During COVID, I couldn’t help but daydream about all the places I wanted to check off my NYC food bucket list. Now that NYC is back – here’s are 44 places you need to add to your list.
Being at home during COVID gave me a lot of time to reflect on what I was going to do when things went back to normal. I spent days digging through my phone and found all the places I had put on my NYC food bucket list, but had never gotten around to doing. Now that we pressed the play button on life again, it’s time to take advantage of New York City’s diverse and amazing food scene. No more “I’m too tired, let’s stay in” or “we’ll try that place next week, let’s stay local.” I’m sure we all feel that we will no longer be taking our freedom for granted! Here’s a round up of the 44 restaurants, casual restaurants, cafes, brunch spots, lunch spots, speakeasies, bars, boats, docks, watering holes, and more for every time of day that everyone should be trying to hit up in their lifetime in New York.
Contents: NYC Food Bucket List
– Cafes, Breakfast, and Brunch –
1. Bar Pisellino
Location: Greenwich Village
Price: $5 pastries, $3 coffee
Specialty: Italian cocktails and aperitivo, coffees, bomboloni, and hot chocolate
The place owned by award-winning chefs Rita Sodi and Jody Williams has a very classic, traditional Italian vibe with a wooden bar and marble counter that serves amazing cappuccinos and pastries in the morning, heart melting hot chocolates during the day, and exceptional negronis and spritzs in the evening. Their focus is on l’arte del bere or the art of drinking, so cocktails and wine are their main specialty, but you can’t go wrong with any beverage. In the summer they have alfresco side walk seating. I’ll probably stop by and try their cappuccino and olive oil cake or bombolone for breakfast. They even have caffè shakerato, which is an iced Italian coffee I’ve haven’t found in America till this day, which sounds perfect for those warmer days. I heard the hot chocolate is like drinking melted chocolate lava cake…so I might end up here more than once!
2. Chez Ma Tante
Location: Greenpoint
Price: $3 – $13
Specialty: The best pancakes you’ll ever eat
All I know about Chez Ma Tante is that it has ‘the best pancakes you’ll ever eat.’ That’s a phrase I’ve seen thrown around multiple times and can’t find its origin story on the internet. Who coined that they’re the best pancakes you’ll ever eat? I’m not sure, maybe it’s just be word-of-mouth. Either way, I want to see if it’s true for myself!
3. Cafe Jax
Location: Upper East Side, 84th St
Price: $3 – $4 for coffee and pastries
Specialty: A quiet hideaway perfect for wfh days
Nothing about this coffee shop calls attention to itself. In fact, you’re likely to walk by it and miss its small storefront completely. But it still caught my attention. Mainly because it’s a small cafe with details such as red wallpaper with zebras lining the walls and a small outdoor garden perfect for sunny days. Its location on the Upper East Side also makes it different from the usual downtown scene. Cafe Jax’s seasonal pastries are beautifully made and presented. It’s hard to come by wfh (work from home) spaces these days, but the cafe has a full office and work space on the lower level made just for it!
4. Greecologies
Location: Soho
Price: $7 – $10
Specialty: Homemade greek yogurt
Aside from its lovely outdoor space, the greek yogurt bowls are what have me super curious about Greecologies. They are made from the owners very own environmentally-friendly, free range organic farm in New York. The yogurts are made in house and you can choose from a variety of delicious toppings. Seems like the perfect go-to post-workout class sometime this summer!
5. Loosie’s Kitchen
Location: South Williamsburg
Price: $16 for brunch main meal
Specialty: Oasis under Williambsurg Bridge
Aside from the fact that when I look at Loosie’s Kitchen I no longer feel like I’m in New York, it’s a breath of fresh air, literally. The wide open spaces, outdoor patio, greenery, and LA summer home feel make it an escape just steps away from the Williamsburg Bridge. Because of this Loosie’s Kitchen has made it to the top of my NYC food bucket list. The menu has a Southern-inspired flair. I can see myself escaping here for brunch one summer day.
6. Milk & Roses
Location: Greenpoint
Price: $5 – $26
Specialty: Cozy, retro coffee shop with outdoor garden seating
There is so much going on in this coffee shop design wise that it’s secured a spot at the top of my NYC food bucket list. It’s style kind of reminds me of Madmen, but with a down-to-earth outdoor garden in the backyard. The coffee shop has a library wall, bar, and live music. They serve Italian food and I’m still considering whether I want to go for breakfast, brunch, cocktails, lunch, or dinner. It seems like all options are a can’t miss opportunity to visit Milk and Roses.
7. Celestine
Location: Dumbo
Price: $16 for brunch
Specialty: Mediterranean brunch under the Brooklyn Bridge
Believe it or not, I still have not dined under the Brooklyn Bridge because I’ve been looking for the right venue. Celestine might be it which is why one of the top places on my NYC food bucket list. Celestine is located directly under the Brooklyn Bridge making it an idyllic location, even more so in the summer with its outdoor seating. Dinner is on the expensive side, $30 for a main, so I think I’ll be reviewing the place for brunch. The restaurant offers an extensive selection of Mediterranean food including spreads, hummus, fresh-baked peta, eggs, Moroccan donuts, and more.
8. Flipper’s
Location: Soho
Price: $16 – $20
Specialty: Japanese souffle pancakes
Being raised in Japan for 8 years of my life, I have like a sixth sense that pulls me towards my Japanese “roots.” So when I came across the first ever U.S. opening of Japan’s famous pancake chain Flipper’s, I had to add it to my list. These pancakes are more moist than your usual pancakes and have a soft and airy texture to them, just like a souffle’.
9. Davelle
Location: East Village
Price: $9 – $10
Specialty: Japanese toast
Continuing along my Japanese discoveries…I came across this Japanese toast shop, which not only looks appetizing as heck, but super pretty and Instagram-worthy. I don’t think I need to say anything more–add it to your NYC food bucket list.
10. La Mercerie
Location: Soho
Price: $12 – $16
Specialty: Crepes
This establishment is French countryside in New York. I am particularly hooked on this place because I came across some pictures of it during the holidays and Christmas time. Aside from all the wreaths and decorations they put inside and out, they have a huge Christmas tree that illuminates the interior. If you see me there, I’ll probably be trying out there crepes.
11. Tiny’s & The Bar Upstairs
Location: Tribeca
Price: $15
Specialty: Maintained 1810 townhouse turned into a gastropub
I can totally see myself hitting up Tiny’s & The Bar Upstairs on a cooler fall or winter day. Sitting by the warm fireplace or by the window, sipping a cup of coffee, and enjoying brunch or lunch. This establishment is an old, rustic 1810 townhouse, that has been maintained and turned into a restaurant and bar.
12. Cafe Medi
Location: Lower East Side
Price: $13 – $37
Specialty: Unlimited boozie brunch
Adjacent to Hotel on Rivington is Cafe Medi, a Mediterranean cafe with French Riviera vibes and a design that captures anyone’s attention when walking by. The entrance opens up to the sidewalk with open aired seating and woven basket lamps hanging from the ceiling, but the beauty doesn’t stop there. Proceed inside and you’ll be taken aback by a beautiful Mediterranean mural that’s accentuated by light breaking through the ceiling from a skylight in this trendy brunch spot. You can either order à la carte or enjoy the $39 brunch which includes 2 entrees and 2 hours of unlimited Mimosas and Bellinis (sign me up!).
– Sweets and Bakeries –
1. Aux Merveilleux de Fred
Location: Greenwich Village
Price: $4 – $7
Specialty: Merveilleux and chocolate cramique
I realize things will resume slowly when they do, so I decided to start off by visiting a ton of bakeries. Aux Merveilleux de Fred is famous for their reinterpretation of the Merveilleux cake into an airy, layered meringue coated with sweet whipped cream and enveloped in a variety of coatings, from chocolate flakes to caramelized hazelnuts. The Merveilleux was invented by French pastry chef Frédéric from northern France and has become a world renowned sensation. The shop also dabbles in brioches they call cramique brioche, a popular bread served in Belgium. I’m personally eyeing the chocolate brioche, but they come in different flavors.
2. Breads Bakery
Location: East Village, 16th St
Price: $3 – $14
Specialty: Chocolate Babka
Breads Bakery is known for producing exquisite artisanal, handmade breads using traditional baking techniques. They’re particularly famous for their chocolate Babka. Now I am embarrassed to say that I’ve never had Babka before, although pictures of it look like something I would want to eat for breakfast like every day. So I’d gladly pop my Babka cherry at Breads Bakery this year! Therefore Breads Bakery has earned a spot at the top of my NYC food bucket list. Their croissants look good too, but it’s the Babka I want to try first!
3. La Churreria
Location: Nolita
Price: $4 – $7
Specialty: Churros, of course
When I came across a picture of la Churreria, I immediately thought of the famous churro place I visited in Madrid–Chocolateria San Gines. The memory of the taste of sweet churros dipped in melted hot chocolate immediately overwhelmed my sense. I wanted to re-experience that sensation all over again.
4. MarieBelle
Location: Soho
Price: $5 – $7
Specialty: Hot chocolate
I stumbled across MarieBelle two years ago and always had it in the back of my mind as one of those lavish places I’d want to spend a winter afternoon. Its heavy French decor and elegant chandeliers fill the small hand-crafted chocolate store. Although it’s renowned for its chocolates, I spotted a decadent hot chocolate on their menu and it’s been on my mind ever since. It literally looks like melted chocolate in a cup served in a beautiful, decorative high tea set. They’ve also got chocolate souffles, warm from the oven cookies, crepes, Madeleines, and more to go with it so I’m excited to come hungry post-workout.
5. Bien Cuit
Location: Midtown, E 42nd St
Price: $2 – $8
Specialty: Croissants, fresh bread, and french pastries
If being a semi-finalist for the 2020 James Beard Award for outstanding baker isn’t enough, I don’t know what is to convince me or anyone else to try Bien Cuit bakeries bread and myriad pastries.
6. Patisserie Chanson
Location: Chelsea, W 23rd St
Price: $12 – $16
Specialty: Parisian artisan pastries and afternoon high tea
Patisserie Chanson serves really good artisan desserts from Paris, pastries, and afternoon high tea served in a revamped prohibition era building. They open their windows in the summer so you can have sidewalk seating.
– Casual Dining –
1. Burger Joint
Location: Midtown, W 56th St
Price: $10
Specialty: Burger – considered one of the best in NYC and some say the world
Ever heard of a speakeasy burger joint? Now you have. This secret, cash-only hamburger counter is hidden inside the Parker Meridien Hotel on 56th Street. In contrast to the upscale hotel, the joint has a very down-to-earth hole in the wall vibe making it an awesome low-key, yet unexpectedly amazing meal. Think Williamsburg vibes with graffiti, writing, stickers, and cool vintage posters on the wall.
2. Mamoun’s Falafel
Location: Greenwich Village
Price: $7 – $12
Specialty: The kebab I’ve been searching for since my teen years
When I was younger and my mother used to take me to NY, she would always take me to this hole in the wall Middle Eastern place that served the best kebabs we have ever had to this day. As years went by and I got older, the memory of this kebab place started to come back to me. I asked my mother if she remembered what the name of the kebab place was. She couldn’t remember. I started digging my memory looking for images that might rekindle or spark something and there it was–Mamoun’s Falafel. My mother confirmed I had found the place. 10 years later I want to go back and taste the kebab I couldn’t get out of my mind and see if it truly was as good as I remembered.
3. Trapizzino
Location: Lower East Side
Price: $6
Specialty: Famous Roman street food, a mix between pizza and a tramezzino sandwich
The invention of the trapizzino has become a huge hit among the Roman street food crowd and has finally hit the streets in New York. Trapizzino is a mix between a tramezzino sandwich and pizza, hence the name trapizzino. It’s made in the shape of a pizza pocket and stuffed with traditional roman fillings such as beef, zucchini, chicken, squash, eggplant (pictured above), and the list goes on.
4. Cremini’s
Location: Carroll Gardens
Price: $12
Specialty: Cremini and Ascolana olives
I came across this place and it immediately reminded me of Panzerotti Bites in vibe, which happens to be in the same neighborhood. But unlike Panzerotti Bites, whose cuisine originates from Puglia, Cremini’s cuisine comes from le Marche region. Cremini’s are golden cubes made from custard, which are dipped in breadcrumbs and lightly fried. They are also known for their Ascolana stuffed olives, for those like me who like olives. But truthfully, what I’m more interested in trying is their piadine or crescia and la bomba (or the bomb) desserts. I have an obsession with piadine and haven’t found an authentic one in New York…yet. We’ll see if Cremini’s is the one.
5. Antico Noè
Location: Midtown, E 53rd St
Price: $7
Specialty: Panini
Back when I visited Florence, this was on my list, but I never got around to it (this was like 5 years ago!). Luckily the famous Florence panini shop opened up in NYC giving me the chance to try their famous pressed paninis. Who cares about the long waits, Antico Noe has made it in my NYC food bucket list and I promise this year, I’ll make sure to check it off my list and tell you all about my experience.
6. Veselka
Location: East Village
Price: $8 – $12
Specialty: Pierogi and Blintz (both pictured above)
I’m embarrassed to say I’ve never had a pierogi before. For those who don’t know it’s like a Central and Eastern European version of a dumpling. So I thought why not look for one of the best in New York and go try that as my first experience? Veselka is a famous Ukranian establishment that serves what some call the best pierogis in New York. They are also known for their famous Ukranian pancake or crepe called Blintz filled with cheese or fruit then fried or baked.
7. Caffe Marchio
Location: Midtown, E 30th St
Price: $2 – $7
Specialty: Italian panini
If I’m ever in the mood to experience a Roman caffe in the heart of New York, Caffe Marchio is where I might go if I’m ever in Midtown. I actually work in Midtown so am more likely to come here and try out their paninis, although their cappuccinos and pastries might have me visiting the caffe pre-work!
8. Miznon
Location: Chelsea
Price: $11 – $15
Specialty: Pita and roasted cauliflower
The OG locations for Miznon are in Paris and Tel Aviv, but lucky for New York they opened up in Chelsea Market as well. They are world famous for their whole roasted cauliflower, but their pita stuffed with various fillings i mouth watering as well.
– Restaurants –
1. Bustan
Location: Upper West Side, 84th St
Price: $13 – $28
Specialty: Highly regarded Israeli-Mediterranean food with outdoor garden
I came across Bustan when scouting for new places to eat in my neighborhood with outdoor spaces. Bustan is an Israeli-Mediterranean restaurant I’ve walked by countless times, but never actually paid attention to. Bustan has a charming outdoor garden, which makes it a summer must-visit, and all plates are made in a custom, hand-built, wood-fired brick taboon–a Middle Eastern oven that dates back to Biblical days. Sounds like the real deal to me, we’ll see!
2. MáLà Project
Location: Midtown, W 46th St
Price: $3 – $9 per meat and veggie added to dry pot
Specialty: Dry Pot. They’ve been recognized with four Bib Gourmands awards
You’ve heard of hot pot, but what about dry pot? It was the first I had heard of it. It’s exactly like hot pot except instead of cooking it in broth it’s cooked dry with spices. Dry Pot can be cooked at a variety of spice levels as a communal meal with a number of different meats and veggies. MáLà Project has been awarded with a Bib Gourmands already four times in a row. That should say it all about the quality of the food here. The ambiance is simple and modern with exposed brick and wooden tables.
3. Wayla
Location: LES
Price: $18 Brunch; $25 Dinner
Specialty: Thai food served in outdoor garden
What really attracted me to Wayla, aside from the Bangkok-style food such as egg roll meatballs, was its outdoor garden. Playful rugs, plants, pillows, and chairs make for a casual yet fun dinner, brunch, or drink on a summer day.
4. Glasserie
Location: Greenpoint
Price: $8 – $21 – $32
Specialty: Mediterranean food served in private cobblestone alley
I came to know about Glasserie because I happened across a picture of a beautiful wedding happening in its cobblestone courtyard. I fell in love with the place instantly and added it to my list. It’s an old glass factory turned into a Mediterranean restaurant with a small terrace facing the private cobblestone alleyway.
5. Minetta Tavern
Location: West Village
Price: $30
Specialty: Considered the best burger in all of Manhattan
My friend recently visited Minetta Tavern and told me all about it. He told me it was considered the best burger in all of Manhattan and he stood behind this statement, which is how it got on my NYC food bucket list. The burger comes at a lofty price and the wait time to get in requires you to book about a month in advance. I’m curious to see what all the fuss is about so plan on going to review this burger for myself!
6. La Lanterna di Vittorio
Location: Greenwich Village
Price: $3 – $15
Specialty: 200 year old garden lights up at night
This 200 year old garden has 4 fireplaces lit up in the winter and is covered in greenery and plants in the summer. I scouted their menu and probably see myself trying this place for lunch. They serve light paninis, smoked duck breast, salad, and thin pizza, as well as drinks, coffees, and pastries during the day.
7. Hudson Clearwater
Location: Greenwich Village
Price: $22 main dish
Specialty: Rustic outdoor garden
Hudson ClearWater place serves American fare and has a rustic, countryside vibe to it. The outdoor garden hidden behind a red concrete wall is calling me. It seems like the perfect place to enjoy dinner in the summer.
8. Gnocco
Location: East Village, 10th St
Price: $10 – $16
Specialty: Highly recognized Northern Italian restaurant
Gnocco specializes in Norther Italian food and has been recognized countless times for its quality and authenticity. Being from Northern Italy myself, I’m curious to see how authentic the food truly is. The restaurant also has a nice outdoor garden in the back so I see myself reviewing the place for dinner or brunch.
9. Achilles Heel
Location: Greenpoint
Price: Price depends on the size of the chicken
Specialty: Hell Chicken
Achilles Heel is not for the faint of heart, it’s a hard-core real deal gastropub. Very rustic and down-to-earth both in its way of cooking and in its ambiance. What do I mean by hard core? Let’s just say when I walked by the place I saw whole chickens strung up over a wood-fire grill. The nomadic chef’s specialty here is outdoor cooking, something so unique to New York it’s got to be on everyone’s NYC food bucket list. In the winter it’s grilled over a fire place. Any meat eater will want to make a reservation at this place ASAP.
10. Narcissa
Location: East Village, 5th St
Price: $15 – $30
Specialty: Farm-to-table vegetables with global influences
Farm-to-table food is my jam. And this restaurant seems to have plenty of vegetarian and vegan options for when I’m craving a veggie fix. The outdoor garden is a great place to enjoy lunch, dinner, or brunch.
11. Via Carota
Location: Greenwich Village
Price: $15 – $20
Specialty: Considered one of the longest waits in Manhattan for Italian food
Considered one of New York’s most busy restaurants, I’m not exactly sure how I’m going to be able to review the place myself! Especially since they don’t take reservations. It will involve a lot of strategizing on my part and I’ll need to be ready for a long wait. But there Italian food is considered some of the best in Manhattan, both for price and quality. It’s a no brainer to put Via Carota on your NYC food bucket list.
12. I Sodi
Location: West Village
Price: $17 – $20
Specialty: Handmade pasta
You may begin to notice some similarities between Bar Pisellino, Via Carota, and now I Sodi. That’s because they’re all run by the same owners, but considered some of the best restaurants and cafes in New York. Quality and price go hand in hand here, but the pasta is really what I’m eyeing.
13. Rossopomodoro
Location: Greenwich Village, 13th St
Price: $21
Specialty: Anything but the pizza, get the pizza from Simo’s for half the price. Focus on the pasta and meats here
Pat and I fell in love with Simo’s, the most authentic and affordable Neapolitan personal pizza I have ever had in New York. It’s my little big secret. I found out that the owner actually began selling his pizzas at his Italian restaurant Rossopomodoro. Knowing that the quality at Simo’s is out of this world and straight out of Italy, I’m really curious to see if Rossopomodoro’s Italian food lives up to the same standards.
14. Enoteca Maria
Location: Staten Island
Price: $16
Specialty: Grandmas make your meals
Each night the menu at Enoteca Maria changes depending on which Nonna is in the kitchen. The Nonnas, or grandmothers, rotate on a nightly basis. The Nonnas come from all over the world–Japan, Belarus, Italy–and that’s exactly what makes this restaurant so cool, the fact that you literally have grandmothers in the kitchen making your meals. This unique concept makes it a NYC food bucket list destination. It’s far from Manhattan, but I’m willing to get out there and try the place and see what it’s all about!
– Bars –
1. Brooklyn Barge
Location: Greenpoint
Price: N/A
Specialty: Drinks and food from a barge in Brooklyn with skyline views
This old working barge has been turned into a grungy dock with a bar and food. They worked with a James-Beard award-winning chef to prepare their last new menu and all food is cooked out of their old school shipping container kitchens. Food includes tacos, burgers, and various american-fare including bbq and zucchini sticks. The Manhattan skyline view from here looks amazing, can’t wait to check it out at sunset.
2. PILOT
Location: Brooklyn Heights
Price: N/A
Specialty: Drinks on a sail boat with downtown skyline views
Day or night this sail boat in Brooklyn Bridge Park has beautiful views of downtown Manhattan. It may look similar to the Grand Banks at Chelsea Piers, but it’s location and views seem better.
3. The Wayland
Location: Alphabet City
Price: N/A
Specialty: Watering hole with live music and cocktails
I’ve walked by this watering hole several times, but never actually had the chance to get a drink at it and give it a personal review. This year, I plan on actually stopping here the next time I walk by it. Live music plays here on occasion and they’re known for their fun and down-to-earth cocktails.
4. Blue Quarter
Location: East Village, 5th St
Price: $15
Specialty: Moroccan-themed speakeasy
When I’ll want to be whisked back to Morocco, I’ll make sure to try Blue Quarter, a Morrocan tea-based speakeasy located behind a blue door at restaurant Local 92.
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