When you live in New York, you start realizing that even though you are surrounded by the most amazing dishes and restaurants you’ve ever seen, it is almost impossible to try them all. There are just so many you don’t even know where to start. So, lucky for you, we’ve come up with a New York food route so you know where exactly you can find the best eats in each borough.
The Bronx
Famous for its authentic Latin American food and the amazing Italian flavor of Arthur Avenue, the Bronx is perhaps New York City’s most underrated borough.
Zero Otto Nove
Welcome to the best trattoria in the Bronx. If you are looking for nice ambiance and food, Zero Otto Nove is always a good idea. I recommend the eggplant parmigiana and the pizza diavola.
Address: 2357 Arthur Avenue Bronx, NY 10458
Michelangelo’s
Located in the real Little Italy, this authentic Italian restaurant would blow your mind. Their patio is perfect to enjoy some sangria with friends or to have a nice meal. I recommend the penne with vodka sauce and the manicotti.
Address: 2477 Arthur Ave, Bronx, NY 10458
Rancho Estrella
This is a good option if you are looking for some authentic Mexican food. This is one of my go-to places to kill any sort of cravings. I recommend either their tacos de la casa or their burritos. But honestly, all of their dishes have a little kick in them that you really can’t get anywhere else.
Address: 621 E 187th St, Bronx, NY 10458
Manhattan
New York City’s most famous borough is truly a testimony as to how culturally diverse the city is. It is not only packed with hundreds of restaurants, but with thousands of different cuisines.
Kouzan
This Japanese restaurant is way too underrated. Their special rolls are not only very original and good, but also reasonably price— which is more than you can say for a lot of restaurants, actually. If you are someone who likes sushi and wants to try basically every roll ever created, this is the place for you.
Address: 685 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025
Cafeteria
Cafeteria offers the best food you will ever get at an establishment that is opened 24/7. This modern restaurant is really a must for anyone who wants to experience New York. When you go, be sure to order either their street tacos, the mac and cheese or their deep fried oreos. You won’t regret it.
Address: 119 7th Ave, New York, NY 10010
Casa Mono
You really can never go wrong with tapas and much less with a restaurant like Casa Mono. The best way to truly enjoy this place is sharing some wine and tapas while you catch up and destress with your friends. My favorite dishes to order are the lamb’s tongue and scallops with serrano pepper.
Address: 52 Irving Pl, New York, NY 10003
Bar Primi
Known for their #froséfriday, Bar Primi is my classic recommendation for anyone visiting New York. I recommend you order their stuffed meatballs and their rigatoni alla norma. If you really want to impress someone with nice food with a homemade taste, this is the place.
Address: 325 Bowery, New York, NY 10003
Brooklyn
There is a lot more to Brooklyn than just Williamsburg.
Roberta’s
You’ve probably heard already of Brooklyn’s most famous pizza. The Margherita pizza, as always, never fails to deliver. But, if you are looking for something more original, I recommend either their Famous Original or the Cheesus Christ pizza.
Address: 261 Moore St, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Rabbithole
Its true what they say, brunch is really never a bad idea. If you don’t happen to live around the Brooklyn area, this place is so good that it is worth the trip. Their stuffed french toast and egg sandwich are really out of this world. If you are part of a big group that is desperate to get a new brunch place, you’ve just found it.
Address: 352 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Vis à Vis
This lounge really has the perfect ambiance for a night out. If you feel like sharing something, I recommend the Peking duck and scallion rolls or the burrata and farm stand cherry tomato salad.
Address: 3100 Ocean Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11235
Queens
Sure, Queens might not be the most popular borough for trendy eats, but that doesn’t mean it’s not hiding some underrated restaurants.
Mad Donkey Beer Bar & Grill
Known for the best fishbowls in the whole borough, Mad Donkey Beer Bar & Grill is always a fun spot to spend the time. Out of all the other places on the list, this is by far the best place to go during happy hour. If fishbowls are not really your thing, you can also join your friends with a glass of whiskey or a nice draft beer.
Address: 32-07 36th Ave, Astoria, NY 11106
Martha’s Country Bakery
With several locations, this bakery has earned a reputation for their baked goods. They have so many that I really can’t recommend just a few things. However, if you are someone you enjoys a piece of cake, pie, or pudding, rest assured you are in a safe place.
Address: a) 70-28 Austin Street Forest Hills, NY 11375
b) 36-21 Ditmars Blvd. Astoria, NY 11105
c) 41-06 Bell Blvd. Bayside, NY 11361
Queens Comfort
This place is exactly what it sounds like— it is comfort in Queens. If you are homesick and looking for some good comfort food, this is one of the best places to find it. I recommend the classic mac and cheese and the “King of New York” sandwich. Best part of this place? BYOB.
Address: 40-09 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103
Staten Island
There is a chance you might have only been here when you are visiting a friend, but Staten Island has a lot of great places to eat.
Egger’s Ice Cream Parlor
I mean, I think this picture speaks for itself. If you are looking for the most outrageous ice-cream combination, Egger’s is where you can find it. Their home made ice-cream comes in a lot of different flavors, ranging from the classics like chocolate and vanilla, to the fancier ones like vanilla fudge swirl and banana. If you decide to try this, don’t forget to visit Egger’s every month to see what their flavor of the month is.
Address: 1194 Forest Avenue Staten Island, NY
Bayou
I’ve really never been that big of a fan of Cajun food, but Bayou knows how to make you give it a chance. I recommend getting the crawfish nachos and the classic seafood jambalaya. Trust me, this is one of Staten Island’s hidden treasures that you don’t want to miss out on.
Address: 1072 Bay St, Staten Island, NY 10305
Conclusion
Even though this list obviously doesn’t include all of New York’s fantastic restaurants, I hope this gets you motivated enough to go and explore this unique city we live in. Most importantly, don’t forget that there is a lot more to New York City than just Manhattan.