Where to Eat: New York City 🗽
Shannon Gomes, Katie Morford & Erica Johnson share their favorite places to eat in NYC
Besides San Francisco, New York City is one of my favorite cities in the world. I lived and worked in NYC for 2.5 years after college, and the city truly shaped me into who I am today. New York City is electric, diverse, loud, dynamic, gritty, glamorous, artistic, and just real —plus it features some of the best food in the country. From corner bodegas and street carts to family-owned restaurants to high-end Michelin-star restaurants and everything in between, there is no place like Manhattan.
Where do you begin with so many incredible food options to choose from? What are the best places to eat? This week, I’m sharing my favorite NYC Eats plus highlighting favorite spots from my New York food-loving friends, Katie Morford and Erica Johnson. Save this list, and please share it with friends who are looking for some of the best spots to eat in New York City.
Let’s dig in!
Shannon’s Favorite NYC Eats
Charlie Bird - Oh, how I love this place! From the hip-hop vibe to the bustling Soho scene, I love this modern Italian-American restaurant. Must order items include the Farro Salad, Farm Carrots, Roasted Chicken and Olive Oil Cake for dessert.
ABC Kitchen - One of my favorite settings in NYC for dinner - perfect for a client dinner or with a group of friends. The interior design is very “farmhouse chic” and the delicious menu highlights farm-fresh ingredients from local purveyors.
Hearth - This East Village gem is my kind of restaurant. It’s inviting with fantastic service, a comforting vibe and such delicious farm-to-table food. Our family enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner here years ago and it was the most memorable meal!
Peasant - I believe Chef Marc Forgione is one of the best chefs in NYC, and this spot in Nolita is a special spot where they focus on the ancient method of cooking with live fire and smoke. The vibe is super cozy and romantic, and the fresh pastas plus the Italian wine list is just outstanding.
Momofuku Noodle Bar - I’ve loved this casual yet super hip David Chang spot since it first opened back in 2004. From a variety of noodles, steamed breads, daily dishes and more - I recommend eating at the original East Village location (but note there is another location in Columbus Circle, if you are in that area).
Buvette - This West Village French gem is a must-visit spot for breakfast, lunch or a cozy dinner with a significant other or dear friends. Located on a tree-lined street and always crowded, it’s worth the wait for a table here.
The Odeon - Classic NYC restaurant in Tribeca. I have so many great memories eating here with friends and co-workers back in the late 90’s and early 00’s. This lively bistro serving French-American food, plus brunch & late-night bites is a spot not to be missed.
Frenchette - If you want to feel like you’ve escaped to Paris for the night, book at dinner at this fab spot in Tribeca. Sophisticated & happening, Frenchette serves fantastic cocktails and quintessential French bistro cuisine.
🌟 BEST OF:
Bagels - I love H&H Bagels - such a classic NYC bagel institution with locations on the Upper East & West Side, H&H bagels have been featured in popular TV shows including Seinfeld, Sex and the City, The Office, and more.
Bakery - Hands down, Magnolia Bakery. You’ll find all the classic desserts here from cakes to cupcakes to their famous Banana Pudding. The popularity of Magnolia has exploded since I lived in the city so there are now many locations but my favorite will always be the original location on Bleecker St.
Coffee Shop - Since I haven’t lived in NYC in a long time, I’m going to refer folks to this list by Eater of the Best Coffee Shops in the city. While I am a huge fan of really good coffee, I still absolutely love buying either hot coffee or iced coffee from the street cart vendors or at the local bodegas. Add cream, sugar, and enjoy! A true NY experience.
Pizza - For a classic NY slice, I really like Joe’s Pizza in Greenwich Village. For a recent list of some of the best pizza joints in the city, be sure to check out this recent NY Times article.
Meet Katie Morford
Katie Morford is a writer, registered dietitian, and cookbook author with three cookbooks under her belt. She has written for numerous magazines and newspapers, including Better Homes and Gardens, Real Simple, Oprah, Parents, the San Francisco Chronicle, and the New York Times. She also writes the blog Mom’s Kitchen Handbook and teaches cooking and nutrition. Katie lives in San Francisco with her husband and is mom to three grown daughters, all capable home cooks. You can follow Katie on Instagram @katiesmorford.
Katie’s Favorite NYC Eats
Raoul's - A cozy, bustling French bistro that's been a Soho hot spot for decades, and for good reason. It's as fun and fabulous as ever. Order a bottle of red, a steak au poivre, and enjoy.
Kiko - Hands down my favorite new restaurant in New York. Chic interiors, knockout cocktails, and new American food with Asian influences that manages to be interesting without being too precious. They serve a chicory salad I would cross the country to eat.
Lilia - The only downside to this upscale Italian eatery in Brooklyn is that it's a tough reservation to get. It's helmed by pasta phenom Missy Robbins, who also has the more casual spot Misi. You'll want to eat everything on the menu and nothing is likely to disappoint.
Rosella - This tiny East Village sushi bar feels like a real find with its cozy vibe and focus on seasonality and sustainability. They offer many of the usual suspects you'd expect at a sushi bar, but also some innovative offerings, plus a selection of sakes and natural wines.
Il Buco Alimentaria - I hit this spot for lunch on nearly every visit. It's the more casual kid sister to nearby Il Buco. They have vibrant salads, antipasti, vegetable dishes, sandwiches, and pastas. They also have excellent pizza, which may not be on the menu, but you can ask for it.
Estela - I return to this spot time and again because the food is always top notch. Some of the combinations might strike you as odd, but they manage to pull it off and I always walk away with fresh new inspiration for my own kitchen. Worth noting: it's loud, so not great for groups larger than four.
Le Mercerie - This place is just so pretty, I want to move in. It's the kind of restaurant you want to linger over weekend brunch or for an early evening cocktail and snack. In the back of the restaurant is Guild, a gorgeous home furnishings shop.
Via Carota - I've returned here time and again for big-hearted, veggie-forward Italian served in a warm and rustic space. If you don't have a reservation, go early to put your name down. Then head across the street to tiny, absurdly charming Bar Pissalino for an aperitivo and light bite to tide you over.
🌟 BEST OF:
Bagels - As opposed to the all-too-common doughy, bloated bagel, Apollo's are the perfect size with the ideal chew/crunch balance. I also love that they serve them how I like them: open-faced. I think they have a few different locations.
Bakery/ Coffee Shop - Smor Bakery in the East Village has a glass case abundant with gorgeous sweets, savory pastries, and excellent sandwiches, plus they make a perfect cappuccino. It's got just a few tables and always draws a crowd.
Pizza - I lived a few blocks from John's Pizza on Bleeker Street during grad school and it became my go-to spot. I still love its bare bones interiors and thin, chewy pies. Also excellent: Una Pizza Napoletana and Roberta’s.
A few other gems: The hidden, standing-only, no-reservations hand roll bar tucked in the back of Noz Market on the Upper East Side. The perfect spot to have a bite after a visit to The Met. And for a visit to the MOMA, fuel up first at Lodi for breakfast (sometimes you'll see the Today Show filming out front!).
Meet Erica Johnson
Erica Johnson is a working producer, mom, wife, sister, and friend. Originally hailing from the American Midwest (Big 10 represent!), she answered her calling as a starving artist by moving to NYC on her 23rd birthday, surviving for quite some time on pizza and bagels. Manhattan has since become her home and stomping ground, daily classroom, consistent subject matter, favorite setting, and regular stay-cation. She loves to make photos, randomly burst into song, attend theater, finish a book, get immersed in dramedy TV or documentaries, play piano, travel with family and friends, and nest on the Upper West Side with her husband, son and 2 bewitching felines.
Erica’s Favorite NYC Eats
The Ellington - American dishes with a contemporary touch, including comfort food and small plates. We’ve had brunch and dinner here many times and both have been consistently good. It has a nice ambiance - with lovely outdoor seating during warmer months. The dining room is a decent size but manages to feel cozy and not too loud or chaotic, even when it’s busy - which is often.
Osteria Cotta - We love this Italian bistro which serves antipasti, homemade pastas, and wood-fired pizzas. Everyone we have recommended this place to loves it. The outside is unassuming. Candlelight, exposed brick, vintage sofas and velvet curtains give it a warm, unique cozy lounge feel.
Santa Fe - This has been a long time upper west side neighborhood favorite. They serve contemporary Southwestern and Mexican cuisine with delicious margaritas, delectable appetizers and impeccable service. Their entrees are well thought-out and a little on the gourmet / pricey side but I can honestly say we have never had a bad meal here. Plus we love that it’s family owned and run, and has been around for 40 years.
Da Andrea - This Italian gem used to serve as a date night option when we wanted to head to the West Village. They now have a second location in Chelsea and I’ve heard both locations are equally appealing. The cozy, neighborhood-style ristorante serves exquisite, authentic Italian cuisine in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Tiki Chick - This festive retro tiki bar boasts fun tropical paradise vibes. They serve island inspired cocktails with decorative presentation (think rubber sharks, sunglasses, flaming zombies …) alongside complementary island fare. People rave about the Hot Honey Chicken sandwich for $5; I love the Tikilafel, a vegan falafel sandwich. Every corner of the bar is thoughtfully adorned with lush tropical touches, contributing to the immersive getaway atmosphere removing guests from bustling Amsterdam Avenue. It gets a little loud and may be aimed a bit more for the younger set, but is worth a place on the list.
Friend of a Farmer - This has been a longtime favorite of mine since I’ve lived in New York. It’s family owned and operated, and has been talking “farm to table, locally sourced sustainable ingredients" since 1986. With the warm wooden interior and fireplace, it really feels like you are in the middle of the country instead the middle of New York. And the food is to die for. They have 2 locations in Manhattan.
Chama Mama - I recently discovered this lovely Georgian restaurant but have since had several lovely get togethers here. The food is heavy (I love cheese and they have some good options) but it's been great to order dishes to share and is overall truly delish. They have 3 locations in NYC.
Westville - This is one of my very favorite restaurants for reliable American food. I love that they have specials and offer a solid rotating menu of "market sides” which I love to combine for a full meal. I also love the crispy fish sandwich, and everyone is my family consistently loves what they order from here. There are several locations in New York.
🌟 BEST OF:
Bagels - Zuckers - best NY style bagel AND bagel sandwiches / honorable mentions Pop Up (big fluffy bagels served with a tub, where you are encouraged to rip & dip) or Kossar's if you’re looking for a bialy.
Pizza - *Mama’s Too (*Jesse’s pick - ”Get the poached pear with hot honey, thank me later!”)
Bakery - Zabar’s Takeout - There are a ton of bakeries in our neighborhood and I like a lot of them - but tbh the takeout counter at Zabar’s has my favorite baked goods in terms of selection and quality.
Coffee Shop - Daily Provisions - delicious coffee, home made lemonade and a killer egg sandwich. There are quite a few locations in the city.
Thank you Katie and Erica for your fantastic NYC food recommendations! If you have a favorite restaurant in NYC that everyone should know about - please post about it in the comments below. Cheers!