The 26 Best Restaurants In NYC (2024)

Clinton Hall is not the kind of place you go to get something green. The sprawling spot in lower Manhattan's bustling Seaport District really leans in to its beer-and-burger reputation. You can choose from more than 20 options of each (the Fondue Burger and Donut Grilled Cheese are can't misses), plus waffle stacks piled so high, you've got to pull some sort of jaw-unhinging maneuver to conquer them.

Where to find it: 90 Washington St., New York, NY 10006 (plus three other locations)

This spot is where quality and Instagram-ability intersect. The mains are meat-heavy — there's an entirely separate steak menu — and the sides cover a lot of ground, from Southern hush puppies to Mexican corn. Come for brunch to enjoy the iconic Strawberry Pistachio Morning Bun; it's millennial pink.

Where to find it: 19 Greenwich Ave., New York, NY 10014 (plus two other locations)

Enter this restaurant hungry and with a crowd. This is Quality Eats' sister eatery, and it's modeled like an Italian-American steakhouse — meaning dishes are saucy and portions are huge. People come for the chicken parm alone, which is pounded flat into the shape of a pizza and served in slices.

Where to find it: 57 W 57th St., New York, NY 10019

David Burke Tavern is one of the handful of restaurants owned by chef David Burke (he also owns David Burke Kitchen and Woodpecker by David Burke, just to name a few). The menu is inventive and the atmosphere is cozy yet elegant. Plus, they have a mean happy hour special. One of our favorites from the brunch menu is the Titanic French Toast, which is doused in butter and topped with a sweet berry maple syrup. YUM.

Where to find it: 135 E 62nd St, New York, NY 10065

This bagel shop almost broke the internet when it introduced birthday cake and cookie dough flavored cream cheeses. Now, the menu boasts 30-plus spread options — including classic schmears that appease picky kids and New Yorkers alike.

Where to find it: 165 Ave. A, New York, NY 10009 (plus one other location)

Most people come here for the more than 20 mussel pots, as you should, too. But know that the restaurant's got more than just its namesake dish — like bacon, egg, and cheese poutine on the brunch menu and an insanely creamy lobster mac and cheese to share at dinner.

Where to find it: 154 W 13th St., New York, NY 10011 (plus one other location)

Forget what you know about steakhouses. This one is fun, young, and filled with exciting menu items beyond just giant cuts of meat. Take the Bocce Ball, for example — a deep-fried ball of the house mac and cheese, stuffed with even more cheese.

Where to find it: 184 8th Ave., New York, NY 10011

If there's something you'd like done to a meatball, The Meatball Shop has probably done it. The New York City-based chain's seven locations serve five varieties of meatballs on sliders, in baguettes, on greens, and — for brunch — on an eggs benedict. Or, you know, you could just get the Bucket O' Balls: a giant tub holding 25 meatballs.

Where to find it: 84 Stanton St., New York, NY 10002 (plus five other locations)

There is always a wait at this Korean-fusion small plates spot. But you're also in the East Village, near a ton of bars that'll provide entertainment and booze before your name is called. Get the edamame dumplings and one of the co*cktails that's served in a Capri Sun pouch with light-up ice cubes.

Where to find it: 424 E 9th St., New York, NY 10009

This is where you drop after you shop SoHo's trendy streets. The menu is filled with reimagined classics, like cheeseburger spring rolls and French toast that's been fried into a cube and stuffed with a strawberry cream cheese filling.

Where to find it: 54 Prince St., New York, NY 10012

DŌ is a place of yes: Yes, you can eat cookie dough — and you can choose from 17 flavors. Yes, you can eat it by the spoonful — do you want it in a cup or a cone? Yes, you can bake it, too — the shop will do it for you (does a Nutella-stuffed cookie bomb tickle your fancy?), or you can take it home and pop it in the oven yourself.

Where to find it: 550 LaGuardia Pl., New York, NY 10012

Act like you know what you're doing here; locals eat at this neighborhood joint. The cuisine is Moroccan-inspired, and you'll do right by the restaurant if you share as many dishes with your crew as possible. If you're by yourself, the Mixed Mezze Plate offers a tiny taste of four favorites.

Where to find it: 101 Saint Marks Pl., New York, NY 10009 (plus one other location)

You will splurge here — but you will love it. Make a reservation, otherwise you likely won't sit down to eat until 10 p.m. But if that's the case, the Charred Octopus, Ricotta Gnudi, and Orecchiette taste just as good late at night.

Where to find it: 228 W 10th St., New York, NY 10014

Forget the stigma most hotel restaurants have. You're in New York City, and The Redbury Hotel is as chic as they come. Marta churns out some of Manhattan's best wood-fired pizzas. The place gets loud, so get ready to yell over your food — preferably over the Patate alla Carbonara pizza. It'll change your mouth and your life forever.

Where to find it: 29 E 29th St., New York, NY 10016

This is not the Russ & Daughters your 80-year-old grandmother who used to live in New York talks about. This is the storied Jewish deli's younger, hipper cafe counterpart. You can get a classic smoked and cured fish board or a latkes and eggs platter.

Where to find it: 127 Orchard St., New York, NY 10002

If no one can decide which ramen joint to go to, try udon instead. Raku makes the city's best. For hot days, there are six cold noodle options. But when the weather turns, you'll have 16 steaming bowls to choose from. A side of mochi is optional, but you'll want it — trust us.

Where to find it: 342 E 6th St., New York, NY 10003 (plus one other location)

There is nothing a cup of City Bakery's hot chocolate can't cure. The liquid is decadent and the marshmallow is fluffier than any you've seen before. Get a pretzel croissant — one of the best baked goods in New York — to go with it, or hit up the underrated pay-by-weight lunch bar for salads and soups.

Where to find it: 3 W 18th St., New York, NY 10011

This is another hotel restaurant (this one's in the Freehand Hotel) that's shockingly good. It's actually more of a cafe that's open all day, but you should go in the morning. The Jerusalem Bagel — a lighter, large, oval-shaped take on the doughy beasts you're used to — is exceptional, and it's made even better with the smoked salmon, soft-boiled egg, and herbed labneh it's served with at brunch.

Where to find it: 23 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10010

There's a super-casual, authentic feel at Caracas. (P.s. Arepas are Venezuelan corn cakes, often stuffed or topped with meat, cheese, and veggies.) Concentrate your efforts on La Mutata and De Pabellón, and make sure you wash them down with any of the excellent co*cktails on the menu.

Where to find it: 91 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009 (plus two other locations)

If you've ever wondered if anything could taste better than the grilled cheese your mom makes with Wonder Bread, Kraft Singles, and love — this place is your answer. Their five tricked-out cheese sandwiches are to die for, especially the mozzarella, miso mayo, potato chip combo that's served on an English muffin.

Where to find it: 1259 Park Ave., New York, NY 10029