Getting to experience the New York City dining scene is a treat. When we would visit the city, I’d do a ton of research to try to find incredible spots. Now that we live here, I feel excited and slightly overwhelmed at all the options we have to choose from. It’s a good problem to have, but it can be a struggle with my analysis paralysis.

I’ve never had a bad meal here. There are some favorites that have emerged, and they’re the ones we go back to time and time again. It’s all about finding the balance between trying new spots and staying loyal to your tried and true favorites.

Here is a list of our current favorite New York City restaurants:

Brooklyn

• Red Hook Tavern
  • This should be on everyone’s dining list! We love Red Hook Tavern (when we can get a reservation), and it’s been one of our most visited restaurants since moving to NYC. They’re known for their burger, and my husband can attest that it’s divine.
  • I love their fish and chips and roasted chicken entrees, as someone who doesn’t eat red meat. The vibe here feels like a classic American restaurant, and I love it! Red Hook isn’t the easiest to get to, but this is worth the trip (also, the Red Hook neighborhood has so many great spots to check out).

• Levant
  • I first discovered Levant when figuring out a birthday dinner spot last year- it was perfect for a birthday! It’s a French bistro in Cobble Hill with tons of charm. They have a big menu, and everything I’ve ever ordered is top-notch (I’m partial to the seabass).
  • They’re also open for weekend brunch and weekday lunch, so all your meals are covered. I highly recommend the buttermilk pancakes. Levant also has a wonderful mocktail selection with generous servings.

• Sottocasa
  • The couple behind Sottocasa hail from Italy, and they make a mean pizza. I don’t say this lightly, but the Romana pizza changed my life. It features tomatoes, mozzarella, ricotta, capers, and oregano.
  • As someone who’s addicted to capers and puts them on all my pizzas at home, I’m an instant fan of any pizza place that offers those salty little delights.

• Montague Diner
  • I feel like saying you have a neighborhood spot sounds really cool, and thanks to Montague Diner, I, too, can say that I’m someone who has a neighborhood spot. The diner is expertly designed to feel like a classic diner without being cheesy. This is a great article about how they thoughtfully designed the space.
  • They have all the classic diner foods you’d want, and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day/night. As someone with a nut allergy, I believe they only have one dish with a nut option: pancakes with walnuts. Joe and I went for a casual New Year’s Day dinner, and the milkshake on the menu was taunting me. I hadn’t had a milkshake in well over a decade because every single place that offers them usually advertises a plethora of nut mix-ins. I wrote that previous sentence with resentment. I was shocked, thrilled, and worried about my lack of self-control the moment they told me that I could consume a Montague Diner milkshake! No nuts here, just vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry. I kicked off 2026 with my first milkshake of adulthood, and truly took on the saying ‘new year, new me.’ (I have since ordered three milkshakes over the span of twenty days, but I’m only loosely counting.)

• Osteria Radisa
  • This Carroll Gardens Italian spot focuses on the Romagna region in Northern Italy.
  • The vibe in here feels sleek and airy, and every meal we’ve had here has been great. You must try a pasta dish! They also offer brunch now, and that menu looks mighty tempting.

• Avlee Greek Kitchen
  • As someone who is part Greek and loves Greek food, moving to New York City has been a Greek-themed culinary gift. About ten years ago, I started making my own Greek food to be allergy-safe, and while it was amazing, it was also time-consuming. There are so many Greek restaurants here, and I’ve only just scraped the surface.
  • All that to say, Avlee in Carroll Gardens was an exciting find for me. It’s a casual, easygoing spot that uses natural, organic ingredients. That feels harder to come by these days, and you can taste the quality in the food at Avlee. The portions are generous, and I’ve always felt very safe eating there with food allergies. Their website even mentions a high standard of cleanliness in the kitchen. If you’re good with allergies, you will have my business for life!

• Lillo Cucina
  • I have Joe to thank for finding Lillo. It’s a tiny (like, a handful of tables), compact spot that’s cash only, and it’s wonderful. It’s no frills, just incredible Italian food cooked to order by the Italian chef/owner.
  • I’ve never met a vodka pasta I didn’t like, and it’s my go-to dish at Lillo.

• Swoony’s
  • It’s no coincidence that the word “swoon” is in the name. Swoony’s offers much to swoon over. Reservations can be hard to come by, but it’s worth it to set some alerts on Resy. It’s a classic American bistro, and I don’t think you can go wrong with anything on the menu.
  • People love the burger and rate it among the best in NYC. I’m partial to the deviled eggs, potato croquettes, and roast chicken. Oh, and the chocolate mousse. A chocolate mousse is always in order.

• Pierozek
  • Pierozek is pierogi heaven, conveniently located in Greenpoint, otherwise known as “Little Poland.” These handmade bundles of joy come in a variety of options, and yes, even sweet ones!
  • In addition to a huge pierogi selection, Pierozek also features traditional Polish dishes. Highly recommend their outdoor dining area in the warmer months!

Manhattan

• Village Taverna
  • This Greek staple has been one of our most-frequented spots since moving here. They’re great with my allergies, everyone is friendly, and you know you’re always going to have a solid meal.
  • The souvlaki entrees are my usual order. I get the shrimp, and you get a massive plate of food that easily covers two meals. I always get a box for my leftovers so I have two Greek meals for the price of one.

• Paisley
  • If you have a nut allergy or if you just love Indian food, Paisley is a must! Located in Tribeca, discovering this wonderful restaurant was one of the highlights of 2025. It’s a completely nut-free restaurant! I hadn’t had Indian food in many years because it’s really tough with allergies. Paisley is such a gift.
  • Everything I’ve had here has been great. We love the garlic naan, crispy cauliflower, and my go-to is the butter chicken.

• Forgione
  • Also referred to as ‘Forge,’ this Tribeca hotspot is the product of chef Marc Forgione. The vibe feels romantic and rustic, and the food is outstanding.
  • The famous dish here is the chicken under a brick. I am so glad I started eating chicken in recent years because this is one of the best chicken dishes I’ve ever had. It serves two, and comes out in a big sizzling skillet with gold potatoes and broccoli rabe. Most importantly, the pan drippings have a bountiful bunch of capers. I approve.

• Harry’s
  • Harry’s is a Financial District-based steakhouse that’s been operating since 1972. It holds a special place because it was where we got a big dinner while we were in town for a whirlwind apartment tour excursion. We were staying nearby, and I felt instantly at home when we walked through the door.
  • They’re known for their beef wellington, but they have all the steakhouse classics. I really like their king salmon. Harry’s feels like a quintessentially New York restaurant, and I love the bustling energy. It’s a great spot to take visitors!

• The Donut Pub
  • As the name implies, The Donut Pub isn’t technically a restaurant- it’s an institution. Open since 1964, this iconic spot is open 24 hours and is completely tree nut and peanut-free! When I first learned of this magical spot during a visit years ago, I went every single day. I even had to get my fix before our flight home, and had to race back to our hotel in an Uber.
  • They offer traditional donuts, croissant donuts, vegan donuts, and gluten-free donuts. There are too many varieties to name, but my favorites include lemon, pumpkin, and apple fritters. They also make a great hot chocolate.
  • Editor’s note: Why am I writing this at 10 p.m. on a Tuesday night while it’s 16 degrees outside? I totally relate to Pavlov’s dogs. The mere mention of Donut Pub makes me salivate.

• Palma
  • If you’re looking for a dreamy, romantic spot, Palma is the place! This Italian restaurant uses organic ingredients and sources from local farmers’ markets. It’s been open since 2001, which is a testament to how great it is.
  • This is an ideal spot for a date night or for bringing out-of-town guests. Everyone agrees the atmosphere is magical! Don’t forget to order the homemade focaccia! (And now that I’ve said the word ‘focaccia’, I’m off to look for Palma reservations.)

• Blue Ribbon Brasserie
  • Blue Ribbon is a Soho-based brasserie and a late-night hotspot since 1992. The energy here is buzzy and feels like a place you could settle in for the night. That’s even more tempting when you browse the menu.
  • They have something for everyone, whether it’s a steak, burger, generous seafood selection, or their famous fried chicken. Suggestion: get the fried chicken. It’s insane! Great food in a great atmosphere. What more do you need?!

• The Mary Lane
  • Located in the West Village, The Mary Lane is a chic farm-to-table restaurant, offering seasonal, locally-sourced dishes. I’m a big fan of the onion focaccia and the chicken cacciatore.
  • If you’re dining in warmer months, they have a cute outdoor dining area that I’m eager to experience!

• Champers
  • Champers is my dream champagne bar come to life. It’s conveniently located in Soho and has a robust food and drink menu. It’s a place you could easily spend all day or night in because it’s so cozy. I like the deviled eggs, shrimp cocktail, and pot pie. They also have wonderful champagne cocktails and mocktails!
  • Be sure to visit Feste, their attached boutique that offers gifts, homewares, candles, and lots of other fun things!