27 awesome places to eat in New York City

Jul 27 2018, 3:05 am

New York City is essentially composed of back-to-back restaurants and bars, so you will never be short on food options. But every trip to New York is a whirlwind, and your time and money are both precious. Don’t waste a single meal on sub-par food.

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We’re pretty sure 18 new restaurants have opened in New York during the time it took for this page to load, but as of the publishing date, here are some of our favourite spots – aka some ofĀ the best places – to eat in New York.

Caribbean party place:Ā Miss Lilyā€™s

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With bumping vibes and friendly service, this colourful, lively Jamaican-themed restaurant will make you feel like youā€™re living your island fantasy. Their jerk chicken and corn on the cob is the stuff dreams are made of (I literally had a dream about the corn). There are two locations in New York City and even a new outpost in Dubai – the East Village one is where the party is at!

Address:Ā 132 West Houston Street / 109 Avenue A
Neighbourhood: Soho / East Village
Phone:Ā +1-212-812-1482
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Best pizza in town: Prince Street Pizza

 

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“Best pizza in town” is a bold statement, especially in New York City, but we stand by it. Try not to drool in the lineup as the anticipation builds for a square slice of their Sicilian pepperoni (as I try not to drool while writing this). Weirdly, the lineup seems shortest around 5 pm. As displayed in photos on the walls, this pizza attracts the likes of the Kardashians, Usher, Liam Hemsworth, and more – so you better believe it’s worth a try, fellow foodies!

Address: 27 Prince Street A
Neighbourhood: NoLita
Phone:Ā +1-212-966-4100
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Classic New York City ‘dog: Gray’s Papaya

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If you went to New York and didn’t get a hot dog, did you even go to New York? Pop on over to Gray’s Papaya after visiting the American Museum of Natural History or strolling through Central Park. This is an NYC staple that, in our opinion, is totally worth the hype.

Address: 2090 Broadway
Neighbourhood: Upper West Side
Phone: +212-799-0243
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Year-round summertime vibes: Santina

 

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Tucked underneath the High Line, Santina may be one of our favourite spots to grab a bite in Manhattan – the energy at this place is on point! It feels like summer all year long here with its outdoor patio section and light menu with a focus on fish and vegetables. Come here if you’re looking for something fun and lively.

Address: 820 Washington Street
Neighbourhood: Meatpacking District
Phone:Ā +1-212-254-3000
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Coffee shop eats:Ā The Elk

 

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Tucked into a side street of West Village, this spot is definitely a favourite of local coffee lovers. It’s a great place to curl up with a book or your laptop, and its amazing top chef menu serves up healthy and delicious eats. Special shout out to the Market Rice Bowl for being the dose of health we needed in between stuffing our face with pizza.

Address: 128 Charles Street
Neighbourhood: West Village
Phone:Ā +1-212-933-4780
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Egg-cellent eats: Egg Shop

 

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You may have seen this storefront on, I don’t know, every blogger’s Instagram feed. It really is that cute. Come here for a delicious variety of egg-filled dishes including bowls, sandwiches, bennies, and of course avo toast. But don’t come here if you are looking for Wi-Fi (don’t worry Millennials, you will survive).

Address:Ā 151 Elizabeth Street
Neighbourhood: NoLita
Phone:Ā +1-646-666-0810
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Healthy pick-me-up:Ā Joe & The Juice

With 12 locations throughout NYC, this Danish-based healthy food joint is a great way to boost your energy as you conquer the entire city on foot. You can rely on Joe & the Juice for its signature dark lighting, bass-heavy tunes, delicious smoothies and, dare we say, easy-on-the-eyes waitstaff.

Various locations
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Trendy Italian:Ā Pasquale Jones

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If it was good enough for BeyoncĆ©ā€™s pizza party, itā€™s good enough for you. This upscale pizzeria offers a trendy atmosphere with hip-hop music set against some of the most delish wood-oven pizzas and unique wines in the city.

Address:Ā 187 Mulberry Street
Neighbourhood: NoLita
Phone: +1-917-472-7230
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Casual rooftop:Ā Brass Monkey

This pub livens up at night and is also a great spot park to yourself for lunch and take in the views of the Hudson River. With delish American pub fare and twinkle lights lining the sky, Brass Monkey is a perfect spot to enjoy a classic NYC atmosphere and eats.

Address:Ā 1304, 55 Little West 12th Street
Neighbourhood: Meatpacking District
Phone:Ā +1-844-344-1200
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Burger & shake:Ā Shake Shack

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Shake Shack is to New York what In-N-Out Burger is to LA. With a handful of locations, including one just outside of Times Square, and a cute patio spot by the Flatiron building, a classic Shake Shack burger, fries and milkshake are necessities for your trip to the city.

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Intimate & industrial: Quality Meats

If you’re looking for a cool, contemporary, cozy spot and a saliva-inducing steak, look no further than Quality Meats. New York is all about its hip hidden gems – think brick walls and funky lighting – and this is a prime example. Make sure to try their quality house-made ice cream as well!

Address:Ā 57 West 58th Street
Neighbourhood: Midtown
Phone:Ā +1-212-371-7777
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Cutest lil’ lunch: Maman

 

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Walk into this delightfully charming French cafĆ© and you’ll feel right at home. Grab an over-the-counter salad, salad, or sandwich and don’t forget a delectable chocolate chunk cookie (voted one of Oprah’s favourite things in 2017). There are locations in Soho, Tribeca, Meatpacking, Greenpoint, Nomad, and even one in Toronto, and all are highly Instagrammable.

Various locations
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Caribbean in Brooklyn: Pearl’s

 

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Pearl’s is a colourful splash of Caribbean flavour on a quiet side street off of Bedford Avenue. Their signature dishes such as the bake and shark sandwich and jerk chicken are sure to tickle your taste buds, and the picnic tables on the back patio are perfect for kicking back on those sunny days.

Address: 178 North 8th Street
Neighbourhood: Williamsburg
Phone:Ā +1-929-276-3528
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Grab-and-go ā€˜za:Ā Artichoke Pizza

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Artichoke Pizza is your new favourite drunken snack. Its generously sized slices with various toppings, including the namesake creamy artichoke sauce, will be just the pick-me-up you need on an afternoon of walking the city or a night out of dancing. With 10 locations throughout the city including Chelsea, East Village, and Williamsburg, this spot has got your back.

Various locations
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American hideaway: Freemans

This hotspot isĀ a converted townhouse found at the end of an alley, with two floors serving awesome nouveau American. A great spot for brunch, lunch, dinner, and everything in between. Once you’re ready for a nightcap head to the second floor and sneak into the speakeasy Banzarbar (formerly just storage and a service bar)!

Address: Freeman Alley
Neighbourhood: Lower East Side
Phone: +1-212-420-0012
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Foodie paradise: Chelsea Market

Situated just under the High Line, this enclosed food hall is serving up all different kinds of delicious eats. And the best part is they are semi-affordable – shout out to Los Tacos for their $3 tacos! Measuring a full city block and with 35+ vendors, foodies will never be short on options at Chelsea Market.

Address:Ā 75 9th Avenue
Neighbourhood: Chelsea
Phone:Ā +1-212-652-2110
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Instagrammable vegetarian – The Butcher’s Daughter

Come to this plant-based cafĆ© for 100% vegetation and vegan options, including the best avocado toast and acai bowl in the city. With locations in both NYC and Venice Beach, the dĆ©cor resembles a butcher’s shop, except instead of meat hanging from the ceilings, it’s boho-chic plants. This is your next Insta opp.

Address:Ā 19 Kenmare Street / 581 Hudson Street / 271 Metropolitan Avenue
Neighbourhood: NoLita / West Village / Williamsburg
Phone:Ā +1-212-219-3434 / +1-917-388-2132 / +1-347-763-1421
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The OG halal cart: Halal Guys

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The definition of started-from-the-bottom-now-we’re-here, these guys started off as a hot dog cart outside of the MOMA and have turned an international restaurant chain and are known for the best halal in New York City. Order yourself a gyro or chicken over rice, and make sure to add the white sauce that comes in little packets – you’re welcome!

Various locations
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Cozy Mediterranean: Rintintin

 

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If you’re looking for a lovely combo of ambiance, menu items, and even price point (relatively, for NYC), this charming bistro in Nolita is calling your name. Rintintin’s cozy vibes will welcome you with open arms, and there are plenty of delicious Mediterranean dishes to satisfy your taste buds.

Address: 14 Spring Street
Neighbourhood: NoLita
Phone:Ā +1-646-666-0114
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Italian market: Eataly

Eataly Flatiron New York

Eataly NYC Flatiron (Shutterstock)

We love strolling through the Flatiron district, but we love pasta more. Pop into this carb-loversā€™ paradise for all the Italian deliciousness you can get your hands on – a great spot to grab a breakfast-to-go, sit down for a meal, or purchase a bag of angel hair noodles to brew back at home. Thereā€™s also a location downtown near the World Trade Center.

Address:Ā 200 5th Ave / 101 Liberty St tower 4
Neighbourhood: Flatiron / Downtown
Phone:Ā +1 212-229-2560 / +1 212-897-2895
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Laid-back lunch: The Wayland

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This no-frills neighbourhood bar is usually not too crowded (wait, did we just jinx that?) and offers a great place to kick back for some brunch or lunch. It also has an inventive cocktail bar and live music in the evenings, should your lunch carry on through the day.

Address:Ā 700 East 9th Street
Neighbourhood: East Village
Phone:Ā +1-212-777-7022
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Prime people-watching patio:Ā Rock Center CafĆ©

In the summer months, the legendary ice rink at Rockefeller Center transforms into a bustling outdoor American grill. Right in the middle of the action of Midtown, this is the perfect patio to people-watch amongst the skyscrapers while sipping on an ice cold glass of frozƩ.

Address:Ā 20 West 50th Street
Neighbourhood: Midtown
Phone:Ā +1-212-332-7620
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Classic NYC deli: Katz’s Delicatessen

Vegans, look away – Katz’s has been an NYC staple since 1888, and it is jam-packed with meat. If you’re willing to brave the crowds, get into this kosher-style deli and chow down on one of their famous pastrami sandwiches until your heart’s content, or your stomach is about to burst. Whichever comes first.

Address:Ā 205 East Houston Street
Neighbourhood: Lower East Side
Phone:Ā +1-212-254-2246
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Jewish soul food: Russ & Daughters Cafe

Serving up Jewish comfort food in the form of mouthwatering brunch, Russ & Daughters may just be your new favourite way to start your day. This is where you can get the ultimate NYC bagel and lox. If you like what you taste (spoiler alert: you will), pop up to the grocery store by the same name on Houston Street to take some of the goodness home with you.

Address:Ā 127 Orchard Street
Neighbourhood: East Village
Phone:Ā +1-212-475-4880 ext. 2
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Delizioso Italian: Rubirosa

This may be the carb-lover in us talking, but there are few things in the world that are better than a plate of pasta or pizza, and Rubirosa does those dishes right.Ā This dimly lit space is perfect for an intimate setting or a group of friends. There may be a bit of a wait, but it is oh. so. worth. it.

Address: 235 Mulberry Street
Neighbourhood: NoLita
Phone:Ā +1-212-965-0500
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Star-studded new American: Tribeca Grill

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Co-owned by award-winning actor Robert De Niro, this restaurant showcases contemporary lighting, brick walls, stylish art, an innovative menu, and delectable wine. Previous guests have included celebrities like Nelson Mandella, Bill Murray, and Meryl Streep. )You may have heard of them.)

Address: 275 Greenwich Street
Neighbourhood: Tribeca
Phone:Ā +1-212-941-3900
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Cobblestoned food court:Ā Seaport District NYC

This once-sleepier area of town has been revitalized to include a lively collection of food vendors, merchants, music, beer garden, cocktail bar, and a museum. This waterfront area on the East River has amazing views of the Brooklyn Bridge and downtown, and is a great place to grab a bite after exploring Wall Street.

Address:Ā 19 Fulton Street
Neighbourhood: Financial District
Phone:Ā +1-646-822-6972
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Okay, we could go on, but now do you believe us that New York is enough to satisfy your hunger and then some? Time to stop reading and start eating.

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Kellie PaxianKellie Paxian

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