Top 10 New York Restaurants
Current Hill intern and native New Yorker here coming at with you a list of my favorite New York City spots that you should check out should you decide to escape the tourists and cherry blossoms for a weekend. With deliciously warm weather upon us, I love going back to my hometown and feasting on anything from dumplings to burgers and walking the sidewalks of Manhattan. As a teenager trying to stretch ten bucks whenever I’d go out for some grub with friends, eating on a budget was always a priority (and still is now that I’m an unpaid intern), so no worries about spending a lot of money at any of these places.
10. Patsy’s
Neighborhood: Upper West Side
Cuisine: Italian (Pizza!)
What to order: Stick with the pizzas and avoid the pastas. My personal favorite is pepperoni!
Although there is never really a true consensus with what New York’s best pizza is, Patsy’s is an ol’ faithful because of its warm atmosphere, great thin-crust pizza, and its spectacular location next to my favorite UWS institution – the Museum of Natural History
9. Pam’s Real Thai
Neighborhood: Midtown
Cuisine: Thai
What to order: Lard Na – stir fried wide flat noodles with Chinese broccoli and gravy!
This Midtown gem is the perfect spot for yummy papaya salad and noodles before or after a Broadway show.
8. Japonica
Neighborhood: Union Square (East Village)
Cuisine: Japanese
What to order: Any of the bento boxes for lunch
Although Japonica is pretty expensive (as is any sushi restaurant with fresh fish), their bento boxes are un-beatable
7. Cacio e Vino
Neighborhood: East Village
Cuisine: Italian
What to order: Bianca al Crudo – fresh mozzarella, arugula, prosciutto, shaved parmiagiano
Second Italian spot and I’m only on 7, geez how did that happen? This restaurant was recommended to me by my Italian teacher in high school! How much more authentic can you get?
6. Island Burger
Neighborhood: Midtown
Cuisine: Burgers and Salads
What to order: Tuscan Salad
While Times Square is pretty much a waste land for good food, Island Burger on 10th Ave is a hole-in-the-wall with unbeatable fresh grilled chicken and home-made vinegrette. The last time I went they had no air conditioning so if that’s an issue: be prepared.
5. Totto Ramen
Neighborhood: Midtown
Cuisine: Japanese
What to Order: Totto Spicy Ramen (add wontons for extra deliciousness!)
Check out this cozy ramen joint for awesome noodle soup and pop over to MoMA afterwards to get your culture on. They also have cold noodle soups for spring and summer!
4. Max
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
Cuisine: Italian
What to Order: Spaghetti Del Mariniao – homemade black spaghetti with shrimps in tomato sauce and Prosciutto E Mozzarella di Bufala – fresh prosciutto and fresh mozz.
This romantic Italian spot might have some of the best pasta I’ve ever had with the most savory sauces and freshest mozzarella. Max doesn’t take reservations or credit cards but has lovely outdoor seating.
5. Mama’s Food Shop
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
Cuisine: Soul Food
What to Order: Fried Chicken, Mac and Cheese, and Brussel Sprouts
My grandma always takes me to this spot for an early dinner. I love the cafeteria style ordering where you choose from various meats and side dishes.
4. Mandarin Court
Neighborhood: Chinatown
Cuisine: Chinese/ Dim Sum
What to Order: Steamed Shrimp Dumplings, and Sauteed Baby Bok Choy
Hard to say what my favorite dim sum place is, but this is an old favorite that I’ve been going to since I was a baby.
3. Lobster Place in Chelsea Market
Neighborhood: Chelsea/ West Village
Cuisine: Seafood
What to Order: Lobster Roll
Lobster rolls aren’t exactly “cheap eats” when you’re paying over 10 bucks for a sandwich, but I had to throw this one in here. Chelsea Market is also an excellent location for taking some grub to the High-Line.
2. Shake Shack
Neighborhood: Bryant Park
Cuisine: Burgers
What to Order: Shack Burger or ‘Shroom Burger
Danny Meyer changed my life!
1. Joe’s Shanghai
Neighborhood: Chinatown
Cuisine: Chinese
What to Order: Pork Soup Dumplings and Shanghai Fried Flat Noodle
Joe’s Shanghai is no secret especially amongst tourists, so always try and get there on the early side to avoid a line.
Facebook Conversations
About the Author
