New York For Foodies

Sharing Our Favorite Places to Eat

As a self-proclaimed foodie, New York is one place where there is a restaurant for everyone, regardless of your taste. In fact, many well-known chefs have restaurants in New York. If you’re ever planning on visiting, and are looking for the best restaurants to visit, this is for you. After all, New York is for foodies.

Though New York has more restaurants than one can try in their entire life, I do recommend making reservations. I’m breaking down my favorite places to eat at and which New York neighborhood they reside in.

Brooklyn

Smorgasburg: A must-visit from April through October if you’re headed to Brooklyn. Smorgasburg is an outdoor, huge food market on Saturdays along the water in Williamsburg. Here you’ll find some of the most talked-about foods, including the ramen burger. There’s food for everyone as it showcases the best of Brooklyn’s artisanal food scene, with 100 local and regional vendors right on the East River. And yes, alcohol is featured as well.

Time Out Market: another gastronomical experience you won’t want to miss. Located in DUMBO, Brooklyn, it’s an indoor food space with several vendors so everyone can get what they’re craving.

Vanessa’s Dumpling House: If you find yourself craving dumplings and Asian fare, make sure to check them out. It’s a fast-casual restaurant in Williamsburg, so you’re able to enjoy it as lunch or dinner.

Chelsea

Chama Mama – My daughters and I are always searching for interesting cuisines to try and this Georgian restaurant did not disappoint. We went with Georgian staple Khachapuri and paired it with their wine flight. There are several khachapuri’s to choose from including the traditional open-faced option but we had the Megruli pie which was quite large. We also tried their Mushroom Khinkali which are Georgian dumplings and their selection of Pkhali and vegetable dishes which was an amazing assortment of various dips.

Lower Manhattan

China Town: Nom Wah Tea Parlor is a staple for authentic dim sum and dumplings.

East Village: Bar Primi has a great electric vibe with delicious Italian options.

Flatiron: Serra by Birreria changes their decor and restaurant based on the season. It’s on the rooftop of Eataly in Flatiron and is an outside patio setup. Make sure to grab a reservation if you’re going during popular times. Also in Flatiron, for breakfast or lunch, I would highly recommend The Grey Dog.

Gramercy

Friend of A Farmer is a cute spot that I’ve been to for breakfast. Try and get a reservation if you can, as it was quite crowded.

Maialino is an Italian restaurant inside the beautiful Gramercy Park Hotel!

Korea Town

Baro by Chefs Society If you’re a fan of Korean BBQ and Korean food, this is a must-try!

Lower East Side

Lamia’s Fish Market has absolutely amazing seafood that is fresh right to the table.

Lil’ Frankie’s – for pizza and old-school Italian

Rubirosa – TBH I’ve only been there for their pizzas because who doesn’t love a tie-dye pizza (Vodka, tomato, pesto, and fresh mozzarella)- they are known for this pizza

Meatpacking District

Beauty & Essex – We are a huge fan of chef and co-owner, Chris Santos. The restaurant’s entrance will surprise you. What I love about his restaurant is the small, shared plates so you get a taste of everything. We have eaten at his now-closed Stanton Social and Vandal.

Catch New York – It’s no surprise that we always seek out a seafood restaurant since I am a pescatarian. We typically will get many apps and lite bites to share to taste more of the menu. Make sure to get a reservation or you will be waiting quite a while.

Soho

Balthazar: a great French restaurant that I definitely recommend for a breakfast visit. You will more than likely need a reservation as they tend to be busy.

Gato NYC – If you are a fan of Bobby Flay, you should head to Gato. With a hip vibe with a Spanish twist on Mediterranean food, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. If dining here, you might actually get to see Bobby himself.

Jack’s Wife Freda: One of my favorite breakfast/brunch restaurants. With plenty of options that have an Israeli/Mediterranean twist on them, you’ll find yourself wondering which item to get.

La Mercerie: A good French restaurant for dinner can be hard to come by, but look no further!

NOMO Kitchen: A beautifully set restaurant inside the Nomo Soho hotel. We’ve been for brunch and was delicious, but have heard lunch and dinner is great as well.

Sugarfish – The most authentic sushi you can find with amazing rice in their rolls. You order based on your appetite and courses are brought to you based on the chef’s selection. If you like customizing your sushi or fancy rolls, this isn’t the spot for you. However, if you give it a try, you will not regret it. You can find Sugarfish also in Flatiron & Midtown West.

Union Square

Barn Joo has amazing Korean food with also the option to cook your own ala Korean BBQ.

Tsurotantan is a Japanese restaurant, but they have some of the best Udon soup I’ve ever had. There’s a large menu with two pages dedicated to udon – must try!

West Village

Butcher’s Daughter is another great breakfast go-to in Lower Manhattan. Think American style with a trendy, rustic twist.

E.A.K. Ramen – Our hotel concierge recommended this to us recently on an unseasonably cold, rainy night in June 2021. I’d go whether it was hot or cold because their ramen was great. We also loved their homemade cucumber kimchi

Jajaja Plantas Mexicana: We love a Mexican restaurant, but what makes this unique is the fact that it’s all vegan. Don’t knock it before you try it, the empanadas are a favorite!

Roey’s – This is one of the newer Italian restaurants from the owners of Rosemary’s, Claudette, and Bobo. We literally went back and forth on whether to go to Roey’s or Rosemary’s for our Italian fix and ended up choosing Roey’s. We shared their Burrata Pizza and asparagus paired with the house red.

Waverly Diner – This 24/7 diner is a staple for those in the West Village. My daughter had heard of it so we started our day having a classic egg breakfast. Perfect if you want a quick diner meal with great service and of course iconic vinyl booths.

Midtown

Sarabeth’s: They have many locations, but I like to go to the one at Central Park South before taking in the sights at Central Park. Great place for breakfast/brunch, and if you’re in the Upper West Side or Tribeca area, you’ll see one as well.,

The Smith: A great restaurant to go to with a group as they have something for everyone! I’ve been to the Midtown location, but they also have locations in Lincoln Square, NOMAD, and East Village.

If you’re ever traveling to NYC in the Fall, try and check out the New York City Wine & Festival.

Let me know if you try any of these restaurants & if you find something not on the list, please share! Enjoy the Big Apple!

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