Here is a list of the best places I have eaten at in New York City (NYC) along with some GREAT recommendations that I cannot wait to go back and try!
I recently spent ten days in New York City with my husband-to-be and we ate our way through the city. We discovered so many memorable spots — from casual bites to special-occasion dinners — and I wanted to share the places we loved most, plus a long list of recommendations we collected from friends and locals.
Here we go…
MY TOP 5 FAVORITE PLACES: (this was hard to choose…)
Prince Street Pizza: Classic New York pizza. Try the pepperoni square — it’s iconic — and their cheese slice is excellent too.
Minetta Tavern: Known for what many call the best burger in the city. This 1 Michelin Star spot is pricier, but the burger is worth it if you’re splurging.
La Pecora Bianca: A lovely Italian spot for dinner. We started with whipped ricotta and truffle honey, and shared rigatoni and roasted sasso chicken for dinner. The cocktail “Forbidden Fruit” — Aperol, pomegranate, prosecco and a hint of oregano — was bright and refreshing.
Levain Bakery: Home to massive, gooey Chocolate Chip Walnut cookies with a crisp exterior and chewy interior. One of the best cookie experiences I’ve had.
Pepe Giallo: Cozy, authentic Italian with fresh pasta and great pizzas. We went twice. Highlights were the margherita and salsiccia pizzas, tender calamari, pappardelle and a standout spaghetti bolognese.
Other places we went that were SO good:
- Momofuku Noodle Bar — incredible ramen and Brussels sprouts for an appetizer.
- Russ & Daughters — classic bagels and lox, rugelach, and a memorable spicy pepper Bloody Mary.
- Ferris — stopped in for a cocktail and discovered their excellent bread and butter.
- Chelsea Market — a must for casual bites. We also tried Sarabeth’s (the muffin with a hard-boiled egg center was fun) and enjoyed breakfast at the Central Park location.
- DEZ — fast-casual Middle Eastern with rotating vanilla soft-serve flavors.
- Eataly — endless Italian food and market stalls; great for an afternoon visit.
- J.G. Melon — the classic NYC burger.
- Van Leeuwen Ice Cream — classic and vegan flavors; I had coffee, my husband had mint chip.
- Speedy Romeo — solid pizza, a nice stop after walking through Chinatown and Little Italy.
- The Standard, High Line — a go-to spot for cocktails with a view.
- The Wild Son — excellent brunch with great Bloody Marys and mimosas.
- The Butcher’s Daughter — a reliably good spot for plant-forward food.
Places recommended to us but we didn’t have a chance to go
BREAKFAST / BRUNCH / LUNCH
- Clinton Street Baking Co — famous for pancakes.
- Egg Shop — popular for egg-forward dishes.
- Cha Cha Matcha — matcha-focused café.
- Black Seed — recommended for bagels in Nolita.
- Jack’s Wife Freda — American-Mediterranean cooking.
- Gramercy Tavern — classic NYC dining.
- Mercer Kitchen — stylish spot for brunch or dinner.
- ABC Kitchen — seasonal, ingredient-driven menu.
- Zabar’s — for an authentic Jewish bagel experience.
- Ippudo Westside — ramen destination.
- Sweetgreen — simple, healthy bowls.
- Bluestone Lane — Aussie-style coffee and casual fare.
- Grand Banks — drinks and oysters on the water.
- west~bourne — LA-inspired cafe with a charitable mission.
- 12 Chairs Cafe — authentic Israeli cuisine with vegetarian and vegan options.
- Two Hands — casual cafe with great breakfasts.
- Quality Eats — known for brunch and steak.
- Boulton and Watt — a cozy brunch choice.
PIZZA
- L’Amico
- Lucali
- Patsy’s
- Famiglia Pizza — Times Square location
DINNER
- Lilia — standout Italian pasta.
- Fraunces Tavern — historic and atmospheric.
- L’Artusi — modern Italian favorites.
- Red Farm — inventive Chinese-American dishes.
- Dig Inn — casual market-style bowls.
- Little Thai Kitchen — classic Thai favorites.
- Blue Ribbon Brasserie — known for the bone marrow appetizer.
- Mimi — small, charming restaurant with French influences.
- Marea — upscale seafood and homemade pastas (2 Michelin stars).
- Please Don’t Tell (P.D.T.) — hidden speakeasy; reservations open the day-of at 3pm.
- The Spotted Pig — known for its sides and cozy vibe.
- Locanda Verde — loved for whipped ricotta.
- La Superior — Mexican cuisine.
- Excuse my French — tapas-style small plates.
- Bessou — Japanese dining.
COFFEE / DESSERTS / ICE CREAM
- Morgenstern’s — ice cream destination.
- Milk & Cream Cereal Bar — cereal-inspired ice cream treats.
- Tipsy Scoop — boozy ice cream creations.
- Empire Cake — dessert-focused stop.
- Coffee Project NY — specialty coffee.
- Devoción — bright, fresh coffee shop.
- Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery — pastries and breads.
- The ELK — coffee shop option.
- Joe & The Juice — smoothies and coffee.
I’ll continue adding to this list as I travel more and hear your suggestions. Thank you for any recommendations — I love discovering new places!