[updated October 2019]
I pride myself on knowing where to eat in Chicago. I’ve been covering the food scene there for about 20 years. But where to eat in New York City is another story. New York City’s food scene changes as fast as the taxis whiz down 9th Avenue. Since I’ve been traveling and somewhat removed from the big apple, there’s no way I can keep up with the hot spot’s openings and closings. This would be a full time job (one I hope to have someday).
Each time I visit I discover new spots, often recommended by friends, that I add to my list of my favorite restaurants in Manhattan.
My On-going List of Favorite NYC Restaurants
The Park
118 10th Avenue
Great neighborhood gem holding court in Chelsea for more than a decade with Mediterranean-American flavors. It’s a huge place and is always a safe bet when meeting friends or dining with family.
The last two times I was there, I was invited by locals, so that’s always a good sign. The food is pretty good, but what I love the most is the gorgeous atrium and garden with full-sized trees – a perfect spring and summer spot to dine under maple trees and chirping birds. But now I have to go back, as I can’t believe I had no idea there was a rooftop bar. My friend Michaela told me about the penthouse, that has a hot tub that allegedly gets some action on some late nights.
Birreria Eataly
200 5th Ave, New York
I recently wrote about this fantastic rooftop bar and restaurant in the Flatiron District. After enjoying the gourmand’s wet dream downstairs, climb up for some great views and tasty views under a retractable roof and cozy heat lamps.
The Chelsea Market
75 9th Ave, New York
Inevitably, I always end up here every time I am in Manhattan. I have a thing for the re-use of old buildings so you can imagine my crush on this former National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) factory where the Oreo was first invented.
If nothing else, you should come to pay homage to this perfect cookie sandwich (do you eat it whole or twist off the top first?). It’s fitting that today it’s been re-purposed into an indoor-market of foodie finds – a fish monger, bread baker, gelateria, Italian specialty food market, several fast-casual restaurants, and, of course, home made cupcake shop.
The exposed brick and duct work still help it retain its original industrial flavor with fragments of the National Biscuit heritage sprinkled all over the complex. It makes perfect sense that the offices of the Food Network are upstairs.
The Little Owl
90 Bedfort St., New York
Another neighborhood gem, oozing with cozy (read: tiny) charm, I was introduced to the Little Owl by my friend Marie Elena. Go ahead and click on their link to enjoy the sweet sounds of Frankie Valli, which to me, evokes the feeling of a warm spring evening in the Village.
The Owl is little, as is the menu and the space: just 30 seats. But this is no “Chicken Little” when it comes to food, the Owl boasts unpretentious, straightforward food like their popular pork chop and one of the best burgers in the city – I savored it and have to agree with this distinction…much more flavorful than the Corner Bistro…
First time in NYC? Here are 10 things NOT to do in New York City from a native New Yorker!
Kashkaval Garden
852 9th Ave, New York
A recommendation by fellow travel blogger, Jodi, I met my step-sister here for a great after-work scene and dinner. The front is a gourmet cheese market and tucked in the back is a cozy wine and cheese bar. My mouth watered over the decadent fondue and amazing Eastern Mediterranean tapas like baba ghanoush, a lemony lentil salad, and Ajvar, a smoky red pepper spread. It’s a great date spot: dark, candle-lit, and full of foods to share.
The Musket Room
265 Elizabeth Street, New YorkThis homey place showcases New Zealand cooking in a modern way. It is the youngest New York restaurant to receive a Michelin star, after being open just four months. The vibe is sort of rustic-chic with cute a backyard garden. There are plenty of Kiwi wines and some dishes on the current menu include:
Cold smoked scallops, cucumbers, black garlic, pears and sea beans
Tofu gnocchi, tomato dashi, oyster mushroom and Asian greens
Chatham cod, parsnip purée, brown butter, beans and barley miso
Boqueria
53 West 19th Street, New YorkA tip from my friend Melissa, Boqueria, looks, feels, and tastes like a tapas joint in Madrid. Crowded, lively and tasty, it serves up all the faves: tortilla Española, dates wrapped in bacon, patatas bravas, as well as some wonderful cheeses and cured meats.
Kilo
857 9th Ave, New York
A new addition to my list, I was just able to try out Kilo suggested by my friend Aileen. It’s tiny, so make a reservation and enjoy a spot at the bar to get some expert wine recommendations and tastes — most of which is organic. Small plates reign here and I could not get enough of the grilled kale with garlic, octopus and chorizo, and mushroom tacos.
For an even more comprehensive A-Z list, head over to Dish Our Town’s Local’s Guide to eating in New York City.
Malaparte
753 Washington St, New York
Need a good neighborhood Italian joint? This is it. Located in the West Village (one of my favorite neighborhoods and where I’d dream of living if I could afford it). Good pasta and a chill vibe. A great place to feel like a local.
Katz’s Deli
205 E Houston St, New York
Gotta give a shout out to an old time classic meat haven. This is the real deal. Pastrami piled so high on rye you can’t see over it. Get it anyway. Then take half home. I have even been known to get them to vacuum seal half the meat to freeze and make later by dropping the cryo-vacced bag in boiling water.
Looking for dessert? Find out where to get the best cheesecake in New York City!
Barbounia
250 Park Ave S, New York
This place has been here FOREVER! Well, more than 15 years, but that’s a long time in Manhattan. Its staying power is a testament to its quality. It’s a great mix of some of my favorite flavors of the mediterranean — Greece, Southern France, Morocco, and Italy. It’s a great place for a group gathering as its large, lively, and festive.
Union Square Café
101 E 19th St, New York
The last time I ate here it was 1992. But it had a strong and lasting effect on me and my interest in food and dining out. I grew up a very picky eater. In the summer and fall of 1992, I lived in New York City while I was interning at “Late Night with David Letterman.” It was then that I started to eat ‘real’ food. And it was at Union Square Café that I tried new things and started to actually ‘like’ foods that I had always despised. I was finally eating food made right and loving it. The restaurant is now legendary and routinely tops lists for NY eateries. It’s recently moved to a new location, but is still the same wonderful food. A must try!
Places I still want to Eat:
Next time I’m in town…wanna chow and imbibe with me?
- DBGB Kitchen and Bar – Looks amazing and love the music on the site too.
- Tia Pol
- Luzzo’s Pizza – said to be the new ‘best pizza in Manhattan’ if there is such a thing? They had me at Coal-Oven.
- Per Se – Somebody take me please?
- Ouest – Same. Same.
- Craft – Ditto.
- Crif Dog – Cream Cheese, scallions, everything bagel seasoning? Um…yum. Kind of like sushi’s ‘Philly Roll’ of dogs
- Taim – Supposed to be some of the tastiest falafel around. And I love me some falafel since my first food truck in NYC in the ’90s.
allison
I've had Shake Shack once… in February, but it was worth waiting in the long cold line! We grabbed a table fairly close to the heat lamps they have, but the food was so delicious we scarfed it down quickly.
Lisa Lubin
Hi Allison! I can not believe I haven't tried it yet! What is wrong with me?? Next time I promise.
Kevin Ftizpatrick
How in the hell can you not include Nathan's Hot Dogs in this otherwise very comprehensive post! It's the only joint outside of Chicago that understands the "arts and sciences" of hot dog cuisine. I've downloaded your list anyway sis. But every trip to the Big Apple includes Nathan's. It's more satisfying than a Gaga open mouth mayoral kiss!
Lisa Lubin
Oh, Kevin, how cliche! 😉 I honestly didn't even think of Nathan's anymore! I honestly like gray's papaya or a street 'best kosher' dog better! There. I said it!
Debbie
Now I'm very hungry! Loved reading this and will keep it in mind since I will by in NYC this summer. Agree on the Chelsea Market. Wonderful place!
Lisa Lubin
Hi Debbie- See, that's the problem…I am always hungry. Mmm….food.
Jodi
Glad you enjoyed Kashkaval! It was right around the corner from my office and many a lunch was had there. Next time do try Cha An – easily one of my favourite restaurants in town.
Lisa Lubin
Thanks Jodi! I will check it out. There are always spots to add to the ever-growing list of goodness.
Scott - QuirkyTravel
Shake Shack sounds amazing… I'll be adding that to my NY list.
Lisa
Scott–It's dreadfully popular. In summer, the line runs 30+ deep. I'm heading to NYC next weekend…hoping the cold weather will make it a perfect time to finally get one of their yummo burgers! Thx for checking in!
ChinaMatt
I've walked past a few of those restaurants in Chelsea. Guess I'll have to try them. I like the Chelsea Market, but it's just too expensive for me. Crif Dogs is one of my favorite places, though I haven't been there in a while. Not far away is an amazing Japanese restaurant (on St. Mark's across from Grassroots Tavern–can't remember the name) that has the best grilled squid I've ever tasted.
Lisa
Hello Mr Lubin: Mmm…I am excited to try Crif Dogs. While I mostly avoid meat and am trying to more and more…I can't deny a good dog sometimes. You HAVE to get me the name of that grilled squid place. I love that. At least do it for your long lost sister. 😉
Abhi
Can I add some to the list! 😀 I miss NYC! 🙁
Lisa
I don't know Abhi…last time we ate together you were a bit selective! 😉 I hope you got to try a lot of new stuff when you lived there!
bob
im headed to new york in just a few weeks…can't wait.