7 NYC Restaurants That Will Make Your Mouth Water
(A Peachy Passports Food Guide with accessibility tips, honest reviews, and full bellies)
Let’s be honest: narrowing down a list of the best restaurants in NYC is basically impossible. This city is a foodie fever dream. Whether you're craving $2 dumplings or Michelin-starred risotto, New York will deliver. Hard. So instead of a full-on encyclopedia, we’re giving you our top ten places that still live in our heads rent-free.
We’re not professional food critics, just two travel-loving gals with strong opinions and even stronger appetites. This guide is packed with personal favorites, honest tips, and accessibility notes because we believe everyone should be able to enjoy what this amazing city has to offer!
Grab a snack before reading. You’ve been warned.
🥐 1. Balthazar (SoHo) – For Main Character Brunch Moments
Website: balthazarny.com
Ah, Balthazar. You’ve definitely seen Balthazar on a million lists before. It’s the famous, always busy French brasserie, flaky croissants, and that “I’m casually important” SoHo vibe. Some say the quality has gone down over the years… but to be honest I think they’re just being haters. The pastries are baked fresh daily, the eggs are delish, and even just grabbing something from the bakery counter makes you feel iconic.
💸 Price: $$$
📍 Neighborhood: SoHo
♿ Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, but the space is tight and it gets loud during peak brunch hours.
🍴 Tip: Skip the full brunch if you're short on time (or coins) and grab a pastry and coffee from the bakery window. You’ll still get that Balthazar glow.
🍕 2. Lucali (Brooklyn) – Beyoncé Approved Pizza
Website: lucali.com
OH MY GOD! I still dream of this pizza, and that’s saying a lot because there is so much incredible pizza in NYC. This is the kind of pizza that makes you consider proposing to your server. It’s simple. It’s cash-only. It’s BYOB. And yes, it’s where Beyoncé and Jay-Z go when they want a slice. You walk out feeling like you’ve joined a secret club.
💸 Price: $$
📍 Neighborhood: Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn
♿ Accessibility: Very small and cramped. Not ideal for wheelchair users or anyone who struggles with tight seating or long waits.
🍴 Tip: Go early. They open at 5pm, but the line starts forming around 3:30. Bring wine. Bring snacks. Make friends in line.
🇮🇹 3. Olio e Più (West Village) – Pasta That Teleports You to Italy
Website: olioepiu.com
This place transports you to Europe. The environment is so charming. If you're dreaming of a candlelit dinner in Rome but your passport’s chilling at home, this is the spot. From the charming patio to the rich Italian menu, Olio e Più is romantic, cozy, with delicious pasta.
💸 Price: $$$
📍 Neighborhood: West Village
♿ Accessibility: The outdoor seating is more accessible than the interior. The inside can be tight and crowded during dinner rush.
🍴 Tip: The cacio e pepe is elite. And if the weather is nice, always ask for the patio, it's a dreamy little NYC moment.
🍣 4. Sushi Lab (Midtown) – Affordable Omakase with Great Vibes
Website: sushilab.nyc
Stumbled upon this randomly, and now I’ve been back many times. This is one of our favorite Midtown hidden gems, this rooftop sushi spot gives major city vibes without the “how much did I just spend?” panic. The omakase is solid, the cocktails are creative, and it feels trendy but chill. It’s a little of an adventure through a small hotel to get to the roof, but that makes it feel even more like a “New York experience”.
💸 Price: $$–$$$
📍 Neighborhood: Midtown
♿ Accessibility: Call ahead! The rooftop access requires stairs at some locations. The main level is more accessible, but limited seating.
🍴 Tip: The rooftop gets busy and noisy. If you’re sensitive to sound or crowds, try to go on the earlier side.
🌱 5. Cadence (East Village) – Upscale Vegan Soul Food That HITS
Website: overthrowhospitality.com/cadence
Cadence is Black-owned, woman-led, plant-based magic. Think Southern classics like smoked grits, mac and cheese, and cornbread but made vegan and elevated. Everything feels comforting, creative, and deeply intentional. It’s absolutely delicious.
💸 Price: $$$
📍 Neighborhood: East Village
♿ Accessibility: Very limited… this is the one con. It’s a small, intimate space with steps at the entrance, and the interior is narrow. This isn’t ideal for mobility devices or large groups.
🍴Tip: Go early or snag a res if you can. This place fills up fast, and for good reason. Order the Southern fried lasagna and thank us later.
🍽️ 6. Gramercy Tavern (Flatiron District) – For Fancy Feels and Cozy Vibes
Website: gramercytavern.com
This place is another classic New York spot. White tablecloths, seasonal menus, incredible service— without the snobbery. It’s our go-to when we’re feeling bougie but still want to have fun at dinner. No matter what, this one is a crowd pleaser.
💸 Price: $$$–$$$$
📍 Neighborhood: Flatiron
♿ Accessibility: Spacious layout, quiet ambiance, and fully accessible entrances.
🍴 Tip: Go for the lunch tasting menu if you want a fancy experience without the full dinner price tag.
🥂 7. Per Se (Midtown) – The “I Cried Because It Was So Good” Meal
Website: thomaskeller.com/perseny
This is it. The chef’s kiss of all splurges. A sister restaurant to French Laundry, Per Se delivers a culinary experience that will emotionally wreck you (in the best way).
💸 Price: $$$$$
📍 Neighborhood: Midtown
♿ Accessibility: Fully accessible, calm ambiance, and super spacious seating.
🍴 Tip: Save this for a special occasion. Or just go because you love food that much. Worth every penny.
🍜 8. Xi’an Famous Foods (Multiple Locations) – Budget Noodles, Big Flavor
Website: xianfoods.com
This place never fails. Fast, affordable, and full of bold Chinese flavors, this is our go-to when we want something filling but not fancy.
💸 Price: $
📍 Neighborhood: Multiple Locations
♿ Accessibility: Some locations are tight and loud; others more spacious. Best for takeout if crowds are overwhelming.
🍴 Tip: Get extra napkins. Don’t wear white. You’ve been warned.
🍪 9. Levain Bakery (Various Locations) – Cookie Heaven
Website: levainbakery.com
These cookies are thick. They’re gooey. They’re basically a full dessert experience in one bite. If you love warm, indulgent baked goods, put Levain on your NYC food bucket list.
💸 Price: $$
📍 Neighborhood: Multiple
♿ Accessibility: Most locations are small grab-and-go spots with limited seating.
🍴 Tip: Get two. You’ll thank us later. (Also: they ship nationwide.)
🌇 10. Harriet’s Rooftop (Brooklyn) – Sunset Vibes & Skyline Sips
Website: Harriet’s Rooftop
Sometimes you just need a cocktail with a view. Harriet’s Rooftop sits on top of the 1 Hotel in Brooklyn and has major main character at golden hour energy. It’s ideal for small bites, drinks, and rooftop people-watching.
💸 Price: $$$
📍 Neighborhood: Brooklyn (DUMBO)
♿ Accessibility: Elevator accessible, but gets very busy and noisy in the evenings.
🍴 Tip: Go before sunset for the best light (and smaller crowds). It’s worth it for the view alone.
Final Bites
If you’re visiting New York City and wondering where to eat that isn’t a tourist trap, we hope this guide gives you a few delicious ideas. We’ve got budget-friendly eats, vegan options, bougie splurges, and a whole lot of carbs.
We believe food is one of the best (and most joyful) ways to explore — and that it should be accessible to as many people as possible, physically, mentally, and financially.
Save this post, send it to your foodie bestie! Let us your favorite NYC spot, because we’re always hungry for more.
