New York City is a place where food isn’t just a necessity, it’s part of the city’s DNA. Growing up in Manhattan, I was spoiled by endless options whenever my appetite struck. These are the places I keep returning to whenever I find myself back home.
Manero’s of Mulberry — 113 Mulberry St
Manero’s feels like an instant classic, even though it hasn’t been around for a century like some of the red-sauce joints nearby. The pizza, though, is timeless: thin crust slices with just the right chew, bubbling cheese, and sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering in a family kitchen for decades. Their grandma slice is a masterpiece, thick, square, rich in tomato flavor, and crispy at the edges. Add a drizzle of their signature hot honey and it’s unbeatable. I used to date a girl who lived nearby, and stopping for a late night slice at Manero’s became part of our ritual. It’s Mulberry Street nostalgia in real time, made better by the fact that it still feels a little bit under the radar.
Sweet Chef — 122 Hamilton Pl
Tucked away in Washington Heights, Sweet Chef is one of those places that rewards the trek. It’s a soul food bakery where everything feels homemade, because it is. Their sweet potato pie is my top pick, dense with flavor and perfectly spiced, like something you’d get at a family Thanksgiving. The cookies are another standout: warm, chewy, and never generic. Back when I had friends living uptown, this place was our go to dessert stop before heading back downtown. There’s something about Sweet Chef that feels like community, no frills, just excellent baked goods that always hit the spot.
The Handpulled Noodle — 3600 Broadway
Up near 148th, The Handpulled Noodle is the kind of spot that reminds you just how diverse NYC dining really is. Their specialty is freshly stretched noodles tossed in bold, spicy sauces or swimming in steaming broth. You can taste the care in every bite, the noodles are chewy in the best way, the flavors unapologetically big. The cumin lamb dry noodles are the star for me: hearty, fragrant, and satisfying in a way that keeps you coming back. It’s an unpretentious place where the food speaks louder than anything else.
Meijin Ramen — 1574 2nd Ave
Ramen in New York is a competitive scene, but Meijin is the one that’s always stayed with me. Located on the Upper East Side, it feels like a neighborhood staple but with the quality of a downtown ramen temple. The broth is rich without being overwhelming, the noodles have the perfect bite, and the toppings, from soft-boiled egg to pork, are spot on. They once followed me on Instagram, which only deepened my loyalty. This is my comfort food spot when the weather turns cold or I just want something restorative.
Thai Diner — 186 Mott St
Few restaurants capture the energy of downtown quite like Thai Diner. Always buzzing, always delicious, it’s a mash-up of classic Thai flavors and a diner sensibility that makes it uniquely New York. The food here is legendary, with a rich curry broth and crispy noodles. Their Thai tea is a must. It’s the kind of place you bring friends to, knowing that whatever they order, it’s going to be good.
Hoexter’s — 174 E 82nd St
Hoexter’s is a true Upper East Side secret, old-school, and welcoming. Walking in feels like stepping into another era, when restaurants weren’t trying to impress Instagram, just their neighbors. The menu leans classic and comforting: think roasted chicken, simple pastas, and steaks cooked just right. It’s a place that doesn’t need to reinvent itself because it already knows what it is. Perfect for a quiet night out when you want familiarity over flash. This place has my favorite burger in the whole city.
Gallagher’s Steakhouse — 228 W 52nd St
Gallagher’s is New York history. Walking past the window filled with cuts of beef dry-aging behind glass, you know exactly what you’re in for. The interior feels like stepping into a time capsule of Midtown in its prime, filled with photos of athletes, celebrities, and regulars who’ve been coming for decades. The steaks are exactly what they should be, seared, juicy, perfectly seasoned. This is the kind of place where the atmosphere adds as much to the meal as the food itself.
Kiki’s — 130 Division St
Kiki’s is a Lower East Side hangout that manages to feel both homey and lively at once. The tables are always packed, the energy is always high, and the food never disappoints. Fresh grilled fish, lamb chops, spreads with pita, big salads, it’s all meant for sharing, which makes it perfect for groups. Somehow, it balances feeling casual and celebratory at the same time. Every time I go, it feels like the best kind of night out.
Gazette — 1582 York Ave
Gazette is a little slice of European cuisine tucked away on the Upper East Side. The interior has that charming bistro vibe warm lighting, cozy tables, French music floating in the background. The menu mixes tradition with a bit of modern flair. It’s one of those places that feels like it should be more well known than it is, which makes it even better.
Glace NY — 1266 Madison Ave
Glace is my go to for ice cream when I want something beyond the usual. They’re always experimenting with flavors, not in a gimmicky way, but with combinations that feel both fun and thoughtful. The texture is perfectly smooth, the kind you know was churned with care. Whether it’s a classic flavor like chocolate or something unexpected, it’s always worth the stop. They are half ice cream half candy shop. Worth checking out when in the area.
Superiority Burger — 119 Avenue A
This tiny East Village restaurant has a reputation that far outweighs its size. Known for its veggie burger, which has a cult following, Superiority Burger is so much more than just that one dish. I remember when they were just a hole in the wall downtown. It’s nice to see them expand into a full restaurant. The menu rotates constantly, with sides and specials that are just as exciting, salads, roasted vegetables, desserts. It’s inventive, affordable, and has the feel of a true NYC original: quirky, small, and endlessly creative.
Penrose Bar — 1590 2nd Ave
On the Upper East Side, The Penrose is one of the best places to grab a drink and something solid to eat. It’s got that gastropub atmosphere: rustic wood, dim lighting, and a cocktail list that never misses. The food is elevated bar classics, burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, fish tacos, all executed with care. It works for a casual dinner, a date, or just catching up with friends over a few pints. You can’t go wrong with the Penrose.
Cheeky Sandwiches — 88 Essex St
Cheeky Sandwiches is pure Lower East Side charm. This place is tiny, scrappy, just a spot serving some of the best chicken sandwiches in the city. Their fried chicken biscuit is iconic: crispy chicken tucked between a fluffy biscuit, with just the right amount of sauce. The New Orleans influence runs throughout the menu, but it’s all filtered through a downtown NYC lens.
Island Restaurant — 1305 Madison Ave
Island is an Upper East Side classic that’s been around long enough to feel like part of the neighborhood’s fabric. It’s not trying to be trendy, instead, it delivers straightforward American dishes that are comforting and consistently good. Whether it’s a salad, a burger, or a heartier main, you always know what you’re getting. It’s the kind of place that feels like home for regulars and instantly welcoming for newcomers. Many late nights at Island Restaurant it’s definitely one of my favorites.
Yura on Madison — 1350 Madison Ave
Yura is my go to for quick, reliable meals on the Upper East Side. Part café, part gourmet takeout, it’s where you grab a chicken salad sandwich, a fresh soup, or one of their prepared daily specials. Everything feels fresh and thoughtful, even though it’s meant to be casual. I used to stop here for lunch all the time, and it still feels like one of those NYC spots that quietly keeps the city running.
By Sebastian Sommer