuffed sandwiches are a New York legend. Must-try dishes at Leibman’s include the Pastrami on Rye, Kasha Knish, and the Brisket Sandwich.
L’Industrie Pizzeria
Although it has been established for less than a decade, L’Industrie Pizzeria has two popular shops in NYC. If you are looking for the best pizza New York has to offer, this is the place to go. L’Industrie Pizzeria sells pizza by the slice or by the pie. Specialties include The New Yorker, Prosciutto di Parma, and Burrata, plus many more.
Don Angie
Chrysanthemum Salad, Stuffed Garlic Flatbread, and BBQ Calamari highlight the menu at Don Angie. This Italian-American restaurant is a locally owned and operated gem that gives you an updated take on the classics. Awarded a Michelin star in 2021, this is one of the best Italian-style restaurants in NYC.
Uluh
Uluh, located in the East Village, offers an array of Chinese cuisine. The menu features unique dim sum options like Shanghai seaweed dumpling soup and Sichuan pig ears. Small plates include beef and tripe in chile oil and Nanjing salted duck. Uluh also serves stir-fries, spicy dishes, and New York-inspired items such as chile fried chicken and Xinjiang cumin beef.
Taqueria Ramirez
Since 2021, Taqueria Ramirez has been serving New Yorkers some of the best tacos you can find anywhere. They are a small shop with a limited menu, but what they do, they are experts at. Their stewed meats are what set them apart from all the others. Try Al Pastor, Suadero, or Campechano Tacos to experience real Mexican flavors.
Superiority Burger
If it’s a great vegetarian diner that you are looking for, New York has a few. One of the best is Superiority Burger in the East Village. They have an extensive, reasonably priced menu that has everything from stuffed cabbage to funnel cakes. Make no mistake, the Vegetable Burger is still the centerpiece and the best reason to check out this restaurant.
Astoria Seafood
It wouldn’t be a trip to Astoria if you didn’t have some great seafood. For the freshest catch and a lot of fun, try Astoria Seafood. You choose your seafood. Take it to the register and tell them how you would like it cooked. The end result is a meal to die for. With options like red snapper, sardines, shrimp, and calamari, you simply can’t go wrong.
Hyderabadi Zaiqa
Hyderabadi Zaiqa in Hell’s Kitchen, showcases India’s diverse biryani culture with a map highlighting nearly 30 regional varieties. The menu features an array of biryanis, including unique offerings like gongura chicken and avakaya mango pickle. Patrons can also explore appetizers such as tomato pepper shorba and chicken vepudu. The restaurant’s specialty, goat dum biryani, is a must-try dish for visitors.
Chama Mama
Georgian cuisine is a hot new flavor in NYC and no one does it better than Chama Mama. They are known for their Khachapuri, which is a traditional dish that uses bread as a vessel for an extraordinary cheese sauce. Chama Mama has several types of this bread as well as other traditional favorites like stews and charcoal kebabs.
Grand Central Oyster Bar
Grand Central Oyster Bar, a New York institution since 1913, is on the subterranean level of Grand Central Station. Known for its dramatic vaulted, tiled ceilings, the restaurant offers an extensive seafood menu featuring 25 fish varieties and up to 30 oyster types. Patrons can enjoy everything from raw oysters to stews, pan roasts, and sandwiches.
Jongro BBQ
Jongro BBQ specializes in Korean barbecue, offering an extensive selection of premium meat cuts rarely found in typical Korean establishments. The restaurant prides itself on sourcing beef and pork from farms that prioritize natural feeding practices, eschewing artificial additives. This commitment to quality ensures a diverse array of naturally raised meats, elevating the Korean BBQ dining experience.
Katz’s Delicatessen
Katz’s Delicatessen, New York’s oldest deli established in 1888, is renowned for its legendary pastrami and matzoh ball soup. For over 125 years, it has been serving authentic Jewish deli favorites in a classic NYC atmosphere. Katz distinguishes itself by using a traditional 30-day curing process for its corned beef and pastrami, eschewing modern shortcuts to preserve flavor and quality. You’ve never tasted anything like this!
Nepali Bhanchha Ghar
Nepali Bhanchha Ghar, established in 2015 by Yamuna Shres, is a New York Times-recommended restaurant in Queens specializing in authentic Nepalese cuisine. Known for its award-winning momos, the restaurant offers these South Asian dumplings in various styles and fillings. The menu also features traditional dishes like rice thali, dhido, sekuwa, and sukuti.
The Dead Rabbit
The Dead Rabbit offers a modern take on the Irish pub experience. The Taproom serves traditional pub fare alongside world-class cocktails, including their famous Irish Coffee. The menu features classic Irish dishes with a contemporary twist, catering to those seeking authentic flavors in a casual, lively atmosphere. The Parlor provides a more refined dining experience with innovative cuisine complementing their unique cocktails.
Tribeca Grill
Tribeca Grill, established in 1990 by Drew Nieporent and Robert De Niro, is a New York City dining landmark. The restaurant offers a quintessential NYC experience with its market-driven menu crafted by Executive Chef Stephen Lewandowski. Known for robust dishes like Tamarind Grilled Berkshire Porkchop and Seared Sea Scallops, it also boasts a Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning wine list featuring over 2,000 selections.
Da Nico Ristorante
Experience authentic Italian flavors at Da Nico in Little Italy, NYC. Enjoy the renowned brick oven pizza, grilled dishes, and homemade pasta in a family-friendly setting. In summer, dine in the spacious outdoor garden. Da Nico also hosts private events, featuring specialties like Lobster Fra Diavolo and grilled lamb and veal chops.
Harry’s
Located in Lower Manhattan’s historic Financial District, Harry’s at 1 Hanover Square is a renowned institution. Since 1972, it has been a go-to spot for business meetings and after-work drinks. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and exceptional menu, Harry’s top dish is the Beef Wellington, making it a staple for Wall Street professionals.
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