Discover Midtown's Hidden Restaurant Gems
Time Out New York
Pinkies up! It's time for a tea party at Time Out Market. But this tea party is elevated—literally—and even boozy. Every Tuesday this summer, from now through August 27, enjoy Tazo Tuesdays at Time Out Market with tealicious cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages at the bar. Sip on TAZO tea-based cocktails and mocktails, plus taste various TAZO teas at Time Out Market New York. It's free to get in; just purchase your drink of choice.
ResX
Swoony's Brooklyn is a charming American bistro that’s already winning hearts. Their burger, served on a Portuguese bun, may have cracked our top 10 list. Don’t miss out on the short rib au poivre, and if you’re looking for a sweet finish, their French toast pairs perfectly with the soft serve!
Infatuation
Ras Plant Based A vegan and a meat-eater enter a plant-based Ethiopian restaurant. A couple of hours later, they both leave completely satisfied—and with the newfound knowledge that vegan nacho cheese is far superior to the real (fake) stuff. Such miracles can happen at the second location of Ras Plant Based in Greenwich Village. The menu here is essentially the same as their original spot in Crown Heights, except for the injera nachos, which you must order, because that’s where that melty vegan cheese comes into play. Add on a few cocktails and a mercato platter, with lots of spongy injera for scooping up creamy ground chickpeas, and you’ve got a feast for friends who love legumes, and those who'd normally rather be eating meat.
Natasha Surti
Sundays are for Brunch 🥂 🍽Where I went: Bubby’s ✔️What I got: Fried Chicken & Pancakes 💰What I paid: $25 ⠀ 🤔What I think: A group of us happened to stumble upon Bubby’s while walking to the pier on the west side last summer and we knew we wanted to go here for brunch when we walked past someone eating this very dish! The chicken was seasoned perfectly and had just the right amount of breading on the outside so the batter on the outside wasn’t too heavy. The pancakes were cooked to perfection as well and the sweetness of them with the maple syrup complemented the fried chicken.
katya ann
MUST TRY brunch spot in the West Village, NYC!🥞🥑✨ Commerce Inn: hidden gem with the fluffiest pancakes & bomb breakfast plate.
Davina⚡️NYC
Had an amazing brunch recently at Jazba NYC. We’re no expert on Indian food, but we honestly loved everything we had there. We grew up eating Indian food in Malaysia, and lived in New Delhi for a bit before our move to NYC and this meal took us right back to India. A vibrant new restaurant from the team behind Junoon, Jazba is bringing India’s colorful hawker food and culture to NYC! (Looking forward to trying their dinner menu soon) Tip: definitely get the Basket Chaat!
ResX
BuvetteNYC The perfect place to brunch in the West Village ☕️ Our server insisted that we get the last order of Pain Perdu (brioche bread with berries & crème) and it did not disappoint!🤤 ✨Pain Perdu ✨Crq Monsieur ✨Jambon Cru ✨Belgian Waffle
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New York City Dreamland
Little Ruby’s Cafe NYC is stunning, delicious, and all around a 10/10 experience. Definitely one to revisit!💕
katya ann
Fresh & AFFORDABLE AUSSIE STYLE hand rolls in the West Village 🍣💯✨ for just $12 you can get 3 rolls 😍 8 flavors to choose from with a monthly special! 📍Save this spot for your next takeout night in NYC!!
New York City Dreamland
REYNA NYC is one of those restaurants that provides the best is the food!! There is absolutely no shortage in options of places to have a delicious meal, a refreshing cocktail, or an overall great experience in a beautiful space to enjoy the day/night.✨ Its Mediterranean brunch menu offers everything from Baklava French Toast to Short Rib Grilled Cheese. And don’t skip on the cocktail menu! REYNA has curated some very creative and intriguing brunch cocktails inspired by the vibrant cuisine across the Mediterranean to include on their list.🥘🥂 Step inside this new hot spot for a fun brunch outing with your friends, a solo drink at the bar, or a date night for a romantic dinner. You’ll leave with the urge of wanting to go back for more!🏙️💫
newyorkcity.explore
Wahizza is known for its unique pizza creations in which traditional Italian flavors are infused with Mexican influences. 🤩🍕 Their pizzas often feature bold toppings like chorizo, jalapeños, and cilantro, giving each slice a distinct and flavorful twist that sets them apart from traditional pizzerias. Have you tried this new mix yet?
Natasha Husein
Weekends are for pretty brunches 🌸 and for Recette Bklyn Restaurant. Cozy Williamsburg bistro with tasty dishes & unique specials. Number one restaurant on Tripadvisor among almost 3,000 restaurants in Brooklyn!
Secret NYC
Cool off with ice cream at Caffe Panna’s new Brooklyn location! Caffe Panna has officially opened its first Brooklyn location! The new location in Greenpoint spans 4,700 square feet with both indoor and outdoor seating. Customers can get excited for the new menu item, granitas, only available at the Brooklyn shop.
Infatuation
The Best Sandwich Shop in NYC! Faicco's Italian Specialities A West Village staple with an army of employees pacing behind an L-shaped counter, Faicco’s has been on Bleecker Street since the 1940s. Originally, it was just a pork store, but now the little shop sells Italian pantry items, prepared foods, and oversized sandwiches that could sink a small sailboat if thrown correctly. Head to the back, and you’ll see a few whiteboards with signature offerings, like a meatball parm and a sandwich with sausage and broccoli rabe. If you’re feeling like a pioneer, you can customize your order with anything from sundried tomatoes to fistfuls of bacon. The Order: The sandwich that comes with a stack of chicken cutlets, stretchy melted mozz, and housemade pesto that leaks out the sides.
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Infatuation
Bubby's Starting with the food, it’s my favorite brunch spot in the city. Whenever I have people visiting I always take them there. They have the best gluten-free pancakes in the world—my friends always say they’re just as good as the regular ones, they’re so sweet and fluffy and yummy. But I really like that their bathroom is gender neutral with floor to ceiling doors, and they also have a photo booth. It’s so fun when you’re out with friends and you want to take photos.
Natasha Husein
Escape to the italian countryside without leaving Manhattan. The most beautiful spring brunch is at Olio e Più | Trattoria & Enoteca this weekend. Pasta, pizza, and aperol spritz! The best way to start off the season. 🍝
Foodie_NYC
Shakshuka. The best breakfast in the world! I had brunch this Sunday at Tara and I came for the Shakshuka, a Mediterranean tomato stew with eggs. Yummmmmmmm. Definitely the best breakfast in the world. Rich. Spicy. Yummy. Filling. They definitely do it well at Tara… You know you want it…
Eater
I’m a huge fan of old-fashioned ice cream parlors with a dine-in menu and the curvy ice cream parlor chairs. Veniero’s, open since 1894, is a variation on it: long on charm, a respite from summer heat, and a fine place to order a sweet treat — perhaps in lieu of dinner. Stop in for a cannoli, a fruit tart, or a slice of Sicilian cheesecake, paired with a shot of sambuca dressed with coffee beans. The people watching here is A+. Open until 11 p.m. weekends.
ResX
We snagged seats at the bar Golden Diner in Chinatown, and it’s safe to say, the hype is well-deserved. While their honey butter pancakes steal the show, every dish we tried was a hit. They only accept walk-ins during weekend brunch, but their breakfast menu is available everyday until 5pm. ✨Honey butter pancakes ✨Egg & cheese sando ✨Thai cobb salad ✨Chicken katsu sandwich ✨Sam’s tuna melt ✨Korean fried chicken wings
Infatuation
We’ve been looking forward to Bánh By Lauren’s opening for months—and the pandemic-era popup business turned elegant Chinatown bakery does not disappoint. Their signature pandan honeycomb cake is as pleasurably chewy as a lively conversation, while the moist, flavor-packed chinese sausage, cheddar & chive scone may be even more exciting. There’s also a Vietnamese-inspired coffee menu to play around in: We’ll be drinking the big-time refreshing, sweet-and-sour iced Lime Drip all summer. The bakery is currently open from Thursday to Sunday.
Gluten Free Girls LA
SOGNO TOSCANO SPECIALTY FOODS - one of the best places I have spent a Sunday afternoon in a long time. Live music on the cozy patio, attentive helpful staff and incredible food. Spent an hour and a half enjoying our food and conversation and we’re not rushed out.. a luxury to have these days. They also have soups and multiple salads that are gluten free (just be sure to ask the wonderful wait staff). Among their House beaked pastries they have one clearly marked gluten free banana bread (I did not ask about others). They also had multiple desserts that were naturally gluten free (gelato, crème brûlée etc.).
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THE ROOFTOP GUIDE
Somewhere Nowhere NYC is a multi-level and vibrant rooftop escape, found on the top floors of the Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel. Here you find a magical, whimsical and 5,516-square-feet indoor garden lounge for fun through the evening and night, but also a top floor open-air rooftop terrace, equipped with a luxurious rooftop pool. Being the tallest hotel rooftop pool in NYC, it is no surprise that Somewhere Nowhere offers you the chance to swim with some amazing and panoramic 360° views over the Manhattan skyline. Get comfy in one of the loungers and enjoy tropical cocktails and tapas-style light bites. After a day of relaxation, you will be ready to join in on the fun with live DJs at the rooftop bar.
Discovering Local Restaurants in Midtown NYC
If you're a seasoned foodie or just looking for an unforgettable dining experience, Midtown NYC is brimming with some of the best local restaurants. In this bustling area, hidden culinary gems are waiting to be discovered. From brunch spots to cocktail lounges, this guide unveils the secrets of Midtown's dining scene.
Top Brunch Spots to Kickstart Your Day
Midtown NYC is not just about the razzle-dazzle and skyscrapers; when it comes to brunch, the area boasts a variety of both well-known and hidden local secrets. If you're in the mood for something upscale, head to Sarabeth's Central Park South. Known for its delightful Eggs Benedict and fresh pastries, this iconic spot is a local favorite. For a more laid-back vibe, Jacob's Pickles on 84th Street offers a Southern twist with their famous fried chicken and biscuits.
If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path spot, try out Friedman's. Nestled in the concourse of the Hotel Penn, you’ll find an incredible menu featuring gluten-free and organic options like their popular Avocado Smash and Farm Fresh Omelet.
Dining Experiences That Define Midtown
The dining experiences in Midtown NYC offer something for every discerning palate. Le Bernardin stands as a testament to fine dining in the area, boasting a three Michelin-starred experience. This seafood restaurant, under the leadership of Chef Eric Ripert, delivers an exquisite culinary expedition that draws foodies from all over the world.
Those in search of less formal but equally satisfying fare should venture to Joe’s Pizza. A staple for authentic NYC pizza, Joe’s is a local secret where thin-crust pizza aficionados can savor classic New York slices amidst the city's hustle and bustle. Keen on steak? Head over to Benjamin Steakhouse for a mouth-watering porterhouse that embodies the richness of a classic American steakhouse.
Trending Dinner Spots You Can’t Miss
When it comes to dinner, Midtown NYC is the epicenter of culinary trends. Just a stone’s throw from Times Square, you’ll find Keens Steakhouse, which dates back to 1885. With its antique clay pipe collection and history-studded dining rooms, a dinner date here feels like stepping back in time. Try their famous mutton chop for a taste of historical NYC.
For a more modern take, Zuma NYC is a stunning addition to Midtown's dining scene. This upscale Japanese izakaya offers a menu brimming with robata-grilled dishes, fresh sushi, and creative cocktails. It’s the perfect spot for an evening of sophisticated dining experiences.
Cocktail Lounges with a Local Twist
As the sun sets and the city lights flicker to life, Midtown NYC’s cocktail scene flourishes. At The Campbell, nestled in the historic Grand Central Terminal, you’ll find a speakeasy-style lounge where classic cocktails are the highlight. The intimate setting and well-crafted drinks make it a go-to spot for locals and travelers alike.
Local insights lead us to Bar SixtyFive, located at the top of Rockefeller Center. Beyond its breathtaking views of the city skyline, the bar offers an extensive list of innovative cocktails and a seasonally curated menu perfect for pairing. Local patrons often recommend their signature drink, "The 65," a tantalizing mix of whiskey, sherry, and bitters.
Local Insights and Hidden Dining Spots
For those seeking true local insights, heading to the lesser-known joints often yields the most rewarding dining experiences. Cuisine enthusiasts recommend Azabu, located in the basement of the Hotel Henri. This hidden sushi den offers an intimate dining experience with its omakase menu, curated by master chefs who make each visit unique.
Another hidden spot is the Burger Joint at Le Parker Meridien, a no-frills burger haven behind a curtain in the hotel’s lobby. Known for its long lines but worth the wait, this spot is a well-kept secret among Midtown locals. The simple yet delicious burgers provide a perfect break from the upscale dining experiences and fancy cocktail lounges nearby.
Finally, if you're looking for a fusion of cultures in a casual setting, head over to Totto Ramen. This tiny, inconspicuous spot is frequently packed with local ramen lovers. Known particularly for their Paitan Ramen, the rich, creamy broth and perfectly cooked noodles ensure a satisfying meal.
Exploring Midtown Like a Local
Diving into the local restaurants of Midtown NYC offers a deeper immersion into the area's vibrant food culture. Often, genuine dining experiences stem from local recommendations and hidden culinary gems. By exploring these local secrets, you're guaranteed an enriched visit that extends far beyond the tourist trails.
With platforms like Kikihub, engaging in anonymous local chats reveals an array of under-the-radar dining spots, ensuring your Midtown NYC foodie journey is nothing short of spectacular.
