East Village

Note: Restaurants are categorized by cuisine and listed in alphabetical order and not in order of preference.

Chinese

  • MáLà Project – MáLà Project is a Chinese restaurant founded by four friends with a mission to deliver joy through the flavors of Sichuan cuisine. They specialize in dry pot
    • Location: East Village, Midtown, Midtown East, Greenpoint 
    • Atmosphere: Casual, not assuming 
    • Suggestions: Dry pot, Dan Dan noodles, rainbow liang pi noodles, spicy popcorn chicken 
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get 
    • A Good Place For: Dinner with friends, adventurous eating, a meal where everyone shares 

Italian 

  • Cacio e Pepe – An authentic Italian restaurant named for its signature Roman dish – homemade pasta theatrically tossed out of a wheel of pecorino cheese
    • Location: East Village, Upper East Side
    • Atmosphere: Traditional, quaint, homey 
    • Suggestions: Cacio e pepe
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get 
    • A Good Place For: A fun dinner experience, a date

  • Supper – Italian comfort food matches the rustic setting at this cash-only trattoria with an open kitchen
    • Location: East Village 
    • Atmosphere: Casula, homey 
    • Suggestions: Spaghetti al Limone 
    • Reservations: Suggested for large groups; for small groups, you can likely walk-in 
    • A Good Place For: A big group dinner 
    • Note: Cash only restaurant
    • Sister Restaurants: Lil Frankies, Frank, Daddies

Korean

  • Nowon – Korean-American plates are served in an intimate setting with hip hop influences
    • Location: East Village  
    • Atmosphere: Trendy, loud, vibey 
    • Suggestions: Everything on the menu was unique and delicious. I would suggest doing one of the pre-fixe menus. My favorite items were the whipped ricotta toast, the fried chicken and the honey butter tots 
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get  
    • A Good Place For: Dinner before going out, a fun atmosphere

  • Thursday Kitchen – Casual spot for Korean cooking with French and Spanish influences, plus playful drinks and desserts
    • Location: East Village  
    • Atmosphere: Dark, intimate, modern
    • Suggestions: Edamame dumplings, Korean popcorn chicken 
    • Reservations: Thursday Kitchen does not take any reservations and operates on a first come, first serve basis
    • A Good Place For: A great meal if you are willing to wait, dinner with a small group (2-4 people)

Mediterranean 

  • Au’Zatar – Lebanese/Middle Eastern fare in a contemporary space, known for their tableside shawarma towers
    • Location: Midtown East, East Village 
    • Atmosphere: Casual, contemporary 
    • Suggestions: Falafel, hummus, halloum mekli, chicken kafta kebab, fries, shawarma 
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get. It’s likely you’d be able to walk in on a weekday 
    • A Good Place For: A last minute meal, casual dinner with friends 

Pizza 

  • Una Pizza Napoletana
    • Location: East Village
    • Type of Pizza: Wood-fired neapolitan-style

Japanese / Ramen 

  • Ippudo – Tonkotsu ramen from the heart of Fukuoka Japan
    • Location: East Village, Times Square, Long Island City, Midtown West
    • Suggestions: Shiromaru classic 

  • Ivan Ramen – Creative homemade noodle soups & izakaya-style small plates served in a colorful space with a patio
    • Location: East Village
    • Atmosphere:  Diner, vibrant, loud, bustling 
    • Suggestions: Spicy red chili 
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get for a small group
    • A Good Place For: Sitting at the bar, a casual meal

Thai

  • Soothr – Intimate space with al fresco dining offering Thai noodles & soups, plus cocktails
    • Location: East Village 
    • Atmosphere: Small, casual, vintage 
    • Suggestions: Chicken khao soi, yum nuer, mango sundae 
    • Reservations: Strongly suggested, but not too difficult to get if you book in advance 
    • A Good Place For: A casual dinner with friends
    • Note: Soothr is properly pronounced “Sood”

Brunch 

  • Copper Still – Casual eatery born out of the idea that the East Village and Chelsea need a family style Irish Pub with a great whiskey selection
    • Location: Chelsea, East Village 
    • Atmosphere: Casul, a locals spot 
    • Suggestions: Avocado toast 
    • Reservations: Not required 
    • Bottomless: $25 for unlimited mimosas and bloody marys for 90 minutes

  • Pardon My French – Parisian-style bistro dishes & wine served in a cozy, retro space enhanced by back garden seating
    • Location: East Village
    • Atmosphere: Cozy, retro, well decorated, welcoming 
    • Suggestions: Avocado toast, PMF burger 
    • Reservations: Strongly suggested but not difficult to get if booked in advance
    • Bottomless: Bottomless horseradish vodka infusion bloody mary and mimosas + food for $41