Few things entice tourists and residents more than good food, whether breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect pizzeria to bring your family together, or your mouth is watering for something unique, New York (NYC) restaurants offer some of the most delicious meals in some of the most gorgeous boroughs throughout the city.
While you won’t find any Gordon Ramsay restaurants since the location at The Londoner closed, this guide will give you the information you need to satisfy your appetite.
Restaurants by New York City Boroughs
Locals suggest New York never sleeps. Mayor De Blasio is thinking about making outdoor dining permanent. That’s great if you’re looking to eat at these restaurants and want to stay safe at the same time. The trick is knowing what foods await you before you arrive.
Manhattan
Manhattan is home to The Oculus, a gorgeous architectural landmark that serves as a train station, subway station, and shopping mall all in one. Dozens of popular restaurants exist, with Mexican, Korean, and Italian dishes being among the most popular. The names of some of these restaurants alone may stimulate your appetite, so be prepared to eat a lot before you sit down.
Brooklyn
Donuts, tacos, bagels, and sometimes live music. The Big Mozz on 75 9th Avenue is on a mission to serve the greatest party food in the city. So when you’ve gotten your fill, participate in the Best of Brooklyn Walking Tour, an event that will have you exploring street art while checking out the best sights in Brooklyn.
The Bronx
Home of the Botanical Garden, foodies can expect to find a wide choice of dishes, from Puerto Rican and Italian, to Mexican and Cuban food, and even an American sports bar.
Whether you’re passing through the city or sticking around for a while, eating in the Bronx can lead to unforgettable memories and a delicious eating experience.
Queens
Ever think of visiting Resorts World Casino New York City? There’s a food court inside, and a steakhouse as well. You can travel toward Elmhurst where Italian cuisine reigns supreme. Also, note that restaurants in Queens can provide both upscale and casual dining, so there’s plenty of options to choose from.
Staten Island
The restaurant scene in Staten Island is recognized as a staple for live music. Here, restaurants serve everything from Peruvian to American, with more than a few of these restaurants boasting a Michelin star rating. Also, a Sri Lankan style restaurant is roughly 40 miles from the Statue of Liberty.
Why not enjoy the view?
New York Theater District Restaurants
New York’s Theater District is a well-lit, high-traffic area where you’re bound to have fun. The District is home to most Broadway theaters. Plus, nearby restaurants are kid-friendly, meaning you can keep it simple with the perfect pepperoni pizza.
Beacon Theater
Both the Rolling Stones and Coldplay have performed at Beacon Theater. There are two Japanese restaurants on West 72nd. And sushi is on some menus and so is plenty of history. For example, nearby is The American Museum of National History, one of the largest museums in the world.
Proctors Theater
Mariah Carey and Britney Spears have performed at this legendary theater. And there’s good food here, from noteworthy burgers to cocktails and beers. And you can eat before, after, or even during the show.
The Eugene O’Neill Theater
NYC wants you to know what they think of the Theater District, with signs on front doors suggesting musicals and shows are the best or the funniest around.
But where do you eat once the show is over? Well, you’ll want to stop off at restaurants near the Eugene O’Neill Theater. Italian and American restaurants aren’t far from Hell’s Kitchen.
West NYC Restaurants: Views Near the River
If you head to the Rustica Lounge Bar and Restaurant in West New York, you’ll also enjoy live music and romantic vibes. Plus, it’s only about 2 hours and 15 minutes from the Hudson River. So after your food digests, you can play basketball, volleyball, or even go bicycling.
East Side New York Restaurants: Go Fancy
East New York is inside Brooklyn. One reviewer suggested the banana pudding served at a dessert shop on Granville Payne Avenue was the best there ever was. There’s also a Venezuelan spot serving cheeseburgers and sandwiches. There’s plenty of hearty meals to eat in East Side New York restaurants.
Restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen: A Strong City Vibe
You can score cheap mojitos and eat fine Cuban sandwiches on the west side of Manhattan because Hell’s Kitchen is located adjacent to the theater district, it’s not surprising that some of these restaurants also offer live music. The neighborhood isn’t far from Times Square, which means more entertainment, and perhaps some shopping too.
Restaurants Near New York City Center
New York City Center is located at 131 West 55th Street in Manhattan, New York City. You’re bound to run into some interesting landmarks as well as great food. There’s breakfast, Indian cuisine, and Emmy award-winning performers known to put on a show at the nearby Broadway Theater.
Midtown New York Restaurants
In Midtown, you can find both fine dining and casual eating options, plus there’s a highly regarded Scandinavian restaurant sitting on 65 East 55th Street that offers Thanksgiving dinner kits for pre-order.
There are also several bagel shops near the Technical Institute of America, one of which has mostly favorable reviews on Trip Advisor.
Central Park Restaurants: Away From the Hustle and Bustle
Here you’ll find both casual and finer dining choices, plus plenty of restaurants to eat outdoors. A variety of eating locations near the Central Park Zoo serves American, Italian, and French dishes. Hit the park and choose activities ranging from scavenger hunts to walks among nature.
Restaurants Near Penn Station
Penn Station is a major transit hub located beneath Madison Square Garden, an indoor arena known to host everything from boxing to circus events. There are also restaurants specializing in steak and American foods.
Visitors say that these restaurants can be quiet, which may provide the break you need from the rest of the bustling city.
Little Italy New York Restaurants
This area is highly concentrated with tourists and there’s plenty to see and do as well. You’ll be pleased to see this part of the city come to life at nighttime, but at any time, there’s beautiful artwork and lighting to make you feel both welcome and safe while you’re eating.
Genuine Restaurants on New York Streets
Sometimes you’ll find it interesting to see what food is available on specific NYC streets. But you’ll want to consider a lot besides the cuisine. For example, maybe you want to be within walking distance of a metro station.
Restaurants located on 10 Downing Street serve American food and pizza. At least one restaurant on this street serves food cooked with locally-sourced ingredients, meaning the food is served not too far from where the ingredients were grown.
Then there’s 90 Bedford Street, located just outside of Greenwich Village. Some of these restaurants offer takeout and no-contact delivery. Fun fact: this street is a tourist attraction, known to host the hit 90’s television show, Friends.
On 14th street, you can satisfy your food cravings by choosing from steakhouses, American, and Italian cuisines. Enjoyed by locals, the restaurants here are ideal for celebrations. And 49th street restaurants are known most for Italian cuisines. You’ll find some close to the Rockefeller Center. On 9th street, a selection of Thai, Italian, and Mexican cuisines are sure to make you come back for more.
Traditional Italian Restaurants
The food in Italian restaurants is delicious. The atmosphere is calm enough to make you want to fall asleep after eating a plate full of mouthwatering spaghetti. Pasta night can be every night in NYC, especially if you add a bottle of wine and stay close to the restaurants near the Upper West Side.
Authentic Chinese Restaurants
You’ll be pleased to know that some Chinese restaurants in New York won’t hurt your wallet too much, so by all means, try some egg foo young or dumplings.
Perhaps the best of the best doesn’t open up until later in the evening, but you may find yourself in Midtown Manhattan, so you can’t go wrong. You might also want to consider eating at the TAO Downtown Restaurant near Chelsea Market.
Vegan Restaurants
The Vegan cuisines in New York won’t let you down. There are dozens of tasty dishes, including Vegan burgers and a healthy selection of vegetarian dishes which can be found in restaurants on the Lower East Side.
Indian Restaurants: Curry, Tandoori, Tikka Masala
Also available in New York are Indian restaurants, notably, Indian Accent. Although a pricey and lavish choice, this restaurant can also be kid-friendly at times, which will prove useful when you’re planning a family night out. Plus, the best Indian restaurants in NYC are known to stay open for a while.
Japanese Restaurants with a Hit of Wasabi
A Japanese restaurant near Washington Square park can satisfy your cravings. Some Japanese restaurants offer more Japanese eateries offer more whiskey options than in Japan itself. The Ninja New York restaurant on 25 Hudson Avenue is permanently closed, but you’ll likely find at least one person willing to talk about it, and thus inspire you to eat Japanese.
Full Flavor with Mexican Restaurants
Then there’s the Mexican cuisine, where the famous La Contenta on Norfolk Street offers a traditional menu featuring Guacamole served with tortilla chips and mashed avocadoes. Either option is perfect if you’re looking to either try something new or stick to what you already like.
Pizza Restaurants
If pizza is your thing, there’s no shortage of great pizzerias in NYC. If you come with a full belly, you could be up through all hours of the day if you stop at any of the famous pizzerias on the Upper West Side like Patsy's Pizzeria. Coal-fired or classic, take your pick. Better yet, try them all and you’ll be visiting these pizzerias repeatedly.
Thai Restaurants: Peanut Sauce Optional
If you’re looking to try something different then give Thai-inspired restaurants a shot. One such restaurant is located beside the Noguchi Museum in Queens, serving ingredients typically found in Asian cuisines.
Seafood Restaurants
There’s plenty of seafood to eat besides the local Red Lobster. These restaurants offer everything from delicious Alaskan King Crab to marveled lobster rolls, and many of these offerings are presented in upscale restaurants. Many locals agree that one of the seafood restaurants on 155 W. 51st Street is one of the best.
Soul Food Restaurants
Soul food restaurants pack a punch. You’ll find fried chicken and collard green, among other dishes, at these restaurants. They’re cozy, warm, and inviting and serve great food choices including the usual fried chicken and cornbread, as well as other choices that have earned 4- and 5-star ratings from reviewers.
Kosher Restaurants: Focusing on Jewish Diets and Regulations
The Kosher diet is deeply rooted in heritage and religion. One famous Kosher restaurant is near the Empire State Building. Your visit is sure to be memorable, especially considering the best of the best isn’t too far away from one of the most famous neighborhoods of all—Hell’s Kitchen.
Cuban Restaurants: Blending Flavors
Cuban cuisine mixes a combination of other cuisines including African and Caribbean. You’ll likely want to try a Cuban sandwich, which includes mustard along with your pork, ham, and cheese, plus Cuban bread. And if Madison Square Garden is open, you can add entertainment with your meal.
Protein-heavy German Restaurants
German cuisine often mixes meat and vegetables. Consider enjoying roast beef stew and grilled sausage. Remarkably, both the outside and inside of these restaurants are gorgeous, so you might be tempted to linger for a while to take in the atmosphere. If you’re looking for something special, Rolf’s German Restaurant on 281 3rd Avenue will serve you meatloaf, red cabbage, and mashed potatoes for about $30.
Greek Restaurants
Greek food is delicious when served with wine. The lighting can be dim, ideal if you’re looking for a chill spot. The first 9 options listed on Trip Advisor are rated 4 to 5 stars. Stop in and place an order to see why.
Upscale Steak Restaurants
If you haven’t tried steak in New York, you’re bound for a treat. These steakhouses can be a bit pricey, but worth the money. There’s more than a hundred restaurants that serve steak in NYC restaurants, and most of them have pretty positive reviews.
Korean Restaurants
You can choose something sweet, like Hoeddeok—extra syrupy, sweet pancakes. But when you’re in New York, you might want to stay close to the Empire State Building, where thousands of reviewers say the food is pricey, but delicious nonetheless.
American Restaurants
Stop at the Hard Rock Café for a juicy cheeseburger. Or, you can venture nearby and try oysters and cocktails. These restaurants aren’t far from the Williamsburg bridge, so when you see the landmark, you’d better be ready to eat!
Brazilian Restaurants: Kabobs and Meat Options
Brazilian cuisine is diverse, but at its heart is rice, beans, meat, and poultry. The most known dish would have to be feijoada, a stew containing beef and pork. Stop at the vegetarian-friendly Berimbau Brazilian Kitchen, which Yelp lists as one of the favorites for Brazilian food.
Vegetarian Restaurants
Some of these restaurants aren’t too pricey, while most offer delicious meals that vegetarians would like. Among the most popular is the Superiority Burger located at 430 E 9 Street, which is not only affordable but also happens to serve mostly vegetarian meals.
Russian Restaurants: Must-try Pelmeni
Kasha is one of the most popular dishes of the Russian cuisine, a cereal consisting of buckwheat that can be found in many Russian restaurants. These spots can be pricey, but healthy, and perfect when served with traditional Russian vodkas. These restaurants tend to be gorgeous on the inside, providing visitors with the perfect upscale but relaxed dining experience.
Sushi Restaurants: A True Delicacy
Locals suggest that eating at Sushi restaurants isn’t the same unless you eat at the bar. That said, sometimes the prices can get up to $300 per person, but if you’re into seafood, it’s worth the price. If you’re looking for something casual, a sushi restaurant might be a good idea, as some restaurants can be pretty minimalist.
Turkish Restaurants in NYC
Traditional Turkish cuisine consists of minced meat mixed with vegetables, cheese, and various spices. Locals suggest finishing off your meal with an almond pudding with milk, known as keskul.
You’ll be pleased to note that Turkish restaurants are scattered throughout New York, particularly in Manhattan, where you’ll also have the chance to pursue other interests as well.
Peruvian Restaurants
Many Peruvian restaurants are grouped not far from The Bronx. Corn and potatoes are the most common foods found in the Peruvian cuisine. In addition to eating well throughout the city, you’ll also have the chance to support local restaurants, as some are located in less than gorgeous neighborhoods.
BBQ Restaurants
Who doesn’t like a good barbecue? Almost anything can be barbecued, which you’ll see when you stop in BBQ restaurants in NYC. Among the highest-rated is Dalla BBQ Times Square, which boasts a 4-star rating out of more than 9,000 reviews. In many cases, you can enjoy these smoked meats from the comfort of your own home.
New Restaurants Around New York City
It isn’t easy for restaurants these days. But you can find both outdoor and indoor dining options, as well as delivery and carryout. When checking out new restaurants, consider researching the wait times, presentation, cost, and reputation.
Michelin Star Restaurants
Michelin star restaurants have earned stars for excellence. They’re the best there are to offer, so when you find one, you know one. Only a handful of Michelin restaurants are located in New York. The Le Bernardin, a French seafood restaurant, offers some of the finest food in the city.
Famous New York Restaurants
Many famous New York restaurants are grouped together. This means public transportation could be your friend if you plan on attending more than one. French seafood dishes are among the most popular choices at these restaurants.
Restaurants with a View
Whether you’re hoping to see the Hudson River late at night or hoping to surround yourself with beautiful scenery, many NYC restaurants offer a nice view. Focus on those that have a nice view of landmarks. You might want to consider trying The View Restaurant and Lounge.
Expensive Restaurants that Don’t Disappoint
Sometimes you want to shell out a few extra bucks to eat well. You won’t always recognize these restaurants as being expensive from their outside appearance. But cuisines here can cost more than a $100 per person, for example, the celebrity-favorite Per Se.
Good Restaurants
Whether you’re considering American or Chinese, good restaurants in New York boast these benefits:
- Casual and fine dining
- Prompt, friendly service
- Walk-friendly
- Variety
- Affordable eating
Rooftop Restaurants: See the Cityscape
Rooftop restaurants in New York are a positive. Heat rises, meaning heating costs are cut down. And the view from up high is the only excuse you need to eat at these restaurants. Dining options range from Peruvian and Italian to American and Chinese.
Dog-friendly Restaurants
Some NYC restaurants allow dogs on the premises. Others offer special menus just for dogs. Slide on over to the Barking Dog on 1678 3rd Avenue. The name says it all—dogs are encouraged to come along!
FAQ
What are must-try restaurants in New York City?
Here are some restaurants you have to try:
The Delmonico restaurant is located on 2nd South Williams Street. It’s hailed as one of the first a la carte restaurants in New York. These restaurants offer a good chance to escape and eat well.
How many restaurants are in New York City?
There are over 50,000 restaurants and drinking locations in NYC. That number has likely increased or stayed the same in the last two years. You could spend decades eating at each of these restaurants.
With so many tasty options, you’ll likely do just that.