New York City is one of my favorite places to visit. Luckily for me I only live an 1.5 hours away, so I visit as often as I can. NYC is a foodie lover's paradise with thousands of amazing options. I thought I would share some of my favorite places to eat when I'm in the city. This is by no means an exhaustive list of the best places to eat in town. These are just places that I've eaten at while in the city that are my favorites. As much as I like to find new places to eat each trip, these are places that tend to get repeat visits as they are so delish and always leave me craving more! I still have a long list of places that I'm dying to try and look forward to updating this post as I eat my way around town. Let me know if you have a favorite NYC spot so I can add it to my list to visit!
Joe's Pizza
Good for: Lunch/Dinner
Type: Pizza
Location: West Village
The first thing I think of when visiting NYC is pizza! Everyone has their favorite spot, but in my opinion, if you want a classic slice of New York Pizza, then you need to go to Joe's. They are a Greenwich Village institution. There is almost always a line, but it moves pretty quickly and it is totally worth the wait. It is a no fuss place with standing room only, but you will get the perfect slice of pizza. I know there are tons of great pizza places in NYC, but Joe's is my favorite so far.
Lombardi's
Good for: Lunch/Dinner
Type: Pizza & Italian
Location: Little Italy
You can't talk about NYC Pizza and not mention Lombardi's. Established in 1905 it was the first pizzeria in the US. They have a full menu offering traditional Italian food as well as their famous pizzas. We tried the meatballs and a few other dishes, that were all good, but the pizza is what it's all about for me. Plus it's just cool dining in such a historic NYC spot! Limited reservations only taken for parties of 8 or more and they only take cash.
Lupa Osteria Romana
Good for: Lunch/Dinner
Type: Italian
Location: NOHO
Lupa is small a bistro style restaurant by chef Mario Batali. They feature Roman Italian fare with an all-Italian wine list. I fell in love with this place after one of my besties, who used to live in NYC, took a group of us girls out for dinner here one night. I probably eat here more than any other restaurant in town. The menu changes seasonally, but many staples stay on the menu. My top two favorite dishes are the carbonara and the ricotta gnocchi, but seriously I could eat almost everything on the menu. Holy cow, amazing! The carbonara is the best I've ever eaten and remains the benchmark for which all other carbonara's are compared to. The ricotta gnocchi is so light, fluffy and flavorful. They offer vegan and gluten free options too. Service is always impeccable with warm, welcoming and friendly staff members. The ambiance is very quaint and cozy. I highly suggest making reservations, which they take 30 days out. You definitely need to put this place at the top of your list to try. You won't regret it!
Buddakhan
Good for: Lunch/Dinner
Type: Modern Asian
Location: Chelsea/Meatpacking District
Buddakan is a Stephen Starr Restaurant and serves modern Asian cuisine. If you are a Sex and the City fan, you will recognize this as the place were Carrie and Big had their engagement dinner in the first movie. The food here is amazing. The atmosphere is fun, hip and lively. A couple of my favorite dishes are the edamame dumplings and vegetable fried rice. You'll want to order several dishes and share so you can try as much as possible. They also offer a chef's tasting menu for larger groups that is served family style. Make reservations for sure! Lucky for for me they have a location in Philly too so I frequent here a bit!
TAO
Good for: Lunch/Dinner
Type: Modern Asian
Location: Uptown and Chelsea/Meatpacking District
This Pan-Asian restaurant has two locations, one uptown and one across the street from Chelsea Market. The vibe is chic and funky! The music is pumping, the lights are low and the specialty cocktails are kicking. Tao is definitely a great place to jump start your night. I love ordering several dishes and sharing with a group as it's too hard to just pick one entree. My favorites include the crispy orange chicken, Gyoza chicken Dim Sum and the Peking duck spring rolls. I'm allergic to seafood, but have been assured that the sushi is amazing and second to none. If you like a spicy cocktail try the Canton-ese with Shishito Pepper Infused Herradura Tequila, Canton Ginger, and Pineapple Juice. If you prefer something a little on the sweeter side, try the Ruby Red Dragon with Finlandia Grapefruit Vodka, Yuzu Citrus and a Hint of Pomegranate. Both are excellent and I usually get one of each! Lol! Make sure you save room for dessert. They are famous for their giant fortune cookie, which is filled with white & dark chocolate mousse and comes with a variety of tropical fruits. It is out of this world. I would definitely suggest making reservations.
Rosemary's
Good for: Brunch/Lunch/Dinner
Type: Italian
Location: West Village
Rosemary's is an Italian Enoteca and Trattoria serving sustainable cuisine from their rooftop garden featuring seasonal dishes. The atmosphere is bright and airy and makes for the perfect brunch spot. My favorite dish on the menu is the orecchiette with homemade sausage, broccoli rabe, fresno chili and parmigiano and the panzanella when in season. I also love getting an assorted salumi & formaggi plate. I would suggest reservations.
Buvette
Good for: Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch/Dinner
Type: French
Location: West Village
Buvette is a small French brasserie/bistro. Stepping in here makes you truly feel as if you've been wisked away to most perfect Parisian cafe! They offer yummy traditional French fare, complete with light, fluffy croissants and the best croque monsieur I've had in a long time. It's very busy and they don't take reservations, but the short wait is totally worth it. It is small inside, so it is harder for large groups to get a table quickly.
The Smith
Good for: Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch/Dinner
Type: American
Location: East Village, Midtown and Lincoln Center
The Smith is American Brasserie with three locations. I've only been to the Midtown location. The Smith is a very large and open spot that has a very modern, lively feel. They are not short on creative, tasty food! I like to go for brunch but this place really is great anytime! My favorites include the short rib hash, the blt+e sandwich with apple smoked bacon, fried egg, lemon aioli on a croissant, and lastly the jalapeño cheddar grits with basil pistou and shoe string potatoes (I hate eggs so I get all of these without eggs). Portions are large, so come hungry. They make great a bloody mary! Make reservations or be prepared to wait, unless you go early for breakfast which seems to be a little slower at times.
Le Pain Quotidien
Good for: Breakfast//Lunch/Dinner
Type: French
Location: Many All Around Town
Le Pain Quotidien is French for “the daily bread" and is an international chain of bakery-restaurants. It's a fast, casual restaurant where you can sit down and eat or grab something to go. They have great croissants, breads and pastries and are perfect when you want a quick bite for breakfast or lunch. I love the tartines (open faced sandwiches) and the pain au chocolat! Reservations not taken.
Chelsea Market
Good for: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Type: Any & Everything
Location: Chelsea/Meatpacking District
Chelsea Market is a foodie lovers dream. It is an enclosed urban food court, shopping mall, office building and Food Network production facility. The Food Network films its shows Iron Chef America and Emeril Live here. Fun Fact: the building was once owned by Nabisco and is where the Oreo cookie was invented and produced! Chelsea Market has something for everyone. You want it, they got it; ramen, tacos, pastas, burgers, baked goods, salads, sandwiches, seafood, healthy, decadent, sweet, savory, spices and herbs, teas, Italian, Mexican, Vietnamese, Thai, French. Seriously, this places is a one stop shop. Some of my favorite places to eat at are The Green Table, Takumi, Beyond Shushi, Doughnuttery and Num Pang. I like to go with a friend and then share bites at various places so I can try as many different options as possible. Stop at Cork Buzz and order a wine to go. They have plastic to-go wine cups so you can enjoy some great wine with your shopping and foodie finds. I love going to The Filling Station and stocking up on flavored salts like Porchini Mushroom, Merlot, Thai Ginger and Lime just to name a few! Spices and Teas is another vendor I frequent and a great place to find gourmet, homemade spice and tea blends that are out of this world. There are also lots of other various stores scattered throughout the market. I suggest you plan a few hours to eat, shop and then visit the High Line nearby to walk it all off! Lol.
Avra Estiatorio
Good for: Lunch/Dinner
Type: Greek
Location: Midtown & Uptown
I have Greek friends who are amazing cooks. I always say they've ruined me for Greek food as theirs is so amazing that I'm usually left disappointed when dining out elsewhere. However, Avra Estiatorio is the exception and is truly delish! It has an open kitchen and serves upscale authentic Greek food with a heavy emphasis on fresh seafood. I don't eat seafood and there are other options to enjoy as well. Greek Salad, Saganaki, Spanakopita, Tzatiki & fava spreads with pita are some of my favs. Great service and is located close to Broadway if you want to grab a bite before seeing a show!
Casimir & Co
Good for: Breakfast//Lunch/Dinner
Type: French
Location: Uptown
Casimir and Co is a cozy bistro in the heart of the Upper East side serving hearty, authentic French cuisine. Food and service are great! The menu looks amazing but I always seem to order the stake frites! I suggest reservations.
Baked by Melissa
Good for: Dessert/Sweet Tooth
Type: Tiny Cupcakes & Maccarons
Location: All Around Town (13 Locations)
These tiny bite sized cupcakes are my favorite cupcake ever. I initially stumbled across them by accident but now a trip to the city isn't complete unless I stop in for a cupcake, or two, or three. With flavors like chocolate chip pancake, red velvet, double fudge chocolate, chocolate chip cookie dough and so many others there is something for everyone. I love that they are bite sized so you don't have to feel guilty about trying all the flavors! They recently even opened a entire gluten free store. There are 13 locations around town you so are sure to find one near you easily! They ship nationwide too in case you get a craving post trip!
Magnolia Bakery
Good for: Dessert/Sweet Tooth
Type: Tiny Cupcakes & Macarons
Location: All Around Town (6 Locations)
They are a traditional American bakery and serve up just about any baked goods that you would want. Cupcakes, muffins, and cookies galore! There is usually a small line but it's totally worth it! They have 6 locations around town and ship nationally too.
Garret Popcorn
Good for: Snacks/Sweet Tooth
Type: Popcorn
Location: 34th St next to Penn Station
Now Garret Popcorn is actually native to Chicago but most people don't realize there is a store just outside of Penn Station on 34th Street. This popcorn is to die for! I'm serious! I joke that it must be laced with something because I am always left craving more. My friends and I call it crack-corn because once we start eating it we just can't stop. My favorite is the Chicago mix, which is cheddar mixed with caramel corn. Trust me, you need to try this popcorn. They also ship nationwide when you find yourself with a hankering for some more.
