Start spreading the news! Well, it’s only been a hot minute, and I’m finally rounding up our absolute favorite New York City restaurants and eats. A few months ago, Michael and I headed back to one of our favorite cities, and it was nothing less than magical. New York has its way of doing that to you, you know? It’s a world of its own, and when we visit, we walk and eat our way through the city, one borough at at time.
For the past three years, we’ve been able to visit NYC, and thanks to my sister who has lived there, we’ve been able to enjoy all things local (with a few touristy things thrown in the mix). Each time we have gone, we stayed with her in her Greenwich Village apartment, and it’s been the hugest blessing. Greenwich Village is by far one of my favorite neighborhoods. It’s home to NYU and Washington Square Park, and a hop, skip, and jump to some of the very best restaurants in all of the city. We plan our visits around what restaurants we want to try, and if you don’t plan your vacations around food, are you even living your best life?!
I’ve categorized our favorite spots for you, and thanks to my NYC savvy sister, I’ve also rounded up restaurants to try next time. I’ve linked each place so that you can make reservations if necessary. This is a long list, but I know none of these places will disappoint. They’ve been Seven Graces approved, and we take our food ratings very seriously around here.
Turn on this NYC inspired jazz playlist, and get ready to travel through food land.
I’ve also marked our absolute favorite restaurants that we go back to over and over with asterisks.
Best New York City Restaurants
** = our absolute favorites!
Breakfast On-the-Go
Murray’s Bagels – Greenwich Village :: Grab a Cinnamon Raisin bagel with maple raisin walnut cream cheese and your favorite coffee to go!
Stumptown Coffee – Greenwich Village :: The best no-frills coffee or latte to fuel you up for the day.
Daily Provisions – Gramercy :: Breakfast items under 10 dollars? Don’t miss this cute neighborhood cafe! You can dine in or take away.
Brunch Spots
Hudson Clearwater ** – West Village :: This is Michael’s and my favorite brunch spot! So quaint and so delicious! We can’t wait to go back.
The Standard Grill** – Meatpacking District :: I love this place, not only because it’s so dang cute, (hello, beautiful red door), but everything is amazing. Each detail and food item is a winner.
The Loeb Boathouse** – Central Park :: Head here for weekend brunch because THAT VIEW. You’ll feel like you’re part of a scene in Sex and the City.
Buvette – West Village :: Such a cute brunch spot in the West Village! Doesn’t get much cuter than this, and those waffles are amazeballs.
Sant Ambroeus – West Village :: I love this place! It’s right down the street from Carrie’s stoop, and people watching from the small outside tables makes brunch even more fun.
ABC Kitchen – Flatiron District :: Brunch is available on Saturday & Sunday only. This gem sources local, organic ingredients, and the ambience is beautiful! Nuzzled in ABC Carpet and Home, the decor is magical. And the doughnuts are out of this world.
Lunch Spots
Ippudo** – East Village :: Ramen done right. We hit this spot up every time we’re in NYC, and it is just so good. Be sure to get the sticky buns as an appetizer.
Babu Ji ** – Greenwich Village/Union Square :: I love the bold artwork here, but their Indian food was on another level. Unathentic Australian Indian food is how they describe themselves on their website, and it’s a restaurant not to be missed. Get the General Tso’s Cauliflower. You’re welcome.
Grand Banks** – Hudson River Park :: Oysters and Rosé on a yacht with the Manhattan skyline as your view. Does it get any better? Nope. Open during the Spring and Summer only.
Santina – Meatpacking District :: This is such a cute & colorful spot right below The Highline and next door to The Standard. Tapas for everyone!
Bluestone Lane – Greenwich Village :: Australian-vibe coffee and breakfast bites. So cute and wonderful!
Happy Hour Gems
Cull & Pistol :: Go here for Happy Hour to score yourself $1 oysters. You pick which ones you want based on your taste buds. They are amazing! It’s kind of a touristy spot in Chelsea Market, but get there right when Happy Hour starts to be sure to grab a spot. It fills up fast!
Bar 65 Rainbow Room :: Located in Rockafeller Plaza, on the 65th floor, you really shouldn’t miss this. We never got a chance to go here, but it was on our list! Make a reservation to sit on the patio, and when you have a drink for me, tag me in pic. ;)
Best Pizza
Joe’s Pizza ** :: Lined with celebrity photos, this small pizza joint in Greenwich Village is considered an “institution.” Grab your pizza to go and head to the Hudson to catch a sunset while dining on your pizza. Perfection. You can also stand in the closet of the pizza joint to eat your pizza at bar table if you’re in a hurry.
Dinner Spots
4 Charles Prime Rib ** – West Village :: I’m listing this first, because if there is a place you do it big in NYC, this is it! Don’t wait to make your reservation, but if you do, put yourself on the waitlist, because usually something pops up last minute. Just expect to eat super late. They are obviously known for their prime rib, and this dinner spot is what dreams are made of. Their hamburgers are also supposed to be spectacular, and do not miss out on their truffle mac and cheese or dessert!
Mermaid Oyster Bar – Greenwich Village :: Also a great spot for 1.25 East Coast happy hour oysters, Mermaid Oyster Bar is quaint, delicious, and the perfect little dinner spot.
Lupa** – Greenwich Village :: Roman trattoria south of Washington Square Park. I dream of their food. Their pasta made fresh daily is fantastic, and I’ve yet to have a spaghetti carbonara better than theirs.
L’Artusi – West Village :: Between Hudson & Bleecker, this restaurant puts out fresh pasta daily with a twist on traditional dishes. So good!
Il Buco – NoHo :: A mix of Italian and Spanish, the menu is bananas. This is another one we had on our list, but didn’t get to make it to. Next time!
Best Dessert
Serendipity :: Home of the frozen hot chocolate. Enough said. Head here after strolling through Central Park.
Need more recommendations? Here are even more places on the radar ::
