My Must-Try Restaurant Recommendations for NYC (Part 1)
So this is a post that I tried very hard to put out a while ago, and have decided to bite the bullet and just publish it in segments instead of ONE MASSIVE INFORMATION DUMP. Some of the information may be outdated but I will try my best to amend them as I go.
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Hello. My name is Vicky Sun, and I am a foodie. ("Hi, Vicky")
In the past few months, there has been a massive influx of people coming to me with the same question:
"Hey! I'm going to New York. What do I need to eat?"
Initially flattering, the requests became increasingly overwhelming when I had to repeatedly type out my recommendations. At one point, I decided to create a massive list of restaurants and descriptions that I simply threw at people via a copy/paste.
It worked out pretty well, but there wasn't enough detail about my feelings and my favorite dishes (Me, me, me, me, me). So when a friend suggested that I create a blogpost with my recommendations, I immediately saw the genius in the plan. I've decided I would group the restaurants by area and keywords for those who are perusing through.
For those of you who seek a more specific genre, feel free to CTRL+F (or Command⌘+F, for my fellow Mac users) your way through this post.
So here: my list of my favorite restaurants scattered all around New York City. And yes, I do realize this list is quite Manahattan-centric, but I seek to remedy that soon. I'm sorry.
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• East Village: The Mermaid Inn. OYSTERS, SEAFOOD, HAPPY HOUR.
They have the most incredible 5-7pm weekday Happy Hour (All night HH Monday, 4-7pm on weekends) where they serve up fresh $1 oysters and clams with a very generous offering of appetizers and cocktails on their HH Menu.
They also have weekly specials (boasted on the chalkboard behind the bar) and a very delicious dinner menu. Great selection of wine and beer.
WHAT TO GET: The HH oysters and clams ($1).
In the last 2-3 years that I've been going, the HH oyster has always been the Barcat from Chesapeake Bay, VA. It is a smaller oyster with "mild brine, clean & crisp" and is served over ice with half a lemon, pink shallot mignonette, and cocktail sauce with a dollop of horseradish.
The HH clams are Littleneck Clams, which are firm, juicy, sweet, briny, and packs a serious punch of sea flavor. These are not for the faint-hearted, and many have failed to acquire the taste. Order one anyways and try it. You might like it.
PRO TIP(S):
- Line up before opening to get a good seat, especially on Fridays.
- Don't forget to ask for your complimentary dessert (chilled chocolate pudding in a cup) and your little fortune telling fish.
Website: http://www.themermaidnyc.com/
Phone: (212) 674-5870
Address: 96 Second Avenue (btw. 5th & 6th st), New York, NY 10003
Hours:
Sunday:
4:00pm – 10:00pm
Monday:
5:00pm – 10:00pm
Tue - Fri:
5:00pm – 10:30pm
Saturday:
4:00pm – 10:30pm
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There are only two kinds of New Yorkers: Ones who love McSorley's and ones who are wrong.
A lot of people write it off because it's a tourist trap - which it is at times - but it is also a historical landmark and an amazing place to eat, drink, and meet people. Abraham Lincoln has allegedly peed here after giving the Cooper Union Address and the entire bar is filled to the brim with old memorabilia and enticing stories.
The ONLY alcohol they serve here is Light Ale or Dark Ale, with a selection of sodas, pub fare, and daily food specials and a soup of the day. As far as I can remember, Monday is roast leg of lamb, Tuesday is roast pork, Friday is fish & chips with malt vinegar, and Sunday is sliced steak.
With one (1) order of ale you get a pair for $5.50. That's TWO (2) ales in ONE order. So when you're handed double the amount of mugs, do not question the server.
With one (1) order of ale you get a pair for $5.50. That's TWO (2) ales in ONE order. So when you're handed double the amount of mugs, do not question the server.
I'm personally more partial to the Light ales, but if you're not sure what your ale tastes are, ordering a half & half gives you an opportunity to test both.
For the cheese platter, you have a selection of American or Cheddar, and it comes with sliced sweet onions and half a sleeve of saltine crackers. Make yourself a nice little open faced sandwich with cheese, onions, and a small slather of mustard on the cracker.
Question me all you'd like, but you will not be questioning me once you've tried it.
Their cheeseburgers are also delicious, fully loaded, and very reasonably priced.
PRO TIP(S):
- Cash only. There is an ATM half a block down. Turn left when you exit the bar.
- If you order at the bar, drink at the bar. Waiters serve you at the tables.
- Go during the day to skip the evening crowd of loud drunkards.
- Do not - I repeat - DO NOT be rude to the waiters. They will throw you out.
- Expect to find sawdust in and on your person for the next week when you leave.
- Calling the phone is pretty much useless. Half the time it's answered by random guests.
Phone: (212) 473-9148
Address: 15 E 7th St (btw. Second & Third Ave), New York, NY 10003
Hours:
Sunday:
1:00pm – 1:00am
Mon - Sat:
11:00am – 1:00am
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• East Village: Jules Bistro. FRENCH, COZY, JAZZ.
This is one of the many authentic and amazing little French restaurants tucked around New York, and it is absolutely one of my favorites. They also have all-you-can-eat Moules Frites (Mussels & Fries) for $20 on Mondays. I think. At least they used to. I'm trying to verify this but can't find any evidence online.
There is also Live Jazz everyday starting at 8:30pm, as well as on the weekends for brunch.
There is also Live Jazz everyday starting at 8:30pm, as well as on the weekends for brunch.
WHAT TO GET: Escargots ($14) and Magret de Canard à l'Orange ($28.95).
Their escargots are deliciously tender and bathed in a garlic and parsley butter, which is perfect to dip your bread into as an extra treat. The Magret de Canard à l'Orange (Orange Duck) are served along with orange slices atop a bed of seasonal vegetables (usually some mixture of mushroom and greens).
For dessert, I recommend the crème brûlée, of course.
For dessert, I recommend the crème brûlée, of course.
I also recommend their charcuterie platter.
PRO TIP(S):
PRO TIP(S):
- Cash and American Express only. There is an ATM in the back room.
- Outdoor seating is available and very limited.
- If you can't understand the servers when they give you the specials, check the mirror right next to the entrance for a written version.
Website: http://www.julesbistro.com/
Phone: (212) 477-5560
Address: 65 St. Marks Pl (btw. First & Second Ave), New York, NY 10003
Hours:
Sunday:
11:00am – 12:00am
Mon - Wed:
12:00pm – 12:00am
Thu - Fri:
12:00pm – 1:00am
Saturday:
11:00am – 1:00am
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• East Village: Café Mogador. MIDDLE EASTERN, FRENCH, BRUNCH.
Have you ever had Moroccan food? Tagines, specifically. Meat is cooked in a large earthenware pot with a mélange of spices, vegetables (and/or fruits), and sauce until it falls off the bone and melts in your mouth. This is then served with a side of couscous or basmati rice.
Mogador serves up my absolute favorite Tagine and a wide variety of Middle Eastern & North African appetizers such as falafel, hummus, and babaganoush.
WHAT TO GET: Lamb Tagine in Casablanca sauce ($21) and a small pot of Moroccan tea ($4.5)
Pictured above is actually the Lamb Tagine in Charmoullah sauce (spicy green cilantro sauce similar to chimichurri) with a side of rice. That was my attempt to try to switch things up.
However, if you are trying Mogador for the first time, I must recommend the Lamb in Casablanca sauce (chickpeas, raisins, onions) for a nice earthy, soul-filling meal and a side of couscous.
Moroccan tea is minty, sweet, and hot. A perfect balance of refreshing and comforting.
For dessert, get the crème brûlée. Yes, I do love crème brûlée.
PRO TIP(S):
Website: http://www.cafemogador.com/
Small, cozy, raucous, and insanely authentic, Oh! Taisho is one of many incredible Japanese restaurants that have cropped up in the East Village, and definitely one of my all-time favorite izakayas (居酒屋, basically the equivalent to a bierhaus). This place is your irrefutable one-stop shop for drunk food.
Not only are they open late, their sister shop Yakitori Taisho right next door serves the same menu (with a few variances) until 4:00am on Thursdays and Fridays. If you aren't already drunk by the time you get here, make sure you order a few pitchers of plum wine and draught beer to go with your meal. You'll be set.
I dream of Taisho's salmon cream yakisoba. It's basically a salmon carbonara with Japanese noodles, and is cooked up in a skillet, which means the dish is infused with all the beautiful smokiness of fire, spice, and everything nice.
The mentai potato is steak fries with a side of mayo dip infused with spicy roe (明太子 mentaiko), which lends all the beautiful umami flavor you could ever want.
As for all their grilled items? Get wild. Get the beef tongue and chicken skin and shed all the conventions of Western food standards. It's delicious. Get over yourself.
Have you ever had Moroccan food? Tagines, specifically. Meat is cooked in a large earthenware pot with a mélange of spices, vegetables (and/or fruits), and sauce until it falls off the bone and melts in your mouth. This is then served with a side of couscous or basmati rice.
Mogador serves up my absolute favorite Tagine and a wide variety of Middle Eastern & North African appetizers such as falafel, hummus, and babaganoush.
WHAT TO GET: Lamb Tagine in Casablanca sauce ($21) and a small pot of Moroccan tea ($4.5)
Pictured above is actually the Lamb Tagine in Charmoullah sauce (spicy green cilantro sauce similar to chimichurri) with a side of rice. That was my attempt to try to switch things up.
However, if you are trying Mogador for the first time, I must recommend the Lamb in Casablanca sauce (chickpeas, raisins, onions) for a nice earthy, soul-filling meal and a side of couscous.
Moroccan tea is minty, sweet, and hot. A perfect balance of refreshing and comforting.
For dessert, get the crème brûlée. Yes, I do love crème brûlée.
PRO TIP(S):
- Go with a friend or two to split the appetizers and share a few different main courses.
- Try to sit outside on a nice day for prime East Village people watching.
Website: http://www.cafemogador.com/
Phone: (212) 677-2226
Address: 10 St. Marks Pl (btw. First Ave & Ave A), New York, NY 10003
Hours:
Sun - Thu:
9:00am – 12:00am
Fri - Sat:
9:00am – 1:00am
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• East Village: Oh! Taisho. JAPANESE, GRILL, OPEN LATE.
Small, cozy, raucous, and insanely authentic, Oh! Taisho is one of many incredible Japanese restaurants that have cropped up in the East Village, and definitely one of my all-time favorite izakayas (居酒屋, basically the equivalent to a bierhaus). This place is your irrefutable one-stop shop for drunk food.
Not only are they open late, their sister shop Yakitori Taisho right next door serves the same menu (with a few variances) until 4:00am on Thursdays and Fridays. If you aren't already drunk by the time you get here, make sure you order a few pitchers of plum wine and draught beer to go with your meal. You'll be set.
WHAT TO GET: Salmon cream yakisoba ($6.50), Mentai potato ($4.50), and any of their grilled skewers, really.
Or just everything. Just get everything.
Or just everything. Just get everything.
I dream of Taisho's salmon cream yakisoba. It's basically a salmon carbonara with Japanese noodles, and is cooked up in a skillet, which means the dish is infused with all the beautiful smokiness of fire, spice, and everything nice.
The mentai potato is steak fries with a side of mayo dip infused with spicy roe (明太子 mentaiko), which lends all the beautiful umami flavor you could ever want.
As for all their grilled items? Get wild. Get the beef tongue and chicken skin and shed all the conventions of Western food standards. It's delicious. Get over yourself.
PRO TIP(S):
- Get ready to be jostled. It's crowded in there.
- If you order the Choya plum wine, do NOT - I repeat - DO NOT eat the plums unless you want to be trashed when you wake up the next morning.
- Try something that you haven't yet on their massive menu. Life's an adventure.
Phone: (212) 673-1300
Address: 9 St. Marks Pl (btw. Second & Third Ave), New York, NY 10003
Hours:
Sunday:
closed
Mon - Thu:
6:00pm – 12:30am
Fri - Sat:
6:00pm – 2:30am
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• East Village: Ramen Setagaya. JAPANESE, RAMEN, QUICK BITES.
One of many franchises branching from their mother store in Japan, Ramen Setagaya is a hyper efficient and simple ramen joint that serves up great quality ramen at a bargain. They have excellent lunch deals and boasts one of those super fun visible kitchens, where you can watch the chefs slave away after you've ordered your meal.
This joint does get crowded in the winter, and - in the summer - features Tsukemen, which is a dipping noodle that gives you all the flavor and fun of eating ramen without the oppressing heat of a steaming bowl of broth.
This joint does get crowded in the winter, and - in the summer - features Tsukemen, which is a dipping noodle that gives you all the flavor and fun of eating ramen without the oppressing heat of a steaming bowl of broth.
WHAT TO GET: Shoyu Ramen ($8.95 for lunch, $10.45 for dinner) and Pork Gyoza ($5.50)
Their shoyu (soy sauce) ramen is a beautiful, clean, sweet broth that sates your appetite without getting too greasy or overwhelmingly salty. I usually order mine without onion, because I'm personally not a huge fan of diced onions in my soup, but if you've never tried it definitely have a go.
Their gyoza are fairly standard, with good hearty filling and fantastic crispy skin. Excellent appetizer to nibble on before your ramen arrives, not that it's going to take very long.
Their gyoza are fairly standard, with good hearty filling and fantastic crispy skin. Excellent appetizer to nibble on before your ramen arrives, not that it's going to take very long.
PRO TIP(S):
- Avoid sitting near the door in the winter. There's a space heater, but it gets drafty.
- Keep your eye out for seasonal specials. It's a great opportunity to try some new ramen.
Website: http://www.ramensetagayany.com/
Phone: (212) 387-7959
Address: 34 St. Marks Pl (btw. Second & Third Ave), New York, NY 10003
Hours:
Sun - Thu:
12:00pm – 11:00pm
Fri - Sat:
12:00pm – 12:00am
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This is probably the priciest restaurant I will recommend to you in the East Village, but believe me when I say that it is worth it. There is usually a line out the door, and it's fancy enough that there is a coat check when you enter.
There are two main dining areas along with a few seats at the sushi bar, where you can watch the chefs work their craft to perfection.
I treated myself to a solo Valentine's day dinner here once, and got a lot of sympathetic looks from the couples in line. But guess what, I got seated a full 20 minutes before you guys did.
WHO'S LAUGHING NOW?
There are two main dining areas along with a few seats at the sushi bar, where you can watch the chefs work their craft to perfection.
I treated myself to a solo Valentine's day dinner here once, and got a lot of sympathetic looks from the couples in line. But guess what, I got seated a full 20 minutes before you guys did.
WHO'S LAUGHING NOW?
WHAT TO GET: Ankimo ($15), Oyster with uni and ikura ($16), and Omakase sushi ($39)
Ankimo (pictured above) is a wonderfully delicate dish of monkfish liver with a tangy ponzu sauce and spicy grated radish. It has all the beautiful creaminess of liver with just a hint of fresh sea taste that leaves you with none of the gaminess or greasiness of animal liver.
Oyster with uni and ikura (pictured below) is a miraculous marriage of a freshly shucked raw oyster, creamy sea urchin, and sweet, salty salmon roe. I think there's also a hit of ponzu, light mirin, and soy sauce as a binding agent.
As for the Omakase (chef's choice), it's your best bang for buck deal if you want to try a large selection of excellently crafted nigiri. The meal also comes with a miso soup, a California roll, and a dessert. I recommend the green tea ice cream.
Oyster with uni and ikura (pictured below) is a miraculous marriage of a freshly shucked raw oyster, creamy sea urchin, and sweet, salty salmon roe. I think there's also a hit of ponzu, light mirin, and soy sauce as a binding agent.
As for the Omakase (chef's choice), it's your best bang for buck deal if you want to try a large selection of excellently crafted nigiri. The meal also comes with a miso soup, a California roll, and a dessert. I recommend the green tea ice cream.
PRO-TIP(S):
- If you're not afraid of going by yourself, you can probably get seated pretty quickly at the sushi bar.
- Kanoyama is also a very well established sake bar, so ask your server about their offerings of cold and hot sakes to pair with your meal.
Website: http://kanoyama.com
Phone: (212) 777-5266
Address: 175 2nd Avenue (btw. 11th and 12th street), New York, NY 10003
Hours:
Sunday:
closed
Mon - Thu:
6:00pm – 12:30am
Fri - Sat:
6:00pm – 2:30am
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I will not deny that Ippudo is very good. However, it is also way too expensive and there is always, always, ALWAYS a pretty intolerable wait. Yet I will say that it is something that you should try at least once if you are a ramen fanatic, especially of the tonkotsu (pork bone broth) base. This is some of the best ramen I've had outside of Asia, and it IS worth the wait, but after a while it starts losing its charm. Come for lunch, maybe.
Oh and also, the bathroom is downstairs, so this place is not handicap accessible. Or drunk friendly. Still: delicious AF.
There is also another location at Midtown West, which is very popular during lunch for the working crowd.
WHAT TO GET: Akamaru Modern ($14) with Nitamago or poached egg ($2) and Menma ($4). Hirata pork buns ($9).
So the base price of $14 gets you a basic ramen bowl with chashu pork, cabbage, wood ear mushrooms, scallions, garlic oil, and miso paste. And that's pretty solid. But a pretty indispensable part of ramen eating - for me at least - is THE EGG. Ippudo's ramen does not come with an egg, and it will cost you an extra $2 dollars.
You can choose between Nitamago (seasoned soft-boiled egg) or poached egg. As for menma, it's a soy sauce braised bamboo shoot that brings an extra crunch to the experience, and I usually opt to add it as well.
The Hirata pork buns are Chinese steamed fluffy buns that resemble a taco and is filled with fall-apart meat and crunchy vegetables with a spicy sauce. Definitely get this.
You can choose between Nitamago (seasoned soft-boiled egg) or poached egg. As for menma, it's a soy sauce braised bamboo shoot that brings an extra crunch to the experience, and I usually opt to add it as well.
The Hirata pork buns are Chinese steamed fluffy buns that resemble a taco and is filled with fall-apart meat and crunchy vegetables with a spicy sauce. Definitely get this.
PRO-TIP(S):
- Come during lunch or right at 5pm to line up for dinner service.
- Bring a companion and grab a happy hour draught beer at the front bar while you wait.
Website: http://ippudony.com
Phone: (212) 388-0088
Address: 65 4th Avenue (btw. 9th and 10th street), New York, NY 10003
Hours:
Sunday:
11:00am – 10:30pm
Mon - Thu:
11:00am – 3:30pm // 5:00pm – 11:30pm
Friday:
11:00am – 3:30am // 5:00pm – 12:30am
Saturday:
11:00am – 11:30pm
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• East Village: Luke's Lobster. LOBSTER ROLL, SEAFOOD, QUICK BITE.
Now some may direct you to Chelsea Market for seafood fare - and they're not wrong - but there is always a mob of tourists and day-jobbers there fighting you for food, and it's hard to navigate.
Luke's Lobster is a successful franchise that spans across the U.S. serving up sustainable seafood in charming little shack-like shops. Now I don't have much experience with Lobster Rolls, but what I did taste here was absolutely delicious.
Luke's Lobster is a successful franchise that spans across the U.S. serving up sustainable seafood in charming little shack-like shops. Now I don't have much experience with Lobster Rolls, but what I did taste here was absolutely delicious.
WHAT TO GET: Taste of Maine ($24) and a Maine Root Soda, which comes with the bundle.
Website: http://www.lukeslobster.com/
Phone: (212) 387-8487
Address: 93 E 7th St (btw. First Ave & Ave A), New York, NY 10009
Hours:
Sun - Thu:
11:00am – 10:00pm
Fri - Sat:
11:00am – 11:00pm
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• Alphabet City: Minca. JAPANESE, RAMEN.
Now if you're asking me for recommendations on Tonkotsu ramen, this will be where I direct you. It's a bit harder to get to than Ippudo, but it's a cozy little spot in a quiet alley that serves up delicious and authentic bowls of ramen with a basic selection of appetizers and sides.
Not only do you have a selection of different broths ranging from pork to miso to vegetable, you also get to try tsukemen, which is a popular Japanese dipping noodles dish.
There is also a sister restaurant, Kambi, which is near Union Square on 14th street and 1st Avenue, that serves up some killer lunch deals with combo ramen and rice bowls.
WHAT TO GET: Basic Pork Broth Ramen ($11.50) and Homemade Pork Gyoza ($5.50)
Their basic pork broth ramen is a wonderfully rich and filling soup infused with nuanced flavors of roast garlic and mild spices. It comes already topped with sliced chashu pork, seaweed, wood ear mushroom, scallion, dried seaweed, egg (sadly hardboiled, and not soft), and stewed bamboo. Take THAT, Ippudo.
You can also opt for the half pork + half chicken broth if you're worried about it being too greasy. The gyoza is crispy on the outside, excellently meaty, and very clearly homemade without skimping on the fillings.
You can also opt for the half pork + half chicken broth if you're worried about it being too greasy. The gyoza is crispy on the outside, excellently meaty, and very clearly homemade without skimping on the fillings.
PRO-TIP(S):
- Cash only. There's an ATM in the back of Minca and the front of Kambi.
- It can get a little cramped so it's not ideal for large parties.
Website: http://newyorkramen.com
Phone: (212) 505-8001
Address: 536 E 5th St. (btw. Avenue A and B), New York, NY 10009
Hours:
Sun - Mon:
12:00pm – 11:30pm
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• Soho: Balthazar. FRENCH, BRASSERIE, OYSTER BAR
One of the more authentic French bistro/brasserie types in New York, Balthazar is large, gaudy, rather expensive, and very popular. Right next door to the restaurant is also the adjoining bakery that ships out some excellent product, in case you wanted to grab a baguette on your way out.
The restaurant not only serves up an excellent lunch and dinner, but also provides a good selection for happy hour, breakfast, and Sunday brunch.
The restaurant not only serves up an excellent lunch and dinner, but also provides a good selection for happy hour, breakfast, and Sunday brunch.
WHAT TO GET: Steak tartare ($22/$30), Chicken Liver and Foie Gras Mousse ($20) and Duck Confit ($35)
Their steak tartare (pictured below) is wonderfully creamy and comes with a good mustardy kick. My friends and I could NOT stop eating this, and sincerely contemplated getting a second order on top of the chicken liver and foie gras mousse that we were splitting. The mousse was the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a good side of red onion confit to add tartness.
Duck Confit is a French standard and you can pretty much do no wrong with it, however, the moules frites (mussels and fries) for $28 is a safer choice if you're wary of gamey fowl.
Oh and, of course, get the crème brûlée and an espresso for dessert.
PRO-TIP(S):
- You might want to save up for this one and bring a friend so you can maximize diversity.
- They've got delicious cocktails that pair well with their raw bar.
- Avoid the dinner rush by making a reservation first or coming for lunch.
Website: http://balthazarny.com
Phone: (212) 965-1414
Address: 80 Spring Street (btw. Broadway & Crosby), New York, NY 10012
Hours:
Hours:
Sunday:
8:00am – 11:00pm
Mon - Thu:
7:30am – 12:00am
Friday:
7:30am – 1:00am
Saturday:
8:00am – 11:00pm
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So, there.
These are my eleven recommendations for New York dining so far. There are still PLENTY of other places I need to post about, and I've got about 8 drafts in the queue for restaurant reviews.
Big shout out to Becca for lighting that fire underneath my tush about publishing this post.
Till next time!
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