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$$$ | Greenpoint |
Co-owned by Homer Murray (actor Bill Murray's son), this restaurant gained notoriety when it relaunched with a legendary event featuring the older Murray tending bar. But it's worth a visit, with or without Bill, for chef Sean Telo's creative menus that aim to make tasty dishes while sourcing sustainably and reducing food waste; from tempura-coated shishito peppers to wood-fired pizzas, it's always fun to see what he'll come up with. The urban-rustic design (white subway tiles, wooden tables, hanging plants) is equally welcoming for weekend brunch or a romantic dinner by candlelight.
21 Greenpoint Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11222, USA
Known For
- Owned by Bill Murray's son
- Creative menu
- Dedication to sustainability
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch weekdays
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$$$ | Flatiron District |
Much more than a shopping break, Jean-Georges Vongerichten's restaurant is a love letter to greenmarket cuisine. Underneath the exposed concrete beams, a chic crowd devours fresh, flavorful appetizers like the roast carrot and avocado salad or pretzel-dusted calamari, and winning entrées that include pizzas, pastas, and hearty mains. The restaurant is committed to all the right causes—environmentalism, sustainability, supporting local farmers—all of which are announced in a near manifesto-length list on the back of the menu; thankfully, ABC Kitchen pulls it off without seeming patronizing or preachy.
35 E. 18th St., New York, New York, 10003, USA
Known For
- Vegetable-forward dishes
- Organic ingredients
- Sophisticated setting
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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$$$ | SoHo |
Even with long waits and loud noise levels, most people agree that it's worth the effort (make reservations) to experience restaurateur Keith McNally's flagship, a perfectly New York reproduction of a Parisian brasserie. Like the decor, entrées recreate French classics: Gruyère-topped onion soup, steak frites, and icy tiers of crab, oysters, and other pristine shellfish.
80 Spring St., New York, New York, 10012-3907, USA
Known For
- Lively scene
- A New York institution
- Outstanding brunch
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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$$$ | Upper West Side |
With a colorful, modern interior and an oasis of a patio out back, this Upper West Side gem is the pan-Mediterranean restaurant vision of owner Tuvia Feldman and executive chef Eli Buli. Bustan, which means "garden" or "orchard" in Hebrew and Arabic, churns out dishes that draw inspiration from three continents. Make sure to start with the mezes "for the table" and lather your house-made taboon bread (a flatbread) with warm hummus and spicy feta spreads. Main courses range from lamb kebabs to branzino a la plancha (grilled on a metal plate) served with za'atar-seasoned labneh (Greek yogurt) to Moroccan-style vegetable couscous. Save room for the "nemesis" dessert, a baked chocolate mousse with salted caramel pearls and vanilla ice cream.
487 Amsterdam Ave., New York, New York, 10024, USA
Known For
- Meze platter for the table
- Smoked trout and house-made taboon bread
- Good value
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$$$ | Upper West Side |
The old soul of the Lincoln Center neighborhood seems to inhabit the tiled and mirrored walls of this lively, cramped French bistro, where West End Avenue regulars are greeted with kisses, and musicians and audience members pack the room after a concert. The bar's always hopping, and the menu includes classics like steak tartare, moules frites (mussels and fries), and lobster roll. There's also a popular weekend brunch.
200 W. 71st St., New York, New York, 10023-4323, USA
Known For
- Quintessential UWS bistro
- After-concert scene
- Excellent service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$$$ | SoHo |
Perpetually packed, Italian-leaning Charlie Bird is the brainchild of sommelier Robert Bohr, who was in charge of wine at vino-mad Cru, and chef Ryan Hardy, who made a name for himself at Little Nell in Aspen and has been the private chef for Jay-Z and Beyoncé (not surprisingly, the restaurant has a hip-hop theme). The menu is divided into small and large plates, vegetables, a "raw" section, and pasta. The Roman cacio e pepe pasta is one of the best versions this side of the Atlantic. The wine list is an exceptional tour of old world vintages.
5 King St., New York, New York, 10012, USA
Known For
- Sublime cacio e pepe
- Hip-hop on the Hi-Fi
- Top-shelf wine list
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Mon.--Thurs.
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$$$ | Greenwich Village |
Perpetually packed, Italian-leaning Charlie Bird is the brainchild of sommelier Robert Bohr, who was in charge of wine at vino-mad Cru, and chef Ryan Hardy, who made a name for himself at Little Nell in Aspen and has been the private chef for Jay-Z and Beyoncé (not surprisingly, the restaurant has a hip-hop theme). The menu is divided into small and large plates, vegetables, a "raw" section, and pasta. The uni-loaded duck-egg spaghetti marries surf 'n' turf in a deeply satisfying way, while the Roman pasta dish cacio e pepe is one of the best versions this side of the Atlantic.
5 King St., New York, New York, 10012, USA
Known For
- The preferred spot of "cool kids" everywhere
- Hip-hop on the Hi-Fi
- Varied menu
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch Tues.--Thurs., Reservations essential
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$$$ | Brooklyn Heights |
The key to this restaurant's success lies in its use of ultrafresh ingredients, sourced from local purveyors and presented with style in an upscale, yet casual space that honors its neighborhood's historical roots. A selection of small plates and crostini complement popular main dishes like bison steaks, bone-in pork chops, and homemade pastas. Weekend's offer popular brunch fare including shrimp and grits and "eggs in purgatory" (spicy tomato pomodoro).
127 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11201, USA
Known For
- Weekend brunch crowds
- Homemade pastas
- Hearty meat dishes
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch weekdays
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$$$ | Park Slope |
The rustic Italian farmhouse decor, Mediterranean wines, and candlelight at this renowned neighborhood restaurant will transport you to another land even before you try the food. The menu is inspired by Italy, with hints of Spain and Portugal, and organic ingredients and naturally raised, free-range meats are used in dishes like braised rabbit or pine nut–crusted rack of lamb. Pastas and baked desserts are made in-house.
68 5th Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11217, USA
Known For
- Romantic ambience
- Coveted wine cellar seating
- Antipasti selection
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch
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$$$ | Flatiron District |
When Enrique Olvera, the chef at Pujol, which many agree is Mexico's best restaurant, announced he was coming north of the border, New York foodies went loco. Olvera's haute touch to his native cuisine is magic, and, coupled with the sleek design (soft lighting, minimalist decor), Cosme makes for a fine dining experience of sophisticated food, focused on small plates.
35 E. 21st St., New York, New York, 10010, USA
Known For
- Creative Mexican fare
- Duck carnitas
- Corn tempura soft-shell crab
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch weekdays
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$$$ | Financial District |
Occupying a prime corner in the base of historic 70 Pine, Crown Shy draws even uptowners down to the Wall Street area for its creative menu that plays with international cuisines. Don't be surprised to find brilliantly fused flavors from Italy, Japan, Mexico, or the Middle East here, all deliciously vegetable-forward and elevating the best of the season's produce. Decor is understated modern-Deco, with high ceilings and big windows, a large dining area, and a long, friendly bar. Expect to find plenty of businesspeople on weekdays, giving way to a lively mix of foodies on evenings and weekends. Dishes are priced to invite multiple small-dish tastings, along with a few standout main courses, and creatively balanced desserts.
70 Pine St., New York, New York, 10005, USA
Known For
- Menu mix of small and main dishes
- Busy all-day dining scene
- Unexpected seasonal ingredients
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$$$ | Greenwich Village |
This British-leaning eatery began life as a pandemic-era pop-up mostly serving fish-and-chips. It didn't take long for the city's fooderati to figure out that oh-so-English snack was nearly revelatory here, maybe the best version outside of England. Today, Dame is a permanent fixture on MacDougal Street and serving more than just ultraflakey fish and crispy chips. The menu changes regularly but expect excellent dishes like pan-seared monkfish paired with lentils and bacon, smoked whitefish croquettes, and flakey fish pie. For a meatier take on British food, check out sibling restaurant Lord's, a few blocks away at 506 LaGuardia Place.
87 MacDougal St., New York, New York, 10012, USA
Known For
- Fish-and-chips
- Seafood-heavy menu
- Eccentric wine list
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekends. No lunch
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$$$ | Jackson Heights |
Uruguay is known throughout the world for serving up heaping mounds of high-quality meat and this Jackson Heights corner spot does it just right. With a wide variety of marinated meats to choose from (including beef tongue and blood sausage), all cooked right on the open grill, expect large portions and classic side options like tostones (fried green plantains) and yuca frita (fried yuca). Ask for the homemade chimichurri dipping sauce (a vinegary delight with basil and garlic) that pairs well with just about any dish, or try their empanadas (stuffed with juicy beef or chicken) and the signature Chivito al pan (a decadent steak sandwich topped with ham, bacon, and egg) for a quick hearty meal.
84--02 37th Ave., Queens, New York, 11372, USA
Known For
- Sizzling mounds of meat
- Large portions
- Parrillada (mixed-grill dishes)
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$$$ | NoLIta |
Long before Mr. and Mrs. Obama ate dinner here in 2014, this second-floor spot with minimalist decor had been on the map for those who appreciate chef Ignacio Mattos's deceptively simple cuisine and it still receives consistent acclaim as being one of the best restaurants in Manhattan. The chef's creativity tends to sneak up on the diner in dishes where rye matzo bread might be used under mashed salt cod or sunchoke chips might be folded into sumptuous beef tartare.
47 E. Houston St., New York, New York, 10012, USA
Known For
- Hard-to-get tables
- Top-notch cocktails
- Exciting food using a mix of cuisines
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch weekdays, Reservations essential
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$$$ | East Village |
Seafood, spicy, and sharing plates are the key concepts at this convivial and colorful Thai restaurant, where the dishes aren't what you find on typical Thai restaurant menus. Order for the table and if you like spice, make sure to include the Zabb wings to start and move on to the coconut crab curry, among other things.
55 Bond St., New York, New York, 10012, USA
Known For
- The prawn karee is a luscious curry
- Delicious cocktails
- Things can get a little spicy
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$$$ | Flushing |
Flushing has plenty of casual sit-down spots and street-style hawker stands, but Guan Fu is on another level, presenting legitimately tongue-tingling, lip-burning Sichuan dishes in an elegant, upscale environment. The mapo tofu, a staple of any good Sichuan restaurant, is impeccable over rice, and the boiled fish is a soupy symphony of spicy and sour flavors. What’s more, this restaurant pays homage to the classic Chinese American restaurants of old with its bamboo screens, elaborate metal serving ware, and two lion statues outside.
39-16 Prince St., Queens, New York, 11354, USA
Known For
- Upscale, elegant atmosphere
- "mala" numbing and spicy flavors
- Formal service, for Flushing
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$$$ | Gramercy |
Fabulous artwork and colorful murals set the tone at this upbeat fusion spot where the flavors of Bombay and the Big Apple come together in creative ways. Order for the table and share so you can sample as many dishes as possible, and make sure to try the fabulous cocktails.
115 E. 18th St., New York, New York, 10003, USA
Known For
- Excellent cocktails to match the food
- Lots of vegetarian options
- Pav bhaji veggie curry served with soft rolls
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Tues.--Thurs.
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$$$ | Midtown West |
Bringing the best flavors of Greece and Turkey to the Times Square north area, chef John Fraser made Iris an instant Midtown favorite with his creative menu of seafood- and vegetable-forward dishes. Sophisticated service is attentive in the soothingly neutral-hue dining room and at the long, comfortable bar and small lounge area, where a daily happy hour (5 pm–6:30 pm) offers tasty deals on smaller bites plus Mediterranean wine and cocktails. Oysters and other raw-bar favorites stand out, along with shareable mezze and Aegean imports including flatbreads, grilled octopus, and unforgettable hummus and tzatziki.
1740 Broadway, New York, New York, 10019, USA
Known For
- Filling, flavorful Aegean dishes
- Spacious, elegant dining room
- Good raw bar
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
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$$$ | Washington Heights |
Just try sitting still at this lively outpost of a popular restaurant of the same name in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. Set in the new Radio Hotel in Manhattan's Washington Heights neighborhood, home to the largest Dominican community in the U.S., the Latin rhythms are playing, the waiters are swaying, and the diners---mostly locals---are breaking into song with every chorus. Add delicious tropical cocktails like the signature Mamajuana Manhattan with sweet vermouth and house-made mamajuana (a spiced rum; it's the national drink of the Dominican Republic), sizzling bocaditos (snacks), and vibrant furnishings that include authentic carnival masks and D.R.-crafted cane-back chairs and stay-a-while banquettes, and you'll feel you have been transported to the Caribbean island. Menu musts include the croquetas de chivo (braised goat croquettes), sea bass ceviche served with crunchy plantain and cassava chips, chicharrón y casabe (hunks of crispy pork belly served with caramelized plantains), pecao frito (deep-fried red snapper), and seafood mofongo. It will be hard to leave room for dessert but you deserve the delicious cinco leches Dominicana soaked sponge cake. A spacious attached courtyard takes this party outdoors with live music in summer.
2420 Amsterdam Ave., New York, New York, 10033, USA
Known For
- Authentic Dominican food
- Lively local hot spot
- Creative Caribbean cocktails
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch weekdays
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$$$ | |
Tucked behind a 150-year-old pharmacy facade on a quiet residential block, this convivial restaurant feels like a large family farmhouse in Tuscany. The menu skews hearty, in the pastas (perhaps sage-scented pappardelle with braised rabbit), mains (there are usually preparations of beef, lamb, duck, and fish to choose among), and antipasti (the chicken liver risotto starter is sublime), with seasonal vegetables showcased as well. The wine list is, of course, excellent.
129 Gates Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11238, USA
Known For
- Hearty Italian fare
- Upscale family spot
- Seasonal wine dinners
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch
