Great Dining Spots in NYC

Image: PHOTO: Fried chicken at Pies'n'Thighs. (photo by Michelle Rae Uy)

by Michelle Rae Uy
Last updated: 5:00 AM ET, Wed March 7, 2018

If your mission is to dine at every top restaurant in New York City, you have your work cut out for you. Not just because it's a massive city with countless restaurants. but also because there are simply too many amazing dining spots, and new ones are popping up practically every day.

To make things more complicated, there are cuisines from all over the world, from the most popular to the most obscure, which obviously works to your advantage if your plan is to eat well when visiting the Big Apple.

If you want to experience New York City like a local, incredible choices abound and narrowing down your options is trickier than you might think. So, we thought we'd put together a list of 11 places where you can start, encompassing several different cuisines so you have options depending on what you're in the mood for.

Happy eating.

Chinese Food: Mission Chinese Food

While you need not go to Chinatown for great Chinese food, you do need to do so if you were to sample Mission Chinese Food's luscious dishes, which are essentially modern and creative takes on traditional Sichuan cuisine. Must-try fare includes the Kung Pao Pastrami, Chongqing Chicken Wings, sticky rice and Josephina's House Special Chicken. The cocktails are fantastic as well. 171 E Broadway, New York

Southern Style: Pies'n'Thighs

If you're a big fan of soul food or even just Popeye's, then you'll probably fall in love with Williamsburg's Pies'n'Thighs, a super down-to-earth joint whose specialties are, well, fried chicken and dessert pies. Try the Fried Chicken Box, which includes three chicken pieces, a biscuit and a side, or the hearty Chicken & Waffles. And their Banana Cream and Apple Pies are perfect desserts. 166 S 4th St, Brooklyn

Southern European Fare: 49 Monroe

Besides its highly Instagrammable, courtyard setting that makes you feel like you've just stumbled into a woodland nymph-owned restaurant in the middle of a jungle, 49 Monroe also serves delicious small plates that would have you coming back for. Order a plate of truffle fries to start, and follow it up with chorizo with onions, eggplant parmesan and the paella. 49 Monroe St, New York

Ramen: Momofuku Noodle Bar

Momofuku might just be one of NYC's most famous restaurants, thanks in large part to that time when everybody was sharing photos of their ramen bowls on Instagram. But don't take that to mean that this ramen and noodle joint is only bells and whistles. They make great, steaming bowls, and they make them fast. And there are other yummy Asian dishes to try as well. The pork buns are fantastic, as are the small plates. But do order the Momofuku Ramen as well. 171 1st Avenue, New York

Good Ol' American: Row House

If you're a fan of American food, don't go to McDonald's or Burger King. There are many great restaurants in NYC that serve shoulder-dropping dishes. Take Row House Harlem, for example, which takes a fancier twist on good old-fashioned American cuisine. Go for brunch and try few dishes to share including the crab cake Benedict, shrimp & grits, and truffle grilled cheese. 2128 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York

Pizza: Adoro Lei

When in New York, do as the New Yorkers do, which is among many other things eating obscene amounts of pizza. Of course, every New Yorker has their favorite, "best pizza in the city" spot. But you should try Adoro Lei and its wood-fired pies. There are salads, paninis, pastas and plates to share as well. Try the round square, Cesare and Pietro, as well as the lobster mac & cheese. 287 Hudson St, New York

Northeastern Thai: Som Tum Der

Oh sure, you've had Thai food. But have you had Isaan and Northeastern Thai food? If you haven't, then you must make a beeline for the former Michelin-starred Som Tum Der in the East Village. It might have lost its Michelin accolade, but that doesn't mean the food is less unforgettable. The menu is large, so the trick is to try as many items as you can and share. 85 Avenue A, New York

Mexican: Cosme

As far as authentic Mexican cuisine is concerned, New York City is nowhere near as amazing as Los Angeles. However, it does have its moments. If you're craving Mexican dishes with a modern take or mezcal cocktails, head on over to Cosme, a Flatiron District restaurant started by Chef Enrique Olvera. Good plates to sample are the duck carnitas, uni tostada, chorizo tlayudas and guac. 35 E 21st St, New York

Fast Food: Nathan's Famous

If you're opting to skip Nathan's Famous in Coney Island because it's "too touristy," then you're making a huge mistake. Brave the long lines and forget the slightly steep prices; Nathan's hot dogs are that famous because they really are that good. So good you might even come back for seconds. Get a dog and a basket of fries, pile on the condiments, d enjoy them right on the beach. 1310 Surf Ave, Brooklyn

Australian Coffee: Bluestone Lane

Listen to us when we tell you to skip Starbucks if you're looking for a coffee fix. Instead, go to one of the Australian coffee shops in the city, because one of the many things the Aussies are good at is making great coffee. A good option is Bluestone Lane, which boasts several locations around NYC including the West Village. Go for brunch and order their classic avocado smash with poached egg. 30 Carmine Street, New York

Cookies: Levain

They claim to make the best cookies in New York City, and it's kind of hard to argue. Levain, a tiny yet super-busy bakery in the Upper West Side, makes these massive cookie lumps that are just about the best things you'll ever put in your mouth. They're expensive and you have to wait in line to sample them, but you'll be a more than willing participant as these cookies are heavenly. Must samples? Get them all and indulge. 167 West 74th Street, New York

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