Are you looking for some delicious eatery spots in New York? Look no further; I’m here to help! As a resident of this great city, and with my deep knowledge of the latest food trends, I have compiled a list of my top 10 favorite places to eat right now. From scrumptious seafood and sushi to inventive Italian dishes, these eateries will satisfy all your cravings—all while giving you an amazing culinary experience that rivals the best restaurants in NYC. So grab your friends, family members, or even colleagues and explore the Big Apple’s dining scene like never before with me as your guide. Keep reading for lots more mouth-watering information about the most delectable eats around New York City!
By: Michael Kelley-Bradford
Selling New York!
Apr 2, 2023
1. A Pasta Bar – If you love pasta, you must try A Pasta Bar. Located in hip Soho, this restaurant offers top-notch creative pasta dishes in a lively atmosphere. Per their website, the mission is “to pay exquisite attention to authentic flavors and exceptional Italian cuisine, promoting its simplicity above all.” They live up to that mission! My go-to dish is their Tagliatelle All’ Astice Pasta. Their cocktails are also amazing!
https://apastabar.com/
2. Nobu 57 – The name Nobu is synonymous with high-end and see-and-be-seen vibes. Nobu 57 lives up to that standard. Located on 57th street in midtown, this Nobu location attracts many corporate types. During my days in finance, Nobu was one of my team’s go-to spots for great sushi. Downstairs is more of a bar vibe, and upstairs is the large dining area. You can’t go wrong with any of their sushi options. Their Ribeye with Yuzu Honey Truffle is divine!
https://www.noburestaurants.com/fifty-seven/home/
3. Kogane Ramen – I am so happy I found this gem in Chelsea. You could easily walk past Kogane, but it will be your loss! If you like Ramen, you must try Kogane. The ramen dishes are rich and flavorful, and the appetizers are also tasty. The Red Tonkotsu Ramen dish is my go-to. You can’t go wrong with the charred shishito peppers.
https://www.koganeramenny.com/manhattan/#menu
4. Milos – When I want fresh fish and to-notch Greek cuisine, I head to Milos. The ambiance is upscale, and the service is usually impeccable. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list. I have taken family, friends, and clients to Milos, and all have loved the experience. I can’t pick just one option to recommend. If you love seafood, order as much as the table can handle!
https://www.estiatoriomilos.com/Restaurant/NYMidtown
5. Jacobs Pickles – Jacob’s Pickles is an Upper West Side food institution if you ask me. I have been going for years, and it is one of the few restaurants in NYC that ALWAYS seems to be busy for dinner. Jacobs’ specialty is southern comfort food. The portions are massive, and the prices are reasonable. My go-to dishes are shrimp and grits, biscuits and fixing, and BBQ ribs. If you are a drinker, the Jam Jar is delicious and deceptively strong!
https://www.jacobspickles.com/
6. Tao (Downtown) – Tao is a SCENE! The well-known family of Tao restaurants attracts celebrities, athletes, and foodies alike. Tao in downtown is attached to the Maritime Hotel in NYC and has a clubby vibe. The restaurant is massive, and you will be impressed with the gorgeous interior, with a giant Buda statue being the focal point. Fridays and Saturdays can get very busy, so reservations are encouraged.
https://taogroup.com/venues/tao-downtown-new-york/
7. Strip House (Downtown) – Strip House is one of the top steakhouses in the city. The vibe feels like an old-school cabaret with red walls which are flanked with hundreds of photos of patrons. The steaks are excellent, and the service is top-notch. You can’t go wrong with a medium-well filet, and my favorite app is the thick bacon cuts.
https://www.striphouse.com/private-events-venue/downtown/
8. Marea – Marea is one of NYC’s premier Italian establishments. Located on Central Park South, this upscale eatery is the place to go for a power lunch, a special occasion, or a delectable splurge. I love their fresh oysters and nova scotia lobster. There Mezzaluna ravioli is also amazing.
https://www.marearestaurant.com/new-york
9. Gotham Restaurant – Formerly Gotham Grill& Bar, this restaurant feels like another NYC food institution. The Long Island duck breast is a top recommendation, as well as Brandt strip steak.
https://www.gothambarandgrill.com/
10. Lure Fishbar – Last but not least is Lure Fishbar in Soho. The interior feels like the inside of a luxury yacht. The food also makes you feel like you are on a luxury yacht with excellent seafood choices. Get the lobster mac and cheese! The sea bass is also one of my favorites.
https://www.lurefishbar.com/new-york-menu/
https://apastabar.com/
2. Nobu 57 – The name Nobu is synonymous with high-end and see-and-be-seen vibes. Nobu 57 lives up to that standard. Located on 57th street in midtown, this Nobu location attracts many corporate types. During my days in finance, Nobu was one of my team’s go-to spots for great sushi. Downstairs is more of a bar vibe, and upstairs is the large dining area. You can’t go wrong with any of their sushi options. Their Ribeye with Yuzu Honey Truffle is divine!
https://www.noburestaurants.com/fifty-seven/home/
3. Kogane Ramen – I am so happy I found this gem in Chelsea. You could easily walk past Kogane, but it will be your loss! If you like Ramen, you must try Kogane. The ramen dishes are rich and flavorful, and the appetizers are also tasty. The Red Tonkotsu Ramen dish is my go-to. You can’t go wrong with the charred shishito peppers.
https://www.koganeramenny.com/manhattan/#menu
4. Milos – When I want fresh fish and to-notch Greek cuisine, I head to Milos. The ambiance is upscale, and the service is usually impeccable. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list. I have taken family, friends, and clients to Milos, and all have loved the experience. I can’t pick just one option to recommend. If you love seafood, order as much as the table can handle!
https://www.estiatoriomilos.com/Restaurant/NYMidtown
5. Jacobs Pickles – Jacob’s Pickles is an Upper West Side food institution if you ask me. I have been going for years, and it is one of the few restaurants in NYC that ALWAYS seems to be busy for dinner. Jacobs’ specialty is southern comfort food. The portions are massive, and the prices are reasonable. My go-to dishes are shrimp and grits, biscuits and fixing, and BBQ ribs. If you are a drinker, the Jam Jar is delicious and deceptively strong!
https://www.jacobspickles.com/
6. Tao (Downtown) – Tao is a SCENE! The well-known family of Tao restaurants attracts celebrities, athletes, and foodies alike. Tao in downtown is attached to the Maritime Hotel in NYC and has a clubby vibe. The restaurant is massive, and you will be impressed with the gorgeous interior, with a giant Buda statue being the focal point. Fridays and Saturdays can get very busy, so reservations are encouraged.
https://taogroup.com/venues/tao-downtown-new-york/
7. Strip House (Downtown) – Strip House is one of the top steakhouses in the city. The vibe feels like an old-school cabaret with red walls which are flanked with hundreds of photos of patrons. The steaks are excellent, and the service is top-notch. You can’t go wrong with a medium-well filet, and my favorite app is the thick bacon cuts.
https://www.striphouse.com/private-events-venue/downtown/
8. Marea – Marea is one of NYC’s premier Italian establishments. Located on Central Park South, this upscale eatery is the place to go for a power lunch, a special occasion, or a delectable splurge. I love their fresh oysters and nova scotia lobster. There Mezzaluna ravioli is also amazing.
https://www.marearestaurant.com/new-york
9. Gotham Restaurant – Formerly Gotham Grill& Bar, this restaurant feels like another NYC food institution. The Long Island duck breast is a top recommendation, as well as Brandt strip steak.
https://www.gothambarandgrill.com/
10. Lure Fishbar – Last but not least is Lure Fishbar in Soho. The interior feels like the inside of a luxury yacht. The food also makes you feel like you are on a luxury yacht with excellent seafood choices. Get the lobster mac and cheese! The sea bass is also one of my favorites.
https://www.lurefishbar.com/new-york-menu/
