By clicking “Accept,” you agree to the use of cookies and similar technologies on your device as set forth in our Cookie Policy and our Privacy Policy. Please note that certain cookies are essential for this website to function properly and do not require user consent to be deployed.

The Top Ten Restaurants in New York City

New York City is a playground for foodies, with incredible restaurants around every corner. Here are our picks for the top ten restaurants in NYC, whether you’re looking for a classic diner breakfast or authentic Greek cuisine.

Image of charming table set up on the sidewalk outside of a restaurant.
New York City is home to many of the world’s top restaurants. Photo © MNStudio/Dreamstime.

P.J. Clarke’s

P. J. Clarke’s has been a household name in New York since 1868, and it has since opened this second location on the Hudson. This is where Buddy Holly proposed to his future wife after knowing her for only five hours. The terrace of this establishment offers a view of the luxury marina. The Cadillac burger is the most-ordered dish on the menu.

250 Vesey Street, www.pjclarkes.com, tel. 212-285-1500, Tue 4pm-9:30pm, Wed-Fri 11am-9:30pm, Sat 10am-9:30pm, Sun 10am-1am, burger $23; R, W trains to Cortland St; E train to World Trade Center; 1 train to WTC-Cortlandt

Clark’s Diner

Clark’s Diner is the ideal place for a fresh and hearty American breakfast. How about pancakes or French toast? Or maybe a late brunch? The menu is packed with endless possibilities. This diner has been a local favorite for more than thirty years.

80 Clark Street, www.clarksdiner.com, tel. 718-855-5484, Mon-Sat 8am-8pm, Sun 8am-3pm, pancakes $15; 2, 3 trains to Clark St; A, C trains to High St

Robert

Autumnal trees and tall buildings ring a large pond.
Robert has a panoramic view of Central Park. Photo © Sean Pavone.

End the day with brunch or early dinner at Robert. Here you can enjoy luxurious dining with a panoramic view of Central Park. The restaurant is located on the top floor of the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD): it’s nice to combine the two. Request a window seat when booking for the best view.

2 Columbus Circle, www.robertnyc.com, tel. 212-299-7730, Tue-Thu & Sun noon- 8pm, Fri-Sat noon-8:30pm, $25; 1, A, B, C, D trains to 59th St-Columbus Circle

Oregano

The atmosphere at Italian restaurant Oregano is unsurpassed. It’s cozy and small inside, but you can walk through to the secluded garden. The vibe is nice, the service is good, and they serve the most delicious homemade pasta and woodfired pizzas with toppings such as figs, goat cheese, and prosciutto. There is a large offering of vegan fare and gluten-free dishes.

102 Berry Street, www.oreganowilliamsburg.com, tel. 718-599-5988, Mon-Thu 4pm- 11pm, Fri-Sun noon-11pm, pizza $20; l train to Bedford Ave

Kiki’s

On a street corner at the edge of Chinatown and the Lower East Side you’ll find Kiki’s, where delicious, authentic Greek cooking is served in a former copy shop whose advertising is still on the facade. The eggplant dip and the moussaka are to die for. Tip: they don’t take reservations.

130 Division Street, tel. 646-882-7052, daily noon-midnight, $15; F train to East Broadway; B, D trains to Grand St

The Fulton

Image of pier and city skyline under bright blue sky.
Pier 17, NYC. Photo © Ducdao/Dreamstime.

New York, which is surrounded by water, has countless piers. Some have undergone major transformations, including Pier 17 that opened in 2018. Here you can dine in one of seven restaurants, all with stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge, or attend a rooftop concert. The Fulton has by far the best view.

89 South Street, https://www.thefulton.nyc/, daily 11am-11pm, main course $40; A, C, J, Z, 2, 3, 4, 5 trains to Fulton St; 2, 3 trains to Wall St

The Dutch

Although you would think only Dutch food is served here, The Dutch is 100 percent American. The menu is fantastic, and there is a great terrace. People-watching does sound a bit Dutch, doesn’t it? Well, no better place to do that than here with a nice brunch to boot.

131 Sullivan Street, www.thedutchnyc.com, tel. 212-677-6200, Mon-Wed noon-3pm & 5pm-9pm, Thu-Fri noon-3pm & 5pm-10pm, Sat 10am-3pm & 5pm-10pm, Sun 10am- 3pm & 5pm-9pm, brunch $28; C, E trains to Spring St; 1 train to Houston St; R, W trains to Prince St

Jajaja

Jajaja offers delicious Mexican food. Everything on the menu is fresh—from the street food tacos to the most amazing desserts. Apart from the extensive menu, they also serve creative cocktails and Mexican beers. You can choose from more than 40 varieties of mescal and tequila!

119 Kent Avenue, www.jajajamexicana.com, tel. 860-479-2872, Mon-Thu 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-midnight, taco $8, cocktail $16; l train to Bedford Ave

Mercado Little Spain

Mercado Little Spain is a food hall where you can completely immerse yourself in Spanish delights. Spanish American chef José Andrés has managed to transfer the concept of Barcelona’s typically Spanish mercados to New York. Enjoy small tapas and a gazpacho accompanied by sangria. In addition to the small bars, there are three very good restaurants with extensive menus.

10 Hudson Yards, www.littlespain.com, tel. 646-495-1242, daily 11am-9pm, tapas $14; 7 train to 34th St-Hudson Yards; A, C, E trains to 34th St-Penn Station

Fiat Café

Once you spot this cute little cafe, you can’t help but want to go inside. Fiat Café is decorated with prints and dozens of miniature Fiat 500s—you won’t believe your eyes. The menu is Italian American with a hint of French.

203 Mott Street, www.fiatcafenyc.com, tel. 212-969-1809, daily 8am-11pm, pasta $17; J, Z trains to Bowery; 6 train to Spring St

Moon Travel Guides

About the Author

Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can’t wait to share their favorite places with you.

For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.

Learn more about this author

Pin it for Later

Image of restaurant table with text The Top 10 Restaurants in NYC.