Hey y’all! I hope you had a great St. Patty’s day! Even though we couldn’t really celebrate it like years before I still hope you enjoyed your day doing whatever makes you happy!
That being said, I am so stoked to be bringing you this list that I have been making for the past three years! When I first moved to NYC the thing I was most excited about other than starting college of course was the food! I had heard so many good things about NYC being a melting pot of food and was so excited to try everything.
With working and interning, I was able to meet some locals that gave me awesome recommendations about places to try ,and let me tell you… they did not disappoint! I also did some food searching on my own. Always taking pictures of cute places I walked by and then writing them in my notes when I got home. I was committed to trying as much food as possible!
I constructed a list of restaurants that are perfect for any occasion but this time we are going to tackle the best unique restaurants in NYC that are literally gorgeous, trendy, and have great food!
The Django
Whether you like Jazz music or not this place is definitely worth the visit! This bar/ restaurant is located in the Tribeca neighborhood at the Roxy Hotel. The hotel alone is a sight for sore eyes, with an art deco theme going on inside you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time or you’ll feel like you’re inside the Tower of Terror at Disney World haha!
It is located at the cellar level and gives a kind of speakeasy vibe. It is small so it does not get overly crowded like many NYC restaurants. They normally have different time sessions you can reserve, either the first or the last showing of the night.
Additionally, for being so hidden and “unknown” their menu is soo good! Cocktails are the best for those that are 21+ ( I got The Masquerade). As far as food goes no matter what you get you are going to be served quality! The crudite is always fresh, the roast chicken breast is super moist, and the desserts are simply the perfect way to end the night.
Serra by Birreria
This rooftop is located at Eataly, a very popular Italian marketplace that has amazing food options, but I’ll tell you more in a future blog post ;). It is on the iconic 5th Ave and across the street from Madison Square Park. So definitely a perfect spot to snap a few pictures before you head up to eat!
This is the perfect spot for any time of day, but especially during the summertime. The calamari, risotto definitely have my heart but you literally cannot go wrong with Italian food. So choose anything that suits your fancy and do not forget to snap a few great pictures!
Buddakan
This Asian-infused restaurant located in the heart of Chelsea is great for a date night or celebrating with the girls. It is beautifully decorated so much so that there is literally nothing I can compare it to!
It does not look like much on the outside, but once you step in you are greeted with crystal chandeliers, abstract colors, and eccentric decor.
If you have ever been to Tao then it is pretty similar in terms of how the menu works. You can definitely order your own plate but it works so much better if you order many items and then share it with the table. The chili rock shrimp, sweet and crispy jumbo shrimp, wok-tossed noodles and prawns, and vegetable fried rice are possibly the best things you can order. Oh their mixed drinks are just as good (go for the Blush)!
Beauty and Essex
So quick side note, this place is still unfortunately closed as of right now because of COVID. But fingers crossed that they will be opening up soon since NYC is starting to feel lively again! They do have other locations in Los Angeles and Vegas but the original is always the best.
Now when you first look at this restaurant whether it be in person or on Yelp, the outside does not look like much. Do not let this fool you! The inside transports you into a whole different world!
The decoration is something out of an old Marilyn Monroe movie, classy and elegant. If you’re looking for unique backgrounds for your Instagram feed, then this is the place to be. It is opened by Tao Group so you know you are going to get quality food and experience!
The presentation of the food is something that is definitely Instagram-able. BUT…. the food is great nonetheless, on the pricier side of things without a doubt but you will leave satisfied and maybe a little tipsy if you are a sucker for cocktails like me lol!
Ellen’s Stardust Diner
If you know then you KNOW! This place has gained so much popularity over the years from tourists with good reason. Located in the city center of Manhattan, in Times Square you are sure in for a treat if you pay this diner a visit.
Be prepared to wait in an excessively long line or possibly not get reservations if you are traveling to NYC. Most people come here for the experience of an old fashion 50s style diner, singing employees, and traditional American hearty food choices.
If you are looking for a fun interactive experience that is out of the ordinary then Ellen’s should be on your list of eateries to pay a visit to!
Catch NYC
OH. MY. GOODNESS. That is basically everything I have to say about this restaurant. It will probably be my favorite restaurant forever. Now I know they have multiple locations around the globe but the one in NYC is a staple.
Located in the Meatpacking District, this is another great area for a photo op before you stuff yourself with a delicious meal. It is kind of hidden but once you walk in the black double doors you’ll take the elevator up to the restaurant. They offer an inside as well as an outside seating area to fit the less than predictable NYC weather patterns. You get views of the city and very rustic earth decor to fit the theme of the food they serve.
It is more of a Seafood restaurant but all of it is top-notch to say the least! The Parmesan Truffle fries, Lobster Mac & Cheese, and Catch Rolls are what I have been getting since I started coming three years ago!
Final Thoughts
After living like a mixture of a tourist and a local in NYC for what seemed like forever. I have definitely had my fair share of amazing eats. Whether it be going on dates, catching up with girlfriends, treating myself to a fancy meal. These spots are for sure the first places I think of. After moving back to California I miss these places more than anything else!
So if you’re a local to the city looking for new places to dine at or a tourist planning your next trip to the city, make sure that you take a look and stop by one of these places. Be sure to send me photos or tell me what you think of them when you do!
