25 BEST Restaurants in New York City [2023 UPDATED]

New York City has been known as one of the “great food cities” in the world.  In New York City, you will find that they offer a diverse selection of mouth-watering dishes from many places around the world.  It is also the place where many great dishes were generated. If you are thinking of planning a trip to New York, you will need to know the best restaurants in New York City, and this guide will point you in the right direction.

There are different ways that you can get into a fun, trendy restaurant in NYC.  You can make reservations at your chosen restaurant, or you can stand in line waiting to be seated.  If this is not what you had in mind, maybe you should take a look at this guide. These restaurants are sure to impress you and your friends.

See Also: Places to stay away from in New York City

1. Excuse My French

At Excuse My French, you will experience an old-school Parisian-inspired bistro that offers specialty cocktails and European small entrees that are plated to perfection.  The menu is small, but the flavors are impeccable. At the bar, you will find a great lineup of drinks. It is recommended to try some of their unique flower champagnes. It is also recommended that you try the Croque Monsieur, which has become known as the best in town.  

2. Veselka 

This is a Ukrainian coffee shop that has been serving the public since 1954.  Veselka has grown from a simple newsstand that serves soup and sandwiches to a 24-hour restaurant.  It has become a popular gathering place for many. All of the ingredients that are used in this restaurant are locally grown and made.  Their fast service and the sensational menu are sure to make you want to come back for more. This is one of the best restaurants to visit in New York City.

3. Hometown Bar-B-Que  

If you are looking for some of the best-slow-cooked meats in town, look no further.  Hometown Bar-B-Que has some of the best pit-smoked Bar-B-Que in Brooklyn. They use a southern technique of smoking their meat on oak wood while incorporating a variety of flavors to represent the local community.  At Hometown, they have two bars that offer the best selection of craft beers, American Whiskey, seasonal cocktails, and wine. Many who dine at Hometown end up coming back for more of their flawless Bar-B-Que. You will not want to miss their ribs because they will melt in your mouth.  You will find out why this place has some of the best food in New York City.  

4. The Aviary NYC

If you are looking for one of the best restaurants in New York, The Aviary NYC has what you are looking for.  The team has an intensifying and creative approach to developing flavorful combinations in unpredicted ways.  At The Aviary, NYC, you will have views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. Many people who visit the Aviary are pleased with their superb performance.  This restaurant was number one on the New York Eater’s NYC Restaurants with Stunning views, but be sure to make your reservations.

5. The River Cafe

If you are looking for the perfect waterfront restaurant to eat, The River Cafe has what you are looking for.  This cafe is snuggled under the Brooklyn Bridge and has a romantic setting. You will have the chance to see some astounding views of the New York skyline. They also offer some of the most exceptional wine lists in the world. Their dining room has a serious dress code and a Michelin starred menu that has been charming their visitors since 1977.  For over forty years The River Cafe has been known as one of “the most beautiful restaurants in the world.” This is one restaurant with a waterfront view that you will not want to miss.

6. Celestine

At Celestine, you will experience a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows.  This Mediterranean style restaurant is located just under the Manhattan Bridge and has some of the best services around.  This is one place that you may want to reserve a seat at, and you will not be disappointed. If you are needing a romantic setting, this is also another recommended romantic places to eat in New York City.  

7. Gena’s Grill

At this cafe, you will experience Latin cuisine to its finest.  Gena’s Grill has been around since the late ’70s when it was called National Cafe.  They have daily specials, so it is a good idea to check out the chalkboard outside for recommendations from the menu.  

8. Paul’s Da Burger Joint

Paul’s Da Burger Joint was recommended in Food Network’s Top Places to Eat.  This place is best described as a ‘50’s style restaurant with counter service. When this family restaurant opened in 1989, it was originally called “Paul’s Palace.”  This vintage style restaurant has the best burgers in town for the most reasonable prices. Many customers would consider this “their home away from home.”  You may want to give their loaded fries a try while you are there. This is another one of the best places to eat in NYC on a budget.  

9. The Original John’s Deli

Here is another restaurant recommended on Food Network’s Top Places to Eat that you will not want to miss if you are in the mood for some deli-style food.  They take pride in the name they are given, “Best Heroin in Brooklyn.” John’s Deli has been a Brooklyn landmark since 1968. They are known for their top-notch customer service and delightful food at great prices. This restaurant offers different daily specials, but since their roast beef is the real hero, they serve it every day. There is no wonder why The Original John’s Deli is one of the best restaurants in New York City to eat on a budget.

10. Carmine’s Italian Restaurant

Carmine’s Italian restaurant is located on Times Square and is a family-style restaurant of traditional Italian dishes.  This restaurant is located near Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and New York’s Madame Tussauds. The portions are generous and are enough to feed two people.  It is recommended that you make reservations first. This is one of the best Italian restaurants in NYC that is located in Times Square. 

11. Yummy Noodle House NYC

The New York Eater recommends that anyone who is looking for a good restaurant in Queens should try out the Yummy Noodle House.  This restaurant ranked number one on The New York Eater’s list of The Hottest Restaurants in Queens. This is one Hong Kong-style restaurant that you will not want to miss.  The food is authentically made with the right amount of flavor.

Many who visit this place recommend ordering the Stone Pot and Curry Bowl.  You can also customize your dumpling soup if you want.  The friendly staff along with the ambrosial menu will make you want to come back for more. This is one of the best restaurants to eat at in Queens.  

12. Le Bernardin

Le Bernardin was labeled as the “Absolute Best” restaurant to eat at in Midtown by Grub Street.  This trendy restaurant in Midtown, NYC is located in the middle of such a hectic neighborhood, but the atmosphere of this French restaurant is calm and relaxed.  This restaurant opened in 1986, three months after its opening, it earned four stars from the New York Times, and never dropped a star throughout five reviews. That made Le Bernardin the only restaurant to perpetuate that rating for that long.  Since then, this restaurant has earned many different awards. 

This year, Le Bernardin was ranked Number 1 in the World by La Liste, the global food guide and review aggregator. Every dish is plated to perfection, and the staff treats every customer like they are a VIP.  You can bring your significant other and enjoy a night that you will not forget with this romantic restaurant in Midtown, NYC.    

13. Hunt and Fish Club

The Hunt and Fish Club was recommended by Travel and Leisure to try if you are looking for the best restaurant in Times Square.  This is one steakhouse you will not want to miss out on. This membership free dining club is classic, but the menu is modern. Here, you will experience some of the most extraordinary steaks and seafood that NYC has to offer.

Every dish is remarkably plated, and the flavors will leave you wanting to come back for more. It is recommended that you try the 24 layer cake. The Hunt and Fish Club has become known as one of the best restaurants in Times Square.

14. Morton’s The Steakhouse

Morton’s The Steakhouse is located in the center of Midtown NYC, between two of New York’s iconic streets. This is a restaurant that knows how to serve its customers, personalizing each dining experience and treating each person as a VIP.  This is one of the romantic restaurants to visit with your significant other while you are in Midtown, NYC. You will not want to miss out on their melt in your mouth steaks.  

15. Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream

If you are looking for one of the best ice cream restaurants in town, Van Leeuwen is where you need to be.  They started as an ice cream truck selling artisan ice cream on the streets of New York in 2008, but they have grown into a mini ice cream empire.  All of their ice cream is made from scratch, and the flavors will leave you wanting more. This is one ice cream restaurant that you may want to try while you are in New York.

16. Junior’s Restaurant & Bakery

If you have come to New York to experience some of their signature cheesecake, Junior’s Cheesecake and Bakery is the place to be because it is home to “New York’s Best Cheesecake.”  Some say, “You haven’t lived until you’ve had cheesecake at Junior’s.” However, Cheesecake is not the only thing that Junior’s will serve. They have a full menu to choose from.  This is another favorite thing to do in New York City.

17. Patsy’s Italian Restaurant

This family-owned and operated restaurant has been serving Midtown since 1944, in its original location.  Patsy’s Restaurant has become known as the restaurant that Frank Sinatra made famous. This is one restaurant that you will have to visit while you are in NYC because it is said that “a visit to New York City is not complete without a meal at Patsy’s Italian Restaurant.”  

18. Juliana’s Pizza

If you are in the mood for some of the best pizza in town, Juliana’s has what you are looking for.  Located under the Brooklyn Bridge, you will find the home of the legendary Grimaldi’s Pizzeria. This has become a famous tourist stop in New York, and once you try the pizza, you will see why.

19. Samba Kitchen

Sambia’s Kitchen is one family-owned Brazilian restaurant that you will want to visit while you are in  New York. Time Out says that they “bring the flavors of Brazil to Hell’s Kitchen.” It is recommended to start your visit with some of their carefully crafted drinks like The Caipirinha.  

20. City Vineyard

If you enjoy wine, music, and fine dining, City Vineyard has what you are looking for.  With all of your senses working together, you will want to come back for more. This is one cultural experience you will not want to miss  Since it is a fully functioning winery, you will have the chance to enjoy some of the best wine in town, and relax to some music while taking some beautiful views of the skyline and river.  

21. East Village Pizza

Whether you want pizza by the slice or the whole thing, you will not want to miss this restaurant.  The chef has a Mediterranean background and has been making pizza since he was a teenager. People gather here from near and far to try their Mediterranean Italian combination of flavors.  This is one cultural experience you will not want to miss.  

22. Levain Bakery

This bakery can satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth.  This is a great place to enjoy some warm cookies and iced coffee.  Giving back to the community is what this bakery aims for. Levain Bakery donates all of their unsold goods to charity.  You will be glad you stopped by here before you leave town.  

23. Tony’s Di Napoli

Since Tony Di Napoli’s opening in 1959, they have been serving up some of the most delectable Old New York Italian favorites.  You will find that the portions are large, so it will be best to dine with someone. The menu is substantial, but the staff will help you decide the best way to order.  This is one amazing experience you will not want to miss while you are in New York.

24. Taiyaki NYC

If you are looking for a creative way to enjoy ice cream in New York, Taikyaki NYC is what you are looking for.  Every ice cream is served in fish-shaped ice cream cones, which is quite popular in Japan. You can customize your cone any way you want, and you will also want to come back after you have your first one.  This is another one of the best ice cream restaurants in NYC. 

25. The Marshal

Take American Brick Oven cuisine to the next level with The Marshal. This restaurant only cooks with replanted apple and cherry wood from local orchards. All of the ingredients that are used are locally grown, and their wine comes from local distilleries. The Marshal has a goal in mind, and that is to make the world a better place by reducing the number of carbon emissions from shipping. With the farm-to-table cuisine and best wines of New York, this restaurant is one you will not want to miss. It is recommended to make reservations.

Conclusion

New York is full of many great restaurants and it can seem overwhelming to choose the right place to dine. NYC has many restaurants with breathtaking views. You will also find that many restaurants fit your budget, some restaurants are perfect for the whole family. Whatever your preferences are, this guide will help you find the right restaurant in the right destination that accommodates all of your needs.  

See Also: Things to do in NYC