NEW YORK CITY
I've always loved to eat but being in Ny really made me obsessed with tracking and rating and hunting down all the best spots (this is when i first started my spreadsheet and keeping notes about every place i tried.) i haven't been there in a couple months so this list might be missing of the new hot spots because i feel like a new one pops up there every week. It was so hard to narrow down to just 12 but these are my absolute must go to favs. (there is a lot of pasta -- being in the city 100% spoiled me, I'm a fresh pasta snob now.) these are mostly in East Village because that's where I was but i have so many more good recs so if you're going there please please tell me!! i can recommend spots in each neighborhood or by cuisine or if you need something for a big group, etc.
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enjoy every bite, Nyc really does do it best.
01
Supper
Supper is the coziest little spot right around the corner from Katz. The first bite I had here made me an instant fan, it's an off menu dish they bring you every time to start the meal; a garlic white bean mix with bread. (i literally DMed them to get the recipe). And then obviously the pasta. They have a different special every day and I think this is some of the homiest most rustic italian i've ever had.
02
Mono Mono
This was a pretty recent find for me, I'm not usually a huge fan of Korean food but I loved this place. The interior is so stunning and their cocktails are delicious, Def get the Kimchi fried rice and blueberry soju drink. This is a perfect happy hour spot. (Mono Mono)
03
Spicy Moon
Spicy Moon is so casual but I don't think there's a bad thing on their menu. Everything is vegan but you can't tell. I get their Dan Dan noodles (but scallion pancake and mapo tofu is also very very good). This is one of my fav spots for a quick weeknight dinner (and it tastes just as good on uber eats ;)
04
Elenis
First time I walked in here it was all old people. But this is just like very solid greek food. I'm also a fan of ordering a million things and having a bite of each so this is perfect to go with a couple friends. The vibe inside is very Greek taverna and they have some of the best spanakopita i've ever tried. They also just opened a little bakery a few blocks away for quick grab and go. (Eleni's)
05
Bhatti
IMO, best indian food i had in the city. this place is a little more uptown but they have a huge menu so whatever your go to indian order is they will have. The chaat is personally my fav, esp the paneer tikka. (Bhatti)
06
Carbone
Could not make this list without including Carbone. Everyone loves to say it can't be that good but it literally is that good. The vodka pasta is just, as a fact, the best there is. The garlic and pizza bread is also to die for. I also think about their mozzarella on a weekly basis. Every time i go i am just as satisfied as the first time.
07
Ci Siamo
Ci Siamo is in Hudson Yards, the restaurant is actually huge by Nyc standards and all their pasta is so good. But their apps are even better. Their foccacia is incredible and the braised beans are so good. (Ci Siamo)
08
Haile
One of my best hidden gems. Haile is a super adorable Ethiopian place in the East Village. The two ladies who own this place are actually the sweetest human beings on earth and so welcoming. Very very solid Ethiopian food, certified by people who would know these things. (Haile)
09
Los Tacos
I'm from California and tacos are probably my favorite food. And so when I found Los Tacos I almost cried. The quesadilla tacos with nopales. Brings you right back to LA. Their salsas just hit the spot every single time. They just opened a couple new locations but beware, this is standing only so don't plan on being able to sit and eat.
10
Thai Villa
This was one of the first restaurants i went to when i moved here. Drinks are so good and the vibe is fun, perfect dinner spot before a night out. I love thai food and all of it comes out looking so pretty here. Obviously, get the pad thai. (Thai Villa)
11
Reunion
This is my one spot on this list in Brooklyn. First of all, the place is so cute. The hummus is creamy and the pita is fluffy. Stars of the show though are for sure the Malawach and the arak lemonade. This spot in my mind is definitely summer time vibes but probably some of the best israeli food. (Reunion)
12
Fiaschetteria Pistoia
This place was literally around the corner from my apartment and I actually had gone a year before i moved. Cute little spot with very pretty italian waters and a big wine list. The truffle pasta and also the cacio e pepe. Chefs kiss, real true fresh pasta, so good, don't skip this one it's quintessential new york dining. (Fia)
