The 15 best food spots in NYC
Poutine at Pommes Frites
Finding decent food in New York is not a challenge. It’s one of the most diverse and renowned cities when it comes to cuisines from all over the world. Many businesses had to shut down due to COVID, which has been a very saddening experience to see, but the ones left need to be supported in any way possible. If you’re a New Yorker like me (a full decade in the city qualifies me as such!), or you happen to be in New York for a visit, make sure to stop at some of my all-time favorites below.
Bronx:
1. Antonio’s Trattoria
Hands down, this is a must visit for anybody who loves Italian food! This is where the locals go. Except for Italy, this is the most authentic place I have visited in the city. The Fettuccine Carbonara, as well as the fried calamari, are simply divine! It’s easy to combine it with a visit to the Bronx Botanical Gardens, or the Bronx Zoo.
http://www.antoniostrattoria.com/
Manhattan:
2. Crif Dogs
Heaven for not just fast food lovers! The menu has whole bunch of unique hot dogs with different toppings and ingredients. Go for the Spicy Redneck, a delicious version wrapped in bacon and topped with creamy coleslaw. Don’t worry; you can get it non-spicy, minus the jalapenos, for the ones with a more sensitive palate.
3. Tao Lounge Downtown
This place will make you feel transported straight into 18th-century Southeast Asia! Upon entering you’ll be delighted to walk through a beautifully arranged dungeon-like hallway before getting to the incredible dining room, with an enormous Buddha statue at the center of it. The cuisine is modern Asian fusion and will please any sushi lover. Get the cauliflower as a side dish!
4. Jean Claude 2
Who doesn’t revel in a French Bistro that serves a creamy potato gratin and the best steak au poivre in the city? Pair it with a classic French wine and your dinner date will be more than impressed with your choice!
http://www.jeanclaudenyc.com/
5. Artichoke Pizza
The most unique pizza place, in my unbiased opinion. Their classic Sicilian is a hit, but their bestseller is the artichoke pizza with an alfredo-like sauce as a base. It has several locations throughout the city and one slice will fill you up for the day - they are huge and well worth the $5 (unfortunately, the one in my neighborhood closed down, so let’s give the others some love!).
https://www.artichokepizza.com/
6. Junoon
It’s the only Indian Restaurant in NYC that holds a Michelin-Star, and it’s well earned. Their classics, such as Malai Kofta or Chicken Tikka Masala, are prime examples of why Indian cuisine is so popular and craved after among all ethnicities. Ask for a traditional liquor suggestion - it will blow your mind how tasty they are!
https://www.junoonnyc.com/
7. Salumeria Rosi
Do you like lasagna? If the answer is yes, then reserve your table now, as there is no better version of this Italian dish than at Salumeria Rosi. Remember how your Italian grandma used to make it and you would ask for seconds, and maybe even thirds? Yep, this one can match it any given day!
www.salumeriarosinyc.com
8. Cacio e Pepe
Located on the East Side, this little charmer of a restaurant is known for their cheese wheel, a rarity in NYC, but an absolute hit among diners. They finalize the pasta inside the cheese wheel right at your table. Bon Appetit!
9. Boucherie
You can’t talk about food in NYC without including this hip, yet intimate French restaurant. La Boucherie is a large legend located in the West Village, and the setting makes for a great anniversary dinner. We got lucky and even received an autographed Boucherie cookbook from the chef himself! It never hurts to mention that you’re celebrating something special.
https://boucherie.nyc/
10. Pommes Frites
Wow to that Poutine! If you haven’t heard of this significant Canadian dish, please read on. It’s Belgian-style french fries with cheese curds and a large quantity of brown gravy poured over it! Pommes Frites knows how to rock that dish with simplicity and flavorfulness.
https://www.pommesfritesnyc.com/
Queens:
11. King of Falafel and Shawarma
If you like Middle Eastern food, look no further. All you need to do is take a trip to the trendy neighborhood of Astoria, Queens! The owner started out as a “food trucker”, which is still around, but he now also has his own little restaurant/food shop at the exact spot where he got his start. It has never tasted better!
12. Kyuramen
Ramen, please! After traveling to Japan, I’ve made it my mission to find the best ramen restaurant in New York, my hometown, and to no surprise, I found it in Flushing, Queens; an Asian-dominated neighborhood with some of the best Chinese and Japanese food in the area. Try their original bestseller or the Japanese Curry Ramen.
13. King Souvlaki
King Souvlaki goes hand in hand with lunch-time, long lines, and affordable gyros. It’s the best food truck in Astoria, Queens, and their Greek fries will weaken anyone attempting a diet!
Brooklyn:
14. Emily
It took a podcast to make me aware of this little gem of a restaurant, and it was the best dining choice I’ve made in quite some time. Their cheeseburger is truly the BEST! Another location can be found in the West Village.
https://www.pizzalovesemily.com/
15. Cousin John’s
This place makes any subway trip to Brooklyn worth its while. It’s incredibly cheap, especially for Park Slope standards, and the food won’t disappoint. Their French toast is a piece of heaven! And, since it’s also a bakery, why not get a freshly baked dessert to-go? If you’re lucky with your table, you might even get to watch the bakers at work.
http://www.cousinjohnsbakery.com/
16. The Meatball Shop
The Meatball Shop is a staple for meatball lovers, with locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan. You get to create your own meatball dish with the sauce and sides of your choosing, and it includes a Vegetarian option as well. They’re soft, juicy, and offer the ideal comfort food during cold winter months!
http://www.themeatballshop.com/