50 (Yes, 50) Restaurant Recs From New Yorkers (2025)

At least once a week, someone asks me for a restaurant recommendation, and while I’m happy to oblige, it’s more fun (and useful) to gather intel from people I know, adore and trust.

Every response is a mini love letter to New York. The spot where Carrie and her partner keep their anniversary tradition alive. The place where Julie and Bryan meet for spicy food at a restaurant perfectly situated between their apartments. Emily’s go-to brunch spot with her almost-100-year-old grandmother.

Welcome to your new favorite guide to New York restaurants — complete with overlapping recs (that’s how you know it’s good), two Sydneys and three Andrews.

Hart’s, Bed-Stuy

In most restaurants in the city, a small dining room feels claustrophobic — at Hart’s, it’s an embrace. Hart’s transforms proteins and seasonal produce into something unique and special, elegant yet approachable, in a way that’s distinct from every other restaurant I’ve been to. I’ve literally never had a bad meal there.
— Maya

Chinta Thai, Greenpoint

Each dish comes with its own poem, so you’re in for something special. Order the Supreme Pad Thai with softshell crab and the Ka Praw Gai.
— Elliot

Pig and Khao, Upper West Side

I've been to the UWS location twice already, and both times, I left totally wowed. The food is absolutely packed with flavor, I can't wait to go back.
— Sophie

Oiji Mi, Koreatown

They do “upscale” Korean food flawlessly. It’s my go-to place for special occasions, and I love going to the lounge because you can order a la carte.
— Sydney

Golden Unicorn, Chinatown

I love it for what it’s not. It’s not new, it doesn’t have great service and you have to eat lunch too early in order to avoid a wait. It simply has great dim sum on several busy floors for a ballroom dining experience.
— Reid

Fiaschetteria Pistoia, East Village

The simple menu means everything is made perfectly. Their spot in the East Village is cozy and intimate, and it’s the best place to grab a bowl of cacio e pepe.
— Rachel

Upstate Craft Beer & Oyster Bar, East Village

The food punches so far above its weight. This is an upscale restaurant quality menu hiding out in a neighborhood joint. Tons of seafood options, great service, and you can usually get a table even though it’s always busy.
— Andrew

Sixty Three Clinton, Lower East Side

A stellar southwest cuisine inspired tasting menu with generous caviar portions and an even better team. It feels like a friend’s place — but refined (and Michelin-starred). We’ve been going every year for our anniversary, and even when budgets were tight and one of us lost our job, they kept our annual tradition alive with an unforgettable bar experience. We nearly cried.
— Carrie

Sofreh, Prospect Heights

Via Carota, West Village

Via Carota doesn't try to do anything fancy — they just take high-quality ingredients and prepare them perfectly.
— Jackson

Rucola, Boerum Hill

The first time we went to Rucola, we felt pure joy. The food was delicious, the company was even better, and the large plate of olives completely won me over.
— Delilah

The Bonnie, Astoria

One of my go-to’s for a weekend brunch or date night. They recently renovated and added some new items to the menu, and the vibes are perfect. Don’t miss out on their pickle martini!
— Caroline

Noodle Pudding, Brooklyn Heights

The first time I ate there, I thought to myself, “I want to bring my mom here.” The vibe: Menu is in comic sans, certain meat dishes are claimed as NJ meats (like NJ Pork Chop), and everything is warm (the lights, the food, the people). Being comfortable is super important to me, and this is a very cozy spot.
— Jen

Leland Eating and Drinking House, Prospect Heights

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Задания ФИПИ 1–2 ЕГЭ по английскому языку. Аудирование. Соответсвие

It’s a neighborhood gem worth the trip, no matter where you’re coming from — and the moment you step inside, you’ll be welcomed like a regular. Their seasonal menu showcases locally and responsibly sourced ingredients, with thoughtful details in every dish (even the butter is house-churned). It’s my go-to spot for a cozy date night or special celebration. We once booked the “secret” wine cellar for a friend’s baby shower!
— Darla

Lucille’s Coffee & Cocktails, Harlem

It's hip without being pretentious, has simple and delicious brunch, and has a killer pizza kitchen with the best vodka pie we've ever had.
— Lauryn

Buvette, West Village

I just returned from Paris and this comes as close to the food excellence there as I’ve found in NYC. So good on the details. Pain Perdu was not too sweet.
— Yashar

Llama Inn, Williamsburg

I go for the lomo saltado, but I really stay for the ceviche/tiradito. The sauces are ALWAYS out of this world.
— TraiAnne

Rafael, Upper East Side

I’m obsessed. It's right by my grandmother's apartment — she’s about to turn 100 — and finding an UES brunch spot that’s actually very good (and not just expensive) is always a big task. The food here is phenomenal!
— Emily

OH MERCY, Greenpoint

By day, it's a sunny and airy, almost transient (in a good way) cafe with a personal touch on classic cafe bites. By night, it’s casual, romantic, quiet and petite, with a well-done menu and excellent wine.
— Sarah

Ensenada, Williamsburg

Those cooler and with a later bedtime than me might know Ensenada’s sister spot, the Black Flamingo — a dance club in the basement open on weekend nights. There’s not a bad bite on the menu, from the tostadas to the aguachile to the fish of the day (which comes with a perfect concoction called pineapplebutter). Go with friends and share everything on the menu.
— Courtney

Nami Nori, West Village

This tiny temaki spot is completely gluten-free, but you would never know it from the menu or creative combinations that come out of the kitchen. Each hand roll is impeccably crafted. My favorites are the coconut shrimp, which harkens back to a traditional shrimp tempura roll but is kicked up with hints of green curry. Don't miss the cucumber with black sesame paste, spicy lobster salad, and scallop with xo sauce!
— Phoebe

Anchored Inn, Bushwick

The food is insanely good and the vibes are the perfect mix of dive bar, cozy pub and punk/sailor.
— Siobhan

Borgo, Nomad

Come for the fried delicata squash — easily the best dish I’ve eaten all winter — and stay for the incredibly warm atmosphere. I mean that both literally (there’s a wood-burning fireplace in the middle of the dining room) and metaphorically (the staff is incredibly kind).
— Dianna

My favorite restaurant right now is Borgo, Andrew Tarlow’s new midtown spot. I’ve lived near Roman’s, his place in Fort Greene, for years, and it’s always a favorite. But the new Borgo feels more grown up, like your neighborhood spot decided to dress up and have a night on the town. And I can’t wait for the warmer months. Looks like they’re going to have an amazing patio.
— Andrew

KIKO, Soho

The Dungeness Crab DIY nori wrap appetizer was amazing. Crab shell stuffed with crab, rice, and crab fat mayo. The Berkshire Pork Chop Secreto was also great. Loved building every bite with pork, herbs and pineapple. The martini was literally perfect.
— Steve

Winona’s, Bed-Stuy

The space has such an inviting and cozy vibe, and the food menu (which changes seasonally) and the wine list are incredible.
— Bianca

Yemen Cafe, Cobble Hill

The lamb melts in your mouth and it’s so flavorful. You get so much food for your money + free tea! It’s casual, warm and welcoming.
— Alison

Fish Cheeks, Noho

I only recently became a seafood person, and I blame Fish Cheeks. The Thai flavors here don’t hold back — big, bright, and unapologetically bold. Their coconut crab curry converted me, the fried fish with garden herb salad sealed the deal, and anything that mixes ginger, chili, and pineapple? I’m in. Add a cocktail, and it’s the kind of meal that makes you wonder why you ever hesitated on seafood in the first place.
— Skye

Montesacro, Williamsburg

I LOVE their focaccia, maybe my favorite bread of all time, and it’s the same dough they use for the pizza crust. Bonus: Because it’s made with a blend of rice, soy, and wheat flour, it’s high in protein and easy to digest! They also have one of my favorite salads EVER, the lattuga romana.
— Jenn

Long Island Bar, Cobble Hill

They have a very limited menu, but they do everything to perfection, which is why they’ve stood the test of time. Whenever I am craving a burger and a martini, I think of Long Island Bar. There’s a reason there’s usually a wait!
— Kelsey

Avant Garden, East Village

The menu tricks you into thinking it’s basic. Don’t be fooled by the straightforward names – roasted carrot, cauliflower, avocado. Every dish is next-level. The space is cozy, the service is warm, and it’s the kind of place that proves vegan food doesn’t need to pretend to be anything else. Good food is just good food.
— Fiona

Kong Sihk Tong, Chinatown

Walk in only, prices are superior, no frills in the best possible way. The pineapple bun and the salt and pepper squid are my absolute faves.
— Marissa

Pastis, Meatpacking District

Beyond the flavors and quality of the food, the ambience is true New York.
— Michael

Breeze, Greenpoint

Super cute Sichuan restaurant with a wabi sabi interior. The food is on par with the heavy hitter Sichuan places in Williamsburg (Antidote, Birds of a Feather), but it’s quieter and not as busy.
— Kyle

Oxomoco, Greenpoint

It’s been my favorite for YEARS. Everything about the place is spectacular — the incredible cocktails, the sexy vibe, the phenomenal and creative food. It’s consistently the best restaurant, hands down.
— Samantha

Indochine, Noho

It’s been in business for more than 40 years, and not only is the food consistently good (not always the case in NYC), but the people-watching is top-notch. You never know who you’ll run into! Beyond that, the staff is perennially chic.
— Andrew

Zaragoza Mexican Deli, East Village

I’ve been eating their chorizo tostadas since I moved to the city in 2012, and they always hit. Family-owned, everything tastes homemade, and they usually stay open late on the weekends.
— Luke

Whisk & Whiskey Brooklyn Bar and Bakery, Park Slope

A quaint haunt that has a neighborhood BK feel that feels like you’re in someone’s living room. Their whisky flights are delightful and the staff is super knowledgeable. Their bites are few, but they’re well-paired.
— Simone

Raoul’s, Soho

I first went 15 years ago the first time I visited NYC with my dad, and it’s still my favorite today. It feels nostalgic, with a fortune teller upstairs, and the bar is always buzzing with energy. The burger is not worth the hype, but the steak au poivre is my favorite steak in the city, and their profiteroles are FANTASTIC.
— Sydney

Wei’s, Williamsburg

Delicious, insane value, vibe, music, late night — it has it all.
— Dylan

Bar Bête, Carroll Gardens

Fun, cozy vibe and an ever-evolving menu that keeps every visit exciting — it’s truly a hidden gem!
— Ayaka

Shukette, Chelsea

My favorite, not just because of the incredible food, but also because of the period of time it encapsulates for me — one where I was eagerly awaiting its grand opening just down the block from our old home, nervously wondering if it would survive the worst of COVID, and rejoicing when it finally opened and we could consistently snag a late-night rez.
— Christine

Nura, Greenpoint

The small plates are amazing. They time everything perfectly, so you can really focus on what you’re eating. Every dish was super flavorful but didn’t go overboard.
— Elizabeth

Okdongsik, Koreatown

I love going here for gomtang. There’s something universal in the simplicity of a masterfully executed bone broth.
— Alex

Daddies, West Village

Great casual spot — always reliable, love their pizzas and candied yams.
— Camille

Unlisted, Lower East Side

I love the rooftop bar at the Untitled Hotel for its FLUERE and Free Spirit NA cocktails. They have tasty small bites like ceviche, empanadas, bar nuts and flan. There’s something for everyone, and the patio view spans from downtown to uptown.
— Hilary

Chez Fifi, Upper East Side

Opened by the team behind Sushi Noz, this chic townhouse feels like walking into your cool aunt’s home. Start at the Salon upstairs for a drink and end with the chocolate mousse. Keep an eye out for the unique art scattered throughout the restaurant!
— Arianna

Cafe Fiorello, Lincoln Square

One of my local go-to spot's for a delicious meal and relaxed ambiance. It's consistently delicious, and their chicken parm is thin and crispy. They have a range of antipastas, and their Italian wedding soup is a classic in the winter.
— Neil

Café Chelsea, Chelsea

The French-inspired eatery at the newly renovated Hotel Chelsea may be going viral for its sheet ravioli, but the breakfast service is when the restaurant shines. I always get the omelette (simple yet perfect with just a little bit of herbs and Gruyère) and the coffee is phenomenal.
— Mary

Rezdôra, Flatiron

Every single thing on the menu is beyond flawless, but I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you to order these three things: the Cacio e Pepe in Emilia salad, the Uovo Raviolo Di Nino Bergese (a single, BIG, perfect ravioli!), and the olive oil cake. You will be reborn! (Sit at the bar — it’s the coziest! With the sweetest bartenders in town.)
— Rose

Sappe, West Village

My friend Bryan and I are on a mission to find NYC’s spiciest bites. Sappe keeps things exciting, and it’s two blocks away between our respective homes. The pink, retro-funky vibe sets the stage for a menu packed with unexpected dishes and flavors, none of which you’ve probably heard of, but that’s the fun of it. There’s something for everyone (skewers and bites for non-spice folks) plus cocktails that cool things down just enough before you dive back in.
— Julie

As LA recovers from the wildfires, supporting the city’s restaurants is more important than ever. (Disclaimer: I asked New Yorkers to share their favorite spots.)

• Si! Mon, Venice

• Father’s Office, Culver City

• DiDi, West Hollywood

• Javier’s, Century City

• Dunsmoor, Glassell Park

• Tsubaki, Echo Park

• Dan Sung Sa, Koreatown

• Night + Market Sahm, Venice

• Uchi, West Hollywood

• Seco, Silverlake

• Ototo, Echo Park

• Majordomo, Chinatown

Extra Credit: An Ode to Veniero’s by Scott

Oh, home of sweetness, the neighborhood constant and best in taste.
You sit on 11th Street, many years proudly, our east village place.
Your neon glow, a beacon bright,
A century’s warmth welcomes us here day or night.

Through the doors, into a world of new, though much the old.
Then intoxicated with sugarcoated wonderful dreams, a sensory bold.

The scent of this sweet history, powerful and deep,
Melts into air, a converging of sugary streams.

Chocolate windmill cake.
A dessert so divine.
First bite — a light, a love, a smile.
A sugared symphony pulls you into a silky embrace.

Oh, Veniero’s, no dessert does compare.
Your hands still craft what time adores,
Where pastry and art meets tradition’s heart,
And every crumb is savored evermore.