The 25 Best Sit-Down Restaurants in NYC
The 25 Best Sit-Down Restaurants in NYC
There are enough tourist attractions in NYC to meet anyone’s mood. One thing that practically every tourist and resident has in common, though, is a love of good food. Therefore, we’ve put together the following list of where to eat in NYC to make it much easier for you to choose the next restaurant you eat at.
Best New Restaurants in NYC
As of 2021, there were enough restaurants in NYC to keep you dining someplace new for 22.7 years. In other words, there are an awful lot of them, and sorting through your various options can feel like it’ll never end. If you want to dine somewhere new and trendy, though, we’ve got you covered with the best new restaurants in New York City.
1. Little Egg
When you want a delicious breakfast or brunch, you have to look no further than Little Egg in Prospect Heights. Technically, this is a reinvented restaurant, as its original location went out of business in 2020. Either way, you can enjoy ingredients that are responsibly sourced from mostly local growers. Little Egg is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday – Monday.
2. Bar Vinazo
On the flipside, we’ve got Bar Vinazo, which is open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday – Sunday. This is the perfect place to take a dinner date. Alternatively, you could enjoy fine Spanish wine by yourself or with some friends. This Brooklyn-based restaurant features small plates, an energetic vibe, and an extensive selection of alcoholic beverages.
3. Superiority Burger
If you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or simply want to eat less meat, you’ve got to head to East Village’s Superiority Burger. Choose from their expanded menu that includes quinoa burgers, twice-baked russet, and the psychedelic tapioca pearl pie. This place is so good that its original location – also in East Village – caused lines around the block. Dine here Thursday – Monday. Their doors open at 5 p.m., and they’re one of the coolest restaurants in NYC.
4. Decades Pizza
Do you remember what it was like to go to Pizza Hut in the ‘80s? Well, give that vibe a high-fashion glow-up – along with some of the best pizza in NYC – and you’ve got Decades. As a date night destination, we love it that most of the tables are only two-tops. It’s also nice that Decades is open every day of the week, starting at 5 p.m.
Best Restaurants in Manhattan
Before we dig into the best food in specific categories, let’s look at the best places to eat in Manhattan as a whole.
5. Crown Shy
When you need to find a fancy restaurant in Manhattan, look no further than Crown Shy. Headed by local Chef James Kent, this American-style restaurant serves a seasonal menu. One of its more unique touches is a 16-foot, floor-to-ceiling window that leads into the exposed kitchen. Crown Shy is open from 5:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. Monday – Sunday.
6. Rezdôra
If Italian food has been on your mind, you simply must dine at Rezdôra. Be prepared to accept a reservation outside of your normal lunch or dinnertime, though, as Rezdôra is that busy. They serve Italian classics with a twist, and they also offer a meat or vegetarian-based table tasting. Rezdôra is open daily and has various hours, so be sure to check their website.
7. Dhamaka
Anyone who wants to try something truly unique should immediately go to Dhamaka. It was named one of 2021’s Best New Restaurants in the World by TimeOut. Labeling itself as “unapologetically Indian,” your food choices are from the “forgotten side of India.” Parties of six people or fewer can – and should – make a reservation. Open for dinner Tuesday – Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Dhamaka also serves brunch on the weekend from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Best Indian Restaurants in Manhattan
Speaking of Indian food, here are a few more of the best places to find quality Indian food in Manhattan!
8. Semma
Located in West Village, Semma is the perfect place to take a date or to celebrate someone’s birthday. They also have very good cocktails, too! Chef Vijay Kumar is a native of Tamil Nadu, and he brought regional ingredients with him. Your plate of food will have explosive flavors! Semma is open for dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday – Sunday.
9. Punjabi Grocery & Deli
It may not look like much, but this basement-level stand has survived since the early ‘90s. The reason? They serve absolutely delicious and filling food for an average of $10-$15. They’ve got something for everyone, too, with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options available. As a bonus, pick up some Bollywood films while you eat at Punjabi Grocery & Deli.
10. Vatan
This vegetarian all-you-can-eat restaurant serves three courses, and each course includes about 12 different dishes. Even better than a buffet, Vatan will bring each course to your table, and it only costs about $40 per person. To make things extra special, you’ll be seated at a table that has a thatched roof, along with a massive tree and wishing well nearby.
11. Pongal
Lexington Avenue has dozens of different Indian places, but Pongal stands out from the rest. Their vegetarian cuisine is also kosher, and most of their dishes can be altered to suit Jain and vegan needs. This casual, fine-dining establishment uses fresh ingredients. They don’t have a lot of style, but their food more than makes up for it. Plus, you can typically eat here for around $15!
Best Mexican Restaurants in Manhattan
Mexican food may not come to your mind the second you think of Manhattan, but it really should. There are tons of Mexican restaurants here!
12. Oso
Have you ever eaten street food in Mexico City? If so, you already have a good idea of what to expect at Oso. Chef Cassandra Rhodes has put together a very well-conceived menu, which includes authentic tacos, braised chicken salsa verde enchiladas, and cinnamon churros. Enjoy their delectable choices every evening from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
13. Atla
Inventive, yet traditional and simple dishes are offered at Atla. Their food is made from a global perspective, but it’s also responsibly sourced. Atla places a focus on always using organic, fresh ingredients, which means they have a seasonal menu. Open every day of the week, Atla has even expanded to a second location (in California).
14. Bar Tulix
Bar Tulix has a unique menu that features Mexican seafood. They serve brunch and after-brunch afternoon tacos on the weekend, along with serving dinner Tuesday through Sunday, starting at 5 p.m. One of their preferred dishes is the shrimp tostada, which includes more than a dozen shrimps.
15. Tacos Güey
This intimate, classy restaurant serves modern Mexican food, along with a comprehensive list of alcoholic beverages. Chef Henry Zamora has created a familiar feeling menu that features delicious appetizers, tacos, seafood, ceviches and other delicious entrees. Check out Tacos Güey on Monday – Saturday.
What Iconic Manhattan Restaurant is Closing its Doors?
An unexpected piece of news is echoing through the concrete canyons of New York City, and it has nothing to do with stocks or shows. Instead, it’s about the closing of a legendary eatery that has stood the test of time, until now. Rosie O’Grady’s, the iconic Manhattan restaurant located on Seventh Avenue and West 52nd Street, is set to close its doors on July 1st, along with its popular event space, Manhattan Manor.
Known for its inviting atmosphere and delicious steak and seafood offerings, Rosie O’Grady’s has been a magnet for a diverse clientele over the decades, from musicians and celebrities to Broadway actors, locals, and tourists. Its welcoming ambiance and excellent menu have made it a staple of the Manhattan dining scene.
Owner Mike Carty expressed the deep connection patrons had with the restaurant, sharing how people from around the globe considered Rosie O’Grady’s as their ‘home’ away from home in Manhattan. One such patron, renowned singer Neil Diamond, who had been a customer for 20 years, conveyed his sadness at the news, admitting that it ‘broke his heart,’ according to a Fox 5 New York report.
The primary reasons for the closure, as stated by Carty, are the severe financial blow dealt by the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the exorbitant rent of $3 million a year. Like many other businesses around the world, the pandemic’s economic impact left a profound mark on Rosie O’Grady’s ability to maintain operations.
Restaurants in NYC Open Late
There are times when all you want to do is find a restaurant that’s open late. Fortunately, New York City is a place that never sleeps!
16. Floridita
Floridita has been open since 1995, and if you know anything about NYC’s restaurant scene, this one fact alone should have you craving their Cuban and Dominican food. Most people who head here are looking for Floridita’s signature Cuban sandwich, which they serve 24/7!
17. Baekjeong NYC
Baekjeong NYC isn’t open 24 hours, but it stays open until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and until 11 p.m. the rest of the week. This authentic Korean barbeque spot has attracted tons of celebrities, including Korean rapper C Jamm, Chris Rock, Quest Love, and Joe Hahn from Linkin Park.
18. Papaya Dog
It’s 4 in the morning, and you’ve got a hankering for some hot dogs. What do you do? Go to Papaya Dog, that’s what! In fact, Papaya Dog’s lean menu is headed by its two most popular items: hot dogs and mozzarella sticks. They offer delivery and pickup until 4:30 a.m. (5 a.m. on the weekend), and then open up again at 10:30 a.m.
19. Mamoun’s Falafel
This iconic spot has been open for more than 50 years in Greenwich Village. Not only are they open super late (3 a.m. on Thursday and 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday), but Mamoun’s Falafel also serves food for everyone. It’s cheap, too!
Italian Restaurants Downtown NYC
Do you want to fill up on a plate full of outstanding pasta? Check out the following spots!
20. Olio e Più
This authentic Italian restaurant serves house-made pasta. Olio e Più also has thin-crust style pizza, salads, tiramisu, etc. Additionally, they were named the third-best restaurant in NYC by TripAdvisor for 2022. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available.
21. Bleecker Street Pizza
NYC takes pizza seriously, and that’s why Bleecker Street Pizza is such a find! It has been named the Best Pizza in New York by the Food Network for the last three years, and that’s just scratching the surface of its many accolades. At Bleecker Street Pizza, you can create your own pie or choose from several menu options.
22. Pisillo Italian Panini
Pisillo Italian Panini, located in the heart of NYC, provides a brand-new concept for the term ‘fast food.’ They only use the freshest ingredients and condiments, and they’re imported from Italy. Plus, you can eat a sandwich for only $15-$18.
Fun Birthday Restaurants in NYC
Finally, let’s take a look at some of the best restaurants in NYC if you’re celebrating a birthday!
23. Gallaghers Steakhouse
Whether you want to go somewhere different or happen to be old enough to remember when Frank Sinatra came out of everyone’s radio, a birthday trip to Gallaghers Steakhouse will immerse you in a charming, fun throwback. Oddly enough, despite being so unique, it’s located in the middle of Times Square.
24. Ci Siamo
Ci Siamo is a colloquially used phrase that means “We’ve made it! We’ve arrived! We’re here!” They serve homemade pasta, live-fire cooking, and an exemplary selection of wine. Ci Siamo also offers private dining, which is a perfect 18th birthday party restaurant!
25. Wen Wen
Wen Wen seeks to bring the flavors and comfort of Taiwan to NYC. If you’re looking to celebrate a birthday, there is no better place to get you in the mood. That’s because Wen Wen serves almost laughably large cocktails and delectable Taiwanese food.
What is the Restaurant in NYC that Spins Around?
The restaurant in New York City that spins around is The View. Located in the New York Marriott Marquis at 1535 Broadway, New York, on the 47th and 48th floors, The View is the city’s only revolving rooftop restaurant and lounge. The dining floor makes a complete 360° turn every hour, providing a constantly changing panorama of New York City’s celebrated landmarks. The View pairs its unique rotating feature with an exquisite selection of contemporary American cuisine, emphasizing fresh local ingredients and seasonal tasting menus.
After You Eat, Relax on a Hot Tub Boat!
Have you ever seen NYC from a boat? Even better, have you ever taken everything in from the inside of a hot tub that’s located on a boat? Sea the City makes it possible! Take a 90-minute tour down the Hudson River and enjoy all the sights. You’ll get to see the Manhattan Skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and much more! Book your hot tub boat trip today!