10 Unique New York Restaurants to Try
New York’s restaurant & bar scene is an eclectic blend of all the beautiful cultures and an explosion of the creativity that drives this bustling metropolis. Dimly lit Art Deco jazz clubs play ragtime and blues, while high upon a rooftop a DJ spins hip hop blended with electronic beats in a colorful psychedelic room. Old mahogany offices are turned into swanky cocktail bars, while down the stairs beneath Chinatown a retro Asian restaurant flourishes with neon signs and candlelight. There are countless amazing places to choose from, but in this post I’ll share some unique finds that have a bit more of a draw to them.
If you want to try a food tour to get a taste of NYC, try one of these great finds on Get your Guide:
NYC: Chinatown and Little Italy Food Tour
New York City's Hell's Kitchen: Walking Food Tour
1. The Broken Shaker (Gramercy)
The Broken Shaker NYC is a beautiful psychedelic tiki meets Miami bar and restaurant with sweeping rooftop views and colorful cocktails. A DJ spins electronic and hip hop in a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for happy hour as the sun sets in the big apple.
2. The Flatiron Room (Flatiron)
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back into the 1920’s in the dimly lit Flatiron Room, an Art Deco venue with that pairs dinner with live ragtime and blues.
3. Peachy’s (Chinatown)
Head downstairs underground in Chinatown to experience this retro Asian restaurant with savory small bites and craft cocktails with fun names like “7 minutes in Heaven” or “Heartbreak Mixtape.” A DJ spins most nights at this trendy neighborhood bar with supreme ambiance lit by neon signs and candlelight.
4. The Campbell (Midtown East)
The Campbell is a swanky cocktail bar was once an old mahogany office of Jazz Age financier John W. Campbell and is located in in Grand Central Terminal at 15. The space is beautifully restored showcasing thirteenth century Florentine-inspired design intricacies like hand painted ceilings, a grand fireplace, and Campbell’s steel safe.
Tip: Live jazz Saturday nights at 7:30pm
5. Kenka (East Village)
Kenka feels straight out of Japan with its quirky music and Japanese cinematic art. I’m also pretty sure it’s the only place you can also get a meal for under $10 in NYC. I recommend Ramen ($6.50-$8.50), and a beer ($1.50). Avoid the sushi, it didn’t taste very fresh.
Tip: No reservations. If you prefer not to wait, get there early right when it opens.
6. La Bonne Soupe (Midtown)
Step into Paris with this delicious traditional French restaurant known for their namesake, good soup! French onion soup to be more specific. The fondu and creme brulee are also quite flavorful, and the quaint ambiance of this small restaurant feels warm and inviting.
Tip: Live band on Tuesday nights
7. Dear Irving Gramercy
Sip a classic cocktail over delicious small bites in this chic speakeasy that’s Hollywood glam meets European sophistication.
8. La Fleur Room (Chelsea)
Take in the 360 degree view from this swanky botanical themed rooftop lounge in the Moxy Hotel.
9. Gitano Island (Governor’s Island)
Inspired by Tulum, Gitano Island serves up disco beats and jungle vibes in the middle of this bustling city. Escape the high rises to this garden oasis for upscale Mexican cuisine and creative mezcal cocktails.
Note: Only opens seasonaly
10. Il Pastaio di Eataly (Flatiron)
Il Pastaio di Eataly is a restaurant in the middle of the bustling European marketplace serving up fresh pasta and a wide variety of wine. Sit at the curved bar to dine and socialize, then afterward shop for fancy European treats or grab a pastry for dessert.
If you’re a foodie, get a taste of NYC on a food tour. Try one of these great finds on Get your Guide:
NYC: Chinatown and Little Italy Food Tour
Are you planning a trip soon? These are some of my favorite sites for finding places to stay, booking tours, and more:
Booking.com for the best hotel deals.
Get Your Guide to book a variety of tours and activities.
Herschel for nice luggage that’s made to last.
