Soho / Nolita

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

French

  • Balthazar – Iconic French brasserie with steak frites, brunch and pastries in a classy space with red banquettes
    • Location: Soho
    • Atmosphere: Parisian, “quintessentially SoHo”
    • Suggestions: Balthazar salad, onion soup gratinee
    • Reservations: Strongly suggested; note that you can call to make a reservation
    • A Good Place For: People watching, dinner with the girls, dinner with the parents 
    • Note: A popular spot for brunch, but I haven’t experienced it myself 
    • Sister Restaurants: Pastis, Morandi, Minetta Tavern 

  • Maison Close – Maison Close is the new Bagatelle. It’s a French restaurant that is known for brunches filled with sparkers, cabaret parties, and club music that encourages table-dancing
    • Location: Soho
    • Atmosphere: Party, boujee, upscale, fancy, cabaret party, high-octane circus
    • Suggestions: Espresso martini 
    • Reservations: Required 
    • A Good Place For: Birthday parties, a party brunch, celebrations 
    • Note: You come here for the vibes and the drinks, not the food. The food is fine but as the waiter said, “you have a tab minimum to meet, I would suggest spending more on alcohol than food.” The weekend brunch party is unbeatable – the music is loud making you want to dance and the lights of the outdoor world is quite bright when you make your exit slightly before dinner time 

  • Raoul’s – Classic bistro dating to the 1970s with a bustling Parisian atmosphere and a serious French menu
    • Location: Soho
    • Atmosphere: Casual yet trendy, a place to see and be seen but subtly, classic, lively 
    • Suggestions: Steak naturel au poivre, pommes frites 
    • Reservations: Required; reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance. Their largest table size is 5 people. Bar seats are first come, first serve only
    • A Good Place For: When the parents are in town, a pre-going out dinner, dinner when you are hungry 
    • Note: Raoul’s serves a hamburger but only to patrons seated at the bar. The catch – they only serve 12 burgers per night. Raoul’s may be my favorite restaurant in the city currently. The streak naturel au poivre is the best I’ve ever had

  • Wayan – Cédric Vongerichten (son of Jean-Georges) serves French-accented Indonesian fare in a sleek setting
    • Location: Nolita 
    • Atmosphere: Warm, hip, eclectic 
    • Suggestions: Any of the satays, vegetable spring rolls, lobster noodles, roasted cauliflower, corn fritter 
    • Reservations: Suggested but not hard to get and you can usually get a last-minute reservation 
    • A Good Place For: A last minute really good meal, a dinner date, dinner when friends are in town 
    • Note: This is one of my favorite spots in the city. All the food is great. The dishes are unique, and the atmosphere makes you want to stay for hours. Don’t skip out on the cocktails

Italian

  • Altro Paradiso – Modern takes on traditional Italian cooking in an airy, wood-accented space with a marble bar
    • Location: Soho
    • Atmosphere: Hip, modern, chic 
    • Suggestions: Cacio e pepe
    • Reservations: Strongly suggested, a bit difficult to get for prime time 
    • A Good Place For: A nice dinner with friends, a dinner date, a drink at a nice bar 

  • Bar Pasquale  – A Sicilian-inspired spot featuring handmade pasta, sfincione-style pizza, and small plates
    • Location: Nolita 
    • Atmosphere: Unassuming, casual 
    • Suggestions: Rigatoni alla vodka, pizza
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get 
    • A Good Place For: A group dinner, a last minute dinner 
    • Sister Restaurant: Charlie Bird, Pasquale Jones

  • Charlie Bird – Hip, bi-level spot featuring Italian-accented New American fare, wine and art featuring boomboxes
    • Location: Soho
    • Atmosphere: Charming, casual 
    • Suggestions: Farro salad 
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get 
    • A Good Place For: Lunch, dinner with friends 

  • Emilio’s Ballato – Old-school waiters set the tone at this longtime Italian restaurant and celebrity hangout
    • Location: Nolita 
    • Atmosphere: Casual, unassuming, authentic 
    • Suggestions: Petto di Pollo alla Parmigiana, Tagliatelle alla Bolognese
    • Reservations: Walk in only; you must be present in line to get a table (i.e., you cannot put your name in, leave and come back)
    • A Good Place For: Celebrity sightings, a special dinner, when the parents are in town 
    • Note: Emilio’s Ballato is my favorite Italian restaurant in NYC; the chicken parmesan and the bolognese are to die for

  • Il Mulino – The epitome of an old–New York Italian hangout
    • Location: Soho, Tribeca, Midtown
    • Atmosphere: Fine dining, stuffy, exclusive 
    • Suggestions: Gnocchi al pesto 
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get 
    • A Good Place For: A celebratory work dinner, dinner when the parents are in town 

  • King – Snug, bright restaurant featuring a seasonal Southern Italian menu and  unique cocktails
    • Location: Soho
    • Atmosphere: Quaint, European, upscale casual 
    • Suggestions: The menu changes frequently, so order whatever speaks to you
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get 
    • A Good Place For: A date, a small group dinner, dinner with friends 

  • La Pecora Bianca – A stylish and bright all-day dining restaurant featuring market-driven Italian cuisine, regional wines & apéritifs
    • Location: Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Meatpacking, Soho, Bryant Park, Midtown, Noho
    • Atmosphere: Cutte, vibrant, lively 
    • Suggestions: Einkorn gramigna
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get; easy to get a last minute reservation 
    • A Good Place For: Large group dinners, tourists, drinks after work  
    • Note: La Pecora Bianca is what I refer to as The Smith of Italian food. The food is average and there are locations all over the city. It’s fine but if you actually spend 5 minutes researching NYC Italian food, you’ll find some place 10x better at a similar price point

  • Mamo – Offshoot of a longtime French restaurant with Italian & Provençal fare in stylish but casual digs
    • Location: Soho
    • Atmosphere: Dark, romantic 
    • Suggestions: Fried artichokes, ricotta, cacio e pepe 
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get if you book in advance
    • A Good Place For: A date, dinner with friends, when the parents are in town

  • Parm – Since the original location of Parm opened in New York City’s Little Italy in 2011, the restaurant’s takes on Italian-American soul food have reached iconic status. The menu is inspired by the cooking Michelin-Starred chefs Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi
    • Location: Upper West Side, Soho, Battery Park City 
    • Atmosphere: Casual, unassuming 
    • Suggestions: Chicken parm, meatballs, spicy rigatoni 
    • Reservations: Strongly suggested at the Soho location 
    • A Good Place For: A casual dinner, a solo dinner, takeout 
    • Note: If you want to experience the spicy rigatoni at Carbone but can’t get a reservation, order it at Parm. It’s almost identical and cheaper! 
    • Sister Restaurants: Sadelle’s, Torrisi, HaSalon, Carbone, The Grill, The Lobster Club, The Pool, Dirty French, ZZ’s Clam Bar, Crown Club

  • Pasquale Jones – Italian place by the Charlie Bird team for wood-fired pies, meats and fish from the open kitchen
    • Location: Nolita
    • Atmosphere: Retro, simplistic 
    • Suggestions: Everything on the menu is great; definitely get a pizza to share 
    • Reservations: Required but not difficult to get, though you should book at least 1 week out 
    • A Good Place For: A small group dinner, a date 
    • Sister Restaurant: Charlie Bird, Bar Pasquale

  • Sola Pasta Bar (A Pasta Bar) – Eatery where chefs cook & serve pastas from a central kitchen, with counter seating & banquettes
    • Location: Soho
    • Atmosphere: Modern, hip, trendy 
    • Suggestions: Tagliolini Al Ragu Bianco
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get 
    • A Good Place For: A last minute dinner reservation, a casual italian meal 
    • Note: The food is good but overpriced

  • Torrisi – Torrisi Bar & Restaurant is the most personal effort of the famed chef and Major Food Group Co-Founder Rich Torrisi’s career. At his new restaurant, the menu is inspired by the soul of Little Italy
    • Location: Soho
    • Atmosphere: Warm, lofty, dimly lit, rustic, loud 
    • Suggestions: Cucumbers New Yorkese, scalloped potatoes, cavatelli with Jamaican beef ragu 
    • Reservations: Required; Reservations for the dining room are available 30 days in advance for parties of up to 6 guests exclusively on Resy. Torrisi takes walk-ins in the bar room on a first come first serve basis and will offer the full menu
    • A Good Place For: A special occasion, a really good Italian meal
    • Note: Guests are encouraged to dress for the occasion. Any guest who does not appear sufficiently well-presented may be refused entry. Tailored shorts are permitted indoor and outdoors. Athletic wear is prohibited

Mediterranean 

  • 12 Chairs – Middle Eastern dishes (including standout hummus) featured in a laid-back, rustic setting
    • Location: Soho, Williamsburg
    • Atmosphere: Alive, loud, casual 
    • Suggestions: Hummus, grilled chicken 
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get 
    • A Good Place For: Dinner with friends, a group dinner, dinner before going out 

  • Lola Taverna – Cozy option specializing in Greek classics including seafood & meat dishes, plus a robust wine list
    • Location: Soho
    • Atmosphere: Warm, welcoming, lively 
    • Suggestions: Hummus, chicken souvlaki 
    • Reservations: Strongly suggested; reservations are available on a rolling 2 week basis exclusively through Resy
    • A Good Place For: A date, a small group dinner 

  • Shoo Shoo – Playful Mediterranean fare with Israeli influences & health-conscious ethos in a plant-filled space
    • Location: Nolita 
    • Atmosphere: Quaint cafe, welcoming, vibey 
    • Suggestions: Hummus, Japanese eggplant, Shoo Shoo kebab 
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get 
    • A Good Place For: Dinner with friends 

  • Shuka – Place for contemporary Eastern Mediterranean food, wine & cocktails in a stylish setting
    • Location: Soho
    • Atmosphere: Colorful, festive 
    • Suggestions: Fried halloumi, crispy cauliflower, hummus 
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get 
    • A Good Place For: Dinner with friends, brunch 
    • Sister Restaurants: Shukette, Cookshop, Rosie’s, Vic’s

  • Zooba – Local outpost of a Cairo-based chain serving Egyptian street food bites in a colorful space
    • Location: Nolita 
    • Atmosphere: Small, quaint, colorful 
    • Suggestions: Hawawshi burger
    • Reservations: Not required 
    • A Good Place For: A casual meal 

Mexican

  • La Esquina – Sceney Mexican spot with no-frills taqueria, cafe & exclusive basement brasserie/tequila bar
    • Location: Nolita, Midtown, Upper East Side
      • I strongly suggest visiting the Nolita location, which is hidden under a taqueria in Nolita
    • Atmosphere: Trendy, romantic, exclusive (Nolita location)
    • Suggestions: Tortilla soup, tacos, guacamole, queso fundido
    • Reservations: Strongly suggested; reservations are available up to 21 days in advance. You can book via Resy or by calling the restaurant. If you plan to visit La Esquina to go out, I would suggest getting there before 11pm 
    • A Good Place For: A birthday dinner, dinner with someone from out of town, a date 

Thai

  • Thai Diner – Classic Thai dishes & drinks by a lauded restaurant group in a kitschy-cool, diner-style setting
    • Location: Nolita 
    • Atmosphere: Mashed-up diner with Thai accents, coloful 
    • Suggestions: Phat see ew, kaeng kieow waan
    • Reservations: Thai Diner is primarily a walk-in based restaurant with limited reservations taken up to one week in advance via their website, thaidiner.com, or Resy 
    • A Good Place For: A date, a small group dinner (2-4 people), someone who is visiting NYC

Brunch

  • Citizens of Chelsea / Gramercy / Soho – Modern Australian breakfast and lunch, paired with beautiful coffee and a smile
    • Location: Chelsea, Gramercy, Soho
    • Atmosphere: Small, quaint, casual 
    • Suggestions: Avocado toast 
    • Reservations: Not required but suggested for prime time weekend brunch

  • Freeman’s Ally – American fare, craft cocktails & Colonial tavern decor draws a hip crowd to this hidden-away spot
    • Location: Nolita 
    • Atmosphere: Homey, welcoming 
    • Suggestions: Breakfast potatoes 
    • Reservations: Strongly suggested; Freemans accepts reservation for parties of 1-8 guests 14 days in advance via Resy

  • Jacks Wife Freda – A lively all-day NYC bistro executing American-Mediterranean cooking & classic cocktails
    • Location: Soho, West Village, Union Square, Chelsea, Williamsburg
    • Atmosphere: Homey, lively 
    • Suggestions: Not particular standout dish 
    • Reservations: Strongly suggested for weekend brunch but most of the seating is reserved for walk in guests 
    • Note: I found the food here to be just average. It’s a hotspot for people visiting from out of town, but nothing special 

  • Sadelle’s – Smoked fish, housemade bagels & other appetizing fare offered in a buzzy, vintage-style spot
    • Location: Soho
    • Atmosphere: A place to see and be seen, loud, trendy 
    • Suggestions: The Sadelle’s Tower is the popular item to get, but it’s seafood heavy
    • Reservations: Required, unless you want to put your name in and wait for a few hours. Reservations for parties of up to 5 guests can be made via Resy and email up to 30 days in advance
    • Sister Restaurants: Carbone, Torrisi, HaSalon, Parm, The Grill, The Lobster Club, The Pool, Dirty French, ZZ’s Clam Bar, Crown Club