Great local NYC restaurants

Sae Ron is shaking things up on the Lower East Side with a fresh take on Korean comfort food. Taking over the iconic Stanton Social spot, Sae Ron is the brainchild of wife-duo Erin Lee-An and Jessica Lee-An. Jess, the culinary genius behind it all, was the Executive Pastry Chef at Gotham Bar & Grill and Peak, so expect her to work her magic across savory dishes, cocktails and, of course, desserts. "Sae Ron" means "new" in Korean, and they’re all about new beginnings—hence the crescent moon logo, giving a nod to the Korean Lunar New Year. Hungry? Get down to Sae Ron and taste what’s new.

The Dickens is Hell's Kitchen's largest LGBTQ+ bar, priding itself on its vibrant atmosphere, exceptional hospitality and inclusivity. With four unique floors and multiple beautifully themed event spaces, The Dickens has it all—unwind in a cozy lounge, enjoy delicious American-style food, dance the night away, or relax and sip on fun drinks with rooftop city views.

Essex is one of the Lower East Side’s first destination restaurants, with a rich history in the area spanning over 25 years. Originally located in the Essex Street Market, Essex embarked on a new chapter in 2019, relocating to the century-old Schapiro's Winery. While the restaurant became famous for its original bottomless brunch party, the new American dinner menu guided by Chef Steffen Sander, who has helmed some of New York's top Michelin-Starred restaurants showcases seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients, with expansive vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options as well as burgers and classic steakhouse fare.

Essex's legendary happy hour, featuring cocktails and bar bites as well as $1.50 oysters and dollar oysters all night on Thursdays, is well worth the mid-week trip. Or stay after dinner to watch Essex become the ultimate nightlife destination, hosting late-night parties with an electrifying ambiance on weekends. The multi-level space even has private and semi-private rooms for parties of 25 to 250 guests, including a mezzanine with a full-service bar for any intimate gathering, engagement party, bridal shower or corporate affair!

Inspired by the lively street food vendors of Italy, Filaga brings you a high-quality rendition of Roman-style pizza al taglio—by the slice. With a commitment to craftsmanship, a thoughtful selection of toppings and locally sourced vegetables, each slice tells a flavorful story. From prosciutto di parma to mozzarella di bufala, experience the genuine spirit of Italian street food culture in every bite.

When you're craving a high standard sushi experience but are running low on time to indulge in a full omakase experience, head to Goal Omakase. Their dedicated chefs responsibly source the freshest seasonal fish and ingredients to maximize the quality and texture of each and every piece of nigiri. The mouth-watering nigiri are topped with chef made fusion toppings to elevate and balance the natural flavor of the fish. Treat yourself to a feast and indulge in freshness, flavors and affordable prices. Head to their Instagram to see what's cooking! 

L’Arte Del Gelato is an award-winning tribute to the art of Sicilian gelato-making. Embodying the time-honored craft and capturing the essence of tradition, L’Arte Del Gelato strictly uses natural and seasonal ingredients. From the richness of Sicilian pistachio to the sweetness of seasonal fruits, the selection is lauded for exceptional quality and taste. Serving traditional artisanal gelato since 2005, L’Arte Del Gelato has established its status as one of the best gelato places in New York.

Step into the golden era of Manhattan's nightlife at Sir Henry's, with DJ's on the weekends and bottomless brunch offerings for brunch and dinner. Each floor captures the ethos of the city's late '70s and early '80s. There are vinyl floors, '70s print wallpapers, vintage dining chairs and curated music artwork on the first floor and a glamorous and loungey ambiance with versatile spaces designed for connection, playful leisure and relaxation on the second floor. There's even an espresso martini bar and hidden speakeasy, The Horseshoe Bar!  

Grab a seat at the bar for a closer view of the exotic concoctions, a window seat overlooking the popular pink adorned patio or the coveted corner of the jungle lounge for ultimate immersion in a tiki oasis. Tiki Chick is popularly known for their signature frozen pina colada and legendary $5 chicken sandwiches. Keep up with their Instagram where they are always featuring a new r(h)um or tropical brew that will transport you directly into the island vibe. 

Montauk makes its way to Manhattan with Gilligan's, a nautically themed restaurant in SoHo. Gilligan's is the perfect summer venue for open-air dining and celebrations. With weathered wood planks, white bamboo and lush, tropical plants, this 4,000-square-foot oasis lends a tiki style for large groups or events. Open from May through to late September, this season's menu was designed by Chef Ken Addington (of Five Leaves and Casino), featuring fresh produce and seafood sourced from the best fishermen on Long Island. Check out the ingredient-driven dishes, alongside mixologist Jeremy Oertel's new frozen cocktail, the Limoncello Piña Colada, a follow-up of Gilligan's infamous Frozen Watermelon Margarita.

Soho Diner is a modern eatery that revitalizes American staples. It's a friendly joint where every stripe of the community can enjoy refreshing cocktails and a tasty slice of New York cherry pie—as well as gluten-free and vegan options. Local menu favorites include the SoHo Bacon Egg & Cheese, Fried Chicken & Waffles and the "late-nite" Smash Burger. 

Enjoy an elevated brunch spread crafted with care at 1803. You'll find a diverse selection of culinary offerings and their speakeasy, Bon Courage, a hidden gem where you can enjoy the charm of the prohibition era with handcrafted cocktails infused with the soulful spirit of New Orleans. Live music performances from a talented rotation of musicians enhance the dining experience not only during weekend brunch, but five days a week. With soulful melodies and a vibrant atmosphere, every visit to 1803 is a memorable experience sure to keep you coming back for more.

Alice has been bringing a moody, mysterious vibe to Greenwich Village since day one after opening amid the start of the pandemic. The sister restaurant to fellow beloved neighborhood spot Osteria 57, Alice offers a raw bar and coastal Italian dishes like langoustines and fritto misto. Always sourcing from the farmer’s market, the menu changes to match the seasons.

Cask Bar & Kitchen celebrates craftsmanship in all its offerings. From meticulously-curated cocktails to a thoughtfully-prepared menu—both featuring seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients—Cask emphasizes authenticity and skill.

Patrons can enjoy hand-drawn cask ales, well-made cocktails, lively conversation and an approach to hospitality reminiscent of a bygone era. The warm, dimly-lit atmosphere encourages socializing and memorable encounters, while bottomless dinner and brunch events soundtracked by live DJ sessions enhance any group gathering.

Experience a traditional yet innovative approach to serving Peking duck at Golden Wuish. The restaurant's signature dish is infused with the subtle aroma of lychee wood smoke, for a unique twist. Pair it with nourishing duck broth or a distinctive duck fat cocktail—marrying savory notes with premium spirits and fresh ingredients in a tantalizing fusion of flavors. Book your next event or special occasion at Goldenwuish and staff will go above and beyond to make it a personalized and memorable experience. They even have tableside fresh tiramisu!

This up-and-coming restaurant in Flatiron serves Spanish-style tapas and paella (their signature) all made in-house from local ingredients. With indoor and outdoor seating and late-night performances on Friday and Saturday, Local Bazar Tapas is the perfect spot for a first date or weekend brunch with friends. Pair the delicious dishes with a fine wine or one of the many signature handcrafted cocktails and enjoy!

Mamazul is the perfect spot to stop in for Mexican food at any time of day. They open at 8am with breakfast service and continue on to offer lunch, dinner and a late night menu filled with signature dishes like their fiesta taco platter, parrillada molcajete, octopus al pastor and striped bass. The restaurant is filled with modern Mexican decor and al fresco dining for warmer days. Follow them on Instagram to keep up with their latest events from live music to mezcal tastings!

If you're looking for a sweet spot to eat, drink and relax in Greenwich Village, Osteria 57 is just the spot for you! Their intention throughout the space—from the dishes coming out of the kitchen to the drinks being shaken up behind the bar—is to remind diners how interconnected every experience is. Taking a seat in one of the three cozy rooms, two bars or single outdoor dining table will help your soul flourish with each bite, sip and laugh spent with friends. The space is great for a quick cocktail, weekend brunch or private event. Head to their website for the full menu and for more details on how to book a table.

Reyna is a lively tapas and cocktail bar in Union Square, serving an eclectic mix of table snacks and larger plates that traverse the Mediterranean, paired with an extensively creative cocktail menu and comprehensive wine list. Hailing from Toronto, the welcoming and comfortable space is run by an independently-owned female company, operated by Nicki Laborie with executive chef Yarisis Jacobo. Reyna means "queen" in Spanish, so come eat like one and experience a world of robust flavors and tantalizing aromas!

The Blue Mezze Bar is a unique Mediterranean restaurant and bar located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan with a focus on serving great food and equally amazing cocktails. The atmosphere is inviting to all and their mezze menu features dishes made to be shared or simply to offer a taste of the region. Find cocktails to suit any taste—with mocktails available as well. Book a table now to explore their menu, environment and for an amazing night out perfect for friends, family or an upcoming date!

Prepare for a full sensory experience at Casa Limone in Midtown. The stunning interior design features pops of mustard yellow, royal blue and forest green alongside detailed tiling and plates hand painted in Sicily for a perfect date night backdrop. Chef Antanio Salvatore brings the Mediterranean flavors of his upbringing in Basilicata to New York City with dishes like grilled branzino, braised short rib, pastas and lemony desserts. His culinary journey has gained him Michelin recognition and the lunch menu at Casa Limone has been deemed one of the best in Midtown! Head to their Instagram for specials and to the website to see current menu offerings. 

Chez Messy isn't just a restaurant, it's an immersive experience that caters to all of your senses. The space, owned by a second generation Harlem native, offers live entertainment, meticulously crafted dishes and expertly mixed cocktails in a beautifully designed space. The combination of a sophisticated atmosphere and attentive staff makes Chez Messy a standout destination for a memorable night out.

The team behind Chez Messy is partnering with NYC Parks Dept to bring together community-based creatives at Riverbank Park between 151st and 153rd street. The large scale space will house a restaurant, catering space, live art event area, open air food court and farmers market in support of local New York farmers and Harlem culinary artists. Head to their website for more information on how to dine at their Uptown restaurant and follow their Instagram to keep up with future projects. 

Cubby’s is a family run restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen serving burgers, sandwiches, floats and more every day of the week. Find affordable prices with high quality customer service and delicious dishes no matter what you order. Their community focused restaurant offers catering for parties or office gatherings of any size—and don’t forget to order ice cream for dessert!

If you’re looking for authentic Thai food in SoHo head to Lan Larb for homestyle cooking from Chiang Mai, Thailand. Find classic dishes from Northern Thailand like khao soi and kanom jean nham ngiaw alongside favorites like crying tiger steak and panang curry. Their beverage menu features sake, soju based cocktails and natural wines to accompany their expansive menu! 

Little Thai Kitchen has been a neighborhood staple in Manhattan's Midtown neighborhood since 2007 and makes for a perfect dining spot for your next date night or family get together. Dishes range from curries featuring chicken, shrimp or mock duck to wok-fried favorites like pad thai and drunken noodles. Head to their Instagram for specials and menu highlights.

Enjoy cooking around a fire without leaving the city. The Nangman BBQ experience is a chance to relax, unwind and enjoy a delicious meal that evokes the joy of cooking around a campfire. Exquisite meats and sauces comprise original dishes that you cook on a tabletop grill. To wrap up a glamping-style meal, don’t miss the unlimited DIY s’mores.

Sarisa Cafe offers a wide variety of Thai desserts from popular sweets like mango sticky rice to traditional dishes you may not have tried before like steamed coconut layer cakes. The modern interior and elegant offerings make it the perfect place for a meeting, catching up with friends or celebrating a special occasion. Stop in for afternoon tea, coffee, sweet treats galore, daily specials and more! 

Head to Sushidelic for an immersive experience that goes beyond just serving sushi. Step into their vibrant and colorful world as you embark on a journey of delicious and totally adorable flavors. They are redefining the sushi experience to match the Kawaii aesthetic of the new generation with conveyor belt sushi, signature towers and rolls of all kinds. Head to their Instagram for inspiration and to keep up with specials!

Yum Cha is a traditional Shanghai eatery located near Bleecker street in New York City offering authentic dim sum, tapas and wok-cooked specialities. The cozy ambiance is reminiscent of traditional dim sum parlors while offering a fresh take and unique spin on hearty and delicious dishes. They also offer a rotating menu of Chinese fusion cocktails, making for a perfect date night destination. 

This New York City eatery is combining authentic Chinese flavors with modern techniques to pay homage to the richness of Chinese gastronomy right in the heart of Chelsea. Indulge in noodles handmade in house daily prepared with hand mixed spices, traditional soup dumplings and more. Try their spin on classic dan dan noodles, mapo tofu or braised beef noodle soup. The ambiance is great for getting the family out of the house for dinner, meeting up with friends or wrangling a large group of friends for a delicious meal! 

This iconic eatery started on a rooftop in London back in 2011 when four schoolmates came up with the idea to start a restaurant that focused on two delicious ingredients, burgers and lobster. You could say the rest is history and the concept has since grown from a small Irish pub to a global restaurant empire with locations across London, Qatar, Bangkok, Malaysia, Kuwait, Singapore and of course New York.

Book a table at their Bryant Park location for an unforgettable meal before or after seeing a show, going for a walk in the park (which is just a stones throw away) or meeting up with friends in the neighborhood! You can't go wrong with ordering either burgers, lobster or both in their take of a surf and turf situation served with half of a lobster and burger.

Mari Vanna has been a Flatiron staple for 14 years and is filled with unique antique furniture, lace drapery, cozy armchairs and crystal chandeliers perfect for any occasion. The menu is full of home-style and specialty dishes from Russia, Ukraine and Georgia alongside signature cocktails and flavored vodkas infused in-house. 

Çka Ka Qëllu, which translates to “what we happen to have” is introducing Albanian culture, tradition and cuisine to NYC. The space not only offers authentic dishes from the region but also serves as a museum filled with dozens of 18th and 19th century Albanian artifacts hand-collected by the owner. Book a table to explore this unique dining space and enjoy a taste of Albanian and Kosovo cuisine—all while immersing yourself in the rich history.

This Midtown spot goes big on authentic Chinese cuisine, with the menu showcasing dishes from Beijing, Shanghai and Southern China. It's a new venue but it looks like it's already making waves with locals.

Dishes run the gamut of classic Chinese options, ranging from kung pao chicken and cumin lamb to a very decent selection of authentic dim sum, including some excellent har gow. One of their specialities is a great-looking Peking duck which looks well worth ordering – just make sure you order early as it takes 45 minutes. Proves it's made from scratch, right?

Each of the dishes is available in the attractive restaurant itself or for takeout.

This Dylan Hotel dining room comes from two Peter Luger alumni, who have grown their mini empire into a stable of five: three in the city, one in Westchester and another all the way over in Japan. They must be doing something right.

This Midtown spot opened back in 2006 and takes its steak very seriously. They dry-age their cuts in their own aging box and keep things nice and simple: porterhouse, sirloin, rib-eye and filet mignon, cooked with confidence. 

In a nod, perhaps, to their Sea Fire Grill on 48th Street, seafood options are strong here, too. Think whole Maine lobsters (broiled or steamed—and stuffed with crab meat if that’s your thing), Chilean sea bass, grilled Norwegian salmon, and some hugely popular—and huge—king crab legs in drawn butter. Bring an appetite, basically.

Head to Shogun Omakase for a meal that conveys the true essence of Japanese cuisine with the freshest seasonal ingredients and fish. Each dish is carefully prepared by chefs with quality in mind and offers a unique range of flavor and texture. Enjoy crisp tempura, grilled dishes cooked over a charcoal fire and sushi prepared with extreme precision. Find all the information you need to book a reservation at their website and find a gallery of past and current dishes on their Instagram.

Chomp Chomp Thai Kitchen is an East Village hidden gem serving up comfort dishes at an affordable price point. Thai street food classics like koi soi are served alongside reimagined dishes like pla tod kamin, a southern style fried fish with turmeric. The casual eatery is ideal for lunch with friends or to stop in for a bite before exploring nightlife in the surrounding area.

Indulging in delicious and healthy meals from Mangia is easier than ever at one of their four retail locations across Manhattan. Whether you’re in Soho or Flatiron or Midtown, enjoy one of their farm-to-table and made-to-order sandwiches, salads or juices alongside a 24-hour bakery.

Next time you’re in need of catering, Mangia is known for being the largest corporate and events catering company in the city, servicing Fortune 500 clients on a daily basis. Head to their website to view the menus, find your nearest location and start placing your next order.

The open kitchen concept at Basta Pasta allow diners a view into the process of crafting each dish. The concept was born in Tokyo by Japanese chef Takada with plans to film a cooking show within the space—now the format allows for entertainment all night long! Book a table now and head to their Instagram for more information.

Nestled on the corner of Spring and Sullivan in the heart of SoHo you’ll find Bandone, the New York home of pasta-obsessed restaurateur Daniele Mancini’s beloved Italian fare. Bandone is the culmination of his gastronomic endeavors in Rome and Madrid with a humble mission to serve fresh takes on classic family recipes and the generous spirit of Italian hospitality.

From impromptu long lunches to special occasions, this is a place for enjoying good food with good people. The pastas are lovingly handmade in-house daily and the menus rotate with the seasons to celebrate quality produce at its unfussy best—with ingredients sourced locally from like-minded suppliers. From fresh focaccia to natural wines, everything is designed to be savored and shared.