The guide to our favorite RESTAURANTS AND BARS is a MUST.
We made it by zones so you can search where to eat in New York according to where you are.
Let's go straight to the point, we are hungry:
MANHATTAN
If you like bagels, you have Barney Greengrass on Amsterdam Av. and 86th St.
And for jazz lovers: the Smoke bar is a must!
UPPER EAST SIDE
If you're on the Upper East Side, a great plan is to enter Central Park from E 76th St. or E 72nd St. (depending on which is closer to you) and eat at The Boathouse Outdoor Bar. It's a bit expensive; but it's beautiful, you eat great, and right there you can take a boat ride on the lakes. Without a doubt, a different experience!
TIMES SQUARE / MIDTOWN
If you are a sweet tooth, you can visit the HERSHEYS and M&M stores.
There is a BUBBA GUMP around this area. To eat fast and tasty.
And for good coffee: IN COMMON or SIP & CO.
FLAT IRON DISTRICT / UNION SQUARE
The EATALY market is a must. Whether you prefer to sit down or eat on the go buying something to take away. It is an Italian market divided by sectors (pizza, pasta, bakery... it has about 7 restaurants and a market with infinite products). The offer is enormous and you eat very well. To sit down to eat there are sectors that offer tables and others have some bars for those who prefer for an express option.
In this area, a few blocks from the Flat Iron building, you can enjoy one of the most beautiful rooftops in NYC: 230 Fifth Rooftop Garden. Full of plants and with one of the best views of the city that includes the Empire State in the background. It's amazing!
Bakery: Levain (they have many stores, check on maps for other locations)
And a good restaurant that offers korean/fusion: Atoboy.
Take notes of this Japanese market that also offers take away food: Ten Ichi Mart.
You'll also find it at Brooklyn.
Some blocks away you can find: PlantShed Café.
WEST VILLAGE
You can find another of the best rooftops just down from the Highline (on 14): Le Bain at the Standard Highline. They usually ask for ID! You need to dress a bit formal (not elegant, but no shorts and flip-flops allowed).
In the Meatpacking District area, we recommend that you go to 9th Av. and Little West 12th St. Here you will find Pastis Restaurant.
A very good pizza: L'Industrie.
For a good ice cream: Sant Ambroeus (you can find it in other neighbourhoods as well).
CHELSEA
Italian food at Cucina Alba.
Also, you'll find the famous CHELSEA MARKET! In 1890 the building was a cookie factory, and now they have remodeled everything and made several places to eat and shop on the go.
GREENWICH VILLAGE
At night there are very cool pubcrawls to do around the neighborhood.
One bar we recommend is ZZ'S Clam Bar at 169 Thompson St. a few blocks away from Washington Square.
If you are a cupcakes' lover or bakeries in general, on the main street (Bleecker St.), you will find: Magnolia Bakery.
Other good option for breakfast or brunch: Breakfast By Salt's Cure.
And if you are craving bagels, you have the best ones at: Pop Up Bagels.
A really good Italian: Olio e Piú.
For sushi you can eat great handrolls at Nami Nori. 33 Carmine St. They have other restaurant in Williamsburg.
Also, you have The Spotted Pig restaurant, where you can eat great late burgers. Restaurants generally close early in NY, but here you will find hamburgers until 2am. Join them with their side of special fries that have a different touch. You find it at 314 W. 11th Street at Greenwich Street. You can eat from a brunch, lunch or go in the afternoon or at night.
SOHO / NOLITA / NOHO
On Spring St. near the corner of Crosby St., you will find the trendy Balthazar restaurant.
Truth is that there are a LOT of restaurants in Soho.
For dinner, we recommend Raoul's (great French restaurant!) or Piccola Cucina (very good little Italian restaurant) on Prince St.
Other good restaurants in the area:
-Antique Garage (old garage with a lot of vibes) on Mercer ST.
-Fanelli (very nice and not very expensive).
-DomoDomo, for good sushi, try the crunchy handroll!
-Blue Ribbon, another good option for sushi lovers.
-Roscioli: for good pasta
-Hamburger America, from Motz Burger. They also offer sandwiches and milkshakes.
-Leon's Bagels!
-Cafe Gitane
You will also find many options if you go to the Cooper Square side, there is a small street that begins there called St Marks, which is where Alphabet City begins. There are a lot of smaller author restaurants.
Nearer the NoHo area: Librae Bakery.
Or Levain, another good option for coffee; try the chocolate chip cookie!
LOWER MANHATTAN
Au Cheval, for burgers and drinks.
A good option for breakfast/brunch/lunch is: The Butcher’s Daughter on Kenmare St and Elizabeth St.
TRIBECA
Along Franklin St. there are several restaurants including one of Robert DeNiro's: Tribeca Grill.
The modern Asian restaurant: Buddha Bar.
CHINA TOWN
On Mott street, you can find all the typical Chinese restaurants.
Continuing along Mott to Grand Street, you will pass through butchers, fishmongers, greengrocers and other food markets in general.
LITTLE ITALY
If you come from China Town, when you get to Grand Street you are already in Little Italy. The most beautiful spots are the restaurants and cafes. The main street is Mulberry, between Canal St. and Houston St.
We recommend eating some delicious pasta at: Buona Notte.
FINANCIAL DISTRICT
One of the best sushi restaurants is: Nobu, by Robert De Niro. You can also stay for some drinks.
EAST VILLAGE
For coffee + bakery: La Cabra. You must try the cardamom bun.
Amazing bagels at Apollo Bagels.
Another great bakery: Librae. You must try the chocolate and tahini cookies.
WILLIAMSBURG
We definitely recommend eating at Sweet Water and trying the Benedict Eggs!
Every Saturday they do the Smogasburg Food Fair. It is on the East River Waterfront, between North 6 and North 7 St and the East River.
Don't forget to see the art galleries and, if you're still around at night, the bars where often live bands play. One highly recommended bar is Union Pool at 484 Union Ave, Williamsburg. Check the calendar to find out what show is on. It has an outdoor terrace with food trucks.
You also have Rocio's Spanish Baker!
And to move your skeleton: Bembé offers you Latin rhythms!
BROOKLYN
While in Dumbo, stop by for an ice cream on the well-known Ice Cream Factory.
For breakfast or a good brunch: EGG, at 109 N 3rd St between Berry & Wythe, Brooklyn NY 11249.
Great coffee: SEY
You'll find the best bagel in Brooklyn at: Frankel's Deli.
The best donuts at: Peter Pan.
And good croissants at: L'Appartement 4F (bakery)
Other options in the area:
-Mast Brothers Chocolate Makers.
-Brooklyn Brewery (brewery).
-Dinner, for the day. Under the bridge.
-Marlow and Sons, day or night.
-The Commodore.
-SHAKE SHACK (best burgers by far, they have different stores everywhere).
-Taquería Ramírez (Mexican food).
-Larina (try the lasagna).
-Winson (try the Taiwanés pancake with cheese, bacon, egg and green onion).
-Ten Ichi Mart (Japanese market with take away food).
And for a cold beer with a good view: the terrace Ides – Wythe Hotel terrace.
