Where to Eat in NYC – 46 Favorite Restaurants in NYC (2026)

Are you looking for the best restaurants in NYC?

I’ve spent a lot of time eating in New York City! That’s why I compiled this comprehensive list of all my favorite restaurants in NYC. I have actually eaten at every one of these places and will not put a restaurant on this list that I wouldn’t highly recommend.

As you know, “where to eat?” is probably the most frequently asked question for people visiting the Big Apple.

While I don’t consider myself a “foodie,” I know good food, and I love a great restaurant with a beautiful aesthetic and interesting menu. Luckily, New York is filled with them!

I owe much of the success of my dining experiences to my faithful daughter who plans my frequent visits to the city with a lot of care. She knows that when mom comes to town, we like to dine out and we love to try new places and re-visit our favorites.

You’ll notice a lot of the places are in Lower Manhattan, but I also mention quite a few in uptown and midtown. I also have recs for the best places to eat in NYC during the holidays.

Pro Tip:  MAKE RESERVATIONS if you can!!! Even when you think you might not need them, make them. It’s New York and everyone goes out to eat – A Lot! And you’re always better safe than sorry.

I’m giving you a list of 45 restaurants in NYC, but let’s start off with a quick summary of my 14 “Best” list.

(I vow to keep adding to this list as long as I keep dining in NYC!)

Quick Summary of My Recs for the
14 “Best” Restaurants in NYC

~ The Best Before a Broadway Show – Dos Caminos

~ The Best Before Carnegie Hall – Redeye Grill

~ The Best Cozy Comfort Food – Waverly Inn

~ The Best Decor – Whitby Bar & Restaurant

~ The Best Food at a Speakeasy – Beauty & Essex

~ The Best Gluten Free Bakery – Modern Bread & Bagel

~ The Best Greek/Mediterranean – Lola Taverna

~ The Best Hot Chocolate – Angelina Paris

~ The Best Japanese/Sushi -Lure Fishbar

~ The Best Jewish Deli for Breakfast – Russ & Daughters

~ The Best Mexican with Atmosphere – Rosie’s

~ The Best Piano Bar – Bemmelman’s

~ The Best Singing Waiters – Ellen’s Stardust Diner 

~ The Best Tourist Bar  – Tavern On The Green

Click Here or on the Map for Locations of Carrie’s Favorite Restaurants in NYC

Breakfast/Brunch 

Let’s start with the first meal of the day. Here are favorite restaurants in NYC  to start your morning off. (Alphabetical order).

Save this list for your NYC itinerary!

#1 Cafeteria NYC – (Chelsea) 119 7th Ave. & 17th St.
This hip diner in Chelsea has a fun vibe and really great food! Honestly, you could eat brunch here any time because they serve eggs all day. I can vouch for the grits, the pancakes, the avocado toast, and on and on.

#2 Ellen’s Stardust Diner – (Times Square) 1650 Broadway at 51st St.
* Best Singing Waiters
Ellen’s Stardust Diner is on my list for breakfast because it’s a hilarious way to start your New York day.  It’s a retro, 1950s theme diner with diner food. But the main feature is the singing waitstaff! While you eat your omelet you’ll be watching some of the best Broadway singers in the city. Not everyone can make it to the stage, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t super talented! It’s really entertaining and the food is pretty good! Go early, but plan on waiting in line for a table.

#3 Hutch & Waldo – (Upper East Side)  247 E 81st St.
Hutch & Waldo has 3 locations. I’ve been to the UWS spot.  It’s a very small and cute neighborhood cafe with great healthy breakfasts and gluten free options. There is not a lot of indoor seating but the sidewalk cafe is very comfy. I’d say this is a bit of a hidden gem in the world of restaurants in NYC.

#4 Jack’s Wife Freida – (Soho) 226 Lafayette St.
Jack’s Wife Freda has five locations and they are among the most popular restaurants in NYC. I’ve been to the Soho and Chelsea spots. The menu is American-Mediterranean with items like Green Shakshuka and Rosewater Waffles. The food is awesome! They call it “South African Israeli Jewish Grandmother Cuisine.” And the atmosphere and decor are really fun and lively. It’s busy, so be prepared!

#5 Modern Bread & Bagel – (Upper West Side) 472 Columbus Ave.
*Best Gluten Free Bakery
Modern Bread & Bagel is kind of like a dream if you are a GF eater. But the truth is, everyone loves their bagels, challah, and pastries. Everything is Gluten Free and it’s a Kosher restaurant. There are tables for outdoor seating and next door is their full restaurant, Thyme & Tonic. Have a bagel and cream cheese with lox and get some cookies to go for later! They also serve dinner food, ship nationwide, and have a store on the Upper East Side and in the Chelsea neighborhood and in L.A. In my family, this is a big favorite restaurant in NYC.

#6 Nat’s on Bank – (West Village) 51 Bank St.
Nat’s is a super charming neighborhood spot with healthy food, a whimsical feel, and a happy vibe. It’s American food with a bit of a twist. And the dishware is adorable!

#7 Pause Cafe – (East Village) 3 Clinton St.
Pause Cafe is on my list for breakfast because the coffee is really excellent! And the Moroccan decor and vibe is very hip. It’s a Moroccan cafe with great food, like colorful acai bowls, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, and has cozy places to sit.

#8 Post Cafe – (East Village) 217 E. 3rd St.
Post Cafe might be the cutest spot in the East Village and it happens to be across the street from my daughter’s building! It’s an old post office turned into a chic little restaurant with whitewashed brick, cozy atmosphere, and lovely garden seating in the back. The menu is “Gourmet American” serving locally sourced, organic, lots of vegan options, and they also serve cocktails. I recommend it for breakfast or lunch because it is usually not busy and is super relaxing. Try the Post Breakfast with some chicken sausage and a vegan biscuit and a hot Golden Milk.

#9 Russ & Daughters Cafe – (East Village) 127 Orchard St.
*Best Jewish Deli for Breakfast
Russ & Daughters is one of NYC’s oldest Jewish restaurants on the Lower East Side. Generations of Russ family descendants continue to grow the business. There are now multiple locations in New York, but I recommend the cafe on Orchard St. The cafe offers excellent, traditional, Jewish food. You must have some rugelach! They even have gluten free bagels, and of course all the best stuff like matzoh ball soup, lox, pastrami… You get the picture.

Lunch/Afternoon Snack

If you’ve had a late breakfast and might just want a snack or light lunch. Here are some of my favorite spots. (Alphabetical order).

#10 Angelina Paris – (Bryant Park) 1050 Sixth Ave.
*Best Hot Chocolate
Angelina Paris is a bakery chain from, you guessed it,Paris! While there are a couple of locations in NYC, I have frequented the Bryant Park spot. This is a lovely French tearoom, boutique and restaurant. It feels like you are in an old fashioned movie and being treated like a star in this lovely and classy setting. You will come for the ambiance but you will stay for the hot chocolate.

#11 Bar Primi – (East Village) 325 Bowery
Bar Primi is an Italian pasta shop on the border of NoHo and the East Village. The menu includes a variety of Italian dishes and the atmosphere is delightful! It’s bright and light and that’s why I suggest it for lunch rather than dinner, but feel free to do both!

#12 Cafe Roma – (Little Italy) 385 Broome St.
Yes, Little Italy is filled with great cannoli – but stop at Cafe Roma for the traditional experience – opened in 1891!. Sit in the window spot and enjoy the famous, fresh baked Italian goodies, including gluten free almond cookies!.

#13 Katz’s  Deli – (Lower East Side) 205 East Houston St.
Katz’s Deli is not just made famous because of all the movies it appears in, but because of its legendary Pastrami Sandwich! Katz’s is considered America’s most famous Kosher, Jewish Deli and you’ll understand why when you go.  Get a number, wait in line, and feel like a true New Yorker.

#14 Patisserie Vanessa– (Upper East Side) 1340 Lexington Ave.
I love this cute, upper east side spot for a latte and sweet treat. They have a delish gluten free chocolate cookie – just sayin…There is a cozy place to sit upstairs to read or work.

#15 Maman – (Flatiron) 22 West 25th St.
Maman cafes are a chain of really charming French inspired restaurants in many locations around NYC.  The decors feature rustic exposed brick, farm tables, wallpaper, and their signature blue and white china. The menus at Maman are inspired by traditional foods of the south of France and use locally sourced ingredients. I recommend the salads for lunch, but save room for dessert!

#16 Redeye Grill: (Central Park South) 890 7th Ave.
*Best Before Carnegie Hall
The Redeye Grill is not someplace I would normally be drawn to because on the outside is a giant sign advertising itself as “Home of the Dancing Shrimp!” But circumstances required a lunch in that neighborhood and I was so pleasantly surprised that I’ve been back several times! It’s a sophisticated New York Brasserie in a comfortable setting directly across the street from Carnegie Hall. The lunch menu is perfect for something warm and healthy but not too overwhelming. I recommend the sushi bowl.

#17 Sant Ambroeus – (West Village) 259 West 4th St.
Sant Ambroeus is lovely chain of bakeries with many locations in NYC. It’s always a great spot for an afternoon coffee and a sweet snack.

#18 Serra- Eataly – (Flatiron) 200 5th Ave. Fl 14
Serra by Birreria is the seasonal rooftop restaurant upstairs in the amazing Italian gourmet market of Eataly. Serra offers a rustic Italian menu and its a great stop for a little lunch or afternoon pause and snack. The space is like being in an Italian countryside greenhouse, that’s decorated uniquely for each season.

#19 The Plaza Champagne Bar – (Central Park South) 758 Fifth Ave.
The Plaza Hotel is the iconic home of Eloise and a million other perfect New York moments. Dining there is a special treat for sure, but if you can’t get reservations at the famous Palm Court, then drop in at the Champagne Bar. The menu is considered “Lite Fare” and the cocktails and champagne in that setting are as elegant as you would imagine. I recommend the soup du jour and a glass of wine for a late lunch. You’ll feel like you gave yourself a special NYC memory.

Cocktail/Appetizer Time

After a day of touring and fun New York activities, who doesn’t love to stop for a late afternoon coffee, snack, appetizer, or maybe even a cocktail? Here are some perfect cocktail hour spots. (Alphabetical order).

#20 Conwell Coffee Hall – (Financial District) 6 Hanover St.
This is the place to stop if you’re in the Financial DIstrict and looking for a pick me up. Check out the historic Art Deco bank that has been beautifully restored into a hip coffee and cocktail spot.

#21 Bar Moga – (West Village) 128 W Houston St. 
Bar Moga is a 1920s Japanese cocktail bar specializing in Yōshoku, or “western” dishes that were popular in Japan during the Taisho period. It’s quite elegant and unusual inside and if you don’t need a full dinner, just stop at the bar for a drink.

#22 Bad Roman – (Columbus Circle) 3rd floor, 10 Columbus Circle
Bad Roman is the chic bar with a full menu upstairs in the shops at Columbus Circle. Go for just cocktails and enjoy the hip setting and the fancy drink choices. Be sure to checkout the fountains in the bathrooms!

#23 Bemelmans Bar – (Upper East Side)  35 E 76th St.
*Best Piano Bar
Bemelmans Bar in the Carlyle Hotel is another iconic New York spot known for its whimsical hand painted walls by Ludwig Bemelmans, the author of the children’s classic, Madeline, in 1947. The Art Deco style, gold-leaf ceiling, and cozy atmosphere with famous piano players and jazz trios nightly. Have a signature cocktail and appetizers. Go early to be sure you’ll get seated. (Cover charges are applied for the live music after 5:30 on some evenings.)

#24 Lodi Restaurant – (Midtown) 1 Rockefeller Plaza
Lodi is an elegant spot in Rockefeller Center inspired by Italian aperitivo culture and the Art Deco architecture of its surroundings. Go here for a drink and apps when you’re in Midtown or shopping in Rockefeller Center.

#25 Tavern on the Green Bar – (Upper West Side)  67th St.
*Best Tourist Bar
Tavern on the Green is the iconic restaurant nestled in Central Park. The menu at Tavern on the Green is sourced by local and seasonal ingredients and the ambiance is nothing less than charming, and especially cozy. I suggest sitting at the bar and ordering some brussel sprouts and french fries. It’s one of our go-to spots at Christmas time because it’s so festive and inviting!

Dinner Time

Dinner in New York can be one of the highlights of your vacation. Its the pause between the exciting activities you’ve experienced during the day, and the equally fun things you have planned for the evening!

Its always a great idea to plan your dinner in a location that is near your evening plans. That way you can relax more during dinner and not worry about the transition to the next event.

You’ll find a lot of different neighborhood choices on my list of restaurants in NYC, so I’ve got you covered for whatever you plan to do after dinner. (Alphabetical order).

#26 Beauty & Essex – (Lower East Side) 146 Essex St.
*Best Food at a Speakeasy
Beauty & Essex is on this list, not just because it is one of the very cool hidden speakeasies of Manhattan, but the food is incredible! You think you have entered a pawn shop when really you have walked into one of the most elegant dining rooms in the city. The food matches the decor in its beautiful presentation as well as flavor. Its an interesting Asian fusion menu. This is highly recommended on my list, for sure.

#27 Cafe Cluny – (West Village) 284 West 12th St.
Cafe Cluny is charming French American bistro in the Village with delicious brunch and dinners, a quaint atmosphere, and really great service! The wait staff even wear classic French stripes!

#28 Dante – (Greenwich Village) 79 Macdougal St.
Dante is the historic Italian cafe in the Village known as the world’s best bar. Celebrities and locals alike have flocked to Dante’s for years and you should too. Get a reservation, have a drink and enjoy modern Italian cuisine.

#29 Delice and Sarrisin – (West Village) 178 West Houston
I LOVE this place! Even though I’m not a vegan, l found this French food to be amazing. The cozy atmosphere tucked into the West Village will remind you of a hidden gem in Paris. This is a must-try in my book!

#30 Dos Caminos – (Times Square) 1567 Broadway 
* Best Before a Broadway Show
Dos Caminos is a popular Mexican restaurant in NYC with multiple locations. I’m recommending the Times Square, Theater District location because it’s the perfect spot before catching a Broadway show. We are always able to get a reservation and its huge inside, so there are plenty of table options. It’s affordable, good quality, Mexican food. Actually, the portions are huge. And when you’re done, you don’t have to rush, because you’ll be right by the theater!

#31 Employee’s Only – (West Village) 510 Hudson St.
EO is the very cool speakeasy in the West Village with the coolest decor and awesome food. It’s called New American fare with a European flare. It’s not just about the cocktails although it is a fun late night spot as well.

#32 Felice 56 – (Midtown) 15 W 56th St.
Authentic Tuscan Italian food in a very modern and elegant atmosphere. The food is locally sourced and quite delicious. I had a memorable risotto on my birthday one year there! The art work and high ceilings make the whole experience feel very special.

#33 Goda Sushi – (Upper East Side) 1576 3rd Ave.
A new fav on the upper east side! As a big sushi fan, I can really vouch for how fresh and excellent this food is. The service is outstanding and the atmosphere is surprisingly relaxing.

#34 La Pecora Bianca – (Midtown) 950 2nd Ave.
La Pecora Bianca is a popular Italian chain with locations in NoMad, Midtown, SoHo, and Bryant Park. I have been to a couple of their spots and the food is always good. And they have Gluten Free pasta!

#35 Little Ruby’s – (West Village) West 4th St.
Any of the Ruby’s Cafe’s in NYC are going to be perfect for a quick, or lingering dinner. Classic menus, not too pricey, and always a fun atmosphere. 

#36 Lola Taverna – (SoHo) 210 6th Ave.
*Best Greek/Mediterranean
Lola Taverna is one of my true favorites. I love Greek and Mediterranean food, so this is always a win for me. It’s a fun colorful atmosphere with a delicious menu. Start with the hummus, move on to the feta salad, and have the chicken souvlaki!

#37 Lure Fishbar – (SoHo) 142 Mercer St.
*Best Japanese/Sushi
Lure Fishbar has become a staple of our NYC visits. The dining experience is great because the restaurant is designed as a ship with gorgeous wood and lots of space. While always busy, its not too loud to be able to have a conversation. And you can’t beat the neighborhood!

#38 Mew – (Midtown) 53 W 35th St. 
Mew is another favorite Japanese spot for us. It’s a funky basement restaurant that is very cozy and casual. It’s always busy and lively there. The food is outstanding, and I am a big fan of sushi, so I can say it is some of the best I’ve ever had. It gets a little loud in there though, so don’t look for quiet conversation!

#39 Rosie’s – (East Village) 29 E 2nd St. 
*Best Mexican with Atmosphere
Rosie’s is an authentic Mexican restaurant, but with a modern vibe. It’s a comfortable and casual scene, yet the food is really not your average Mexican fare. It’s really excellent and is new to my list of “I want to return there!”

#40 Serafina – 10 Locations
Serafna is a group of Italian restaurants around the city, that are always a terrific. The food is always great and the locations I have been to are quite lovely. I particularly like the one in the Meatpacking District with its outdoor seating for a warm summer night. There is also a great location in Times Square for a before-the-show meal.

#41 The Dutch – (SoHo) 131 Sullivan St. 
The Dutch is an American restaurant that serves very diverse types of food. It’s a mix of cultural influences, just like New York! The atmosphere is local cafe meets country inn. There are great seafood options, locally sourced choices, and I found the food superb and the vibe very comfortable.

#42 The Pineapple Club Restaurant – (East Village) 509 E 6th St.
The Pineapple Club is a fun tropical theme spot with a colorful greenhouse-like indoor area. The menu features a variety of seafood options, salads, desserts, starters, and sandwiches.  You’ll love their avocado fries and chips and guac.

#43 The Smith Restaurant – (East Village) 55 Third Ave. 
The Smith is a very popular dining choice with a wide range of dishes. There are four locations in the city, I’ve only been to the East Village spot. Look for fish, tacos, burgers, and pasta. It’s really great food, but gets pretty busy, so if you are looking for quiet, this isn’t the best place.

#44 The Waverly Inn – (Greenwich Village) 16 Bank St.
*Best Cozy Comfort Food
The Waverly Inn is the famous cozy home in the Village that is a favorite spot for an early dinner or cocktail hour by the fireplace. It’s a cozy atmosphere with beautiful red leather seats and white tablecloths. The menu features classic American dishes with vegetarian and gluten-free options​​​​​​. 

#45 The Whitby Hotel Restaurant- (Midtown)18 W 56th St.
*Best Decor
The Whitby Bar & Restaurant is quite special because the decor is unlike any place you’ve ever been! This is one of the most beautiful restaurants in NYC. And the food is no less special! The hotel and its sister hotels are all designed by the famous Kit Kemp. This restaurant offers a rich and colorful dining experience with its high ceilings, pewter bar, and beautiful upholstery and decor. Have dinner or afternoon tea. You’ll want to move in!

#46 Via Carota – (Greenwich Village) 51 Grove St.
Via Carota is all about beauty. From the food to the atmosphere, it’s like walking into a gorgeous movie about the Italian countryside. Its fame comes from its chef owners who have maintained the vision of a neighborhood trattoria. They say it is inspired by a 17th century villa in Florence and you’ll see why. It’s really a special dining experience. Highly recommend it!

Where is the best place to stay in
New York City?

New York has restaurants for everyone and hotels for  every ocassions. Here are some places to stay with great reviews in great neighborhoods.

→ Best Budget Spot – Arlo Soho – 231 Hudson St. 

Arlo Soho is in the heart of Greenwich Village, has a rooftop bar, and views of the river. This spot can cost you $292 and up.

 

→ Best Mid-Range Spot – The Hotel Beacon – 2130 Broadway

The Hotel Beacon is a historic building on the Upper West Side with apartment style rooms near Central Park. This hotel can cost you $479 and up.

→ Best Luxury Spot – Lotte New York Palace – 455 Madiosn Ave.

Lotte New York Palace was formerly the historic Villard Mansion, on Madison Avenue. This grand, 5 star hotel can cost you $595 and up.

Here is more information about the NYC neighborhoods and the safest places to stay in Manhattan.

Now you know about the
Best Restaurants In New York City

In a nutshell…

Imagine all the great food you have to look forward to in New York City! You have the insider scoop on the top restaurants in NYC.

We all know that New York City has thousands of places to eat, but now you don’t have to feel overwhelmed. 

There is something for everyone and for every mood and for every appetite!

Check out my other New York City posts for more ideas of things to do and places to stay.

xx,
Carrie