NFT: NFT - Manhattan food recommendations

Pizza equals Prince street pizza and John’s
Steak equal old Homestead
Italian equals little Italy

Enjoy

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Bagels - Russ & daughters on Houston. Line moves quick. Get a Bialyi in addition to bagels.

Pizza - Rubirosa for sit down, incredible pizza. I like the grandma pie. Joes in the west village for a slice.

Fancy - L’artusi if you can get a reservation. Nice and expensive but not insanely so.

is great bagel shop but go during the week when the line isn’t as out of hand.

I second RubiRosa for pizza/Italian. Great spot!

In comment 16529508 Earl the goat said:

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Pizza equals Prince street pizza and John’s Steak equal old Homestead Italian equals little Italy Enjoy

There are a bunch of places for Italian over most of Little Italy in the current state.

In comment 16529508 Earl the goat said:

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Pizza equals Prince street pizza and John’s Steak equal old Homestead Italian equals little Italy Enjoy

Wo Hop is good, especially late at night. Right next door, Hop Kee is its equal. Recently we started going to a place on the fringe of Chinatown, called Wu's Wonton King. Even better.

Sarges best deli in town

at Russ and Daughters, but the Hudson Yards one, on par with Essa Bagel IMO.

Of course a bagel and a coffee costs you almost $30 with tip, but it's NY.

Becco is good for Italian. It's theater district (w 46th), so they get crowds in and out of there like a factory. But good food and sometimes that's a good thing.

pizza I recommend Lazzaras Pizza on W 38th (this was recommended to me by someone on here - maybe Gatorade Dunk?) but you may feel like walking in there you are doing to get whacked because it's up a set of stairs, looks like youre in an apartment building and once inside the decor doesn't really match the place, but best pizza in NYC for me.

steak house - you can't go wrong with any of about a dozen. You can't be a bad steakhouse and survive in NYC. Most recently I have been to Uncle Jacks and Sparks. Quality meals at both.

Lastly, it may seem touristy but if you and whoever you are traveling with have never been you should try and get in to Carmine's. it's a NYC icon and the food is very good despite the touristy reputation.

Also, in this same vein (touristy but iconic) is Juniors (45th street). if you want a good sit down NYC breakfast (I get the eggs benedict every time I go) or even a traditional deli lunch or slice of cheese cake for dessert, Juniors is very good.

DiFara in Brooklyn!!!!!!!

you probably also need a recommendation for good deli. I no longer live or work in NYC so I can't help you there, but a good deli is a must.

and even if there’s a line they move it quick so if it’s out the door you’re likely getting in there in 15/20 minutes.

jk

…or are nostalgic because you went to NYU, IMO.

It’s gloppy old-school Cantonese. Like eating Chinese food from the 70s.

New York Noodletown is so much better, is Michelin recommended (also one of NY Times best restaurants in NYC) and is just as affordable.
Great NY Noodletown - Michelin - ( New Window )

In comment 16529609 Hilary said:

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Sarges best deli in town

LOVE Sarges! My 2nd favorite after Katz’s. And conveniently in Midtown.

If you are visiting from the UK you have to go to Katz’s and get a pastrami sandwich though.

I used to take my Mom to Gallagher’s before we went to the theater.
Last time was 15 years ago.
Very good steak house back in the day.
I also recommend Juniors.
We have cheesecake delivered for the holidays every year. Delicious!!!!

For me it is still John's on Bleecker.
Their sausage is the best!
Da Nico on Mulberry has been a favorite of mine.
For a steak, there are many but Luger's in Brooklyn is great.
Always liked Murray's and Tal bagels

my go to in Chinatown. John’s Pizza on Bleecker, but I haven’t been in a while. 2 really good sit down Italian joints - Via Carota in the W Village, although they don’t take reservations, and Zero Otto Nove on W 21st.

Some great recommendations for which I am truly thankful!

I have been once before and know how good a recommendation Ess-a-bagel is! The other places are new to me and ready for discovery!

One last add which should have been on the OP, any great breakfast spots/diners worth a visit?

Once again, thank you for your helpful insights.

manh george : 10:52 am : link : reply
for good sit-down pizza and people-watching in the West Village.

in Manhattan I'd go with Scarr's on Orchard

-Chinese, I really like Szechuan Mountain House on St. Mark's place but there is a new place getting a lot of buzz called Sky Pavillion on 42nd St that people are going nuts over.

-Kisa (a new Korean place) is a fun experience and great food

BBI-ers, you can do better! Try one of the MANY better Chinatown places:

Quote:

Asian-American here as well, and grew up in California where there is tons of amazing Asian food. I had the same reaction as you did when I went to Wo Hop. To understand its appeal, you have to accept a couple things. One, it's not Chinese food, it's Chinese-American food which is its own thing. Its target audience is people who've either never had real Chinese food, or maybe don't want "real Chinese food" at all. They want lo mein and soy sauce-drenched fried rice and honey chicken and beef broccoli. And Wo Hop delivers on that. Two, I think there's a bit of exoticism of the ambiance there that appeals to the people that go there. It's in the basement, it's kinda dingy, and people who go there think it's some hidden gem of Chinatown because their cousin went to NYC once and heard about this Chinese restaurant in the basement that's open until 3am — so they go too. Three, it's a "thing" to go there at like 2am when you're shitfaced with your whole crew, and what doesn't taste good under those circumstances? And when you've been there shitfaced and have fond memories of it, you'll probably go back and tell others to go too. It is what it is. It's an institution that serves a specific clientele and that clientele happens to not be you or me. I'll probably never go there again myself but you can't hate them for knowing their audience (and making bank while doing so 'cus business seems to be doing well).

Reddit: AskNYC - Can someone please explain the appeal of Wo Hop to me? - ( New Window )

In comment 16529620 Section227 said:

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DiFara in Brooklyn!!!!!!!

not the same anymore since dom left us

Can't be beat!

Good Times.
https://www.foodsofny.com - ( New Window )

In comment 16529859 sb from NYT Forum said:

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BBI-ers, you can do better! Try one of the MANY better Chinatown places: Quote: Asian-American here as well, and grew up in California where there is tons of amazing Asian food. I had the same reaction as you did when I went to Wo Hop. To understand its appeal, you have to accept a couple things. One, it's not Chinese food, it's Chinese-American food which is its own thing. Its target audience is people who've either never had real Chinese food, or maybe don't want "real Chinese food" at all. They want lo mein and soy sauce-drenched fried rice and honey chicken and beef broccoli. And Wo Hop delivers on that. Two, I think there's a bit of exoticism of the ambiance there that appeals to the people that go there. It's in the basement, it's kinda dingy, and people who go there think it's some hidden gem of Chinatown because their cousin went to NYC once and heard about this Chinese restaurant in the basement that's open until 3am — so they go too. Three, it's a "thing" to go there at like 2am when you're shitfaced with your whole crew, and what doesn't taste good under those circumstances? And when you've been there shitfaced and have fond memories of it, you'll probably go back and tell others to go too. It is what it is. It's an institution that serves a specific clientele and that clientele happens to not be you or me. I'll probably never go there again myself but you can't hate them for knowing their audience (and making bank while doing so 'cus business seems to be doing well). Reddit: AskNYC - Can someone please explain the appeal of Wo Hop to me? - ( New Window )

That's interesting because whenever I go there (admittedly it's been a couple of years), the clientele is mostly speaking Chinese.

In comment 16529910 Section331 said:

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In comment 16529859 sb from NYT Forum said: Quote: BBI-ers, you can do better! Try one of the MANY better Chinatown places: Quote: Asian-American here as well, and grew up in California where there is tons of amazing Asian food. I had the same reaction as you did when I went to Wo Hop. To understand its appeal, you have to accept a couple things. One, it's not Chinese food, it's Chinese-American food which is its own thing. Its target audience is people who've either never had real Chinese food, or maybe don't want "real Chinese food" at all. They want lo mein and soy sauce-drenched fried rice and honey chicken and beef broccoli. And Wo Hop delivers on that. Two, I think there's a bit of exoticism of the ambiance there that appeals to the people that go there. It's in the basement, it's kinda dingy, and people who go there think it's some hidden gem of Chinatown because their cousin went to NYC once and heard about this Chinese restaurant in the basement that's open until 3am — so they go too. Three, it's a "thing" to go there at like 2am when you're shitfaced with your whole crew, and what doesn't taste good under those circumstances? And when you've been there shitfaced and have fond memories of it, you'll probably go back and tell others to go too. It is what it is. It's an institution that serves a specific clientele and that clientele happens to not be you or me. I'll probably never go there again myself but you can't hate them for knowing their audience (and making bank while doing so 'cus business seems to be doing well). Reddit: AskNYC - Can someone please explain the appeal of Wo Hop to me? - ( New Window ) That's interesting because whenever I go there (admittedly it's been a couple of years), the clientele is mostly speaking Chinese.

2 menus/2 floors (2 different addresses technically too 15 Mott St. and 17 Mott St. One is is "for" Chinese people or people who want authentic Chinese, downstairs is for everybody else.

Both were amazing!

HTH

Manhattan but I'm going to keep promoting (what I think is the best NYC pizza) until they inevitably blow up and I get annoyed. Mano's Pizza, so good! (Ridgewood).

In comment 16529920 DanMetroMan said:

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In comment 16529910 Section331 said: Quote: In comment 16529859 sb from NYT Forum said: Quote: BBI-ers, you can do better! Try one of the MANY better Chinatown places: Quote: Asian-American here as well, and grew up in California where there is tons of amazing Asian food. I had the same reaction as you did when I went to Wo Hop. To understand its appeal, you have to accept a couple things. One, it's not Chinese food, it's Chinese-American food which is its own thing. Its target audience is people who've either never had real Chinese food, or maybe don't want "real Chinese food" at all. They want lo mein and soy sauce-drenched fried rice and honey chicken and beef broccoli. And Wo Hop delivers on that. Two, I think there's a bit of exoticism of the ambiance there that appeals to the people that go there. It's in the basement, it's kinda dingy, and people who go there think it's some hidden gem of Chinatown because their cousin went to NYC once and heard about this Chinese restaurant in the basement that's open until 3am — so they go too. Three, it's a "thing" to go there at like 2am when you're shitfaced with your whole crew, and what doesn't taste good under those circumstances? And when you've been there shitfaced and have fond memories of it, you'll probably go back and tell others to go too. It is what it is. It's an institution that serves a specific clientele and that clientele happens to not be you or me. I'll probably never go there again myself but you can't hate them for knowing their audience (and making bank while doing so 'cus business seems to be doing well). Reddit: AskNYC - Can someone please explain the appeal of Wo Hop to me? - ( New Window ) That's interesting because whenever I go there (admittedly it's been a couple of years), the clientele is mostly speaking Chinese. 2 menus/2 floors (2 different addresses technically too 15 Mott St. and 17 Mott St. One is is "for" Chinese people or people who want authentic Chinese, downstairs is for everybody else.

Very true, I've only eaten downstairs once, and I wasn't impressed.

Get's my highest recommendation.

HTH

But for a formal dinner:Le Bernardin.

One of the best restaurants in the world.
Link - ( New Window )

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In comment 16529957 Sky King said:

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But for a formal dinner:Le Bernardin. One of the best restaurants in the world. Link - ( New Window )

Le Bernardin is definitely formal. That being said, if you don't mind the price I also like The Grill or Lobster Club.

Absolute Bagels - 2788 Broadway @ 108th Street. They are the best in an absolute walk, and I'm frankly astonished nobody else has mentioned them. Nothing else in the city is close. They are an institution. Cash only. Honestly, they are the only bagels I ever make special trips for. I think Ess-a-bagel are pretty lame. Too thick. Absolute bagels always has a long line, but it moves fast. I usually get sesame and everything bagels. Their egg bagel is kind of a thing. You might love it, but it's not for me. It's a bit sweet.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/absolute-bagels-new-york

In the area of Absolute Bagels which is basically the Columbia/Morningside Hts area there is also the pizza place that has become insanely popular, called Mamas Too, Broadway @ 105th. It's not really my favorite but they do have interesting concoctions. If you are there maybe get a slice to sample it. There is always a bit of a line there, but it is fun, and gotten a lot of buzz.

https://ny.eater.com/2024/3/21/24091236/lindustrie-mamas-too-opening-west-village-best-pizza

If you are in New York you have to get a smashburger which is reached the level of a frenzied crazy with joints popping up all over. I ran into European tourists who were going back for seconds and thirds at Hamburger America, before flying home. Sensational burger and fries. 51 MacDougal in the Village and they have seating.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/hamburger-america-new-york

Another great smashburger is 7th Street Burger. they are popping up all over the city but the flagship is 91 East 7th street in the East Village (a great neighborhood) They don't have much seating a few inside and outside, but worth it especuially if you are walking around the east vill.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/7th-street-burger-new-york-18


For deli sandwiches it is Katz's hands down, though it can be a tourist mob scene. sandwiches are hand chopped, huge and pricey, but terrific. Second Ave Deli is also great, they slice rather than chop. Sarge's is good too but a distant third, imo.


For Neapolitan pizza you should try Roberta's out in the artsy and trendy warehouse neighborhood of Bushwick, Brooklyn. It's an American chef's take on Naples styled pizza which took NY by storm 15 yrs ago. All the food is good, not just the pizza. But the pizza is fantastic, try the Bee Sting, if you like sweet and savory together, soppressata and honey, you can order even if it's not on the menu. Sometimes there are long waits so you can get juiced at the Tiki Bar in the back. It's a nice day out. 261 Moore Street, take the L train from Manhattan to Morgan Ave.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/robertas-brooklyn-2

is the Chinese restaurant is Szechuan Garden.

I have found this place to be consistently good and reliable. They seem to specialize in braised fish and beef dishes, but all the Szechuan there is quite good. 105th and Broadway.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/szechuan-garden-new-york

In comment 16530043 Darwinian said:

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is the Chinese restaurant is Szechuan Garden. I have found this place to be consistently good and reliable. They seem to specialize in braised fish and beef dishes, but all the Szechuan there is quite good. 105th and Broadway. https://www.yelp.com/biz/szechuan-garden-new-york

The owner is beyond nice.... my company owns his building! Support Kurt!

It's not Maine but you can still get some of the best lobster rolls in the New York area. I often take visitors for lobster roll.

Here's a list. Pearl of course is the standard. But I also like Mermaid Inn though, sadly, they closed their UWS location.

https://www.timeout.com/newyork/restaurants/best-lobster-rolls-in-nyc

Maybe my favorite dish on planet earth. If not top, easily top-5. And New York is the place to get it. I saw mention of Russ and Daughters. it's good for sure, but the gold standard authentic joint for bagels and lox is Barney Greengrass, a 100+ year old eatery which is to Jewish fish restaurants what Katz's is to pastrami. It's noisy, cramped seating, no reservations, sometimes wait times, but the classic taste and feel of a bygone era. You can get the salami and eggs (yum) but my go-to is the bagel and lox plate with a side of sturgeon. fucking heaven. It's on the pricey side but I always took visitors to this place 30 years ago, always, every visitor I ever had.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/barney-greengrass-new-york

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Gotta try Korean BBQ around that area. Ai Fiori is right around your hotel, not “in” anymore but a good solid Italian place, can be dressy or informal.

You guys are slipping. That was a staple response of the Forum whenever someone asked for Italian food places.

In comment 16530054 HomerJones45 said:

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You guys are slipping. That was a staple response of the Forum whenever someone asked for Italian food places.

Sbarro is the only place to get a NY slice.

…for bagels bigger is not better IMO. Not a fan of Ess-a because they are too big. I like a bagel that you can see through the hole.

I think any place that hand-rolls and boils on premises is always good. Leo’s in FiDi is good, just got one there this AM because I was inspired by this thread.

In comment 16530062 sb from NYT Forum said:

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…for bagels bigger is not better IMO. Not a fan of Ess-a because they are too big. I like a bagel that you can see through the hole. I think any place that hand-rolls and boils on premises is always good. Leo’s in FiDi is good, just got one there this AM because I was inspired by this thread.

yea give Absolute a shot or two. I think they're like crack. Some people swear by them. I've lived in NY my whole life, I never had a go-to bagel until I went there.

In comment 16530045 DanMetroMan said:

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In comment 16530043 Darwinian said: Quote: is the Chinese restaurant is Szechuan Garden. I have found this place to be consistently good and reliable. They seem to specialize in braised fish and beef dishes, but all the Szechuan there is quite good. 105th and Broadway. https://www.yelp.com/biz/szechuan-garden-new-york The owner is beyond nice.... my company owns his building! Support Kurt!

Have you eaten there. Quite good. While there are many good Szechuan places, there are also a lot of shitty and mediocre ones. I was glad to find this place.

then Keene's Steakhouse is a good option. probably one of the top Steakhouses in the country, Often gets mentioned as the top steakhouse in Manhattan. Also a landmark and a curiosity with pipes from famous dudes decorating the walls and ceiling.

I don't do lamb, but they are known for their mutton chop, and they also do a great prime rib, but all the steaks are good to great.

https://www.keens.com/photos/

In comment 16530076 Darwinian said:

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then Keene's Steakhouse is a good option. probably one of the top Steakhouses in the country, Often gets mentioned as the top steakhouse in Manhattan. Also a landmark and a curiosity with pipes from famous dudes decorating the walls and ceiling. I don't do lamb, but they are known for their mutton chop, and they also do a great prime rib, but all the steaks are good to great. https://www.keens.com/photos/

I was wondering when you would chime in. I mean if anyone knows MANHATTAN, it’s you!!!

Every time I go for treatment on 53 and 3rd.

Highlight of my trip every time.

Mamas too is my favorite place for pizza in the city currently.

Ess a bagel is the best bagels.

For a sit down formal dinner Club A is one of my favorite steakhouses. For an Italian place you can actually get a reservation for Bar Primi is my favorite.

If you like wings: Plug Uglies, East End, Olde Town are the spots.

In comment 16530073 Darwinian said:

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In comment 16530045 DanMetroMan said: Quote: In comment 16530043 Darwinian said: Quote: is the Chinese restaurant is Szechuan Garden. I have found this place to be consistently good and reliable. They seem to specialize in braised fish and beef dishes, but all the Szechuan there is quite good. 105th and Broadway. https://www.yelp.com/biz/szechuan-garden-new-york The owner is beyond nice.... my company owns his building! Support Kurt! Have you eaten there. Quite good. While there are many good Szechuan places, there are also a lot of shitty and mediocre ones. I was glad to find this place.

I actually haven't. Usually, I'm only there for building related issues. He always offers me a meal though. One day I'll accept. Unbelievably nice guy though. Probably the best commercial tenant I've ever dealt with.