Feast Your Way Through NYC With These 9 Must-Try Spots
Bite Into the Big Apple
New York City is an absolute foodie paradise – if you can dream it, you can eat it here. It’s the kind of place where you can splurge on a fancy, celeb-approved restaurant one night and then have the best meal of your life from a hole-in-the-wall spot the next. Sure, you’ve heard of Carbone and Cipriani, but in a city this big, sometimes the real magic happens in a tucked-away little joint with zero fanfare.
Fresh off a trip to NYC, I can confidently say there are way more food options than our beloved Brissy scene (I mean, duh!). So, if you’re heading to the Big Apple (or just need some serious food inspo), here are a few of my absolute faves – plus some iconic spots that should be on everyone’s hit list.
Yopparai
Lower East Side
If you love traditional Japanese food, run (don’t walk) to Yopparai in the Lower East Side. This spot is tiny, intimate, and beyond authentic. You can sit at the bar and watch the chef work magic on your nigiri or opt for the super cozy, shoe-off bamboo seating. And let’s talk about the food – the three-day marinated miso black cod is buttery, rich, and perfectly balanced with traditional pickles. Pair it with one of their many sakes (seriously, their sake list is next level), and you’re in for an unforgettable meal.
Los Tacos No. 1
Across NYC
Taco lovers, meet your new obsession. Los Tacos No. 1 is an NYC institution, and for good reason. They keep it simple – just perfect, fresh tortillas loaded with juicy, flavour-packed fillings. You’ll find this spot absolutely packed at all hours, but don’t let the lines scare you. It moves fast, and trust me, one bite of their adobada taco will make it all worth it.
Nami Nori
Across NYC
If sushi hand rolls are your thing, Nami Nori is the place to be. This spot does open-style temaki, which basically means they’re serving up little boats of sushi perfection. Founded by a dream team of chefs, Nami Nori is all about making incredible Japanese food feel fun and accessible. They’ve now got four locations, so it’s safe to say people love what they’re doing.
Torrisi
Nolita
Torrisi is one of those spots that just screams New York. It’s part of the legendary Major Food Group (aka the people behind some of the city’s most famous restaurants like Carbone and Dirty French Steakhouse), and it serves up insanely good Italian food. Think classic pastas, drool-worthy mains, and an atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a scene from a movie.
Pastis
West Village
If you want to feel like you’re dining in a chic Parisian bistro without leaving NYC, Pastis is your spot. This place has been around since 1999, and it’s still a go-to for locals and tourists alike. Their steak frites are legendary, but honestly, anything you order will make you feel très fancy.
Sailor
Brooklyn
Brooklyn has some serious foodie gems, and Sailor is one of them. It’s a cozy little bistro with a menu that changes all the time, thanks to chef April Bloomfield (yes, that April Bloomfield). The food is comforting but creative, the vibe is effortlessly cool, and it’s the kind of place you’ll wish was in your own neighborhood so you could go every week.
Theodora
Brooklyn
If you love smoky, fire-kissed flavors, Theodora is a must. This Brooklyn gem specializes in open-fire cooking with a Mediterranean twist. Think perfectly charred veggies, beautifully cooked meats, and a natural wine list that’ll have you coming back for more. It’s the kind of place that just feels good to eat at.
Misi
Williamsburg
Misi is proof that sometimes, simple is best. This spot is all about handmade pasta and classic Italian flavors, done right. Chef Missy Robbins (who, by the way, was named NYC’s Best Chef in 2018) knows her stuff, and every dish is just chef’s kiss. If you’re a pasta person, this place is non-negotiable.
Katz’s Delicatessen
East Village
Katz’s Deli is the New York sandwich shop. It’s been around since 1888 – yeah, you read that right – so you know they’re doing something right. Their pastrami, corned beef, and Reuben sandwiches are piled high with perfectly seasoned meat and served with crunchy pickles. It’s an absolute classic, and yes, you should grab a T-shirt on your way out.
Tomi Jazz
Midtown East
Okay, this one’s technically a bar, but it deserves a shoutout. Tomi Jazz is a hidden gem with incredible live music, a cozy underground vibe, and a menu full of delicious bites and drinks. If you want to experience classic NYC nightlife with a touch of sophistication, this is the place.
Imagery: @theodorebrooklyn / @pastisnyc / @theviewny
