As a New Yorker, getting caught up in the city’s endless choices when dining out is easy. There is nothing wrong with putting all three of your favorite places on your “best of” list, no matter how different they may be. If you’re looking for a list of the 20 finest restaurants in New York City that spans all of these categories and more, go no further than ours! There is no need for them to be the newest or the most well-known (though some are), but rather locations that we want to return to again and again and that we believe you will, too.
1. Donburiya
One of the best Japanese restaurants in New York City is Donburiya. More than 60 things, ranging from katsu curries to rice bowls, are available on this eatery’s menu. In addition, it attracts visitors with its surprisingly low prices. This izakaya, which specializes in Japanese rice bowls, is a go-to place for cheap late-night eats. Get a hot bowl of their katsu don, and you’ll thank yourself later. The pork cutlets in this dish are tender and flavorful, making it a comforting and complete meal.
2. Vida Verde
Quesadillas and nacho platters are on the menu at Vida Verde, a Mexican restaurant. In addition, Vida Verde serves some of Times Square’s best cuisine. It’s also the hippest spot in town, thanks to its inventive cocktails and chic rooftop setting. Tasty and irresistible, these delicate tortillas are filled with tender, aromatic, and spicy pork pieces. Add a little lime juice for a little bit of freshness.
3. Don Antonio
One of the best things about Don Antonio by Starita is that it’s located in an area of New York City that’s better known for high-end slice eateries like Corner Slice or Sullivan Street Bakery than for its great Neapolitan pizzas. To get a pizza crust that tastes a little like an egg-fried zeppole, order the lightly fried pizza.
4. Sushi Of Gari
New York City’s third-floor tasting menu of Salmon with tomato, onion and spicy tuna served with mayo, Tabasco sauce, sesame oil, and seared foie gras are some of the restaurant’s most well-known entrees. A la carte options are offered, as well as classic sushi and sashimi prepared to the highest standards of freshness and flavor.
5. Gallaghers Steakhouse
Since Dean Poll took over the bar and restaurant during Prohibition, it has maintained its reputation for excellent charcoal-grilled meats and vintage cocktails. Clams casino is the first course, followed by a dry-aged steak, fries, and a blue cheese-soaked wedge salad. Call ahead if you want the exceptional prime rib roast; it’s unavailable every night and sells out quickly. Enjoy a martini and a slice of key lime pie at the restaurant’s circular bar, where you can see the whole dining room.
6. The Chemistry Room At Sushi Lab
When Sushi Lab just opened a second location at the Sanctuary Hotel, it didn’t have to go far to get there. A $100 omakase is best savored at the chef’s counter of the new addition. Tuna and Wagyu steak are just two of the many delicacies on the menu, which can be paired with sake. There are a variety of other intoxicating options accessible.
7. Jasmine’s Caribbean Cuisine
Jasmine Gerald, a newcomer to the Theater District, and long-time chef Basil Jones combine their talents to offer a taste of Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. Start with jerk chicken wings, which are mildly smoked and flavorful. The next dish is a delicate brown stew of chicken drenched in a thick sauce. This rasta spaghetti staple with peppers, jerk flavor, and parmesan is not to be overlooked.
8. Danji, New York
With a dash of French flair, Danji’s meals are bursting with authentic Korean flavors and textures, complemented by organic and sustainable ingredients. If you’re looking for something more filling, go for the pork belly sliders or the spicy soft tofu stew with fish or shrimp if you’re in the mood for some seafood.
9. Dear Irving On Hudson
When you’ve spent the day schlepping your favorite tourists between the M&M’s store and an Elmo of questionable origin, this downtown branch of Dear Irving is a welcome respite. While the food and drinks are good, the views of the city below and the cocktail menu are sure to have you coming back for more.
10. Tim Ho Wan
Tim Ho Wan, the Hong Kong-based restaurant whose East Village outpost drew long lines when it first opened, now has a presence in Hell’s Kitchen, where the lines are shorter. Shrimp har gow and B.B.Q. Pork buns are the best bets for a satisfying meal: the shrimp is delicately cooked, and the pork is loaded with a generous amount of sugar.
11. Pelicana Chicken
To the delight of foodies everywhere, Pelicana serves up delicious Korean fried chicken. This Korean restaurant’s fried chicken options include everything from wings to drumsticks. It also has a wide selection of sauces to improve your fried chicken. Everything about this brisket is perfect: tender inside, juicy outside, and crispy all over. Adding a little spicy barbecue sauce to this chicken tastes even better.
12. The Little Beet
Healthy, gluten-free, and nut- and soy-free, The Little Beet has a winning recipe in its light and airy outlets spanning Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Choose from a variety of pre-made bowls at this West 50th Street location, or create your own by picking grains and greens, a rotating selection of sides (such golden cauliflower and herby white beans), a protein (like beet falafel, Salmon, or braised pork), a sauce, and a garnish. Lunch and dinner options include a mango berry parfait and a Turkey Bacon Egg & Cheese Sandwich.
13. Valerie
Valerie, located between Grand Central Station and The Crossroads of the World in the center of Times Square, is a popular destination for commuters looking to unwind with a drink after work in an elegant, golden setting. Lunch and supper menus feature a wide range of crowd-pleasing selections, including grilled chicken breast and steak fries; breakfast was just reinstated.
14. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co
After that, we’ve got the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. in Time Square. There’s a restaurant in Times Square called Forest Gump that you might recognize from the film. In honor of his friend’s upcoming eatery! On the other hand, we decided to include this restaurant on our list of the best restaurants in Times Square because it’s so popular with tourists and visitors. This is a good option if you want to be right in the middle of Times Square and aren’t bothered by the crowds.
15. E.A.K. Izakaya
To get decent Japanese ramen in the Theater District now that Ivan Ramen’s Slurp Shop has closed at Gotham West Market, head to E.A.K. Izakaya. A tremendous Japanese chain delivers excellent tonkatsu ramen, made with pork fat, soy sauce, and firm noodles, at the iekei branch.
16. Utsav
Nothing compares to Utsav in Times Square. This restaurant is in an awe-inspiring setting, allowing its guests to take in breathtaking views and scenery. A bowl of delicious chicken tikka masala will amp up your dining experience in Times Square. This meal combines sweet and savory flavors with tender chicken slices marinated and roasted in a rich curry sauce.
17. Taam Tov
This restaurant’s handcrafted Uzbek bread and other Central Asian and Middle Eastern dishes make it ideal for a filling lunch on the go. Lamb chops are a must-try at this restaurant. Additionally, it has a flavor that’s both grassy and sweet. In addition, their lepeshka, a massive loaf of delicious bread, goes well with it.
18. Pure Thai Cookhouse
Pure Thai Cookhouse is a must-try in Times Square if you’re a fan of Thai noodles and flavors. Delicious handcrafted noodles are served here, along with crisp green peas, juicy beef pucks, and crabmeat mignonettes. There’s nothing like their Ratchaburi crab and pork dry noodles to satisfy your craving. Savor the complex flavors that emerge from this meal’s substantial serving of pork and crab.
19. Ippudo Westside
Ippudo Westside is a must-have on any list of the most incredible restaurants in Times Square. If you’re a ramen fan, you’ll love this casual eatery’s delectable and savory offerings. Pork belly, Hirata buns, and many other delectable Japanese fare are all on the menu. Pork buns are a great way to start your meal. Appetizers like this are a great way to start a meal. Once you’ve had your fill, try their hot ramen, wonderfully tasty and umami.
20. Shake Shack
Those looking for Times Square’s most popular restaurants will find Shake Shack a great place to begin their exploration. Shake Shack’s hot dogs deserve some attention, even if their burgers receive all the attention. Chicago hotdogs are known for their umami, bitter, sweet, and salty taste combinations in their Shack-cago dog.
