25 Essential New York City Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of New York City.
LumLum
New York
Intimate, laid-back restaurant focusing on Thai cuisine with tropical decor.
Talkin' Tacos West Village
New York
an everyday essential table known for disciplined taco restaurant cooking, strong local gravity, and Beam Score momentum at 91.6.
Soup Dumpling Plus
New York
Popular Chinese restaurant serving dumplings, noodles & other familiar fare in low-key quarters.
Cloves Indian Cuisine
New York City, New York
Service options: Curbside pickup, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great cocktails. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
Nizza
New York City, New York
Cozy restaurant highlighting classic Italian cuisine, including pizza, pasta, and soup, with weekend brunches and wine Wednesdays.
Yoi Sushi
New York City, New York
Small set-up offering artful sushi presentations, rolls, teriyaki & bento boxes with beer & sake.
Pasta de Pasta
New York City, New York
Service options: Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service.
Mazzat
New York City, New York
Rustic-chic bar & eatery presenting a diverse menu of Mediterranean tapas & entrees, plus delivery.
Amor Loco
New York City, New York
Lively restaurant with colorful decor, offering typical Mexican dishes, cocktails, and brunch.
La Voglia NYC
New York City, New York
Service options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great cocktails.
Elephant District
New York City, New York
Identifies as Asian-owned, Identifies as LGBTQ+ owned, Identifies as women-owned. Service options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, Delivery, Onsite services.
Reichenbach Hall
New York City, New York
Hearty German eats & fine beers are served in a casual, Bavarian publike setting.
Çka Ka Qëllue
New York City, New York
Rustic restaurant with exposed-wood beams & brick walls offering modern Albanian & Kosovan dishes.
Saigon Vietnamese Sandwich Deli
New York City, New York
Vietnamese banh mi sandwich counter with a bare-bones setup & a cash-only policy.
Sweet Catch BK
New York City, New York
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Great dessert.
Broadstone Bar & Kitchen
New York City, New York
Multi-level hangout offering elevated pub fare, craft cocktails & brunch in a relaxed atmosphere.
Taqueria Milear
New York City, New York
Classic tacos are served at this narrow, pared-down Mexican cafe with colorful pillows & tapestries.
L’Express
New York City, New York
Well-known French restaurant serving a menu of traditional Lyonnaise dishes with a modern twist since 1996.
Mezcali
New York City, New York
Service options: Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great cocktails. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Pulperia Latin Mediterranean Kitchen
New York City, New York
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance.
The Pizza Box NY
New York City, New York
Service options: Outdoor seating, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Live music, Sports. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
French Roast
New York City, New York
Casual Parisian-style bistro, open since 1995, serving classic French fare, cocktails & wines.
STK Steakhouse Midtown NYC
New York City, New York
Sceney spot that's both a chic lounge with DJs & a modern steakhouse serving prime cuts & seafood.
Tony's Di Napoli
New York City, New York
Bustling eatery serving large, shareable portions of Italian comfort food in a lively setting.
East Coast Street Tacos
New York City, New York
Identifies as Latino-owned. Service options: Outdoor seating, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service.