Whenever I am in the city, I feel as if I forget all of the food options I like to go to. Thus, this is my attempt at creating a list of recommended food options in the city. I have also included the general location of each spot in my description so that you don’t have to take a subway in order to have some good food.
Abetino’s Pizzeria ($) - Located near Rockefeller Plaza and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Solid pizza and not a crazy price considering the location. Places to sit are limited but do exist.
The American Wing Cafe and the Eatery ($-$$) - Located in the Metropolitan Museum of Art by/in Central Park. I know these places only help if you go into the museum, but I want to point them out nevertheless. For a light lunch filled with art, the American Cafe has some great options. However, for more choices, I would venture down into the museum’s Eatery.
All’Antico Vinaio ($-$$)- Located in the Theatre District. If this place sounds familiar to you, you might have visited its original location in Florence, or perhaps the location I am most familiar with in Rome. Great sandwiches and portion for the price. 10/10 recommend.
Joe Allen ($$$) - Located in/near the Theatre District. Perfect for a dinner before (or after) a show. Would recommend letting the waiter know when you have to leave for a show if you eat beforehand.
Zaro’s ($) - Located in multiple locations in Penn Station and Grand Central. Love going here either for a bagel, iced coffee, black and white cookie, or any other snack when I am travelling through.
Biricchino ($$-$$$) - Located near Penn Station. Delicious place to have a sit down meal with family or friends. They have a variety of pasta dishes that leave me looking forward to trying the next dish.
Food Gallery 32 ($-$$) - Located near Penn Station/ in K-Town. This spot is great if you are craving Korean food. There are plenty of options here, along with some baked goods and drinks. Seating can be found on all three floors.
Eataly ($$-$$$) - The one I recommend is located in the Flatiron District. Inside the store, there is a cafe, a gelateria, but for this, I am focusing on the sit down restaurant area of the place. There are delectable pastas and beautiful pizzas. As a note, the portion sizes are Italian sized or smaller, so bear this in mind when you make your selection.
Ariston Flowers & Cafe ($) - Located at the south end of the Flatiron District. Don’t worry if you only see flowers at the entrance; you need to walk through them and then you will see the cafe (also covered in flowers). My favourite treats here are their Greek frappe and pastries. There are also a couple of lunch options here as well.
Fiaschetteria ($$-$$$) - Located in the West Village. Adorable hole in the wall Italian place to have dinner. Beware of a line and tight spaces (though, outdoor seating is available during parts of the year). The pastas are amazing, as well as the house wine. Great place to go with a small group of friends.
Gigino Trattoria ($$) - Located in Tribeca, north of the Financial District. Family restaurant with great food. Their Spaghetti alla Vongole was the closest version of the same dish I have missed from a restaurant on the beach in Ostia. I also give them extra points for them having their own rendition of the Marine Life mosaic from Pompeii in fresco form inside the restaurant.
As we slowly inch toward the holiday season, I want to note that there are numerous food vendors you can get food from at the NYC Christmas markets. I feel that these change slightly every year, so I did not include my favourites on this list. Plus, it is fun to explore the markets on your own.
While this is not a complete list of places to eat at in Manhattan, I look forward to updating this list as I try new places. In the meantime, what is your favourite place to go to when you are in the city?