Best restaurants in SoHo, 2026.

Omen Azen is an underrated gem, which is surprising considering it’s been a fixture in SoHo’s restaurant scene since 1981. It’s shocking how accessible the restaurant is, my wife and I often stop by with no reservation, and rarely wait long to be seated.

The Japanese restaurant in SoHo is dimly lit, making it a prime destination for a date night. The decor is reminiscent of the restaurants in Kyoto, and the menu is stocked with fresh fish. My wife and I usually split the Sashimi platter, which comes with tuna, yellowtail and salmon, but on rainy days we go for the namesake dish, the Omen, which is a stew made with homemade udon noodles.

Something to note: Omen Azen ONLY accepts American Express (or American Express Apple Pay) and cash.

You’ll find Au Cheval halfway down an unassuming alley where you wouldn’t expect to find one of the best restaurants in SoHo. The NYC outpost is sister to the original in Chicago that opened more than a decade ago. The restaurant is like an upscale diner, re-imagining traditional American fare.

The burger at Au Cheval has been lauded as the best in NYC, and by some the best in the country. Make sure to add bacon and egg, and prepare yourself for fireworks. The bacon is extra thick and the buns are so buttery they practically melt in your mouth!

Flippers opened in Japan in 2016 before making the jump to the U.S. in 2019. As one of the original purveyors of the Japenese souffle pancakes in NYC, they’ve developed quite a loyal fan-base and grown to be one of the most popular restaurants in SoHo.

The pancakes come in both sweet and savory options, but my go-to is the caramel banana chocolate pancakes. And since the two-story restaurant is so bright and inviting, it’s become one of the premier brunch restaurants in SoHo. Just bear in mind, Flippers doesn’t offer any reservations.

Bowery Meat Company stands out as one of SoHo’s premier dining destinations, celebrated for its diverse selection of high-quality steaks, including dry-aged and prime cuts. It’s a popular restaurant in SoHo for special occasions, the menu and ambience both offer cater to an elegant, celebratory meal.

Among the steak options you’ll find a popular burger (only served during lunch) and a raw bar loaded with shrimp, oysters and caviar. Additionally, the staff at Bowery Meat Company are exceptional sommeliers. If you don’t know what to order ask for a recommendation because they rarely miss.

Named after an eclectic region in Istanbul, Turkey, Pera Soho draws inspiration from the diverse culinary practices of the area. The flavors of the Mediterranean melting pot has made Pera Soho one of the best restaurants in SoHo. And the real star of the show? Pera’s outdoor seating area, a true gem in the city.

Picture this: heated and adorned with twinkling lights, it’s like discovering an oasis in the middle of the Concrete Jungle. No wonder Pera SoHo has become the go-to spot for groups of friends seeking a lively atmosphere, delicious drinks, and fantastic meals.

Charlie Bird, a SoHo gem and my go-to spot for friend gatherings, exudes charm with its inviting interior and swift seating, no lengthy waits here. Booking a table is a breeze, there’s usually availability only a day or two in advance (which is surprising for one of the best restaurants in SoHo).

Now, let’s talk about their caccio e pepe, a standout among the Italian restaurant’s menu. Cooked al dente and seasoned to perfection, it’s a culinary masterpiece. The experience is elevated further with an impressive wine list, making every bite a memorable delight.

I recommend ordering the Smashing Avocado (multigrain toast, pickled onion, feta, beetroot hummus). Some would argue this is the prettiest avocado toast in NYC, and I can’t say I’d disagree. Pair it with a cup of fresh coffee and it’s easy to understand why Citizens is one of the best restaurants in SoHo.

Nestled within the NoMo SoHo Hotel, NoMo Kitchen offers a dining experience that seamlessly fuses modern sophistication with a touch of historic charm. The interior exudes an artistic flair, featuring contemporary decor, striking artwork, and a lively atmosphere.

The menu, self-described as rustic American fare, showcases a diverse range of dishes like pickle-brined fried chicken and pan-seared salmon. Whether indulging in their signature dishes or savoring expertly crafted cocktails, patrons always enjoy stopping by one of the best restaurants in SoHo.

Lola Taverna emerges as a standout among the best restaurants in SoHo, offering a delightful fusion of authentic Greek flavors and a vibrant dining experience. The restaurant prides itself on capturing the essence of Greek cuisine, serving up dishes crafted with fresh, quality ingredients. Octopus, chicken souvlaki, and lamb chops are highlights of the dinner menu and the spanakopita is a popular item for brunch. And as the cherry on top, Lola Taverna has a bustling bar ready to your mix cocktails.

Fanelli’s Cafe not only ranks among the best restaurants in SoHo, it also holds the title of second oldest restaurant in New York City. Established in 1847 as a grocer, the iconic cafe truly bloomed under the ownership of Michael Fanelli in 1922.

The unassuming menu is easy to discount but you’d be making a mistake. Fanelli’s makes a mouthwatering chicken sandwich, and the fish and chips and bison burger are other comfort favorites.

Don’t miss the chance to savor the experience and delve into the restaurant’s rich history, which has attracted notable figures like Bob Dylan, Jack Dempsey, and Patti Smith. For an added treat, secure a spot outside for some fun people watching.

Emporio is celebrated for its authentic Italian dining experience and timeless charm. Located in the heart of SoHo, Emporio captures the essence of Italy with its rustic yet elegant ambiance. The menu features a curated selection of traditional Italian dishes crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Whether savoring their artisanal pizzas, handmade pasta, or delectable antipasti, diners are treated to a symphony of flavors that transport them to the streets of Italy. The attentive service and warm atmosphere add to the overall appeal, making Emporio one of the most charming restaurants in SoHo.

Sadelle’s is the kind of restaurant you see in a movie and say “I want to go there.” Think of it as an extremely fancy bagel shop, with bi-level seating, mimosas and a wide array of fresh fish. The house salmon is some of the best in the city and dishes like eggs benedict and french toast have made the SoHo restaurant a star attraction for weekend brunchers.

Whereas Sadelle’s in SoHo is cozy and casual, Lure Fishbar is sophisticated and elegant (the interior is made to look like a yacht). Serving high quality seafood, the SoHo restaurant offers a rotating oyster selection and world-class sushi. Bring a friend and order one of the many shellfish plateauxs, so you can try a little bit of it all (and split the steep price tag). There’s also a small selection of non-seafood items (burger, salad, steak) for those who like their food to come from dry land.

Starting of as a small Israeli cafe more than a decade ago, 12 Chairs has become one of the most beloved restaurants in SoHo. But it’s not hard to see why, they source ingredients from local markets and make every dish to order. No matter when you visit, your meal will be exceptional and fresh , thus keep you coming back!

12 Chairs intertwines both Middle Eastern and Eastern European flavors and has a constant rotation of weekend specials. Currently, the SoHo restaurant is offering a Yemeni pastry called a Jachnun, which consists of dough cooked overnight, a hardboiled egg and tomatoes.

Out of all the delicious Mediterranean restaurants in SoHo, Balzem just might be the best. The wine bar is perfect for a romantic night out. Expect a quaint but lively candlelit dinner, that can be either a quick bite or an hour-long chat (you can blame it on the wine).

It doesn’t help that the food is incredible either. I struggle deciding whether I want to wolf my meal down or savor every bite like it’s my last. For those who have always wanted to try octopus, try it at Balzem. It may be the best in the city and is my favorite dish.

If there was ever such thing as a quintessential brunch spot, it’d be Little Ruby’s SoHo. Since opening in 2002 the SoHo restaurant has grown a cult-following thanks to their traditional breakfast fare that’s sprinkled with Australian influenced.

Favorites include the avo toast and the spicy sausage breakfast sandwich. But I have to let you know, Ruby’s doesn’t take any reservations and is served on a first come first served basis. If possible, come on early on a weekday to ever-growing lines at the popular restaurant in SoHo.

Stepping into the cozy SoHo location of Jack’s Wife Freda is a joy, thanks to its blue and white decor and floral arrangements. The menu is a delightful fusion of influences, featuring dishes like the beloved green shakshuka and the flavorful Madame Freda (my favorite!).

The welcoming ambiance, friendly staff, and inventive culinary creations make Jack’s Wife Freda one of the best restaurants in SoHo. Plus, there’s always the chance you’ll run into a celebrity!

Rubirosa is a classic Italian restaurant in SoHo beloved by locals and tourists alike, for good reason. They make some of the best pizza in New York City, perfect by all standards. The crust is perfectly thin and charred, the sauce is on the light side and there are generous globs of chewy cheese.

There’s also pasta, salads, heros and more traditional Italian fare. The one thing to bear in mind is that reservations at Rubirosa can be hard to secure, so be patient. If all else fails, arrive at the popular SoHo restaurant and put your name on the list, then go kill some time in the neighborhood.

Shuka is one of the many restaurants in SoHo that seem to have a gravitational pull on people walking by. The restaurant feels like a friends house, and I don’t know whether it’s the kind staff or the laid back setting but I am loving every second I’m there.

I have yet to have a meat dish at Shuka that wasn’t grilled to perfection, I never have to worry about a dry or overcooked kebab, and I’m so grateful for it. If you come with a group of friends consider the Shuka Feast. For $57 a person (the whole table must participate) you get a plethora of shareable dishes like hummus, kebab and vegetables. It’s a meal fitting of one of the restaurants in SoHo.

New York restaurateur Keith McNally opened Balthazar in 1997 and it didn’t take long for it to become one of the most iconic restaurants in SoHo. Specializing in French-fare, the interior is charmingly Parisian. It’s so irresistable even celebrities are known to frequent the restauant.

The high-end flare has made it a popular dinner restaurant in SoHo for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and the like. Popular plates include the steak frites and duck confit.

But Balthazar is most popular for brunch (reservations can be hard to get). Luckily I’ve learned a trick, visit the bakery next door! They make the BEST chocolate donuts I’ve ever had, perfectly dense and chocolatey. Oh, and the chai latte from this joint can’t be missed.