The long awaited, most requested NYC restaurant post is here! There is no rhyme or reason to my selections, not by neighborhood, price or type. These just happen to be restaurants I love going to time and time again, some old, some new, some classy, some rowdy, some cheap and some not so cheap, but for all of them the vibes are immaculate!
Dagon– Mediterranean, Upper West Side
Relatively new, Dagon has become an instant favorite of mine. In the past year I’ve gone 5 times already!
What I order: any of their cocktails, the mezze- a selection of dips (my favorite is the tahini) served with a buttery twisty garlic bread, flash fried cauliflower with a creamy lemon dip and I actually dream of the shishbarak! SO GOOD.
Symposium– Greek, Morningside Heights
A Zagat rated, long running neighborhood-y spot for Greek, owned by the cutest old man. I’m not Greek, but I think Symposium has great food and a comfortable atmosphere. In warmer months they open up the garden in the back, which is always nice in NYC.
What I order: Symposium sampler
Awash– Ethiopian,Upper West Side & East Village
Ever had Ethiopian? It happens to be my favorite cuisine. Thin, slightly lemon-y crepe-like bread is used to scoop a variety of meats and vegetables. I’m doing a horrible job of explaining it, but it’s gooooood. The atmosphere is homey, quiet and no frills. Afterwards, there is a fun bar next door (UWS location)!
What I order- veggie combo platter
Storico– American, Upper West Side
If you follow me on Instagram you have definitely seen me post this place on my stories. It’s located inside the New York Historical Society (a great museum), one block south of the Museum of Natural History and across the street from Central Park. I simply cannot get enough of the decor in here which is why I love it!
What I order: a Negroni and Caesar salad
The Milling Room-American, Upper West Side
A beautiful spot for food or just drinks (bar in the front). A bit on the pricier side, so maybe save this for a special occasion, but I just love the design and ambiance in here!
What I order: I LOVE their cocktails and the food menu changes frequently but some kind of risotto
Cafe Sabarsky, Viennese, Upper East Side
Located across from the Met and inside the Neue Gallerie, a beautiful museum housing early 20th century German and Austrian art, Cafe Sabarsky is like stepping back in time and into Europe. The perfect place to go for a bite to eat after a long day in the museums and Central Park.
What I order:hot chocolate and any of their pastries
Via Quadrono-Italian, Upper East Side
A favorite for sentimental reasons. I would come here with my mom to get gelato after I went to the peditrician as a kid. Just off Madison Ave on the Upper East Side, it’s a great place to stroll to for lunch after a morning at the Met.
What I order: Garganelli Alla Moda Dello Chef
Planta– Vegan Asian Fusion, NoMad
Okay, new all time favorite. It’s all vegan, but it’s not your basic vegan restaurant. They have sushi, dumplings, noodle dishes…just trust me, Planta is an amazing next level culinary experience that I can’t get enough of.
What I order: Everything, honestly. Although my personal favorite is the crispy rice.
Rubirosa– Italian, Nolita
Located in the heart of the cute little streets of NoLita, Rubirosa Ristorante is one of my favorite sit down pizza places. Note that they don’t take reservations, but go and put your name down for a table then walk across the street and have a drink at The Grey Dog while you wait.
What I order- Tie dye pizza and vodka sauce pizza, the arugula one is REALLY good too.
Arturo’s– Italian, Greenwich Village
One of my favorite date-night activities is to grab dinner at Arturo’s followed by a comedy show in the Village. I love Arturo’s for their saucy thick crusted pizza and live jazz music. It’s such a fun, romantic vibe in here!
What I order: Can never go wrong with a good old margarita pizza
Tea and Sympathy– English, West Village
If you’re looking for a little UK in NYC, you have to come to Tea and Sympathy! Traditional English comfort food, teas, cakes and next door a shop full of English groceries and treats.
What I order: afternoon tea of course!
Royal Bangladesh– Indian, East Village
Okay so this place is nothing fancy at all but on a weekend night it’s a ton of FUN. Low ceilings absolutely covered in Christmas lights, upbeat Indian music plays loudly oh and it’s BYOB, so don’t forget that! Afterwards you can wander around the East Village, stumble into bars or go get piercings on St Marks Place if you’re really feeling the vibe.
What I order: chana masala and naan.
12 Chairs– Israeli, Soho & Williamsburg
Hands down my favorite spot for brunch in the whole city! If you’re sitting inside it can get quite loud from them blasting Israeli music, but it’s all part of the fun!
What I order: shakshuka, eggs siniya, any of the small plates served with pita bread
Mexico Autentico– Mexican, Park Slope, Brooklyn
I discovered this spot through friends who lived in Park Slope. It’s nothing out of this world, it’s a cute, quiet neighborhood spot that has great vegan-friendly options. It’s on a picturesque street so it’s perfect if you’re looking for something low-key.
What I order: you MUST try the lavender margarita and I also die for their vegan nachos
Lucali– Italian, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn
If it’s good enough for Beyoncé, it’s good enough for anyone. Lucali is ACTUALLY Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s favorite pizza place, and its SO good, its a must! Here’s the thing: they don’t take reservations and it’s so famous you have to get there at least an hour before it opens (4pm but preferably a bit earlier) to put your name on a list. Once your name is down, go get a drink at Clover Club while you wait. Note: Lucali is CASH ONLY and BYOB. I promise it is worth the wait!
What I order: they actually have no menu- it’s just pizzas and calzones!