Dining in New York City is always an adventure. Being somewhat familiar with the city, I already had a few places in mind that I desperately wanted to return to; on the flip side, since there are new places cropping up all the time, I wanted to add a few new ones to my repertoire as well.
I’ve listed my top NYC restaurant picks by borough; half the week was spent in Manhattan and the other half in neighboring Brooklyn (primarily Williamsburg).
Without further ado, my favorite places to eat (and drink) in New York City:
Where to Eat in Manhattan
Craft – 43 E 19th St, Gramercy/Union Square – Farm fresh American fare, elegant setting, extensive wine menu, and prices to match. A great place for a fancy dinner date!
The Bluebell Cafe – 293 Third Avenue, Gramercy – Traditional American cuisine with a modern twist. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and cocktails.
La Birreria at Eataly – 200 5th Ave, Flatiron – Bustling and scenic rooftop with an extensive selection of house-brewed ales and high-end imports.
Shake Shack – Madison Ave and E 23rd St – Arguably the best burgers in New York. Crinkle fries. Frozen custard treats.
Bar SixtyFive at the Rainbow Room – 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Midtown – Lavish cocktail lounge with small plates and incredible views perched high above the city in on the 65th floor of Rockefeller Center. A great excuse to get dressed up, and the price of a drink is still cheaper than admission to the Observation Deck two floors up.
Via Della Pace 48 E 7th Street, East Village – My favorite Italian food in the city. Cozy, hole-in-the-wall feel, deliciously rich food. Cash only.
Mayahuel – 304 E 6th Street, East Village – Clandestine Mexican restaurant and craft cocktail bar. Correcting misconceptions about agave-based spirits one spicy libation at a time.
Sprinkles Cupcakes – 780 Lexington Ave, Upper East Side – Intriguing flavor combinations and a cupcake ATM!
Birch Coffee – Several Manhattan locations – “Farm to grinder” coffee sourced from small producers in Costa Rica and Tanzania.
Chelsea Market – 75 9th Ave, Chelsea – Food and shopping mall with a wide variety of bars and restaurants to choose from. Grab a sweet treat, taste wines, or enjoy a full meal.
Where to Eat in Brooklyn (Williamsburg)
Egg – 109 N 3rd Street, Williamsburg – Southern-style plates served in a bright and airy rustic-industrial setting.
Juliette – 135 N 5th Street, Williamsburg – French traditional techniques, fresh ingredients, antique Parisian fixtures, sunny upper deck perfect for sipping mimosas.
Delaware and Hudson – 135 N 5th Street, Williamsburg – Regional mid-Atlantic American fare made from seasonal, local ingredients.
Oasis – 161 N 7th Street, Williamsburg – Delicious and affordable Middle Eastern and falafel restaurant, open late!
Brooklyn Brewery – 79 N 11th Street, Williamsburg – A Brooklyn institution! Join a brewery tour Monday-Thursday or visit the tasting room Friday-Sunday.
Kent Ale House – 51 Kent Avenue, Williamsburg – Cozy sports bar serving craft beer and sophisticated pub food.
Wythe Hotel – 80 Wythe Avenue, Williamsburg – Historical, refurbished factory building near Brooklyn’s waterfront. Visit the rooftop bar for incredible views of the Manhattan skyline.
Where are your favorite places to eat in New York City? What should I check out next time?
