I would like to present to you my list of must-try restaurants in New York City. These great culinary spots have not to be missed!
I would like to begin my list with a casual restaurant offering traditional Kavkaz cuisine, the Lights of Baku in Brooklyn. This restaurant serves delicious, authentic food from the Caucasus region.
Photo by Boryslav Shoot
- The Lights of Baku restaurant in Brooklyn is a unique restaurant that serves authentic Azerbaijani cuisine. It was founded in 2017 by an Azerbaijani chef and has become a popular spot for food lovers in the Brooklyn area. The restaurant serves up a variety of dishes, including traditional Azerbaijani dishes like dolma and plov, as well as more modern fusion dishes like kebabs and shish kebabs. The restaurant also offers a variety of beverages, including beer, wine, and vodka. The Lights of Baku is known for its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a meal with friends. The restaurant also offers catering and takeout services, making it even easier to enjoy a delicious meal. If you’re looking for a traditional Azerbaijani experience, the most recommended meal to try at The Lights of Baku is their signature dolma dish. This includes grape leaves stuffed with a mixture of minced lamb and rice, simmered in a tomato sauce and served with a side of yogurt. It’s a delicious, hearty dish that’s sure to leave you satisfied.
The 2nd place in my list is a casual restaurant offering traditional Uzbek cuisine prepared in a kosher kitchen, with a taste that is sure to please.
2 . Taste of Samarkand is a casual restaurant located in the heart of Queens, featuring traditional Uzbek decor and architecture. Guests can enjoy a variety of traditional Uzbek dishes, all prepared in a kosher kitchen with only the freshest ingredients. From chuchvara soup and lagman noodles to plov and somsa, Taste of Samarkand provides a delicious array of flavorful and unique dishes. With its cozy atmosphere and traditional decor, Taste of Samarkand is sure to provide a memorable dining experience.
The restaurant’s commitment to using only the highest quality ingredients, combined with its adherence to kosher cooking practices, ensures that each dish is of the utmost quality. With its delicious and unique flavors, Taste of Samarkand is sure to please even the pickiest of diners.
I would advise booking in advance at the restaurant, particularly on the weekends, as it tends to get busy.
- Nom Wah Tea Parlor located in Chinatown NYC, is one of the oldest restaurants in the area. Established in 1920 by Nom Wah Kuo, the restaurant is a historical landmark for Chinese cuisine in the city. Nom Wah Tea Parlor has been serving up traditional Cantonese dishes for almost a century and has grown to be a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. The restaurant is open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily, with a dim-sum style brunch during the weekends.
Nom Wah is renowned for its extensive dim sum menu, featuring dumplings, buns, and other traditional Chinese dishes. Other popular items include BBQ pork buns, fried wontons, and steamed vegetable dumplings. For those looking for something a bit heartier, the restaurant is also known for its selection of noodles, soups, and rice dishes.
I would highly recommend Nom Wah Tea Parlor for a unique and delicious dining experience. Not only is the restaurant known for its traditional Chinese cuisine, but its long-standing history in the city of New York adds to its charm. Whether you’re looking for a light snack or full meal, Nom Wah Tea Parlor is sure to have something to satisfy your cravings!
4. For sushi lovers, Recommended to try Sushi By Bou.
Sushi By Bou is an upscale sushi restaurant located on 132 W 47th Street in New York City. With its modern design and sophisticated atmosphere, it is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves sushi.
Getting to Sushi By Bou is easy. It’s located just steps away from the 47th-50th Streets-Rockefeller Center subway station, making it convenient and accessible for everyone. Sushi By Bou is open seven days a week. They are open from 12–3 PM, 5–11 PM Every day. Sushi By Bou is a must-go-to place if you are looking for a unique and unforgettable sushi experience. Their menu offers a variety of sushi options, from traditional rolls to creative and innovative sushi creations. The restaurant also has a full bar offering creative cocktails, craft beers, and a selection of sake.
If you’re looking for something unique to try, consider the signature Sushi By Bou Omakase, which is a tasting menu of the chef’s selection of the freshest and most creative sushi dishes.
Tip : Drink to accompany your sushi, try the signature Sushi By Bou cocktail, which is a blend of sake, vodka, and elderflower liqueur.
New York City is renowned for its varied and delicious cuisine, with the bagel being one of the most iconic offerings.
5. Ess-a-Bagel is a classic New York bagel spot that has been serving up delicious bagels for over 30 years.
Located on 324 1st Ave in the heart of New York City, Ess-a-Bagel is a must-stop for anyone visiting the city. The hours are from 5:30am to 8:30pm Monday through Saturday, and 6am to 7pm on Sundays. For those looking for a classic bagel experience, Ess-a-Bagel offers a full spectrum of menu items. There is a wide variety of over 15 different types of bagels, including plain, sesame, poppyseed, onion, garlic, everything, and even cinnamon raisin. There are also mini and regular size versions of the bagels, so you can choose the size that fits your needs. If you enjoy cream cheese, there are many different varieties available.
If you’re looking for something to drink, Ess-a-Bagel offers coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. These drinks pair perfectly with their bagels, making them a great way to start your day. Getting to Ess-a-Bagel is easy. It’s located near the 6th Avenue subway station, so you can take the train directly
I’m recently very passionate about finding the perfect hot latte, and I’m delighted to have discovered a cafe that serves delicious coffee.
6. Maman Court Street
is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality, yet relaxed and cozy atmosphere. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite to eat, meeting up with friends, or just enjoying a cup of coffee, this is the spot for you! With a wide variety of hot and iced beverages, as well as baked goods and small meals and more, you’re sure to find something that you love. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable.
They have a wide variety of hot and iced beverages, from cappuccinos and espressos to frappuccinos and hot chocolate. In my opinion, their Hot Latte with almond milk is one of the best I’ve ever had. The 2nd option I recommend is their Lavender Latte — it’s a creamy blend of espresso and steamed milk topped with a light sprinkling of lavender. The bakery items they have are also incredible, with everything freshly made in-house. My favorite item is the Pistachio chocolate croissant, a delicious combination of flavors. Although their prices may be a bit on the higher side, But it’s definitely worth it!
7. Miss Nda NYC restaurant
If you are looking for an amazing restaurant experience in New York City, Missada NYC is a must-try.
This restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The menu is full of fresh and delicious dishes, making it the perfect spot for dinner. Not only is the food top-notch, but the cocktails are also unique and affordable. The affordable prices make Missada NYC a great spot for a special occasion dinner or just a night out with friends. In addition to being an excellent restaurant, Missada NYC has also been recommended by Michelin Guide. This is a sign of quality, as the Michelin Guide is known around the world for evaluating restaurants’ quality and providing honest reviews.
For these reasons, Missada NYC is a must-try for anyone looking for an unforgettable dining experience. To make sure you get the best experience possible, it is recommended to make a reservation in advance. This will guarantee that you get a table and can enjoy your meal without any hassle. Overall, Missada NYC is a great spot for food, drinks, and an overall enjoyable experience. With its reasonable prices and Michelin Guide recommendation, it is a must-try restaurant in New York City. To make sure you get your desired table, consider making a reservation in advance.
Speakeasy bars are a well-known feature of New York City culture. My favorite spot to get a great craft cocktail is the Bathtub Gin speakeasy bar!
8. If you’re looking for a unique night out in New York City, you have to check out Bathtub Gin speakeasy bar. Located in the heart of Chelsea at 132 9th Ave, this bar offers a unique atmosphere and delicious craft cocktails. The bar is known for its cozy, vintage atmosphere that is sure to make you feel like you’re in a speakeasy from the past. The bar has several bathtubs lined up in the main room, giving it an even more unique atmosphere. It’s also worth noting that the bathrooms have great service, making for a pleasant bathroom experience. In addition to the atmosphere, the drinks at Bathtub Gin speakeasy bar are what make it a must-try. The craft cocktails are all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and are sure to make your taste buds dance. The bar also has a great selection of craft beer, wine, and spirits. If you plan on visiting Bathtub Gin speakeasy bar, it’s best to make a reservation in advance. The bar is quite popular, so it can be difficult to get a seat without a reservation. Overall, Bathtub Gin speakeasy bar is a great spot for a night out in New York City. With its unique atmosphere, great service, and delicious craft cocktails, it’s definitely worth a visit. So, make a reservation and get ready to experience something truly special.
Bath Tub Gin NYC is not just a speak easy bar; they also provide an entertaining live show.
- For those who love pasta, there is another restaurant in Brooklyn that isn’t well known but should be added to the list.
Pasta Louise Restaurant
1114 8th Ave Brooklyn, NY 11215
Eating at a restaurant that serves homemade, hand-made fresh pasta is a great way to enjoy delicious Italian food. The pasta is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and is cooked to perfection. Plus, the chefs who make the pasta are passionate about their craft and take pride in making delicious meals. Eating at a fresh pasta restaurant also allows you to try different varieties of pasta, from classic dishes to more innovative and inventive recipes. Overall, it’s a unique and rewarding experience that you won’t find at most other restaurants.
Pasta Louise Restaurant in Brooklyn is known for its delicious Italian cuisine. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients in all of its dishes. The menu features a variety of classic Italian pasta dishes, as well as unique creations like spaghetti carbonara with pancetta, egg yolk, and pecorino romano. The restaurant also offers a selection of Italian wines and beer, making it perfect for a night out with friends. I would recommend dining at Pasta Louise Restaurant in Brooklyn because of its great food, friendly service, and cozy atmosphere.
I would like to add my Personal recommendations.
I visited on Friday night and had to try the Soup of the Day :
Cauliflower Soup. It is an absolutely delicious SOUP. The soup is finished with a splash of cream, mushrooms and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
For sweets: TIRAMISU IS A MUST! The perfect indulgent treat to satisfy any sweet tooth. Delicious Tiramisu! Layers of homemade ladyfingers, cocoa, and creme, are served in a cute little cup. No caffeine or alcohol! In my oppinion, it is the best Tiramisu in NY
Another Brooklyn hidden gem :
10. Mad For Chicken Cobble Hill :
Mad For Chicken Cobble Hill is my top choice for chicken wings because of their commitment to providing the freshest and most flavorful wings. Their wings are made with only the best ingredients and hand-crafted with a combination of unique spices and sauces. The wings are cooked to perfection and served with a variety of sides. The atmosphere is also great, with a cozy and inviting atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re dining in a home kitchen. The prices are also very reasonable, making it an affordable option for a delicious meal. All in all, Mad For Chicken Cobble Hill is my top choice for chicken wings because of the quality of the food, the friendly atmosphere, and the affordable prices.
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Picture taken from Instagram.
11. Balaboosta
611 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
I stumbled upon Balaboosta, a hidden gem in NYC’s West Village. This charming restaurant combines Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences, ( Israeli restaurant ) using exclusive ingredients to create exceptional dishes. One standout favorite was the Coffee Rubbed Pastrami with malawach and mustard seeds. Each bite was a harmonious blend of tender pastrami, flaky malawach, and a zesty kick from the mustard seeds. It was a culinary masterpiece that left me in awe of Balaboosta’s creativity and flavor expertise. Attached is a picture of this delectable dish, capturing its essence.
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**12. Barbetta (**Northern Italian restaurant) Hidden Gem!!!
321 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
Step into Barbetta, NYC’s culinary time capsule since 1906. Chef-owner Laura Maioglio orchestrates an Italian symphony, blending tradition and innovation on every plate.
Escape to the enchanting backyard — a romantic haven of lights, greenery, and whispers of a fountain. Inside, antiques and art weave tales, creating an inviting ambiance. Treat your palate to the “Antipasto Barbetta” medley, then indulge in the tender “Agnello Scottadito” or robust “Brasato al Barolo.”
Dessert beckons with the classic “Tiramisu” or sinful “Torta di Cioccolato.” Barbetta isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a city treasure that invites you to dine within history’s embrace.
