New York City is a paradise for food lovers. From iconic delis to Michelin-starred fine dining, the Big Apple offers a culinary adventure unlike any other. But with so many options, it can be tough to decide where to eat. That’s why I’ve rounded up 25 of the best restaurants in NYC for 2025—places that are consistently loved by both locals and visitors. Whether you’re craving wood-fired pizza, authentic dim sum, or a once-in-a-lifetime tasting menu, this list has you covered. Each restaurant here stands out not just for its food, but also for the experience it delivers. Get ready to explore NYC’s finest eats! Also can read Best Restaurants in USA.
1. Eleven Madison Park – A Plant-Based Fine Dining Revolution
📍 11 Madison Ave, Flatiron District
💰 $$$$ | Tasting Menu Only
⭐ Michelin 3-Star
Once a mecca for foie gras and honey-lacquered duck, Eleven Madison Park has reinvented itself as a fully plant-based fine dining restaurant—and it’s still one of the best in the world. Chef Daniel Humm’s artistry shines through seasonal ingredients, and the 10+ course tasting menu is a mind-blowing culinary journey. Service is flawless, the ambiance is elegant, and the commitment to sustainability makes every bite feel meaningful.
Local Tip: Book 4–6 weeks in advance. The bar area now offers an à la carte menu with more flexibility and lower cost.
2. Lucali – The Pizza That Locals Keep to Themselves
📍 575 Henry St, Brooklyn
💰 $$ | Cash Only
🍕 No reservations. Get in line early.
Lucali isn’t just a pizza place—it’s a Brooklyn institution. With no signage, no frills, and no menu (it’s just pizza and calzones), this spot is all about doing one thing exceptionally well. Mark Iacono’s thin, blistered pies are hand-rolled with love and cooked in a wood-fired oven. The vibe is cozy, candlelit, and old-school Italian.
Tourist Tip: Arrive by 4:30 PM to put your name on the chalkboard list. Then grab a coffee nearby while you wait.
3. Katz’s Delicatessen – A Slice of NYC History
📍 205 E Houston St, Lower East Side
💰 $$ | Huge Portions
🥪 Open since 1888
No trip to NYC is complete without a towering pastrami sandwich from Katz’s Deli. It’s the real deal: hand-carved meats, pickles on the side, and that nostalgic cafeteria vibe that hasn’t changed in a century. Yes, it’s touristy—but locals still swear by it when that pastrami craving hits.
Don’t Miss: The “Reuben” and matzo ball soup. And don’t lose your ticket—it’s how you pay at the end!
4. Dhamaka – Unapologetically Spicy Indian Fare
📍 119 Delancey St, Essex Market
💰 $$$ | Bold Flavors
🔥 Reservations essential
Dhamaka brings the kind of Indian food that’s rarely seen on U.S. menus—regional, rustic, and fiery. Chef Chintan Pandya dives into underrepresented dishes like goat neck biryani and bheja fry (goat brain), delivering bold, layered flavors that challenge and delight. It’s a hit with foodies and critics alike, often topping NYC’s best-of lists.
Local Favorite: The “Champaran Meat” is slow-cooked for six hours and absolutely unforgettable.
5. Via Carota – West Village Charm with Tuscan Soul
📍 51 Grove St, West Village
💰 $$$ | Walk-ins only
🍝 Rustic Italian perfection
Walking into Via Carota feels like stepping into a trattoria in Florence. The menu is rustic and seasonal—think cacio e pepe, wild mushroom risotto, and a famous insalata verde that sounds simple but tastes divine. It’s stylish but unpretentious, with an ambiance that makes you want to linger over a bottle of red wine.
Insider Tip: Try going mid-week around 4 PM to avoid long waits. There’s no reservation system!
6. Le Bernardin – French Seafood, Done Flawlessly
📍 155 W 51st St, Midtown
💰 $$$$ | Prix-Fixe Only
⭐ Michelin 3-Star
A temple to seafood, Le Bernardin is the kind of place where every bite tastes like it was kissed by the ocean. Chef Eric Ripert has maintained near-universal acclaim for decades, serving dishes that are subtle, elegant, and precise. The four-course prix-fixe or tasting menu is perfect for a special night out.
Good to Know: Jacket required for men. Wine pairings are stellar but pricey.
7. Thai Diner – Quirky, Cool, and Seriously Delicious
📍 186 Mott St, Nolita
💰 $$ | Modern Thai-American Fusion
🍳 Brunch & dinner available
Funky decor meets flawless flavor at Thai Diner, a Nolita gem from the team behind Uncle Boons. The menu is a joyful mash-up of Thai street food and American diner classics—like Thai tea babka, khao soi fried chicken, and an epic breakfast sandwich with sai oua sausage.
Must-Try: The disco fries and the massaman curry. Plus, they serve a great Thai iced coffee.
8. Jean-Georges – Central Park Views with Global Elegance
📍 1 Central Park West
💰 $$$$ | High-End Tasting Menus
🌍 French-Asian fusion in a modern setting
Jean-Georges blends French technique with Asian flavors in a sleek, serene dining room overlooking Central Park. This spot is perfect for anniversaries or once-in-a-lifetime NYC meals. Think scallop sashimi with chili-lime, or truffle-topped egg toast. Impeccable service and a killer wine list round it all out.
Pro Tip: Lunch is more affordable and still offers a luxurious experience.
9. Roberta’s – Brooklyn’s Coolest Wood-Fired Pizza
📍 261 Moore St, Bushwick
💰 $$ | Hipster Vibe
🍕 Outdoor garden, casual inside
Roberta’s is part pizzeria, part party spot. Hidden in an industrial section of Bushwick, it helped define the new Brooklyn food scene. Their pizzas are chewy, charred, and inventive (try the Bee Sting with spicy soppressata and honey). There’s also a natural wine list and a garden perfect for warm nights.
Bonus: They’ve expanded, but the original Bushwick location still has the most charm.
10. Nom Wah Tea Parlor – NYC’s Oldest Dim Sum Spot
📍 13 Doyers St, Chinatown
💰 $ | Authentic & Affordable
🥢 Open since 1920
Tucked down a curved alleyway in Chinatown, Nom Wah has been serving dim sum for over a century. The vibe is vintage and relaxed—you order from a menu rather than carts—and the dishes are comforting and classic. Think shrimp siu mai, roast pork buns, and scallion pancakes.
Local Secret: Go on weekdays to avoid crowds. Cashless payment only.
11. Carbone – Classic Italian-American with a Side of Celebrity
📍 181 Thompson St, Greenwich Village
💰 $$$$ | Dress to impress
🍝 Iconic red sauce joint with vintage flair
A reservation at Carbone is one of NYC’s hottest tickets, and for good reason. The atmosphere is straight out of a 1950s mob movie, and the food is bold, rich, and unforgettable. Signature dishes like spicy rigatoni vodka, veal parmesan, and Caesar salad prepared tableside have achieved cult status.
Pro Tip: Book at least a month in advance, or try their newer Miami and Vegas locations if you can’t get in.
12. Lilia – Pasta Perfection in Williamsburg
📍 567 Union Ave, Brooklyn
💰 $$$ | Modern Italian
🍷 Cozy-chic with serious flavor
Lilia, from celebrated chef Missy Robbins, is a pasta lover’s dream. Handmade noodles like malfadini with pink peppercorns or agnolotti stuffed with sheep’s milk ricotta are served in a light-filled, converted auto-body shop. It’s effortlessly cool and consistently packed.
Local Tip: If you can’t snag a dinner reservation, check out Caffe Lilia next door for coffee and pastries.
13. Cote Korean Steakhouse – Where KBBQ Meets Michelin
💰 $$$$ | Upscale Korean BBQ
🥩 Michelin-starred meat experience
At Cote, tables are equipped with built-in grills, but this is far from your typical KBBQ joint. You’re treated to USDA Prime and A5 wagyu cuts, dry-aged in-house and paired with elegant sides and sauces. It’s equal parts fun and fine dining.
Must-Try: The Butcher’s Feast—a prix-fixe meal that includes four premium cuts, banchan, and soft serve.
14. The Musket Room – Global Flavors, Garden Vibes
📍 265 Elizabeth St, Nolita
💰 $$$ | Women-led kitchen
🌿 Michelin-starred modern cuisine
Under Executive Chef Mary Attea, The Musket Room has evolved into a dynamic, vegetable-forward gem blending global inspiration with elegant plating. Expect dishes like curried goat with cassava, and tempura-fried nasturtiums in the lush garden patio.
Fun Fact: The menu includes a vegan tasting option that rivals its meat-based counterpart.
15. Russ & Daughters Café – Old-School Jewish Delicatessen Vibes
📍 127 Orchard St, Lower East Side
💰 $$ | Historic and hip
🥯 Bagels, lox & heritage since 1914
While the original Russ & Daughters shop still slings world-class smoked fish, the café lets you enjoy it in a beautiful, sit-down setting. The platters here are works of art, piled high with silky lox, house-made bagels, caviar, and pickled vegetables.
Don’t Miss: The “Super Heebster” bagel sandwich—whitefish and horseradish cream cheese with wasabi roe.
16. ABC Kitchen – Organic, Local, and Always Chic
📍 35 E 18th St, Union Square
💰 $$$ | Farm-to-table elegance
🌱 Sustainable fine dining
Part of Jean-Georges’ empire, ABC Kitchen is a stunning space that serves seasonal, locally-sourced dishes with flair. Think roasted carrots with avocado and sour cream or mushroom-stuffed pasta in a buttery broth. It’s where green eating meets glamour.
Style Note: The interior is Instagram-perfect with reclaimed wood, hanging plants, and vintage vibes.
17. Balthazar – A French Bistro That Never Goes Out of Style
📍 80 Spring St, SoHo
💰 $$$ | Brasserie classics
🥖 Open daily for breakfast, lunch & dinner
Balthazar is a SoHo staple, perfect for croissants at 8 AM or steak frites at 8 PM. The menu is classic French—escargot, onion soup, oysters—but the buzzing dining room and impeccable service keep it timeless.
Brunch Pick: The sourdough waffles and eggs Benedict with smoked salmon.
18. Pecking House – Fried Chicken with a Fiery Twist
📍 2425 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn (new dine-in space)
💰 $$ | Spicy, crispy, addictive
🐔 Cult favorite gone brick-and-mortar
What began as a delivery-only pop-up during the pandemic is now one of NYC’s best fried chicken joints. Chef Eric Huang’s Pecking House serves chili-crusted, Taiwanese-inspired fried chicken that’s spicy, juicy, and unforgettable. Add sides like dirty rice and burnt scallion ranch for the full experience.
Warning: The heat level is real—start with medium if you’re unsure.
19. Oxomoco – Wood-Fired Mexican in Greenpoint
📍 128 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn
💰 $$$ | Modern Mexican
🌮 Michelin-starred and mezcal-friendly
Oxomoco is one of the few Mexican restaurants in NYC with a Michelin star, and it delivers big time. The wood-fired tacos are smoky and complex, the aguachile sings with acidity, and the cocktails (hello, mezcal margarita) are killer. The indoor-outdoor space is ideal for warm weather hangs.
Top Pick: The lamb barbacoa tacos and corn ice cream sandwich.
20. Maison Yaki – French-Japanese Fusion That Just Works
📍 626 Vanderbilt Ave, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
💰 $$ | Playful, bold, and casual
🍢 Yakitori meets French sauces
From the team behind Olmsted, Maison Yaki is a mashup of French technique and Japanese street food. Skewers come with béarnaise sauce, steak tartare is topped with bonito flakes, and the vibe is casual yet elevated. A neighborhood favorite with serious creativity.
Insider Scoop: Great happy hour deals and a killer matcha frozen yogurt for dessert.
21. Le Bernardin – World-Class Seafood Fine Dining
📍 155 W 51st St, Midtown
💰 $$$$ | 3 Michelin Stars
🐟 Refined, elegant, unforgettable
Chef Eric Ripert’s Le Bernardin remains one of the most celebrated fine dining establishments in the world. Known for its meticulous seafood dishes, the tasting menu showcases fish in various preparations—raw, barely touched, and lightly cooked. Think langoustine with seaweed butter or poached halibut with saffron consommé.
22. Junoon – Elevated Indian Cuisine with Global Flair
📍 19 W 24th St, Flatiron
💰 $$$ | Michelin-starred Indian
🌶️ Bold spices meet modern luxury
Junoon redefines Indian dining with its upscale setting and a menu that blends traditional flavors with contemporary technique. Standouts include the ghost chili murgh tikka, lamb biryani, and truffle naan. The sleek, moody interior adds to the experience.
Best For: Business dinners, date nights, and serious foodies craving Indian cuisine with finesse.
23. Win Son – Taiwanese-American Comfort Food
📍 159 Graham Ave, East Williamsburg, Brooklyn
💰 $$ | Trendy & flavorful
🍜 Hip, hearty, and totally satisfying
Win Son brings bold Taiwanese flavors to Brooklyn in a funky, energetic space. From scallion pancake sandwiches to their famed LuRouFan (braised pork rice), every bite feels comforting yet exciting. Their housemade chili oil is a must-add to everything.
What Locals Love: The weekend brunch here is next-level, with soy milk fried chicken and mochi donuts.
24. Katz’s Delicatessen – Legendary NYC Institution
📍 205 E Houston St, Lower East Side
💰 $$ | Iconic deli classics
🥪 Home of the world’s most famous pastrami sandwich
No list of NYC restaurants is complete without Katz’s. Open since 1888, this Jewish deli is pure nostalgia. Order the towering pastrami on rye, grab a ticket at the door, and soak in the bustling, no-frills atmosphere. Yes, it’s touristy—but also totally worth it.
Insider Move: Ask for your sandwich “juicy” for extra meat juices and flavor.
25. Shukette – Vibrant Mediterranean Street Food
📍 230 9th Ave, Chelsea
💰 $$$ | Bold, fun, and flavor-packed
🔥 Energetic vibe with explosive flavors
Shukette, from the team behind the acclaimed Shuka, is all about lively Middle Eastern-inspired small plates in a colorful, bustling setting. The charcoal-grilled skewers, warm laffa bread, and za’atar-dusted everything transport you straight to a Tel Aviv market.
Final Thoughts
NYC’s dining scene is constantly evolving, but these 10 restaurants have stood out in 2025 for their consistency, creativity, and sheer deliciousness. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a lifetime, these are places that define what eating in New York City is all about.
Hungry yet? Save this list, and start planning your next unforgettable meal.
I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
