Guides · 65 guides
NYC Eats.
My NYC Eats guides, every place from my own visits, with my verdict on each.
Start with these
What I’d read first in NYC Eats- East Village Restaurants15 places, 12 worth it
- Tantalizing Thanksgiving Dinner Restaurants in NYC15 places, 14 worth it
- Burgers in New York City16 places, 15 worth it
- Late-Night Food Spots in NYC11 places, 11 worth it
- The Best Hot Chocolate in New York City15 places, 14 worth it
- Cafes in New York City15 places, 13 worth it
My best lists in NYC Eats
All my lists- The best restaurants in the East Village
- The best Thanksgiving dinner restaurants in New York
- The best burgers in New York
- The best late-night food in New York
- The best hot chocolate in New York
- The best restaurants open on Christmas Day
- The best iconic restaurants in New York
- The best holiday treats in New York
- The best restaurants in the West Village
- The best restaurants on the Lower East Side
- The best ramen in New York
- The best restaurants in the Financial District
What readers asked about NYC Eats
Ask meI work near the Empire State Building and eat lunch around there every day. This list is actually accurate which is rare. Most guides just list chain restaurants.
Where to Eat Near the Empire State BuildingNom Wah for dim sum and then walking around Chinatown is my ideal Saturday morning. This post made me want to go right now.
Dim Sum in New YorkEvery guide in NYC Eats
65, by topicRestaurants by neighborhood 10
- East Village RestaurantsThe East Village has the lion’s share of incredible restaurants, from on-the-go options to Michelin-starred gems.The biggest challenge? Weeding…15 places, 12 worth it · Sep 2026
- West Village Restaurants Worth the WaitLongtime readers know the West Village is my favorite neighborhood in New York City. Full of endearing corner cafes, cozy eateries and cute local…11 places, 10 worth it · Sep 2026
- Restaurants in the Lower East SideThe Lower East Side (LES) is a colorful, exuberant neighborhood full of culture, charm and flavors. It’s my favorite neighborhood in NYC to grab a…14 places, 14 worth it · Sep 2026
- Restaurants in the Financial DistrictI spent three years working near Wall Street, which meant eating lunch in the Financial District five days a week. I tried everything from the sad…11 places, 10 worth it · Sep 2026
- Restaurants on the Upper East SideOn the hunt for a great Upper East Side restaurant? As a resident local, I can help with that.15 places, 15 worth it · Sep 2026
- Where to Eat Before a Broadway MatineeMy husband and I have a rule about Broadway matinees. We eat first, we eat close, and we are in our seats before the ushers give us that look. I…11 places, 7 worth it · Aug 2026
- Where to Eat Near Times Square Without Hating YourselfWhere to actually eat near Times Square without wasting money on tourist traps. Real restaurants within walking distance of Broadway, with prices and…9 places, 9 worth it · Jun 2026
- Restaurants in DUMBODUMBO (which stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) isn’t just about cobblestone streets and stunning skyline views, it’s also home to…12 places, 12 worth it · Jan 2024
- Restaurants in TribecaLook I don’t make the rules, I just play by them. I moved to New York City a few years ago and quickly found a magnetic pull to the trendy…16 places, 15 worth it · Jan 2024
- Tantalizing Restaurants in Chelsea New York CityIn a neighborhood known for its colorful art exhibits and galleries, the best restaurants in Chelsea use plates as canvas’ and ingredients as paint.14 places, 13 worth it · Jan 2024
Iconic and old New York 7
- New York City Restaurants Every Local Needs to TrySome restaurants in this city have been around longer than most of us have been alive. I’m not talking about the trendy spots that open with a PR…15 places, 15 worth it · Sep 2026
- Foods New York City is Known ForEvery city has its signature dishes, but New York takes it personally. The iconic foods here aren’t just menu items, they’re arguments waiting to…23 places, 19 worth it · Sep 2026
- Celebrity-Owned Restaurants in New York City Worth the DetourI’ll be honest with you. Most celebrity-owned restaurants in New York City are banking on the name alone, and you can taste the difference between a…11 places, 10 worth it · Sep 2026
- The 10 Oldest Restaurants in New York CityNew York City has one of the most exciting food scenes in the world. Here’s my honest take on oldest restaurants in New York City. the tips, the…10 places, 7 worth it · Sep 2026
- Best Delis in NYC, From Old School Counters to the New WaveThe best delis in NYC, from Katz’s pastrami to the bodega chopped cheese. The ones that have been here forever, and what to actually order at each.8 places, 8 worth it · Jun 2026
- Dog Friendly Restaurants in New York CityIt’s evident that New Yorkers have a special love for their canine companions. Whether spotted in strollers, backpacks, or adorned in raincoats and…15 places, 14 worth it · Jan 2024
- Reservations to Score in New York CityNo, it’s not just you. Reservations are getting harder to score, and some restaurants in New York City are so exclusive they’re ready to meet your…15 places, 13 worth it · Dec 2023
By cuisine 6
- Tasty Ramen Restaurants in New York CityI still remember the first time I had truly great ramen in New York City, it changed what I thought was possible. Since then, I’ve been on a mission…10 places, 10 worth it · Sep 2026
- The Best Greek Food in AstoriaAstoria ruined me for Greek food everywhere else, and I mean that as a compliment to Astoria and a genuine problem for me. I know that sounds…8 places, 8 worth it · Sep 2026
- Best Sushi in NYC for Every Budget10 places, 10 worth it · Jun 2026
- Best Tacos in NYC. From Street Carts to Sit-DownI’ve eaten more tacos in this city than I care to admit. Street carts at midnight, sit-down spots where the mole takes 48 hours to make, the random…10 places, 10 worth it · May 2026
- Vegan Restaurants in New York CityIt’s estimated somewhere between three to four percent of the population in the United States is vegan. That might only seem like a small few, but…15 places, 15 worth it · Jan 2024
- Falafel Spots in New York CityAfter a trip to Egypt last year, I developed a deep love for falafel, transforming my interest into a full-blown obsession. Living in NYC, a melting…12 places, 12 worth it · Oct 2023
Coffee 3
- Cafes in New York CityFew things make me happier than discovering a new favorite cafes spot in New York City in this city. I’ve spent more time (and money) than I care to…15 places, 13 worth it · Sep 2026
- Best Coffee in Brooklyn. My Actual Morning SpotsI’ve lived in Brooklyn long enough to have opinions about coffee. Strong ones. And I’ve wasted enough mornings at places that look amazing on…10 places, 9 worth it · May 2026
- The Best Coffee Shops in NYCI should probably start this by admitting that I have a coffee problem. I don’t mean I enjoy coffee. I mean I need it to function as a person and…12 places, 12 worth it · Mar 2026
Christmas 3
- Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in New York CityIt’s hefty (30 pages to be exact) but it includes non-negotiable Christmas activities and a handful of iconic NYC landmarks you can’t afford to miss…14 places, 14 worth it · Sep 2026
- Holiday Treats You Must Try During Christmas in New York CitySome would argue that having a food bucket list is just as important as having an experience bucket list. Finding great Christmas desserts in NYC can…10 places, 8 worth it · Sep 2026
- Christmas-Decorated Restaurants in New York CityI love the way restaurants decorate for Christmas in New York City. On par with the city’s reputation for extravagant decor, restaurants don’t play…11 places, 10 worth it · Sep 2026
Happy hour 3
- Best Cheap Drinks in NYC. Where to Go When Your Wallet Says No.New York is an expensive city. This is not news. A cocktail at most Manhattan bars is $17-22. A beer at a tourist spot near Times Square can be $12.…12 places, 12 worth it · Jul 2026
- The Best Happy Hours in Midtown12 places, 12 worth it · Jun 2026
- Best Happy Hour on the Lower East Side. Where to Drink Without Going BrokeI’ve spent an embarrassing amount of money on drinks in this city. Like, genuinely embarrassing. But the Lower East Side is one of the few…11 places, 11 worth it · May 2026
Brunch 3
- Best Brunch in Manhattan. Ranked by Someone Who Has Tried Too Many.I have eaten brunch at an unreasonable number of restaurants in Manhattan. This is not something I’m proud of (okay, maybe a little). But the result…10 places, 10 worth it · Jul 2026
- Brunch in Williamsburg, Skip the Hype, Eat Here Instead8 places, 8 worth it · Jun 2026
- The Brunch Spots in NYC I Actually Go ToI used to think brunch was overrated. Two hours for eggs and an $18 mimosa? Pass. Then I found the places on this list and everything changed. These…10 places, 10 worth it · Mar 2026
Burgers and hot dogs 2
- Burgers in New York CityThere’s nothing quite like burgers in New York City. I’ve been obsessed with finding the best burger New York City for as long as I’ve lived here,…16 places, 15 worth it · Sep 2026
- Delicious Hotdogs in New York CityI won’t argue that pizza is the number one “must try” food in New York City, but number two? That’s debatable.9 places, 8 worth it · Mar 2024
Desserts 2
- The Best Hot Chocolate in New York CityI love hot chocolate just as much as the next person, so believe me when I tell you I did my due diligence when searching for the best hot chocolate…15 places, 14 worth it · Sep 2026
- Amazing Apple Cider Donuts in NYCNew York City may not have the small-town charm of Vermont or Massachusetts, but that doesn’t mean it can’t deliver on flavor. If apple cider donuts…17 places, 16 worth it · Sep 2026
Cheap eats 2
- Cheap Eats in New York CityEating well in New York doesn’t have to drain your bank account. I know because I spent my first year here surviving on dollar slices and halal…16 places, 13 worth it · Sep 2026
- Food Carts in New York CityIn New York City street food is a part of the daily routine for millions of locals. It’s what keeps the city running, and with such great variety…14 places, 14 worth it · Sep 2026
Bagels 2
- The Best Bagels in MidtownHere is a thing nobody warns you about Midtown. The bagel is easy. The line is not. My husband and I lived in New York for six years, and for a good…5 places, 5 worth it · Aug 2026
- Every NYC Bagel I’ve Tried, RankedAs a local New Yorker, bagels might as well be my middle name. I’ve been eating them almost every morning since I moved to this city and I have…15 places, 10 worth it · Mar 2026
Chinatown 2
- Best Dim Sum in NYC: A Chinatown Deep DiveFinding great dim sum in New York City is not actually hard. Finding great dim sum without accidentally ending up at a place that’s coasting on its…8 places, 5 worth it · Jun 2026
- Where to Eat in Chinatown. My Favorite Spots After Years of ExploringI have been eating my way through Chinatown for the better part of six years. What started as weekend dumpling runs turned into a full-blown…10 places, 10 worth it · May 2026
Date night 2
- Restaurants in New York CityNew York City is a paradise for foodies, and sharing a decadent meal with your plus one, is a great way to enjoy all the city has to offer. Luckily,…15 places, 15 worth it · Jun 2024
- Waterfront Restaurants in NYC to Enjoy This SummerIt’s no surprise that New York City is home to a plethora of outstanding waterfront restaurants, after all, Manhattan is an island surrounded by…19 places, 19 worth it · Jan 2024
Thanksgiving 1
Late night 1
Markets 1
Rooftop bars 1
New Year’s 1
More 13
- The Flushing Food CrawlUpdated · Aug 2026
- Where to Eat Near the Brooklyn BridgeUpdated · Jul 2026
- Where to Eat Near the High LineAs a New Yorker who lived in the city for six years, I have walked the High Line more times than I can count. With out-of-town friends. On dates with…Updated · Jul 2026
- Upper East Side Food Guide. Where the Good Stuff Actually Is.The Upper East Side has a reputation. Rich people, museums, old money restaurants where the waiters look at you like you wandered in from the subway…Updated · Jul 2026
- Where to Eat Near the Empire State BuildingLet me be honest with you. The blocks immediately surrounding the Empire State Building are some of the worst eating in all of Manhattan. It's a…Updated · Jun 2026
- Where to Eat Near Rockefeller CenterUpdated · Jun 2026
- Where to Eat Near the MetUpdated · Jun 2026
- Where to Eat Near Grand CentralUpdated · Jun 2026
- Where to Eat Near the American Museum of Natural HistoryUpdated · Jun 2026
- Astoria Food Guide, Queens Has Been Eating Better Than YouUpdated · Jun 2026
- Where to Eat Near the Brooklyn Bridge. Both SidesUpdated · Apr 2026
- Where to Eat Near Central ParkUpdated · Mar 2026
- NYC Date Night. Where I’d Actually Take Someone I’m Trying to ImpressUpdated · Mar 2026