Everyone knows the food scene in New York City is to die for. After all, it’s a place that’s every bit as famous for its pizza and bagels as it is the Empire State Building and Central Park. No matter what I am coming to New York for, exploring new restaurants is always at the top of my to-do list. I knew there was no way I could call myself a travel blogger without devoting an entire post to the top restaurants in Manhattan.
- If you’re interested in after-dinner drinks at a rooftop bar, check out my other post: The Best Rooftop Bars With a View in NYC
Every time someone tells me they are planning a visit to New York, one of the first questions they ask me is “where should I eat?” Undoubtedly, my answer is always one of the places on this page. Keep reading to discover all my top favorite Manhattan restaurants, a couple foodie neighborhoods that you cannot miss, and the secret to finding the best New York pizza.
The Top Restaurants to Visit in Manhattan
Carbone
Location: West Village
Price Point: $$$$
Visit the Carbone website here
Okay, we’re getting fancy right from the jump. Carbone is a gorgeous Italian-American restaurant in West Village that serves bomb pasta. They’re known for their spicy rigatoni vodka pasta, but the tortellini au Ragu spoke to me louder, so that’s what I went with. Obviously, I loved it. I also have to give a special shout-out to the service, which was incredible. Our waiter was friendly, funny, patient, and genuinely seemed like he wanted us to enjoy our dining experience.
The inside embodies the “old money elegance” that you can only find in NYC. But as high-end as the restaurant looks, it also manages to feel cozy inside too…or, maybe that’s just because we’re eating comfort food.
Regardless, this is one of those restaurants that you need to set an alarm on your phone in order to make reservations. If not, they’ll quickly go, and you’ll be left with no pasta and all the regrets. Reservations open 30 days in advance and can be made on Resy.
The Corner Store
Location: SoHo
Price Point: $$-$$$
Visit The Corner Store website here
The Corner Store is currently my favorite NYC restaurant. Lately, it’s also been one of the hardest dining reservations to get in New York City. Is it really that good? Well, yes…but the fact that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were seen exiting the building one night doesn’t exactly help us normal people.
If you can’t get a reservation, plan to stand in line outside the restaurant around 3:45 (they open at 5:00pm). The hostesses will take your number and text you if a spot becomes available.
I lucked into a seat at The Corner Store twice during my 11 day trip to Manhattan. I’ll confess, I stood in line 4 different times to make this happen. I know…I sound like a psychopath. But my meal the first night was so good that I had to come back to try more food. /shrug
If you’re lucky enough to get in, expect tapas style plates along with a few larger options, so you can try as many things as you want. My favorites were the pizza rolls, lobster roll, and fries with dipping sauces (the orange sauce tastes like Big Mac sauce and is therefore the best…but try all 3). I also tried the Caesar salad (note: it’s big) and the tuna tartare. Both were also amazing, so you can’t go wrong. I was devoted to the carbs here though.
Finally, their coconut sundae is a must. I hate coconut, but it was arguably the best dessert I’ve ever had. For drinks, get the mezcal margarita, or try the sour cream & onion martini with a side of chips. It may not sound appetizing, but it’s actually really light and only has a hint of the sour cream & onion flavor.
- Pro Tip: Getting in line early here is essential. Most of the time, only the first handful of people in line get called back in for a seat. If your party has more than 2 people, I suggest breaking up into groups of 1-2 to increase your chances.
- (Another) Pro Tip: Corner Store is frequented by a lot of celebrities, and this can impact whether or not you get in as well…even if you come early. One night that I tried to go in, Justin and Hailey Bieber were inside, so nobody got called back.
A Pasta Bar
Location: SoHo
Price Point: $$$
Visit the A Pasta Bar website here
A Pasta Bar is located near The Corner Store and is a fabulous option if you don’t get your callback text you were hoping for. When I was standing in line for Corner my first night, I made friends with two incredible ladies from Las Vegas and we ended up coming here for dinner.
Oh. Em. Gee. We all agreed this was some of the best pasta we’ve ever had in our lives. We sat at the bar and watched the chefs cook the pasta in the central kitchen while we drank our wine (yes, all pasta is made in house).
For food, I can 10/10 recommend the burrata and the tagliatelle al tartufo nero (it has shaved black truffle, and when I say AMAZING, I mean it…). They also have a Pasta Tasting option where you can taste 5 different pastas between 2 people for $150.
During the summer months, they have outside seating. We were lucky enough to snag 3 seats at the bar, but make reservations if you absolutely want to dine here (and you should).
Au Cheval
Location: Lower Manhattan/Chinatown
Price Point: $$$
Visit the Au Cheval website here
Au Cheval is a gorgeous restaurant with a rustic, brick interior that’s known for their burger. I’ll admit, I was confused at first, because the only burger on the menu is a double cheeseburger and just seemed very…basic. Yes, you can add fried egg and bacon, which I would recommend doing, but still. I was expecting to see this exotic, gourmet burger…not something I’ve seen at hundreds of restaurants before.
Fast forward, and I was eating my words…and the burger too, obviously. Oh, and the garlic aioli fries. I don’t know if the burger was made with extra grease, extra spices, or extra love, but it was delicious. Again, get the fried egg and/or bacon added on if that speaks to you.
My only complaint about Au Cheval was that I did not like any of their wine…not even the Prosecco. I like a dry, full-bodied red wine, and I could not find anything that fit this description. But aside from that, my only complaint about myself at this restaurant was that I didn’t save enough room for dessert…because the chocolate creme pie at the table beside us looked fabulous. If you try it, LMK how you like it in the comments!
- Pro Tip: Au Cheval is located near Chinatown, and the walk to the restaurant from the subway stop was a tad sketchy and dirty. We went here during New Years Eve, so perhaps it was extra dirty from the time of year, but just something to be aware of.
- (Another) Pro Tip: Au Cheval also serves Sawada Coffee, which I recognized immediately from when I visited Chicago
Little Collins
Location: Midtown Manhattan
Price Point: $$
Visit the Little Collins website here
If you’ve eaten at an Australian restaurant in New York City, you know the Aussies are really doing it for us in the breakfast department. The first photo I saw of Little Collins was of their pancakes, and that did it for me. Pancakes are my favorite “cheat meal” breakfast, and even though I’m partial to those with chocolate chips, I could not be swayed from trying these that came with strawberries, bananas, hazelnuts, and honeycomb.
I KNOW, right?! Clearly, the Aussies know their pancakes.
Their breakfast is available til noon on weekdays and all day on weekends. There’s also a variety of salads, soup, and sandwiches you can try in the afternoon/evening. FYI: There’s not a ton of seating, so expect to have to wait.
Lolita
Location: Midtown
Price Point: $$
Visit the Lolita website here
Lolita is a Mexican restaurant that serves your traditional Mexican fare in an upscale setting. A few fan favorites include pork tacos, chips & guac, mushroom quesadilla, and street corn. They have a happy hour from 4-7 pm daily with drink and food specials, along with brunch on weekends from 11:00-3:30. I’m sad that I never made it here for brunch, because their macadamia nut pancakes sound like they would end me. If you try them, LMK what you think in the comments!
As an aesthetic traveler, you know I have to highlight the restaurant’s interior…which is gorgeous. The vibe is a mix of bohemian glam meets the tropics. They have a bar when you first walk in, along with another bar upstairs. The view from the staircase makes for a gorgeous photo, as evidenced below:
Chelsea Market
Location: Meatpacking District
Price Point: Varies
Visit the Chelsea Market website here
Chelsea Market is not exactly a restaurant, but a bunch of restaurants and shops all under one roof. If you’ve ever been to a Time Out Market like the one in my Brooklyn post, think of it as Time Out Market on steroids. It has everything from bakeries, street food, sit-down restaurants, a flea market, bookstores, shops, and more. I cannot remember what the street food place was called, but I had a mushroom gyro from it and it was incredible. You’ll know it when you see it. Walk around, explore, and see what looks appetizing to you!
- Fun Fact: This building is bigger than it looks, and has at least 2 floors of dining and shops. In fact, when I attended New York Fashion Week, they held some of the shows in the top floor of the Chelsea Market building.
Oscar Wilde NYC
Location: Nomad District
Price Point: $$$
View the Oscar Wilde website here
Oscar Wilde is famous for their Victorian-era aesthetics and for having the longest bar in NYC at 118.5 feet. If you know anything about Oscar Wilde the person, you know that he was unique in his dress, flamboyance, satire, and wit. The restaurant itself has somehow managed to embody all of these qualities – right down to the Oscar Wilde quotes hidden throughout the decor. (Seriously…look for them on the tables, chairs, mirrors, bathroom, etc!).
TBH, Oscar Wilde has become somewhat of a tourist trap thanks to its holiday decor. The interior of the restaurant is pretty on a normal day, but on holidays, they go all out…especially Christmas and Halloween. Seriously…you can’t even see the walls. That’s how much stuff is hanging up. If you decide to come for the holidays, make reservations way in advance, and know that it gets crowdedddd inside.
Yes. THIS is the level we’re on….
Now…you may be wondering if this is a place where you are “paying for the atmosphere…” and my answer is, kind of, yes. Oscar Wilde has an extensive drink menu, but I don’t particularly love their cocktails. Every time i have gotten one, they have tasted watered down. I’ve had the food and dessert though, and both are pretty good.
Despite not loving the drinks, I do usually tell people about this place if they’re visiting during the holidays, just because the atmosphere is so cool. Weigh the pros and cons, and LMK what you think in the comments if you visit!
Fun Fact: Oscar Wilde is one of the places I came when I took a bunch of photos around NYC to use for my travel blog when I was first starting out. I came here during May so I could capture the restaurant’s romantic aesthetic without the holiday decor.
Da Andrea
Location: Chelsea, West Village
Price Point: $$$
View the Da Andrea website here
Da Andrea is an Italian restaurant serving homemade comfort food in 2 NYC locations. Their menu features traditional Italian dishes like spaghetti alla carbonara and fettuccine, and also things like cappellacci tartufo e porcini if you’re trying to break out of your comfort zone. The inside is dimly lit and cozy, and the outside is adorned with flowers and string lights.
If you are an avid reader of this blog, you know the outside would be enough to get me to go in, and the food is enough to make me come back. If you need further convincing, I ate my birthday dinner here in 2024 and have zero regrets.
The Milling Room
Location: Upper West Side
Price Point: $$$
View The Milling Room website here
Located in what was originally a fancy hotel, the Milling Room is a stunningly beautiful space with locally sourced American food. The main dining room has a skylit ceiling and a rustic-yet-moody vibe that makes this the perfect date night spot.
The food and drink selections rotate seasonally (if they have the ricotta gnocchi or squid ink linguine vongole when you go, I can attest that both are amazing). Additionally, there is a Tavern bar adjacent to the restaurant space that offers extra seating. I loved everything about this place when I went – drinks, dessert, food, service, moody vibes, all of it.
NoMo Kitchen
Location: SoHo
Price Point: $$$
View the NoMo Kitchen website here
If you are familiar with SoHo, you may have walked by the NoMo SoHo hotel and noticed the iconic archway leading to the hotel’s entrance. Follow this archway, and it will lead you into the hotel lobby and, subsequently, NoMo Kitchen. The restaurant inside this beautiful hotel space has a glamorous/girly/greenhouse theme complete with a graffiti heart wall and chandeliers. Outside, there is a rose garden patio, giving a chic yet urban secret garden vibes.
For food, I can recommend their squid ink fusilli, pizza flatbreads, and Spanish octopus. NoMo Kitchen is also known for their brunch and cocktails. Bask in the whimsical scenery and even check out the Library Cafe on your way out – a small, intimate space with a rotating book wall serving coffee, tea, and breakfast bites.
- Fun Fact: NoMo SoHo is another place I came when I took a bunch of photos around NYC for my website!
The Grey Dog
Location: Multiple
Price Point: $$
View The Grey Dog website here
The Grey Dog is one of those places that you go when you want to grab your favorite people and have a cozy meal surrounded by good food and good vibes. Known for their all-day breakfast, they also have a variety of wines and cocktails and an extensive happy hour that runs from 3-7pm on weekdays (4-7 on weekends).
If you come around happy hour time, they have shareable plates (their grilled cheese dippers are popular!) along with a variety of salads and sandwiches. Although dogs are technically not permitted in any NYC restaurant, I’ve been told as long as your pet is well-behaved, the staff will *pretend* they didn’t notice…
Clinton St. Baking Co.
Location: Lower East Side
Price Point: $$
View the Clinton St. Baking Co. website here
Clinton St. Baking Company is known for their bomb pancakes that are served all day long until close. Their history is fascinating: what originally began as a small bakery focused on making muffins and scones has since evolved into the breakfast phenomenon that it is today.
They currently have visitors from all over the world stop in to taste what New York Magazine proclaims as “the best pancakes in New York City.” But don’t think they have forgotten their roots: you are still able to order cakes and other baked goods for pick-up.
Clinton St. Baking Co. also has a location at Time Out Market in Brooklyn – in fact, this is where I tried their famous pancakes for the first time (and then came back the next day and had them again.)
Buvette
Location: West Village
Price Point: $$
View the Buvette website here
I casually stumbled upon Buvette while strolling through the West Village and immediately noticed 2 things: the interior that reminded me of a cozy French cafe, and the line that was out the door. Fortunately, I was able to get right in (perks of being a solo traveler!).
The menu features comfort-food breakfasts such as waffles, croque sandwiches, and toasts, and they also have specialty egg-featured dishes. They also serve lunch and dinner, but the breakfast vibes are just too good for me to pass up. This is the perfect place to order a croissant with a cappuccino and spend the morning pretending like you’re in Paris (but make reservations in advance!!).
Becco
Location: Times Square
Price Point: $$$
View the Becco website here
If you are looking for great Italian restaurants in NYC, put Becco on your list. I love this restaurant for numerous reasons – 2 of the most important ones being the food and the service. Famous for their innovative pasta tasting menu, you are able to taste 3 of the chef’s daily pasta preparations along with a choice of insalata or antipasto. Being an authentic Italian restaurant, I’m sure you don’t need me to assure you that the wine list is second to none either.
Located on Restaurant Row (W. 46th St.) right outside of the theater district in Times Square, Becco is famous for more than just its food. Fans of the classic TV show Friends will enjoy knowing that a few restaurant scenes were shot here, and the restaurant itself is rich in cultural Italian history. This is the perfect spot to eat after you catch your favorite Broadway show, but be sure to make reservations – this place gets packed!
Tara Rose
Location: Murray Hill
Price Point: $$
Visit the Tara Rose website here
One thing I love about Tara Rose is that the food is great AND it is reasonably priced for NYC. The interior is gorgeous, and the menu has an upscale-American vibe with a hint of Latin flare, especially with the drink menu. There are a few different tequila drinks, and I can’t wait to eventually try them all.
I have only ever come here for breakfast, and therefore I’m a slave to their chocolate chip pancakes and lattes. Eventually I will tear myself away and try one of their margs and fish tacos…wait, no, the warm farro bowl…actually, hold on, the Tara Rose burger…
Le Café Louis Vuitton
Location: Near 5th Avenue
Price Point: $$$
Visit the Le Café Louis Vuitton website here
If you’ve spent any time trolling this website (especially The Aesthetics section), you probably saw this one coming from a mile away. Le Café Louis Vuitton is located on the 4th floor of the massive Louis Vuitton store right off of 5th Avenue on 57th St. Don’t get this confused with the LV store that looks like a massive luggage set…this is NOT where the restaurant is. Instead, look for it in this building here:
(Note – outside decor may change)
As you can imagine, reservations are required…but if you come early (or get lucky), you can snag a seat at the bar without one. I came as soon as they opened and got breakfast: the smoked salmon with the monogrammed waffle, latte (note – all the espresso drinks have designs on them), and the chocolate entremet for dessert. Oh, and then I got a drip coffee, because I’m addicted to caffeine. /shrug
- Pro Tip: According to my server, the espresso drink with the most creative “artwork” on top is the vanilla matcha latte.
Now…here’s where I’m going to be honest with you. All my food was delicious…but my bill came to $75. While it was good, I do not think it was “seventy five dollars good.” You know what I’m saying? I absolutely think you should come here for the experience, especially if you’re a High Maintenance B– like I am. But if I came here again, I’d get a latte and the chocolate entremet dessert and call it a day.
While you’re here, take the time to explore the store and notice all the cool artwork and displays. This store also has a huge selection of purses, luggage, jewelry, and more. I have to close my eyes on the way out to resist temptation, but if you treat yourself, there’s no way I’m judging.
- Pro Tip: Right before you enter the restaurant is LV’s signature chocolate bar, Le Chocolat Maxime Frédéric, where you can buy everything from classic to creative chocolates to take home.
A Couple Foodie Neighborhoods to Explore
One of my favorite things about coming to New York City is that there are endless amounts of restaurants to explore. Each time I visit, I am constantly finding new areas and streets that have restaurants I want to try. In addition to the places mentioned above, these are the areas I intend on exploring next time I return:
West Village/Greenwich Village
Ahhh West Village: the neighborhood that Taylor Swift famously sang about is everything you would imagine it to be. The restaurants, bars, and coffee shops here somehow manage to be cozy, mysterious, artsy, rustic, and magical all at the same time. Turn down any random street and there are string lights hanging off of outdoor seating, comfort food aromas in the air, and people just simply enjoying each other’s company.
The more I visit New York, the more I fall in love with West Village/Greenwich Village. This neighborhood has truly become one of my favorite places in the city, not just for its food scene, but for its unwavering charm and quaint sophistication. I urge you to spend time walking around here on your next visit (you can pretend you’re T-Swift walking down Cornelia St. I won’t judge you.)
W. 46th Street – “Restaurant Row”
The best part about W. 46th St. is that it’s right near Times Square but doesn’t feel like it should be. Turn down this street and you’ll be (almost instantly) transported from the mania of New York City’s most famous tourist attraction to a much quieter, lest touristy part of the city where all you have to worry about is which restaurant to choose.
Nicknamed “Restaurant Row” because of all the delicious options, you may find it a tad overwhelming at first to choose. Fortunately, the city has your back: they recently installed 2 way-finding kiosks at the end of each block that lists the available restaurants in order of location, and color-coded by cuisine.
One of the things that makes Restaurant Row so special is its diversity when it comes to cuisine AND entertainment options. You have Asian flavors from Dim Sum Palace, Swing 46 featuring live jazz, the French Brasserie Athenee, and Becco, the Italian restaurant that I mentioned earlier. And those are just 4 options. This is the perfect area for anyone who wants to grab a bite to eat and then catch a Broadway show or end the night exploring Times Square.
The Best Tip for Finding The Best New York Pizza
One of my good friends – not to mention a NYC native – taught me that in order to find the best pizza in New York, you have to pick somewhere that’s the dive-bar equivalent to a pizza shop. The sketchier, the better. And she was right.
One of my favorite NYC memories is stumbling into a hole-in-the-wall pizza place in Times Square after seeing Chicago on Broadway. Full disclosure: I had way too much wine in the theater to even begin to tell you what this place was called, but it was giving gas-station restaurant vibes.
TBH, it probably didn’t even have a name. Regardless, know that Broadway + wine followed by discovering the best pizza of your life in a nameless pizza place is what New York dreams are made of.
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