MAY 22, 2023 /LIFESTYLE, FOOD

Personal favorite NYC spots [restaurants/bars/cafes/speakeasies/bakeries..]

Welcome to the bustling streets of New York City, a vibrant metropolis that never sleeps and is known for its diverse culinary scene. Amidst the towering skyscrapers and the constant hum of the city, lies a treasure trove of gastronomic delights waiting to be discovered. As a local New Yorker, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring the city’s culinary landscape, uncovering hidden gems that are cherished secrets amongst the locals.

In this blog post, I’ll be your guide, revealing a handpicked selection of my favorite restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, and bars in NYC. Whether you’re a food enthusiast seeking out mouthwatering delicacies, a coffee connoisseur in pursuit of the perfect brew, a sweet tooth yearning for delectable pastries, or a night owl seeking vibrant nightlife experiences, this comprehensive guide has got you covered.

In a city as diverse as New York, the culinary options are as varied as its inhabitants. From humble hole-in-the-wall eateries to Michelin-starred establishments, the city caters to all tastes and budgets. But it’s often the hidden gems tucked away in the city’s vibrant neighborhoods that truly capture the essence of New York’s culinary magic.

Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable journey through the culinary delights of NYC’s vibrant boroughs. We’ll explore quaint cafes that serve velvety lattes and artisanal pastries, charming bakeries that fill the air with the aroma of freshly baked bread, lively bars where mixologists craft inventive cocktails, and restaurants where world-class chefs create masterpieces on your plate.

So, whether you’re a visitor eager to experience the true flavors of New York or a resident looking to expand your culinary horizons, join me on this culinary adventure as we explore the best restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, and bars that only a local could recommend. Get ready to embark on a delectable journey through the melting pot of flavors that is New York City!

Special ocassion

VERŌNIKA

bar/restaurant

Address: 281 Park Ave
Neighborhood: Midtown
Cuisine: European
What to try: Tuna Tartar, Cauliflower Schnitze, Creme Brulee


Price range: $$$

LILIA

restaurant

Address: 567 Union Ave
Neighborhood: Wiliamsburg
Cuisine: Italian
What to try: Cacio e Pepe Frittelle, Ricotta Gnocchi with Broccoli Pesto


Price range: $$$

Shinzo Omakase

restaurant

Address: 89E 2nd Ave
Neighborhood: East Village
Cuisine: Japanese
What to try: 13 course tasting menu


Price range: $$

Dante

bar/restaurant

Address: 79-81 MacDougal St.
Neighborhood: West Village
Cuisine: Italian
What to try: Cocktails, Pappardelle, Buratta, flatbread;


Price range: $$$

MAMO

restaurant

Address: 323 W Broadway
Neighborhood: SoHo
Cuisine: Italian
What to try: all of their appetizers, Cacio e Pepe


Price range: $$$

MAISON PREMIERE

restaurant

Address: 323 W Broadway
Neighborhood: Wiliamsburg
Cuisine: Raw Bar
What to try: Oysters


Price range: $$

MISI

restaurant

Address: 329 Kent Ave
Neighborhood: Wiliamsburg
Cuisine: Italian
What to try: Ricotta Crostini, Trumpet Mushrooms, Marinated Leeks, Linguini

Price range: $$

The Consulate

restaurant

Address: 44 W 56th St
Neighborhood: Midtown
Cuisine: Steak Frite, Grilled Artichoke, Truffle Gnocchi and Creme Brule

Price range: $$$

CHEAP EATS

SHAKE SHACK

FAST-FOOD

Address: multiple locations across NYC
What to try: Shack Burger, cheese fries and milkshake


Price range: $

L'INDUSTRY PIZZERIA

PIZZA

Address: 254 S 2nd St
Neighborhood: brooklyn
What to try: Burrata, Parma, Fig Jam


Price range: $$

sweetgreen

SALAD BAR

Address: multiple locations across NYC
What to try: Create your own salad


Price range: $

BEST BAGELS AND COFFE

BAKERY/COFFEE

Address: 225 W 35th St A
Neighborhood: midtown
Cuisine: European
What to try: All sesame bagel with cream cheese and lox


Price range: $

KAZUNORI

restaurant

Address: 15 W 28th St
Neighborhood: Midtown
Cuisine: japannese
What to try: their daily special rolls


Price range: $

Lupe's

restaurant

Address: 110 6th Ave
Neighborhood: SoHo
Cuisine: Mexican
What to try: vegetarian burrito, homemade salsa and chips

Price range: $

LUNCH AND DINNER SPOTS

12 CHAIRS CAFE

RESTAURANT

Address: 56 MacDougal St
Neighborhood: SoHo
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
What to try: Hummus, Falafel with Tahini, Vegetable Couscous


Price range: $$

MONO+MONO

RESTAURANT

Address: 116 E 4th St
Neighborhood: NOHO
Cuisine: Korean Fusion
What to try: Chicken wings,


Price range: $$

LAUT

RESTAURANT

Address: 15 E 17th St
Neighborhood: Chelsea
Cuisine: Malaysian
What to try: Soft shell crab, vegetable noodles, Chili Crab


Price range: $

THE GREY DOG

RESTAURANT

Address: Multiple locations around nyc
Cuisine: America
What to try: Chicken wings, Tomato Soup, Cobb Salad


Price range: $

KAFANA

RESTAURANT

Address: 116 Loisaida Ave
Neighborhood: LES
Cuisine: Balkan
What to try: Shopska Salata, Kajmak, Mixed Grill, Chestnut Puré


Price range: $$

FANDI MATA

RESTAURANT

Address: 74 Bayard St
Neighborhood: Wiliamsburg
Cuisine: Mediterranean
What to try: Fandi Mata salad, 

Price range: $$

Ippudo

RESTAURANT

Address: 65 4th Ave
Neighborhood: SOHO
Cuisine: Japanese
What to try: Ramen


Price range: $

ZEST SUSHI

RESTAURANT

Address: 116 E 4th St
Neighborhood: NOHO
Cuisine: Japanese
What to try: Sushi, Sashimi and Purple Potatoes


Price range: $$

TONCHIN

RESTAURANT

Address: 13 W 36th St
Neighborhood: Midtown
Cuisine: Japanese
What to try: Tonchin Ramen


Price range: $$

New Wonjo

RESTAURANT

Address: 13 W 36th St
Neighborhood: Midtown
Cuisine: Korean
What to try: Korean BBQ


Price range: $$$

cibo e vino

RESTAURANT

Address: 2418 Broadway
Neighborhood: Upper West Side
Cuisine: Italian
What to try: Beef Tartar, Burrata Salad, Penne ala vodka


Price range: $$

Piccola Cucica Estiatoria

RESTAURANT

Address: 75 Thompson St
Neighborhood: Tribeca
Cuisine: Italian
What to try: Parmigiana,


Price range: $$

Little Prince

RESTAURANT

Address: 199 Prince Street
Neighborhood: West Village
Cuisine: French
What to try: Onion Soup Burger


Price range: $$$

abcV

RESTAURANT

Address: 38E 19th St
Neighborhood: Midtown
Cuisine: Vegetarian Restaurant
What to try: Dosa, Mushroom Walnut Bolognese


Price range: $$$

BREAKFAST AND BRUNCH SPOTS

BUVETTE

restaurant

Address: At the corner of Bleecker, 42 Grove St
Neighborhood: West Village
Cuisine: French
What to try: Avo Toast, French Toast

Price range: $$

Café Chelsea

restaurant

Address: 218 W 23rd Str
Neighborhood: Chelsea
Cuisine: French
What to try: French Toast, Smoked Salmon, Omelette

Price range: $

BEST BAGELS AND COFFE

BAKERY/COFFEE

Address: 225 W 35th St A
Neighborhood: midtown
Cuisine: European
What to try: All sesame bagel with cream cheese and lox


Price range: $

RUBY'S

RESTAURANT

Neighborhood: multiple locations across NYC 
Cuisine: Australian
What to try: Granola with Coconut Yogurt, Avocado Toast

Price range: $$

MAMAN

BAKERY/COFFEE

Neighborhood: multiple locations across NYC 
Cuisine: French
What to try: Pistachio Croissant, Spinach Kiche, Avocado Toast

Price range: $

CAFE'S

RALPH'S COFFEE

BAKERY/COFFEE

Address: 888 Madison Ave
Neighborhood: UES
Cuisine: European



Price range: $$

MAMAN

BAKERY/COFFEE

Neighborhood: multiple locations across NYC 
Cuisine: French
What to try: Pistachio Croissant, Spinach Kiche, Avocado Toast

Price range: $

Cafe Kitsune

COFFEE
Address:

Neighborhood: West Village

Price range: $$

CHA CHA MATCHA

COFFEE

Neighborhood: Multiple Locations across NYC
What to try: Matcha Latte and Matcha Soft Serve


Price range: $$

ARABICA ROASTERY

COFFEE

Address: 20 Old Fulton St.
Neighborhood: Dumbo




Price range: $

CAFÉ MAIKO

COFFEE

Address: 20 Old Fulton St.
Neighborhood: Dumbo




Price range: $

DEBUTEA

TEA HOUSE

Address: 217 Thompson StNeighborhood: East Village
What to try: Peach Fairy Tea



Price range: $

Remi Flower & Coffee

COFFEE

Address: 906 2nd Ave Neighborhood: Midtown What to try: Chai Latte



Price range: $

BAKERIES AND DESSERTS

LEVAIN BAKERY

COOKIES

Neighborhood: multiple locations across NYC 
What to try: Chocolate chip cookie, Peanut Butter and Chocolate cookie

Price range: $

LAFAYETTE BAKERY NYC

BAKERY/CAFE

Address: 380 Lafayette StNeighborhood: SoHo
Cuisine: French
What to try: Pistachio Croissant

Price range: $$

VAN LEEUWEN ICE-CREAM

ICE-CREAM

Neighborhood: multiple locations across NYC 

 

Price range: $

ANITA GELATO

ICE-CREAM

Address: 1561 2nd Ave
Neighborhood: Midtown

 

 

Price range: $

DOMINIQUE ANSEL

BAKERY/COFFEE

Address: 189 Spring St
Neighborhood: SoHo
Cuisine: French
What to try: cronut

Price range: $$

MAGNOLIA BAKERY

BAKERY/COFFEE

Address: multiple locations across NYC
What to try: Banana Pudding

Price range: $$

BARS AND SPEAKEASIES

THE RAINES LAW ROOM

SPEAKEASY

Address: 48 W 17th St
Neighborhood: Chelsea




Price range: $$$

OSCAR WILDE

BAR

Address: 45 W 27th St
Neighborhood: Midtown




Price range: $

FRESH KILLS BAR

BAR

Address: 161 Grand St, Brooklyn
Neighborhood: Williamsburg




Price range: $$

DAINTREE

ROOFTOP

Address: 25 W 38th St 29th Floor
Neighborhood: Midtown




Price range: $$

Patent Pending

SPEAKEASY

Address: 49 W 27th St
Neighborhood: Midtown




Price range: $$$

The Little Shop

SPEAKEASY

Address: 49 W 27th St
Neighborhood: LES




Price range: $$

EMPLOYEES ONLY

SPEAKEASY

Address: 48 W 17th St
Neighborhood: Chelsea




Price range: $$

THE CAMPBELL

SPEAKEASY

Address: 15 Vanderbilt Ave
Neighborhood: Midtown




Price range: $$

BAR BELLY

BAR

Address: 14 Orchard St
Neighborhood: LES




Price range: $

THE BACK ROOM

SPEAKEASY

Address: 102 Norfolk St, New York
Neighborhood: LES




Price range: $

Angel's Share

SPEAKEASY

Address: 45 Groove St
Neighborhood: East Village




Price range: $$$

The Bar at the Bowery Hotel

BAR

Address: 45 Groove St
Neighborhood: East Village




Price range: $$$

THYME BAR

SPEAKEASY

Address: 20 W 23rd St.
Neighborhood: Midtown




Price range: $$$

VERŌNIKA

BAR

Address: 281 Park Ave
Neighborhood: Midtown




Price range: $$$

UES

SPEAKEASY

Address: 1707 2nd Ave.
Neighborhood: UES




Price range: $$

BATHTUB GIN

SPEAKEASY

Address: 132 9th Ave
Neighborhood: Chelsea




Price range: $$

The Nines

BAR

Address: 9 Great Jones Street
Neighborhood: East Village




Price range: $$$