The 20 Best Restaurants in New York City

NYC's oldest deli (1888) and the pastrami sandwich against which all others are measured — hand-carved, piled absurdly high, $28.95 and worth splitting. Yes, it's the 'When Harry Met Sally' place; yes, it's mobbed; yes, you should still go. Guard your ticket: losing it costs you a $50 fee.

The 1887 Williamsburg steakhouse that defined the New York porterhouse — dry-aged in-house, seared, sliced, and served sizzling in butter for $155.90 for two. Gruff waiters, beer-hall room, no credit cards (cash or debit). Purists still swear by it; critics have knocked its consistency in recent years. Book well ahead.

Sylvia's is a legendary Harlem soul food institution operating since 1962, famous for fried chicken, cornbread, and classic sides like collard greens and mac and cheese. The dining room buzzes with energy and history—walls covered in celebrity photos, staff moving with practiced ease, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like stepping into a piece of Harlem culture. Service is quick and friendly, though expect it to be packed and loud, especially during peak brunch hours.

A historic steakhouse in Midtown that transports you to a bygone era with its authentic wood-paneled interior and vintage details. Order the Prime T-Bone, filet mignon, or their legendary mutton chop—most reviewers rave about perfectly aged, tender steaks. Note that you'll need a reservation well in advance due to high demand, though bar seating is available without one.

The East Village's Ukrainian diner since 1954 — borscht, potato pierogi, and challah French toast served by a third-generation family in the heart of what's left of Little Ukraine. It brought back 24-hour Friday and Saturday service in April 2026. Beloved, affordable, and one of the warmest rooms in downtown Manhattan; expect a weekend brunch wait.

Balthazar is an iconic French brasserie in SoHo that delivers classic bistro fare with consistently excellent execution—the steak frites, duck confit, oysters, and bread are standouts. The atmosphere buzzes with high energy and the service is attentive, making it a memorable night out. One caveat: arrive early or book well ahead on Resy, as walk-in waits can stretch 45+ minutes even on weeknights.

A historic colonial-era tavern in Lower Manhattan that's been beautifully preserved and serves American comfort food with real character. Get the dry rub chicken wings, oysters, mac and cheese, pot pie, or fish and chips—all praised by regulars. The main caveat: the greeting staff can be inconsistent, though table service itself is reliably good.

Gramercy Tavern is one of New York's most beloved fine-dining institutions, offering impeccable American cuisine in a warm, tavern-like setting that never feels stuffy. The tasting menu in the dining room is exceptional, but the tavern up front takes walk-ins and offers à la carte at a lower price point. Service is among the best in the city.

Le Bernardin is Eric Ripert's legendary three-Michelin-star seafood restaurant in Midtown Manhattan, known for impeccably precise cooking and an elegant dining experience. Reviewers rave about dishes like the Scallop with Uni, Dover Sole, Halibut, and Tuna Carpaccio—each prepared with remarkable technical skill. The service is attentive and knowledgeable, though you'll want to book ahead for dinner (lunch in the lounge is more accessible without a reservation).

Don Angie is a husband-and-wife-run Italian-American restaurant that reimagines red-sauce classics with fine-dining technique and genuine creativity. The pinwheel lasagna is one of the most Instagrammed and genuinely delicious dishes in the city. Reservations are competitive — book on Resy the moment the window opens, typically 28 days out.

The basement food court of the Golden Shopping Mall in Flushing is one of the most authentic and exciting eating experiences in New York City, with stalls serving Xi'an noodles, Sichuan dishes, Taiwanese snacks, and more from vendors who have been perfecting their craft for decades. It's chaotic, cash-only, and utterly thrilling. Go hungry, point at what looks good, and explore — this is the real Flushing.

The Greenwich Village original (since 1975) of the classic New York slice — thin, foldable, perfectly balanced, served fast at a counter until 3 or 4am. This is the benchmark slice locals actually recommend, a few bucks and five minutes of your life. There's often a line, but it moves; don't confuse it with the many imitators.

The 1914 'appetizing' shop on Houston Street — four generations of the Russ family selling hand-sliced smoked salmon, whitefish, bagels, and babka from a gleaming vintage counter. This is the real Lower East Side, not a recreation of it. Note: the shop is takeout only (open daily 8am-4pm); there's no seating inside.

The legendary Midwood pizzeria where Dom DeMarco hand-made every pie from 1965 until his death in 2022; his family carries it on at 1424 Avenue J. Still one of the great classic NYC pies — and still a trek on the Q with a wait, at about $5 a slice. Pilgrimage-worthy for pizza obsessives; casual fans can stay in Manhattan.

David Chang's original Momofuku Noodle Bar launched a restaurant empire and still delivers excellent ramen and inventive small plates that feel genuinely exciting. The pork belly buns and the spicy noodles are perennial favorites. The room is loud and communal — not a place for a quiet conversation, but perfect for energetic dining.

A Greenwich Village institution with white linen tables and a storied atmosphere, Minetta Tavern is known for its Black Label Burger—which reviewers call the best in NYC—along with grilled oysters, French onion soup, and well-made cocktails. Service is consistently praised as top-notch. The main caveat: prices are steep, and getting a table without a reservation can mean a significant wait or bar seating only.

An iconic Central Park restaurant with waterfront views and a storied history, famous for its patio overlooking the lake where you can watch ducks and koi. The kitchen delivers well-executed seafood and steaks—crab cakes, sea scallops, and beef fillet are standouts—with attentive service. Fair warning: drinks and coffee carry premium prices ($6 for a small coffee, $15–$17 for cocktail add-ons), though lunch is more reasonably priced.

A highly-rated brunch and dinner spot in Williamsburg serving creative comfort food with standout dishes like Pulled Pork Benedict and Dulce de Leche Waffles. Service is attentive and accommodating, and the atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. Make reservations—the place fills up quickly, especially for weekend brunch.

A legendary steakhouse in Lower Manhattan with over 150 years of history, famous for its dry-aged Delmonico's ribeye, creamed spinach, and signature baked Alaska. Service quality can be inconsistent—some diners report attentive staff while others experienced slow service, and seating placement varies widely.

Pete's Tavern is NYC's oldest continuously operating restaurant and bar (opened 1864), located in Gramercy Park with genuine historical character—it's where O. Henry wrote "The Gift of the Magi" and survived Prohibition disguised as a flower shop. Reviewers praise the chicken pot pie, Scottish salmon, and mozzarella en carozza, along with attentive service and festive holiday atmosphere. Be warned: reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak seasons, as walk-ins frequently get turned away.