Favorite Restaurants in New York City
There are lists, upon lists, upon lists of the best restaurants in New York. I’ve used these lists to to explore the food of New York for myself, and throughout the years I’ve come across so many amazing and mind blowing meals. Here are some of my favorite!
Major shout out to my girlfriends, family, and boyfriend who have made many trips around the city to test these out. Extra shout out to Mel Fulvio, because without the “Lanie List” I would have only checked off a few of these spots. Please never lose your appetite for adventure and good food!
Lilia
Where do I start with Lilia - Chef Missy Robbins is a Food Goddess and I love her. Always fresh ingredients, the most powerful flavors, and next level comfort food. Lilia has the best Italian food I’ve tasted in New York, and the atmosphere is just right. It’s a light and airy space, with ultra minimalistic clean lines, so you can focus on the food. And whether you’re watching the chef’s do their thing in the open kitchen or diving into your plate, you’ll be so happy you’re there.
Favorite DIsh: Mafaldini, pink peppercorn, parmigiano
Lucali
The wait at Lucali is worth it, I promise it. Brick oven pizza made right in front of you. Build your own custom pizza from a small list of the fresh ingredients they have on hand. So put your name in at 5pm, grab a drink somewhere, and prepare to have your mind blown.
Favorite Dish: The calzone is so indulgent and delicious
Misi
The Grovehouse restaurant group has become a bit famous amongst New Yorkers. Misi is another fantastic spot from Missy Robbins, and though Lilia is still my favorite, I highly recommend a trip to Williamsburg for this meal.
Favorite Dish: Whipped ricotta crostini with charred marinated peppers, marjoram
Upland
Upland may be right down the street from me, yet it’s totally out of reach. And obviously that just makes me want it even more! This place always has a waitlist for reservations but for good reason! The food is so special.
Favorite Dish: A true tie between the bucatini cacio e pepe and the angus skirt steak
L’Artusi
When Mel and I finally got a 5pm dinner reservation at L’Artusi over Christmas time we FREAKED OUT. It had taken years, literally, to get a reasonable rez. The food was out of this world, completely met our expectations. I’ll never forget that bottle of Barbera d’Alba either.
Favorite Dish: Roasted Mushrooms
Kiki’s
You’ll probably walk by it first and not even recognize it as the restaurant! The tiny taverna is tucked away in a small building in the Lower East Side, with no signage, so look for the street address. I love Greek and Mediterranean food, and Kiki’s makes the best fresh Greek I’ve had in the city. Plus it is so affordable! The Greek salad brings me right back to dining in Santorini.
Favorite Dish: Moussaka
Nishida Sho-Ten
Nishida Sho-ten is my go-to for ramen in New York. My 44th street friends and I were obsessed when we lived nearby, and would go often on cold nights.
Favorite Dish: Tan Tan Ramen
Loring Place
Each time I go to Loring Place I enjoy it even more. Their seasonal menu’s mean that all ingredients are ripe and fresh. I love that they make such tasty vegetable dishes. It’s so delicious you would think you were eating something bad for you! But normally I get something healthy to start and then share the Grandma Style Pan Pizza.
Favorite Dish: Wood Grilled Broccoli Salad
Emily
It’s so good it hurts. I haven’t been to the original Emily Brooklyn location but the West Village and East Village spots have blown me away. I’ve tried a bunch of the different Grandma Style Pizza’s but think I need to keep “testing” them out with future visits.
Favorite Dish: Emmy Burger, because of the pretzel bun and that sauce. Just wow.
Peter Luger’s
I love steak. It’s my favorite meal, but since red meat isn’t good for you I really try not to eat it frequently. I don’t cook it that often for myself because I know it’s so much better by the professionals. No one does a Rib Eye Steak better than the pro’s at Peter Luger’s. This is a classic New York spot, and even though it’s pricey, I recommend the experience at least once.
Favorite Dish: Steak For Two - Medium
Frank
Frank has become one of my favorite restaurants. The atmosphere is lively and fun, as you’re dining right in the center of the East Village, yet also cozy. I love Chef Frank Prisinzano, his cooking, and all of his restaurants. I’m always trying to recreate the pastas at home, and I’ll never tire of the food at Frank.
Favorite Dish: Spaghetti Limone
I could go on and on about the delicious food in New York City. It’s one of the reasons why I love living here so much.
There is still Carbone, Pastis, La Esquina, Cotê, Au Cheval, Llama Inn, Palma, Olio e Piú amongst others that I really love. But if I’m being critical, the above list of favorite restaurants have never let me down. They are not only serving the best meals, but also providing dining experiences you’ll remember. I HIGHLY recommend making a reservation at one of these spots, whether you have a special occasion, friends or family in town, or just want to taste something incredible.
Xx Gab