This list features restaurants enjoyed by us, our families, friends, and many of our tour guests — plus a few NYC favorites that critics and locals rave about.
We chose these spots because they consistently offer great food, friendly service, and clean, welcoming spaces. Whether you want a quick bite, a family-friendly stop, or a cozy sit-down meal, you’ll find something here for every taste and budget.
Restaurants are grouped first by neighborhood, then by the type of food they serve. Street and avenue ranges are included so you can find them easily on the map. Price ranges use the familiar “$” symbols.
If your experience at any of these places doesn’t meet those standards, please let us know — we’ll review it and may update the list.
Note: We do not receive payment or free meals in exchange for listing them. All information was accurate at the time of writing, but menus, prices, and service may change.
Lillie’s Victorian Establishment (Times Square) — Ornate, always-decorated gastropub; great photos and pub fare. ($$)
📍 249 W 49th St • ☎️ (212) 957-4530 • Website
Mom’s Kitchen & Bar — Comfort-food favorites; huge portions; kid-friendly. ($$)
📍 701 9th Ave (48th) • ☎️ (646) 657-0080 • Website
5 Napkin Burger — Signature burgers and shakes; casual crowd-pleaser. ($$)
📍 630 9th Ave (44th–45th) • ☎️ (212) 757-2277 • Website
Peak (Hudson Yards) — Sky-high views; refined New American; special occasions. ($$$$)
📍 30 Hudson Yards, Fl 101 • ☎️ (332) 204-8540 • Website
Pick A Bagel (8th Ave) — Classic NYC bagels; quick breakfast or grab-and-go. ($)
📍 891 8th Ave • ☎️ (212) 582-8333 • Website
Hudson Bagel — Old-school bagels; easy breakfast pit stop. ($)
📍 691 9th Ave (47th–48th)
Liberty Bagels (35th St) — Hand-rolled bagels; lines move fast; great spreads. ($)
📍 260 W 35th St • ☎️ (212) 279-1124 • Website
Marseille — French-Mediterranean brasserie; great mussels, brunch, patio. ($$$)
📍 630 9th Ave (44th–45th) • ☎️ (212) 333-2323 • Website
Bombay Grill House — Indian staples; comfortable, unfussy curries. ($$)
📍 764 9th Ave (51st–52nd) • ☎️ (212) 977-3098 • Website
Patsy’s Italian Restaurant — Old-school Italian (Sinatra favorite); warm service; classic red-sauce dishes. ($$$)
📍 236 W 56th St • ☎️ (212) 247-3491 • Website
Amarone Scarlatto — Cozy Italian; pastas and classics; neighborhood feel. ($$)
📍 802 9th Ave (53rd–54th) • ☎️ (212) 245-6060 • Website
Norma (Hell’s Kitchen) — Italian pizzeria & cucina; friendly service; solid pies and pasta. ($$)
📍 801 9th Ave (53rd) • ☎️ (212) 246-6000 • Website
Barbetta — Historic Northern Italian on Restaurant Row; elegant pre-theater. ($$$)
📍 321 W 46th St • ☎️ (212) 246-9171 • Website
Becco — Lively Italian with popular pasta tastings; dependable pre-theater. ($$$)
📍 355 W 46th St • ☎️ (212) 397-7597 • Website
Nizza — Italian & pizza with cocktails; relaxed, modern vibe. ($$)
📍 630 9th Ave (44th–45th) • ☎️ (212) 956-1800 • Website
Tony’s Di Napoli (Midtown) — Family-style Italian; big portions; festive atmosphere. ($$)
📍 147 W 43rd St • ☎️ (212) 221-0100 • Website
Ci Siamo — Italian kitchen with wood-fire focus; excellent pastas and pizza. ($$$$)
📍 440 W 33rd St, Ste 100 • ☎️ (212) 219-6559 • Website
Yakiniku Tohbay (Japanese BBQ) — DIY grilled meats; fun for small groups. ($$)
📍 253 W 55th St, 2nd Fl • ☎️ (917) 261-2165 • Website
Soba Noodle Azuma — Comforting soba and Japanese favorites; easy pre-theater. ($$)
📍 251 W 55th St • ☎️ (917) 262-0540 • Website
Toloache 50 — Vibrant Mexican; great margaritas; lively pre-theater choice. ($$$)
📍 251 W 50th St • ☎️ (212) 581-1818 • Website
Pop’s Pizza (Times Square) — The BEST Thin-crust NYC slices. ($)
📍 840 8th Ave (50th–51st) • ☎️ (212) 489-6187 • Website
The Original Soup Man (Seinfeld) — Quick stop for iconic soups; casual and fast. ($$)
📍 259 W 55th St • ☎️ (212) 956-0900
Gallaghers Steakhouse — Broadway institution since 1927; dry-aged steaks; classic bar. ($$$$)
📍 228 W 52nd St • ☎️ (212) 586-5000 • Website
West Side Steakhouse — Straightforward steakhouse; quieter than the big names. ($$$)
📍 597 10th Ave (43rd–44th) • ☎️ (212) 564-4803 • Website
Fred’s — Dog-themed neighborhood favorite; casual American fare; brunch hotspot. ($$)
📍 476 Amsterdam Ave (83rd–84th) • ☎️ (212) 579-3076 • Website
Viand Cafe — Classic NYC diner; fast service; breakfast all day. ($$)
📍 517 Columbus Ave (85th–86th) • ☎️ (212) 362-3333 • Website
Tom’s Restaurant — “Seinfeld” diner; no-frills comfort food. ($)
📍 2880 Broadway (112th–113th) • ☎️ (212) 864-6137
Absolute Bagels — Beloved bagel shop; hand-rolled; always a line. ($)
📍 2788 Broadway (107th–108th) • ☎️ (212) 932-2052
Orwashers Bakery (UWS) — Historic bakery; artisanal breads, bagels, and pastries. ($$)
📍 440 Amsterdam Ave (81st–82nd) • ☎️ (212) 877-5700 • Website
Café Luxembourg — Bustling, classic bistro-style spot; reliable brunch and late-night. ($$$)
📍 200 W 70th St • ☎️ (212) 873-7411 • Website
Nice Matin — Bright French bistro; great brunch; outdoor seating. ($$$)
📍 201 W 79th St • ☎️ (212) 873-6423 • Website
Boulud Sud — Refined Mediterranean; seafood focus; polished service. ($$$$)
📍 20 W 64th St • ☎️ (212) 595-1313 • Website
Awadh — Northern Indian; upscale yet relaxed; known for slow-cooked meats. ($$)
📍 2588 Broadway (97th–98th) • ☎️ (646) 861-3604 • Website
Salumeria Rosi — Cozy Italian wine bar and salumeria; small plates. ($$$)
📍 283 Amsterdam Ave (73rd–74th) • ☎️ (212) 877-4800 • Website
Celeste — Tiny neighborhood trattoria; cash only; beloved gnocchi. ($$)
📍 502 Amsterdam Ave (84th–85th) • ☎️ (212) 874-4559
Sushi Yasaka — Local favorite; fresh fish; great value for sushi sets. ($$)
📍 251 W 72nd St • ☎️ (212) 496-8460 • Website
Sushi YOLO — Sushi bar with prix fixe and à la carte options; relaxed and convenient. ($$$)
📍 348 W 57th St • ☎️ (646) 678-3666 • Website
Cilantro — Neighborhood Mexican; good for casual meals and margaritas. ($$)
📍 485 Columbus Ave (83rd–84th) • ☎️ (212) 712-9090 • Website
Pop’s Pizza (Columbus Circle) — (Favorite! ❤️) Thin Crust Classic NY slices; fast service. ($)
📍 301 W 57th St (8th–9th Ave) • ☎️ (212) 784-8863 • Website
Gray’s Papaya — (Favorite! ❤️) Famous NYC hot dogs; quick, cheap, and classic. ($)
📍 2090 Broadway (corner of 72nd St) • ☎️ (212) 799-0243 • Website
Sal & Carmine Pizza — Old-school slice shop; thin, classic NYC style. ($)
📍 2671 Broadway (101st–102nd) • ☎️ (212) 663-7651
Lincoln Ristorante — Modern Italian steak & seafood; floor-to-ceiling windows. ($$$$)
📍 142 W 65th St • ☎️ (212) 359-6500 • Website
J.G. Melon — Classic UES burger joint since 1972; cash only. ($$)
📍 1291 3rd Ave (74th–75th) • ☎️ (212) 744-0585 • Website
Lexington Candy Shop — Old-school luncheonette; classic shakes and sandwiches. ($$)
📍 1226 Lexington Ave (83rd–84th) • ☎️ (212) 288-0057 • Website
Sarabeth’s (UES) — Brunch favorite; pastries, omelets, and comfort classics. ($$)
📍 1295 Madison Ave (92nd–93rd) • ☎️ (212) 410-7335 • Website
Neil’s Coffee Shop — No-frills diner; hearty breakfast and lunch. ($)
📍 961 Lexington Ave (70th–71st) • ☎️ (212) 988-0840
Café Boulud — Elegant French dining; seasonal tasting menus. ($$$$)
📍 20 E 76th St • ☎️ (212) 772-2600 • Website
Orsay — Parisian-style brasserie; great steak frites and onion soup. ($$$)
📍 1057 Lexington Ave (75th–76th) • ☎️ (212) 517-6400 • Website
Sfoglia — Cozy, rustic Italian; handmade pastas and desserts. ($$$)
📍 1402 Lexington Ave (92nd–93rd) • ☎️ (212) 831-1402 • Website
San Matteo Pizza Espresso Bar — Wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas and espresso. ($$)
📍 1739 2nd Ave (90th–91st) • ☎️ (212) 426-6943 • Website
Sasabune — Omakase-focused sushi; “Trust Me” menu. ($$$$)
📍 401 E 73rd St • ☎️ (212) 249-8583 • Website
Lady M Confections — Known for signature mille crêpe cakes. ($$$)
📍 41 E 78th St • ☎️ (212) 452-2222 • Website
ABC Kitchen — Chic New American from Jean-Georges; organic and locally sourced focus. ($$$)
📍 35 E 18th St (Broadway–Park Ave S) • ☎️ (212) 475-5829 • Website
Gramercy Tavern — Beloved New American fine dining; lunch and dinner in an elegant setting. ($$$$)
📍 42 E 20th St (Broadway–Park Ave S) • ☎️ (212) 477-0777 • Website
The Grey Dog (Chelsea border) — American café with sandwiches, salads, and coffee; casual and cozy. ($$)
📍 242 W 16th St (7th–8th Ave) • ☎️ (212) 229-2345 • Website
The Smith – NoMad — All-day American; lively atmosphere; great for brunch, lunch, or dinner. ($$$)
📍 1150 Broadway (27th) • ☎️ (212) 685-4500 • Website
Twenty Three Grand — American breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and desserts. ($$)
📍 381 Park Ave South (27th) • ☎️ (212) 335-0093 • Website
Cote Korean Steakhouse — Michelin-starred Korean barbecue; high-quality meats and stylish dining. ($$$$)
📍 16 W 22nd St (Broadway–5th Ave) • ☎️ (212) 401-7986 • Website
Da Umberto (Chelsea border) — Upscale Italian dining with refined flavors and attentive service. ($$$)
📍 107 W 17th St (6th–7th Ave) • ☎️ (212) 989-0303 • Website
Lillie’s Victorian Establishment – Union Square — Ornate, always-decorated gastropub; lively brunch and dinner spot. ($$)
📍 13 E 17th St (Union Square–Broadway) • ☎️ (212) 337-1970 • Website
Zaytinya — Mediterranean and tapas from chef José Andrés; breakfast through dinner. ($$$)
📍 1185 Broadway (28th–29th) • ☎️ (212) 804-9070 • Website
Oscar Wilde — Gastropub with extravagant décor; NYC’s longest bar at 118.5 feet. ($$$$)
📍 45 W 27th St (6th–Broadway) • ☎️ (212) 213-3066 • Website
Hawksmoor — British steakhouse with an emphasis on sustainable sourcing; refined atmosphere. ($$$$)
📍 109 E 22nd St (2nd–3rd Ave) • ☎️ (212) 777-1840 • Website
Verōnika — Modern European cuisine in a stunning space; upscale dining experience. ($$$$)
📍 281 Park Ave South (22nd) • ☎️ (646) 993-6993 • Website
Socarrat Paella Bar – Chelsea (Chelsea border) — Spanish tapas and paella; lively yet intimate. ($$$)
📍 259 W 19th St (7th–8th Ave) • ☎️ (212) 462-1000 • Website
The Grey Dog (Chelsea border) — American café with sandwiches, salads, and coffee; casual and cozy. ($$)
📍 242 W 16th St (7th–8th Ave) • ☎️ (212) 229-2345 • Website
The Standard Grill — American classics with style; breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and happy hour in a lively setting. ($$$)
📍 848 Washington St (13th–Little West 12th) • ☎️ (212) 645-4100 • Website
The Leroy House — New American in a relaxed, upscale townhouse setting; craft cocktails. ($$$)
📍 430 Hudson St (Leroy–St. Luke’s Pl) • ☎️ (646) 590-0640 • Website
Perry St — New American with French and Asian fusion; refined riverside dining. ($$$$)
📍 176 Perry St (Perry–Charles Ln) • ☎️ (212) 352-1900 • Website
Semma — Bold South Indian cuisine with a wine and cocktail bar; Michelin-starred. ($$$)
📍 60 Greenwich Ave (Off Perry) • Website
Da Umberto (Chelsea border) — Upscale Italian dining with refined flavors and attentive service. ($$$)
📍 107 W 17th St (6th–7th Ave) • ☎️ (212) 989-0303 • Website
Dante West Village — Italian with standout cocktails; great for brunch, lunch, or dinner; kids menu available. ($$$)
📍 551 Hudson St (11th–Perry) • ☎️ (212) 982-5275 • Website
L’Artusi — Upscale Italian; refined pastas; contemporary West Village vibe. ($$$)
📍 228 W 10th St (Hudson–Bleecker) • ☎️ (212) 255-5757 • Website
Morandi — Italian trattoria with rustic charm; breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. ($$)
📍 211 Waverly Pl (Charles–10th) • ☎️ (212) 627-7575 • Website
Pastis — French bistro in the heart of the Meatpacking District; brunch to late-night. ($$$)
📍 52 Gansevoort St (Washington–Greenwich) • ☎️ (212) 929-4844 • Website
Socarrat Paella Bar – Chelsea (Chelsea border) — Spanish tapas and paella; lively yet intimate. ($$$)
📍 259 W 19th St (7th–8th Ave) • ☎️ (212) 462-1000 • Website
Fanelli Cafe — Historic SoHo tavern (est. 1847); burgers, sandwiches, pub fare. ($$)
📍 94 Prince St (Mercer–Broadway) • ☎️ (212) 226-9412 • Website
Balthazar — Iconic French brasserie; breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, late-night. ($$$)
📍 80 Spring St (Crosby–Broadway) • ☎️ (212) 965-1414 • Website
La Mercerie — Chic French café & restaurant inside Roman and Williams Guild. ($$$)
📍 53 Howard St (Broadway–Mercer) • ☎️ (212) 852-9097 • Website
Rubirosa — Famous thin-crust pizzas & Italian-American dishes; family-friendly. ($$)
📍 235 Mulberry St (Prince–Spring) • ☎️ (212) 965-0500 • Website
Lombardi’s Pizza — America’s first pizzeria (1905); coal-oven pies. ($$)
📍 32 Spring St (Mott–Mulberry) • ☎️ (212) 941-7994 • Website
Parm — Casual Italian-American comfort food; chicken parm heroes & pasta. ($$)
📍 248 Mulberry St (Prince–Spring) • ☎️ (212) 993-7189 • Website
Peasant — Rustic Italian; wood-fired cooking; seasonal pastas. ($$$)
📍 194 Elizabeth St (Prince–Spring) • ☎️ (212) 965-9511 • Website
Blue Ribbon Sushi — Fresh sushi in a cozy setting; late-night dining. ($$$)
📍 119 Sullivan St (Prince–Spring) • ☎️ (212) 343-0404 • Website
La Esquina — Stylish Mexican café & brasserie; tacos, tostadas, cocktails. ($$)
📍 114 Kenmare St (Lafayette–Cleveland Pl) • ☎️ (646) 613-7100 • Website
Shu Jiao Fu Zhou Cuisine — Simple, authentic Fujianese dumplings & noodles. ($)
📍 118 Eldridge St (Broome–Grand) • ☎️ (646) 288-1328
Bubby’s — Comfort food classics; breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner with a focus on local ingredients; kids menu available. ($$$)
📍 120 Hudson St (Franklin–Moore) • ☎️ (212) 219-0666 • Website
Sarabeth’s – Tribeca — American breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and desserts; a neighborhood favorite. ($$)
📍 339 Greenwich St (Harrison–Jay) • ☎️ (212) 966-0421 • Website
Tribeca Grill — New American co-owned by Robert De Niro; great wine list and upscale but relaxed vibe. ($$$)
📍 375 Greenwich St (Moore–Franklin) • ☎️ (212) 941-3900 • Website
🥟 Asian / Chinese
Hop Kee — Old-school Cantonese restaurant serving big portions; a Chinatown staple. ($$)
📍 21 Mott St (Off Mosco) • ☎️ (212) 964-8365 • Website
Joe’s Shanghai — Famous for soup dumplings and classic Shanghainese dishes. ($$)
📍 46 Bowery (Canal–Bayard) • ☎️ (212) 233-8888 • Website
Nom Wah Tea Parlor — Historic dim sum spot, operating since 1920; casual and charming. ($$)
📍 13 Doyers St (Division–St James Pl) • ☎️ (212) 962-6047 • Website
Wo Hop — Classic Cantonese fare in a retro basement space; beloved since 1938. ($$)
📍 17 Mott St (Off Mosco) • ☎️ (212) 962-8617 • Website
Manhatta — Refined New American dining with panoramic views from the 60th floor. ($$$$)
📍 28 Liberty St, Fl 60 (William–Nassau) • ☎️ (212) 230-5788 • Website
The Fulton by Jean-Georges — Seafood-focused menu with waterfront views at the Seaport. ($$$)
📍 89 South St (Pier 17) • ☎️ (212) 838-1200 • Website
Le Gratin — French bistro by chef Daniel Boulud; prix fixe and à la carte menus. ($$$)
📍 5 Beekman St (Theatre Alley–Nassau) • ☎️ (929) 567-2619 • Website
Disclaimer: The restaurants, bakeries, tea shops, pizzerias, hot dog stands, ice cream shops, and other businesses listed here are independent and not operated by us. Links are provided for convenience only. We are not affiliated with these establishments and cannot guarantee the accuracy, availability, or security of their websites, menus, pricing, or services. Please confirm details directly with the business before visiting.
