New York City is known around the world for its excellent culinary scene. From $1 pizza slices to 5 star dining the options are unlimited! With over 20,000 ESTABLISHMENTS in the city, it can feel a bit overwhelming when choosing a place to eat. Keep reading for our list of the 11 best restaurants in NYC that WON’T break the bank!
Mamma Mia 44
A family-owned Italian restaurant right in Hell’s Kitchen. The cozy atmosphere is very charming and the food is superb! Dinner entrees start from around $20 USD and they have an extensive selection of wine. Make sure to stop here on your search for the best restaurants in NYC.
Our Recommendations: Chicken Parmigiana, Fettuccine Alfredo, and Mushroom Ravioli.
Candle 79
An amazing restaurant that will impress vegans and meat-eaters alike. The inventive dishes combine traditional meals with a veggie-based twist and they are to die for! Located just east of Central Park this is the perfect lunch stop after visiting the Met or renting rowboats along the river.
Related: My 6 Favorite Vegan Restaurants in NYC
Our Recommendations: Live Zucchini Enchiladas, Kale Cesar Salad, and the Double Cheese Burger; but the whole menu looked amazing!
Rosemary`s
Everything about this restaurant makes it a must stop during your time in NYC. They have a rooftop garden where they grow ingredients, delicious handmade pasta, and a great atmosphere.
Our Recommendations: Any of the homemade pastas especially the Chitarra alla Carbonara.
Bare Burger
A New York based company serving organic burgers and beer. They have a ton of awesome burgers to choose from including Beef, Bison, Chicken, Turkey, and 4 different vegan options! A side order of onion rings and a milkshake are mandatory.. you can thank me later.
Our Recommendations: Chocolate Milkshake, Onion Rings, Bison Burger, Farmstead Burger, or build your own!
The Chelsea Market
Visiting the Chelsea Market is a must on any trip to New York City. There are multiple food shops, clothing shops, fresh produce, and a flea market with all sorts of vendors. If you want to beat the lunch rush get there around 11 am and grab a table!
Our Recommendations: Dickson’s farm stand meats, Hale and hearty soups, Lobster Place and the Donut Shop.
Paulie Gee`s Pizza
New York City is full of pizza places, but Paulie Gee’s is the best of the best! They have a ton of unique toppings with a whole page dedicated to the best vegan pizza I have ever had (seriously.. you won’t even be able to tell it’s vegan cheese!) There is always a line out the door but trust me; this place is worth the wait.
Related: My 6 Favorite Vegan Restaurants in NYC
Our Recommendations: Ricotta be kidding me, Vegan Regina, and The Green Pointer.
Murray’s Bagel
You can’t visit New York City without trying a NY Bagel and Murray’s is the best place to do it! This cozy little cafe is always busy with locals and tourists lining up for a taste of these fantastic homemade bagels. You can choose between fresh bagel breakfast sandwiches, lunch sandwiches and delicious salads made daily.
Our Recommendations: Bacon and Egg Breakfast Sandwich and Avocado Toast.
Magnolia Bakery
Do yourself a favour and do not pass up this famous little bakeshop while visiting New York City. It doesn’t look like much from the outside but the baking is to die for! There’s no place to sit inside the shop but you can cross the street and enjoy your dessert in the lovely neighbouring park.
Our Recommendations: Banana Pudding, German Chocolate Cupcake, Vanilla Cupcake with Buttercream Frosting.
Lombardi`s
Lombardi’s was founded in 1905 making it the first pizzeria in the United States. Located in Little Italy, this well-known pizza place is absolutely one of the best restaurants in NYC. Make sure to go early or make a reservation to ensure you get a seat!
Our Recommendations: Margherita, Buddy`s “Cake Boss” Special Pizza, and the Calzone.
Tacombi
I LOVED Tacombi because of the creative Mexican cuisine and super unique atmosphere. The restaurants are set up like a street cart in a courtyard with lights hung up and adorable decorations. There are multiple Tacombi locations around New York and it is most definitely worth a try. They serve single tacos for $4-6 USD each allowing you to try as many flavours as you like!
Our Recommendations: Chips and Guacamole, Baja Crispy Fish Taco, Black Bean & Sweet Potato Taco, Angus Beef Barbacoa Taco, and the Avocado Todtada.
Shake Shack
The original Shake Shack location in Madison Square Park is obligatory when listing the best restaurants in NYC. Go early to avoid the lunch rush and try the legendary burgers and milkshakes. From here you can explore the Flatiron Building and walk around the park.
Related: 15 Can`t Miss Things to do in New York City
Our Recommendations: Shack Burger, Chick`n Shack, Chocolate Shake, and Frozen Custard.
Well there you have it! The best restaurants in NYC that won`t break the bank! Please feel free to share your experiences or add your favorites to the list!
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stephanie
so sad i found this article just after i returned from my trip to nyc.
but i did eat at some of the places youve mentioned.
loved tacombi!
David&Cayleigh
Hey Steph,
Thanks for checking out our site. Oh man.. well I`m sure you ate some fantastic food during your time there, I LOVED Tacombi as well. I hope you had a great trip!
-Cayleigh