This is the year we all want to return and resume normal activities as we were accustomed to. Restaurants are back and running, and even travel is on the rise. So whether you are new to the Big Apple or are a resident, below is a list of some of the best restaurants to try out when in NYC.
1 Scalinatella
Nothing says cozy meals more than a bowl of delicious pasta and other Italian cuisines. If you are in the mood to try some of the best white truffles, zucchini flowers, stracciatella, and pappardelle you’ve ever had, then Scalinatella is your best bet. This Upper East Side spot provides an old Italian eatery vibe and is excellent for a calm evening with good food and wine.
2 8282
This relatively new restaurant has a menu and layout that suits both solo diners and large groups. The tender steak and juicy chicken thighs are the best dishes to eat while here. This modern Korean-style spot gives off an outstanding balance on quality food at fair prices. This quaint restaurant will help you understand why cheesy rice, fragrant seaweed, and gochujang chicken taste like a bit of a piece of treasure.
3 Rowdy Rooster
When thinking about Rowdy Rooster, two words should cross your mind, spicy chicken. First, the chicken is to rave about as part of the already popular Dhamaka restaurant group. The fried chicken is served on or off the bone, and you get to choose the spicy levels. This small-sized restaurant is well able to hold its own when it comes to poultry dishes.
4 Keens Steakhouse
Few experiences match up to a night spent eating a juicy steak or mutton chops. Keens Steakhouse has been around since 1885 and perfected the best plate of mutton and green salad by many people’s standards. The rich history of this restaurant makes for a great indoor dining experience.
5 Teranga
The restaurant is a hot spot for authentic African foods such as jollof rice and plantain. The West African foods’ richness here can be attributed to the grains and products directly sourced from Africa.
6 Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
According to nicelocal.in, Dickey’s barbeque pit is an excellent eatery when you want a quick meal, especially during lunch hour. The dine-in option also allows you to sample some of their most popular dishes, like the smoked meat platters and pork ribs. This spot is a popular go-to for grilled meat.
7 Agi’s Counter
This charming little café is perfect for brunch and a relaxed afternoon sipping tea and enjoying different pastries. This Jewish and Eastern European eatery is open until 3 pm and has the best nosh plate, deviled eggs, Ferdinand bun, and Gerbeaud cake.
8 One White Street
For a farm-to-table meal that also features a great wine selection list, be sure to visit this cozy restaurant. The a la carte and six-course tasting menu makes it possible for both a walk-in and reservation dining experience.
9 Momofuku Ko
This is a 2 star Michelin restaurant with a menu inspired by the Japanese kaiseki culture. This high-end restaurant offers an 11-course tasting menu only by reservation. The prices are higher, but there is a no-tip rule at Momofuku Ko. The fantastic dishes and ambiance have made Momofuku Ko a popular new eatery and a must-try for an extraordinary dining experience.
10 Russ and Daughters
A food experience in New York City is incomplete without tasting a bagel. The salmon and cream cheese bagel are a must-have when at this eatery. Their history with smoked fish dates back to 1914, making the sable and lox an excellent pairing for bagels.
11 Emmett
No restaurant list is complete without featuring at least one good pizza joint. In this case, Emmett is the place to go for your deep-dish pizza. What makes this restaurant such a hit with pizza lovers is the New York-style thin crust loaded with sausage, cheese, and a dash of oregano.
12 Bati
Ethiopian cuisines are a viable option for a taste out of the norm. Most Ethiopian dishes culminate in the different ethnicities and cultures that marry together and give an explosion of flavor in each bite. When in Fort Greene, be sure to stop by Bati for their finger-licking Doro wat. This dish features slow-cooked chicken with plenty of onions, hard-boiled eggs, and some sour bread is known as injera.
This list is an excellent jumpstart into the dining experience you can have in New York City. The diversity of the restaurants will give a wide variety of foods to try and expand your knowledge and appreciation for different cultures.
