New York City has no shortage of food spots and opinions about where to eat. With endless lists and recommendations floating around, we at The Blot decided to create our own NYC food guide featuring some of the most underrated restaurants across the city. As one of the world’s greatest melting pots, NYC offers incredible cuisine from nearly every culture. Whether you’re visiting NYC for the first time or a local looking for your next favorite meal, this guide highlights places you might not have tried yet. And if we missed one of your favorites, drop it in the comments, we’re always hungry for recommendations.
Table of Contents
NYC Breakfast Spots
Sailor – Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Located on a quiet street just steps from Fort Greene Park, Sailor sits inside a charming red brick building accented with nautical blue details. This cozy Brooklyn spot is known for its standout brunch. The must-order here is the French Toast which is caramelized on the outside with drizzle of rich maple syrup soaking into every crevice, while a dollop of vanilla cream adds a creamy, aromatic finish. It’s an ideal stop for a relaxed weekend breakfast.
👉 Read the full review here
Eight Jane Food Inc – Flushing, Queens
A true hole-in-the-wall food stall just a short walk from Flushing Main Street, Eight Jane Food Inc. has been gaining popularity for its authentic Chinese street food. Their specialty is Jianbing, a savory crepe made with batter and eggs, finished with crispy elements and customizable toppings depending on the vendor. This is the perfect grab-and-go breakfast known for its authentic, crispy, and incredibly satisfying taste. A must-try for anyone exploring Flushing’s food scene.
NYC Lunch Restaurants
Glin Thai Bistro – Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Glin Thai Bistro’s modest dining space, adorned with fresh blooms on each table, feels intimate and welcoming, but the flavors coming out of the kitchen are anything but subtle. This neighborhood gem has quickly become a local favorite for its collection of tasty Thai dishes. The must-order is the Kee Mao Short Rib, a 24-hour slow cooked short rib so tender it practically falls off the bone. The chive pancake which we highly recommend for its crisp on the outside and creamy inside along with the sweet soy dipping sauce.
👉 Read the full review here
Traveler’s – Midtown, Manhattan
Step into Traveler’s and you’re immediately welcomed by a lively, hustle and bustle atmosphere, anchored by a neon train style sign flashing the word Traveler. The Taiwanese cuisine here is packed with flavor and, in my opinion, very reasonably priced. Especially the weekday lunch specials. The Chicken & Braised Pork Over Rice Combo is a standout, served with three rotating daily side dishes for just $24. And for dessert, don’t miss the Sweet Potato Crème Brûlée which is rich, creamy, and finished with that unmistakable sweet potato sweetness.
👉 Read the full review here
NYC Dinner Restaurants
Theodora – Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Sailing through a sea of praise, hype, and dry-aged fish, Theodora is quickly becoming known as more than just one of the best Mediterranean restaurants in Brooklyn, but one of the best in all of NYC. The standout for me was the Red Snapper Ceviche, easily my favorite dish of the night. Filled with zesty citrusy flavor the silky thin slices of snapper are very tender. The Za’atar Kubaneh is infused with just the right touch of cinnamon, the bread pulls apart effortlessly, clearly meant for tearing and dipping.
👉 Read the full review here
So & So’s Neighborhood Piano Bar – Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan
So & So’s Neighborhood Piano Bar is a relatively new hidden jazz speakeasy in NYC, blending laid back charm with upscale flair. Positioning itself as the go-to neighborhood piano bar for those who appreciate a high-low celebration, the space feels intimate, stylish, and effortlessly cool. The absolute must-try here is the K-Pop Fries, packed with the right balance of spice and flavor it is easy to see why they’ve become the bar’s signature dish. Also recommended is the Bodega Cat cocktail, a smooth, creamy blend of tequila and espresso finished with just the right touch of sweetness and spice.
👉 Read the full review here
Atomix – NoMad, Manhattan
Under Chef Junghyun’s visionary guidance Atomix has earned two Michelin stars and in our opinon deservers a third. Atomix has an ever-evolving tasting menu that transforms with each season and though on the pricier side should be on your NYC food bucket list. Though the menu most likely has changed since our visit the must-try for us was the Cheongju Mieum, a clean and sweet dish paired with creamy sea urchin and a touch of almond. Atomix has elevated Korean cuisine, weaving delicate flavors into unforgettable dishes.
👉 Read the full review here
NYC Restaurant Review Map
New York City has no shortage of places to eat, but finding the right spot can feel overwhelming. That’s why I created this interactive NYC Restaurant Review Map, a curated collection of every restaurant reviewed on The Blot.
