Best Places to Eat in NYC

NYC undoubtedly has some of the best food in the world. When it comes to the best places to eat in NYC, this list is curated after 25+ years of living and dining here. My qualifications are that my parents growing up always loved to go out to eat, so these recs come from the heart with lots of love and memories. From local spots with indulging ears to Insta-worthy spots actually worth the hype, here’s the holy grail of the best places to eat in NYC. 

Local Favorites

These places are hidden gems just waiting to be uncovered. The locals love it for the authenticity, charm, and, of course, good eats. Every place on this list I have been to more than once, and even more than three times, so you know it’s worth coming back again and again. Without further ado, here’s the list. Keep in mind order does not matter- every place on this list, even the last one, is my FAVORITE! 

Best Places to Eat in NYC With a Charming Vibe

1. Trad Room: Nestled on the border of BedStuy and Bushwick is an unassumingly exquisite spot. From the antique decor and mood lighting to the excellent service and incredible food, this place always has a line out the door, so your best bet is to reserve in advance. The ramen and sushi are top tier, and every cocktail on the menu is made to perfection. 
2. Mombar: Quite literally a hole on the wall kind of spot, Mombar is exactly what you’d find in Egypt; the authenticity and attention to detail in not only every inch of the restaurant but in every bite of the meal is out of this world. The owner is from Egypt, came here to study engineering, and then made his restaurant to remind him of his upbringing back home. Every bite has a story, and once you uncover the bejeweled wall, be prepared for an experience like no other, right here in Astoria, Queens. You truly feel like you’re in another country for the night, and the food is absolutely delicious. The place is BYOB, so take with that what you will and run for the hills.

Best Places to Eat in NYC: Comfort Food You’ll Crave On the Daily

1. MNoodle: You know when you’re craving something and cannot stop thinking about it? That is what MNoodle will do to you. On my list of the best places to eat in NYC, MNoodle is exactly that. Savory bites, delicious flavors, and a welcoming atmosphere, all the locals go here, and it’s no secret why. The ramen is the perfect balance between savory, light, and filling; it’s truly a spectacle. There’s something really special about this spot, and I hope you get to experience the magic behind it. P.S. If you go, ask for the curry chicken soup with 1 fried egg (it’s off the menu, but say you know me and they just might make it for you!)
2. Super Pollo: The way this food quite literally brings you back to life, it’s truly an unmatched feeling. Super Pollo is a traditional Peruvian-style chicken with the Latin comfort food you have back home. They offer takeout, and their pico sauce is heavenly. My fridge is usually stacked with at least 2. A true hidden gem and local favorite is Super Pollo, and number 4 on the best places to eat in NYC.
3. Tikka: Indian food just got tastier at Tikka in Kew Gardens. From the classic Tikka Masala and Saag Paneer, this place is perfect when you’re starving and looking to stuff your face with some authentic, filling food. 

Best Food to Eat In NYC: Places Better Than Their Country Itself.

1. Astoria Seafood: I hope this doesn’t come off the wrong way, but after going to Greece, I could not find a restaurant that topped this one. It’s because Astoria, Queens, has one of the largest Greek populations in the world besides Greece, of course. Astoria Seafood made it on the list of the best places to eat in New York City because of just how amazing it is. You pick the Fish Fresh order within seconds, it’s BYOB, and perfect for any celebration. Like any popular spot, this has grasped the attention of locals, and because of that, there’s usually a line out the door, and some people wait hours just to eat here. That’s how good it is. I’d recommend getting the lemon potatoes and the grilled shrimp, delicious. Add this spot to your list and plan a whole day in Astoria, Queens.
2. Boqueria: You’re going to think I’m crazy, but after traveling to Spain and even living there for months, no place tops this one, and I’m really lucky that it’s in New York City. Presenting Boqueria,  a restaurant that will make your mouth melt, have you craving jamón iberico on the daily, and dreaming of the corner table in the bar with an order of paella on the way. Boqueria is a more upscale restaurant that is perfect for first dates, meeting the family, celebrations, and just a night out in the town. Everything on the menu tastes delicious, and coming from someone who lived in Spain, you’re going to want to trust me. Head on over there and see what it’s all about. 

Best Food to Eat In NYC: Italian Restaurants that Nonna Can’t Disapprove.

1. Lenny’s Clam Bar: Ever tried a baked clam before? Even if you have, you haven’t. Lenny’s Clam Bar knows how to take Italian American food up a notch every time. My family loves the food so much that we cater for special events and holidays. The restaurant is huge, perfect for big families, and the food never disappoints. From Penne A la Vodka to the Chicken Parmesan and that iconic baked clams, there truly is no restaurant that can do it like Lenny’s.
2. Michael’s: They say if you can’t afford a trip to Italy,  go to South Brooklyn. This place has my entire heart and has been a family spot for generations. When I say I don’t buy tomato sauce at any regular grocery store, it’s because this restaurant has the best tomato sauce in New York City. I mean it. They sell it by the jar across the nation. One time, I saw it at a random TJ Maxx in New Hampshire, go figure. The food is made from the heart, and you may fall in love. You’ll understand the hype, I promise. If you go during the holidays, they decorate the place really nicely, and you might just have to book a trip again to visit. 

Best Food to Eat In NYC If You’re Craving Authentic Asian Food 

1. Arrirang: Looking for a fun way to celebrate a birthday, occasion, date night, etc? This Hibachi spot in NYC, Jersey, and Pennsylvania hits the spot every time. It’s a family favorite. To prove it, we’ve collected every geisha cup 3 times over from how many visits we have made. The service is excellent and has been a great memory of my childhood. If you’re in the Bay Ridge area or near the other locations, look no further than Arrirang. 
2. Pho Hoai Restaurant: Ever tried Vietnamese food? This spot will have you craving it on a random Thursday afternoon, I promise you. The food is so light and refreshing, perfect for a cleanse after a long trip, travel day, week, or even if you’re just having a day. The summer rolls truly never taste as good as here, and the beef vermicelli is chef’s kiss. I promise this spot is worth it and is as local as it gets. Check it out in person and let me know what you think! 
3. E-Sushi: Something about growing up in South Brooklyn taught me to never take for granted the food, especially the sushi. Forget overpaying for expensive sushi at fancy restaurants; this spot is legit and all the locals know. Anywhere else, quiet isn’t the same- especially for an all-you-can-eat experience. E-Sushi’s all you can eat experience is incredibly affordable at around $35pp and a great way to make s day trip visiting Sheepshead Bay. The food packs a powerful punch, and you can tell all the locals go here. A hidden gem you can’t miss.

There You Have It

That’s a wrap on the best places to eat in NYC. These are my go-to favorite spots to eat out, and if you try even one of these on the list, you will get the true NYC local experience. Eating out most certainly does not have to break the bank, and all of these spots on the list are affordable. So tell me, what are you craving? For any mood you’re in, there’s a restaurant on the list that can help you! 

Veronica

Hi everyone! My name is Veronica, but you can also call me Vee! I grew up in the iconic city of Brooklyn, NY, the cultural hub of the world, and hence learned about so many different cultures. It was those experiences that inspired me to travel and from then on, I had learned the power of travel. In return, I want to give others that same experience, to help inspire others to unleash their inner travel enthusiast no matter the trip.

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