New York as the city that never sleeps, you got a gabajillion and one things to do. Do the tourist route or take the road less traveled, but “eating” should definitely be high on your list. New York is so diverse that for many, it’s more of an international city than an American city. The New Yorkers especially think so. It goes without saying that authentic cuisine of every nation in the world are found in NY. Let’s say you can travel around the world with Food in New York. That was my agenda and here is a list of restaurant that I tried and were suggested by foodie friends based in NYC.
BREAKFAST
Clinton St. Baking Co.
Voted NY Times Best Breakfast and Best Pancakes back-to-back year. My friend swore by it. I wanted to try many things as they all look really good and the place smells so delicious. I ended up ordering both the Buttermilk Biscuit Sandwich (with Bacon) and of course the award winning Pancakes with warm maple syrup and chocolate chunks!
It was totally worth the rain and the cold feet I endured to get there. Fortunately, I didn’t have to be in line and can leisurely enjoy my food, as it was a midday of a weekday. The waiting can take a long (like really long) time during weekend breakfast. The refillable coffee was fantastic! It’s the best one in New York City!
Address: 4 Clinton Street (btw. East Houston & Stanton)New York, NY 10002
- Clinton St. Baking Co.
Tom’s Restaurant, Brooklyn
Many swore by it as having the best breakfast in New York. The battle is on. I love the friendly atmosphere and the interior is something to witness specially during holidays. I was there on Halloween. I had blueberry pancakes (I always have pancakes). It was huge but I didn’t leave any crumb for the ants. We had to wait in line, luckily it wasn’t raining. Coffee is average.
Address: 782 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Bagel Smith
Smoked salmon with cream cheese in a bagel with everything — I’m glad somebody made the decision for me because there are so many choice. It’s more of a take out place but there are a couple of stools and a small counter. The place is very busy but they work fast so the line is quick. Coffee is bad.
Address: 189 Bedford Ave (between 6th St & 7th St) Brooklyn, NY 11211
LUNCH –DINNER
Oh! Taisho
You know the food is good if they packed 3 people on a table for 2 and 7 on a table for 4. Everyone was raving about it and I was missing white rice, so we went for it. It’s a yakitori place but serves a variety of Japanese eats. The waiters are very friendly and the whole place has a nice mood. Food were very good and it was quite cheap.
Address: 9 Saint Marks Place New York, NY 10003
- Oh! Taisho
Uncle Nick’s Greek Restaurant
I didn’t go to Greece but I was here at Uncle Nick’s. I suppose inspired by the Nick’s in the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Pick from the day’s special where the seafoods are really good. Baklava is okay. I had the Greek coffee and Eli read my coffee cup after. Good ambiance and service.
Address: 747 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019
- Uncle Nick
Ali Baba’s Terrace
Supposedly the best in town and they have several locations around Manhattan but this one is the fancier one. The ambiance is nice and my Kuzu Sis (Lamb Shish) was unforgettable. Because I was with a big group, I get to try a lot of different food and they were all great.
Address: 862 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10017
Star of Siam Thai Kitchen
I’m happy to get my Thai Food fix at Star of Siam Thai Kitchen as it’s one of my all time favorite dish! The food were so good that my friend actually dreamt of Bangkok that night. The ambiance was good and the service excellent.
Address:103-18 Metropolitan Ave, New York, NY 11375
DESSERT
Cafe Lalo
It was made internationally famous by the move You’ve Got Mail where Meg Ryan got stood up by Tom Hanks. Is the food worthy of the hype? For me, yes. There are billion of choices in the cake ref but I took one look at that layered crepe dessert and knew it would be spectacular. You don’t need to go to Belgium for the waffles, this one is fantastic. The coffee though was bland.
Address: 201 West 83rd St. New York, NY 10024
- Cafe Lalo
Eileen’s Special Cheesecake
I love cheesecake and have traveled the world for the best cheesecake! And I declare Eilee’s Special to be the one. Junior’s used to be my favorite but this time in NY, I tried both, and Eileen’s is hand’s down the winner. It’s light and just enough sweet. The servers are friendly. They only have 1 shop, so I guess they are able to maintain their excellent quality.
Address: 7 Cleveland Place, New York, NY 10012
Billy’s Bakery
Maybe I’m not a cupcake person but I didn’t think Billy’s cupcake was spectacular, but my friends swore by it. So I thought you should give it a try. Maybe I ordered the wrong cupcake but I was wondering how can one go wrong with chocolate and mint? Oh well.
Address: Chelsea at 184 Ninth Avenue (between 21st and 22nd Streets), in Tribeca at 75 Franklin Street (between Broadway and Church Streets), and in Nolita at 268 Elizabeth Street (between Houston and Prince).
- Billy’s and Eileen’s
I have a few more on my list, and may add it later. Which are your favorites in New York? Feel free to add to the list so that I can try it too when I come back.
