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: $$
MAMAN
BAKERY/COFFEE
Neighborhood: multiple locations across NYC
Cuisine: French
What to try: Pistachio Croissant, Spinach Kiche, Avocado Toast
Price range: $
Cafe Kitsune
COFFEE
Neighborhood: West Village
Price range: $$
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: $$
The Nines
BAR
Address: 9 Great Jones Street
Neighborhood: East Village
Price range: $$$