When you think of the Big Apple, you probably don’t immediately think about going out to a restaurant. But New York City has more than its fair share of great eateries, many of which are off the beaten path but worth seeking out. These are places that might not have the biggest reputation (or any at all) but they should not be missed if you’re visiting this amazing city and want to experience authentic New American cuisine or traditional European fare, for example.
Tei-An – Japanese Restaurant
There’s a lot to love about Tei-An, a Japanese restaurant that’s been a New York City staple since the 1960s. The setting is both intimate and elegant, with a small but well-selected wine list and a menu featuring many delicious sushi rolls. The cuisine is equally impressive, with wonderful yakitori, sashimi, and Japanese barbecue on the menu as well.
While sushi and sashimi are among the best in New York City, the rolls are the real attraction. You can’t go wrong with any of the many delicious combinations, whether it’s salmon, crab, eel, or tuna, with avocado and cucumber as the base. The spicy tuna roll comes highly recommended.
Blue Smoke BBQ
Blue Smoke BBQ is famous for its ribs but has a wide variety of great and affordable barbecue selections. The Lexington-style pulled pork is especially good, and the smoked chicken is always well-seasoned and juicy. This barbecue joint is a destination for both locals and visitors alike, who come for the authentic Southern style of cooking.
The sides are also quite good, with creamed corn and mac and cheese being some of the best Southern options available in the city. Blue Smoke BBQ is also a great place to try out a variety of cocktails, with a menu featuring some creative creations. You can also order a selection of craft beers or an assortment of wines.
Seamore’s
Serene and quiet, this coastal seafood restaurant is a great spot to go if you’re looking for an intimate and affordable New American experience in New York City. The menu is filled with great seafood options, and the lobster roll is a New York classic. This simple and charming spot is also one of the best places to go if you’re looking for a great, inexpensive date.
The service here can be a bit slow at times, but it’s also one of the most affordable restaurants in the city. You can also get a good seafood meal for under $20 here, making it a great spot for a low-key getaway.
The Dutch
The Dutch is a small, Dutch-owned restaurant that’s been around for more than 50 years and is beloved for its authentic Dutch dishes. The Dutch offer traditional Dutch cuisine, including Dutch meatballs, Dutch meatloaf, and Dutch stew as well as Dutch cheeses, pastries, and more.
The Dutch are one of the best restaurants in New York City if you’re visiting the city with a foodie friend or family member you’d like to impress. The Dutch are also great if you’re hosting a casual get-together and want to serve something more substantial than a pizza. The Dutch are not cheap, but the food is worth it. The Dutch are a great value if you’re looking for a truly New American experience in the city.
Ortolan Cafe
If you’re looking for a unique and great place to go for breakfast or lunch in New York City, the Ortolan Cafe is a great option. This cosy cafe is nestled in a historic building and is owned by a French woman and has a French-inspired menu that features great pastries and an outstanding lunch and dinner selection.
The cafe is a great place to bring a friend or family member who is visiting from out of town. The menu features many delicious vegetarian and vegan options, and the espresso bar is a great way to start the day. You can also bring your dog to the cafe, making it a great option for any dog lovers visiting from out of town.
Red Ember Bakery & Bistro
If you’re visiting the city and love European-style food, the Red Ember Bakery & Bistro is a great choice. The restaurant is known for its authentic Italian cuisine, and its menu features many classic Italian dishes as well as daily pasta specials. The bistro also serves a great selection of wine and has a great happy hour menu for both lunch and dinner.
The menu is filled with great pasta, gnocchi, and risotto options, and you can also order other classic Italian dishes such as chicken parmigiana and lasagna as well. The Red Ember is one of the best restaurants in New York City if you’re looking for a classic Italian dining experience.
Superba Food Company – Pizza & Pasta
Superba Food Company is known for its pizzas, but its pasta and deli sandwich selections are equally impressive. The restaurant also has a wide selection of drinks and ice cream to choose from. The lunch and dinner menus at Superba are filled with great pasta, pizza, and sandwich options, making it a great option if you’re visiting the city with a foodie friend or family member you’d like to impress.
The restaurant is also an excellent spot to take a date. Superba Food Company is also a great place to take a group of people or a large party as it has a party room for large gatherings. The restaurant is also reasonably priced, making it one of the best restaurants in New York City.
Caneadea – Puerto Rican Restaurant
If you’re looking for a great traditional Puerto Rican meal in New York City, you can’t go wrong with Caneadea in the Little Puerto Rico neighbourhood. This authentic restaurant features delicious Puerto Rican dishes such as black bean stew, fried plantains, and bacalao (Atlantic cod) stew.
The food here is authentic and made with fresh ingredients, so you’ll feel like you’re in Puerto Rico without leaving the city. The restaurant is also one of the best restaurants in New York City if you’re looking for an affordable and authentic Puerto Rican meal.
Grandma’s Goodies – Belgian Waffles & Pastries
Grandma’s Goodies is a bakery and cafe located in Staten Island that serves up some of the best Belgian waffles and pastries in the city. The waffles are especially good, and the apple pie is another classic New York City favourite. The pastries at Grandma’s Goodies are great for a quick breakfast or snack, and you can also order an espresso and other drinks from the small cafe menu. The restaurant is also a great place to host a group or family meal. The menu is filled with classic comfort foods, making it one of the best restaurants in New York City.
Beretta Giovanni’s Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant – Pizza & Pasta
Beretta Giovanni’s Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant is a great Italian restaurant that also serves up some great authentic Italian pizzas. The pizzas at Beretta Giovanni’s are made with fresh Italian ingredients and are cooked in a coal-fired oven that gives the pizza a unique flavour.
The restaurant is also known for its Italian American favourites, including pasta and steaks, making it one of the best restaurants in New York City. The restaurant is located in the St. George neighbourhood, making it one of the best restaurants in New York City if you’re looking for a low-key and affordable Italian dining experience.
Conclusion
New York City has plenty of great restaurants, and this guide will help you find the best places to eat. You can enjoy authentic New American cuisine in Brooklyn or traditional European fare in Manhattan, and many of the best restaurants are off the beaten path.
You can also enjoy authentic Puerto Rican and other Latin cuisines in the Bronx, and you can even find great Chinese and Japanese food in Queens. These are the best restaurants for food lovers in New York City, and you can start exploring these authentic eateries as soon as you arrive in the city.
