Lobster roll and old bay fries - must haves. Sit by the bar window for some good people watching.
Get your soup and salad fix here. Can't go wrong with any of the chowders or the tomato cheddar.
Great local deli here, fill up on the chopped liver, smoked salmon, or our personal favorite - lox on a bagel.
Splurge at this steakhouse for a great rib eye with great service, but start off with the crab cake appetizer.
On the SE corner of Grand and Bowery, these fluffy, made-to-order hot cakes are delicious and 15 mini cakes only costs a buck! Get a bag and enjoy them in in the nearby Sara D Roosevelt Park.
The classic meatballs here are definitely worth the wait. The menu comes with a black marker so just check off what you want and send it off. With so many options, the combinations are endless!
Good vegetarian spot in Greenwich Village. They have a bunch peculiar but delicious fake meat options, try the buffalo wings!
This San Francisco style mexican restaurant really hits the spot with their quesadillas and burritos, but don't get one without their guac, it's the best!
This East Village spot has one of the best burgers in town so don't leave without trying it. There are knowledgable bartenders here as well if you're looking for a good cocktail.
One of the best coffee shops in the Upper East Side, this little hole in the wall makes a great chai latte. Limited space makes it not great for a sitdown so come here for something on-the-go.
Some of the most famous works in history can be found at NYC’s MoMA, from Andy Warhol to Vincent Van Gogh to Salvador Dalí. Arrive early on weekends to avoid the crowds.
There are three locations, each of which have a great atmosphere. Get the original burger which comes with carmelized onions and gruyere cheese and a side of the savory tuscan fries.
Lots of rare microbrews from all over the U.S, and only 5 bucks each! Their massive beer list is constantly changing so talk to one of the knowledgeable bartenders if you're unsure what to get.
Not many places in the city can you get a margarita with chips and salsa for 3 bucks. The outdoor seating is great for people watching too.
A good Bavarian beer deserves an authentic brat with it. Go for the sausage platter and the Weihenstephaner. Thirsty? Get the large litre mug.
Their frosting rocks and for 3 bucks a pop, the cupcakes are well worth it. They also offer a cupcake class which is awesome if you're like us and not a great baker.
Good yakitori is hard to come by, but not here. Delve into the chicken skewers and the crispy chicken skins and wash it down with one of their Japanese beers on tap.
This place is often packed for brunch and for good reason. The pumpkin pancakes are all they're cracked up to be, and outdoor seating makes it great for people watching.
Lovely little lounge serving up cocktail masterpieces. Come here on a dreary day and order the Stormy Weather to fit the mood.
If you're an adventurous eater, try the bull penis. If you're not, don't fret. The best part about this place? After your meal they give you a little cup of candy sugar to make your own cotton candy!
Consistently good Moroccan food here. Try the Lamb Tagine or the Cous-Cous Merguez and after your meal take a stroll through Tompkins Square Park.
It's a cheese shop, a fondue restaurant, a wine bar, and a Mediterranean restaurant all in one. Split the sampler plate and get a taste of it all.
The sheer diversity of meats here is astonishing. If you've never been to an authentic rodizio, here is a great place to start. Come hungry because the meat doesn't stop until you say so!
Scones, cupcakes, and treats galore here. If you're a croissant lover, welcome to your safe haven.
Tender brisket, slide-off-the-bone ribs, and mouth-watering pulled pork. Get any of those and pair it with the trainwreck fries, you won't know what to do with yourself.
Serving up the one of the best dining experiences in the world, Per Se is quite simply the best of the best. Make reservations a month in advance and expect a meal lasting multiple hours.
Tucked away in Times Square is this often crowded Japanese spot. You won't find sushi on the menu here but don't fret - the wasabi octopus will leave you wanting more!
Our vote for best burger in the city and while you will have to wait in a long line, it's worth it. Shack burger with cheese fries and a chocolate shake. Say no more.
Don't be surprised if you have to wait at this Japanese ramen restaurant, but it will be worth it! Go for the Totto Miso Ramen or if you need a little kick, the Totto Spicy Ramen.
Better make it 7 or 8 napkins here, one of the better burgers in the city. We recommend the bacon cheddar burger or the original with aioli suace and gruyere with a side of their crispy onion rings.
On those days when you're craving Ukranian food, come here. Potato pancakes and stuffed cabbage, oh my. Get the borscht too, it's as authentic as it gets.
Do you love mac n cheese? Then you won't know what to do with yourself here. Flavors from buffalo chicken to cajun to masala to philly cheesesteak, our mouths are watering already!
Small location that packs a tasty punch. Our favorite is the Crack Pie, it tastes like caramel and just melts in your mouth.
We dream of the pork buns and pork sausage & rice cakes here, but if you have to choose, get the pork buns and experience taste buds heaven.
Everyone knows about the great hot dogs here (especially the deep fried dog), but walking through the phone booth is a little hidden gem we love.
The consensus here is to order De Pabellon, and we whole heartedly agree. Shredded beef, black beans, and cheese stuffed into a pocket bun. You'll want to come back after eating here.
Who goes to a noodle bar and orders fried chicken? We do! Ask your server to recommend what to eat with it, you won't be disappointed.
Try not to burn your mouth devouring a monstrous, spinach & artichoke slice here. If you want something more traditional, try the margherita. Open til 5AM for all you night owls!
Casual Japanese spot in the East Village, we love the pork buns but you can't go wrong with the ramen either.
After a night of drinking, burning the roof of your mouth on these amazing Belgian fries is the least of your worries. Overwhelmed by the choices for sauce? Don't be - ask to try them all.
Just when you think you know about all the brunch spots in the LES, in comes Saro Bistro. Great service and you better believe the crab cake eggs benedict is worth coming back for.
Hip, friendly, and serving up great coffee from Stumptown with a variety of little treats. It's kind of in the middle of nowhere but we love it. Can't go wrong with the iced coffee.
It's not quite Paris, but the macarons here are some of the city's finest. Try the jasmine green tea or the salted caramel.
Nice little bookstore that's volunteer-run. Come here to get your feminisist literature, as well as books devoted to gender and sexuality, activist strategies, and much much more.
Who knew grilled cheese could come in so many delicious combinations! This place just opened, show them some love and order the Muenster Mash and get it with bone marrow butter for an extra $1.
Nice little Italian restaurant and great for brunch. Go for the farmer's breakfast and don't forget about the bacon, it's the best!
Great for quick, late night eats. Get the strawberry crepe with nutella or the strawberry & dulce de leche crepe. Yum!
Great layout at this Whole Foods, and our favorite grocery in the area. The eating area on the second floor is a good place to relax as well.
A beer garden with a great selection of brews. Bring your friends, get some pretzels and sausage, some beer, and enjoy!
Walk into this old school candy shop and become a kid again. Any candy you can think of, they'll have it. Time to get your sweet tooth on!
White everything at this lab-like ice cream shop. A cool, modern atmosphere serving up unique and delicious ice cream. We love the honey lavender and black sesame!
Good Mexican food with a large selection of margaritas. Order the enchiladas moles and if you think you can handle heat - the habanero grapefruit margarita!
A good spot for a weekend brunch, get the steak frites and sticky toffee pudding for dessert. Don't miss the bathroom either, very old fashioned and unique!
This Michelin star restaurant is for the true foodies, especially egg lovers. We recommend the tasting menu to get the full experience.
Great spot to enjoy a glass of wine and a cheese plate, plus their egg truffle is to die for.
Known simply as The Dosa Cart. Thiru who prepares the food is just wonderful, serving up each meal with a smile. Get the masala dosa with coconut chutney and devour it on a bench in Washington Square.
Come early, it can get busy here. Definitely get the Devils on Horseback which consists of dates stuffed with cheese and wrapped in bacon, then broiled until crispy. Need we say more?
This awesome dumpling house will fill you up! Get the sesame pancake and pair it with the hot and sour soup. Yum!
Great Cuban spot that often has live music. Bring a date and get the ropa vieja or the vaca frita, a pan fried skirt steak.
Beer lovers rejoice, this Belgian joint serves up great beer that you don't come across in regular lounges. Pair the Delirium Tremens with their Frites for a scrumptious combo.
We just love the sashimi here! It's not cheap but you do get great value for your dollar here. Very fresh.
There's some stiff competition for best steak in NYC and Strip House is near the top. Get the Porterhouse cooked as you prefer (we prefer medium rare) and a side of the goose fat potatoes.
This is a beautiful park no doubt, but there's a reason it's crowded - Shake Shack. Endure the wait for one of the city's best burgers and chow down in the park for a fun lunch.
An elegant hole in the wall serving up fresh meals. Only downside is it can lighten your wallet a bit. If you indulge, go for This Morning's Farm Egg.
Wide open spaces, sweeping high ceilings with beautiful artwork, and incredible architecture. Find and test out the whispering gallery in front of the Oyster Bar, a fascinating architectural oddity.
Check out this historic building then grab a bite to eat at Shake Shack in the nearby Madison Square Park.
Fluffy, tasty baked goods here, perfect to stop in for breakfast or lunch. We recommend the French baguettine and the almond brioche toast. Yum!
If you love hummus, this place is for you. Tons of tasty options all under 10 bucks. Order with the whole wheat pita and you're in hummus heaven.
A Japanese hole in the wall in the East Village good for a quick snack. Order the Takoyaki. You'll wonder what on earth you're eating and why it's so delicious. (Hint: it's fried octopus dumplings)
Small place in Hell's Kitchen serving up awesome, cheap empanadas. They're only $2.80 each and are sure to hit the spot, whether it's after a night of drinking or just quick lunch.
With profits going to charity, it's nice to know you're making a difference when you get a cup of brew. If you're in the TriBeCa area, pop in and grab a mochachino to go.
For $4.25 get the #1 Bahn Mi Saigon pork sandwich. Loaded with pork on a crispy baguette, it fills you up and is light on the wallet.
Awesome restaurant/lounge serving up a variety of dishes in the LES. The french onion soup is to die for and we also recommend the red snapper tacos. Yum!
Got a sweet tooth? Choose from the many varieties of cupcakes here, just make sure one of them is the delicious Red Velvet! A dozen for $21.
You'll likely have to wait a while to get a seat here around brunch time so when you do sit down, don't leave without getting their unbelievable blueberry pancakes and sugar cured bacon!
Definitely make a reservation at this European style West Village spot. We recommend the pan roasted chicken and the braised short ribs, yum.
It seems like the city's best pizza is all centered in the West Village. Joe's is just another amazing spot for a slice. If you love thin crust, you'll get one of the city's best here.
Mmmm banana french toast. A trendy little Greek/seafood restaurant in the Village with very tasty meals. They don't take reservations for brunch but they do for dinner.
Maybe it should be called the Lobster Roll bar because that's the highlight of the menu for us! Get it with the shoestring fries and it's a match made in heaven.
Outstanding selection of cheese and cured meats here. Find everything from a mild cheddar to the stinkiest washed rind cheese. The staff is very knowledgable and helpful.
BYOB and get the croque-monsieur. This place is also great for a weekend brunch but leave the plastic at home - it's cash only.
Come here for a casual lunch and get the smoky mac and cheese with bacon. Creamy, cheesy deliciousness.
It's all about the pastrami on rye at this famous deli. Take your ticket stub, walk to the right counter, get your food, and chow down. Don't lose that ticket stub though or it'll cost ya!
Great sushi at this place but it's the fresh tofu we love! If you want great Japanese food in the village look no further.
Nice casual spot for sushi and cocktails in the West Village with a fairly lou atmosphere. Come during happy hour weekdays 4-7pm
Great seafood in the West Village. Get the Red, White, and Blue special: 6 oysters and a beer for 8 bucks!
This Greek restaurant is perfect for large groups as they have a very diverse menu of small plates. If you go make sure you try the bacon wrapped dates and brussel sprouts!
Awesome spot for burgers and their toasted marshmallow milkshake is to die for. Grab a bite here then head over to Union Square for some people watching as you let your meal digest.
The best bookstore in the city. 4 floors with tons and tons of books from best sellers to rare unknowns. Find some gems in the $1 section and carry them home in one of their famous tote bags.
The veggie burgers are as good as it gets and they're light on the wallet too. If you're not big on vegetarian cuisine, the food here just might make you change your mind.
It's not just the fact that they have the freshest, tastiest falafels around, it's the fact that you can add as many toppings as you want with their self serve topping bar! We really love this place.
You can get 5 dumplings for just $1 at this Chinatown establishment. For the price you might think the quality isn't good but it is authentic and fantastic, arguably the best dumplings in all of NYC.
The city's best donuts are at this LES establishment. Get there early to get them when they're hot right out of the oven! Try the Tres Leches and Crème Brûlée, they're fantastic!
The city's best falafel and chicken schwarma and the $2.50 price tag can't be beat. Use the hot sauce sparingly though, don't say we didn't warn you!
The crispy pastry shell alone of these cream puffs is enough to keep you coming back for more. No need to play it safe here, go for the green tea, éclair, or dulce de leche flavors.
Soy based Japanese desserts here and deserving of all their praise. We recommend the black sesame tofu or the green tea crème brulee.
Just south of Union Square, this specialty dessert bar makes some delectable chocolaty treats. We highly recommend the chocolate pizza!
It's all about the cupcakes here. Try the Malaysian Coconut, Crimson & Cream, and the Raspberry Red Velvet! Yum!
The famous bakery made famous from Sex and the City. You can't go wrong with any dessert here but we love the bread pudding!
What's that smell? Ah, it's Soutine's just baking some cakes and pastries! Their croissants are as good as it gets, don't leave without getting the pain au chocolat.
If you're in the mood for pizza, get it. It's great here. But what we really come for is the panini dolce, a big sandwich cookie. They are simply unreal.
The most delicious cookies you can find in the city. They're huge, thick, chewy, and well worth the $4 price tag. Definitely try the chocolate chip walnut cookie.
Another Magnolia, this time serving up delicious treats in Midtown. Everyone knows about the great cupcakes but if you haven't had it yet, try the banana pudding. Fantastic.
This location, tucked away in Rockefeller Center, serves up the same delicious treats as the other Bouchons. The macarons get the most attention here but we love the Nutter Butter cookies!
Everything at Veniero's is amazing but it's the cannoli's and Italian cheesecake that keep us coming back! Don't miss out on this East Village gem.
Good for breakfast and brunch, this Williamsburg spot is very popular so be prepared to wait. Get the country ham biscuit with a french press coffee, you won't regret it.
The chocolate speaks for itself at Jacques Torres but what goes under the radar is their hot chocolate! Seriously it's almost like drinking melted chocolate. So so good, especially in the wintertime.
This MacDougal St. Indian spot is great for pre-going out meal. Try the Unda Chicken or Tikki Chicken roll, mmmm.
Small takeout joint with big, tasty burritos. If you like Chipotle, you'll love this place. Go for the chili con carne or the BBQ chicken and a bag of their addictive chips.
Delicious falafels and arguably the city's best hummus. Get a falafel on whole wheat pita with one of their signature smoothies to wash it down.
Just a few blocks from Central Park, this deli has every gourmet item you could want from meats to cheeses to coffee to pastries.
Everyone talks about their cupcakes but what we go for are the Cookie Sandwiches. We'd recommend the Chocolate Chip with vanilla filling. These treats are gluten-free, egg-free, soy-free & dairy-free!
Get the akamaru modern if it's your first time -- by far the most popular. Otherwise, the spicy miso ramen at the bottom of the menu. And obviously, you need to the pork buns. Better than momofuku.
Always get the extra pork — and no matter what you get, don't drink up the extra broth by itself (get extra noodles if you have to)
Those in the know order the Totto Spicy Ramen, made with deeply flavored chicken broth and good, springy noodles delivered daily from Soba Totto across town. En savoir plus .
Tiny restaurant, so expect long lines. However, you’ll be rewarded with a delicious ramen broth. Try the Chicken Ramen and the Char Su Pork Ramen, which is blowtorch charred right in front of you.
The spicy miso ramen is as good as any of the ramens from Ippudo. There's really nothing else you should get here. Make it extra spicy.
triple up on the steamed pork buns...but don't overlook the shitake buns as well.
Get the kimchi stew. It is so good they had to take it off the menu. It's blood red from delicious kim chi and filled with slow roasted pork and an abundance of rice cakes. Perfectly spicy, too.
Best Ramen in the city, not to mention possibly the best fried rice i've ever had. Best in the middle of the afternoon when there's nobody else around!
Pork Tonkatsu & Spicy Miso Ramen made me want to handcuff myself to my booth and live and eat there forever...and ever...amen.
Don’t expect ho-hum here; we’re talking syrups like Mardi Gras King Creole; cotton candy, pink bubblegum; and two dozen others. En savoir plus .
Grilled pizzas w/ a thin & charred crust that folds easily to support the fresh toppings. En savoir plus .
Pair the delicious bakalao cod croquettes with one of their 750 wine selections. En savoir plus .
Go for the Lunetta meatballs. And you'll definitely want to try the bruschetta with white anchovies as well. En savoir plus .
You may notice several menu items are named for Queen songs, and we suggest trying the We Will Rock You (breakfast sandwich with Black Forest Ham). En savoir plus .
get a giant cone of dulce de leche, vanilla, dipped in chocolate and topped with sea salt...on your face.
Some of the best macarons in NYC with impeccable presentation and generous amounts of filling. My favs are the pistachio, salted caramel, vanilla, jasmine green tea and caramel pecan.
Grab a seat at the bar and watch the owner, Chika, create all the ethereal desserts. Get the Prix Fixe with wine pairing ($22) and try anything from the daily menu.
Baba Rum Pastry: A sponge thats soaked in a rum flavored syrup filled with custard, cannoli cream or plain.
You can’t go wrong with the Chocolate Bread Pudding. The owners - all former pastry chefs at Le Cirque - wanted to bring five star desserts to the masses, and thank god they have. - Jeremy
There are several Joe's locations and they're all great, so it should come as no surprise that this is the best coffee shop in the Upper West Side.
Skip the infamous cupcakes at this NYC standby and give the banana pudding a try.
Great ice cream and original flavors. -Eric Wolitzky, Top Chef Just Desserts
Swirly-sweet goodness with a low calorie count. Plus grade-A fruit toppings and extras like shaved coconut and Nutella crunch.
Lisa Lillien, on The Best Thing I Ever Ate, loves Rice to Riches where they serve different variations of rice pudding. We recommend the Fluent in French Toast Pudding. Find more tips at FN Local. En savoir plus .
Bread bakers are mad geniuses & none fit the description better than the quirky Jim Lahey. His pane Pugliese (a crunchy, dark-brown loaf) and pizza Bianca (an airy flatbread) are NY food masterpieces. En savoir plus .
Best Bomboloni: The one filled with vanilla pastry cream is our favorite, but the chunky caramelized apple and raspberry are excellent as well. En savoir plus .
Delicious and reinvented homemade ice cream – try the Wasabi, Ginger or Corn flavors. They also make amazing custom ice cream cakes.
NYC's best cheap Belgian waffles are $5 & served from a truck. Add $2 for unlimited toppings ("dinges") & be sure to try the spekuloos. Check the website or call them for their current location. En savoir plus .
Omakase from the downstairs sushi bar is amazing. Don't leave without trying the hand rolls (go spicy tuna!). I was also digging the salmon-meets-blowtorch sushi. Ask for fresh wasabi too.
The Japanese daily specials menu has a 'secret' set menu - which the waitstaff will gladly translate. Always delicious and yes, there's hot green tea.
BrisketTown is known for a “food laboratory” persona - sample the fruits of their labor in the form of breakfast tacos!
We’ve reviewed all sorts of Barbeque, but none that can so elequently combine the grit of Texas Brisket and Sweet Tang of Carolina pulled pork. Enjoy, and hold onto your napkins.
We love the generous portions and plates designed for sharing, in true Turkish fashion - come with a big group of friends.
This place may look like a hole in the wall on the outside but, like our mothers told us,” don’t judge a book by its cover.” Try the authentic Czech pilsner and duck breast, for a pallet testing meal.
The lovely intimate atmosphere (they work with a 10 person dining area) make it advisable to call ahead for a reservation. Worth every minute!
Serafina offers the authentic Italian feeling craved by most of us as we chow into the first slice of pizza. With fried calamari and margherita pizza served you can’t go wrong
A little sweet, a little spicy, Nancy Lee’s signature Taiwanese pork is so good the entire menu can't help but be centered around it. Make sure your dish includes it!
As the seasons change, so does the menu - we recommend stopping in whenever temperatures start to fluctuate to try the new dishes.
Forget bagels - Panya offers a traditional bento-box style Japanese breakfast consisting of everything from miso soup to lightly seared salmon.
The lamb kebabs are exceptional, as is the thickly seasoned tandoori chicken. Veggies can head to a steaming lunch buffet with vegetarian options as well!
This neighborhood hangout grills the perfect everyday burger, has an extensive beer list, and the genuinely local feeling we all look for in a go-to bar.
They do southern dishes, but the standard order here is pancakes.
Their Coal-Fired Slices are the missing link of pizza. The clear middle ground between the old world Neapolitan pies and the modern New York slice.
