The Best Restaurants In New York (Plus 5 Of Our Favourite Spots For A Drink) 

The best and worst thing about New York City is that it’s packed with restaurants – there’s more than 48,000, and that number is only going up. So much delicious choice, so little time to visit them all. In fact, it’s been estimated that it would take almost 22 years if you were to try. So, to save you two decades of eating out, we’ve compiled our guide to the best restaurants in New York, from Manhattan to Brooklyn – all tried and tested by our team, along with a few friends of Service95: writers, book experts and creatives who we very much trust to choose our next meal. These are the food and drink spots we love, recommend and return to, time and again...

Raf’s – Noho, Manhattan

Recommended by Mahira Rivers, a restaurant critic and writer based in New York City

“An 89-year-old brick oven is the heart and soul of Raf’s, an Italian-French café and restaurant in Noho that opened in 2023. Chef and co-owner Mary Attea uses the storied hearth to produce dishes such as roasted whole dorade and a perfectly seasoned Ibérico pork chop. Her à la carte menu excels at simple classics such as warm fresh ricotta and steak tartare with aged Parmigiano Reggiano. The intimate dining room is effusively chic yet still warm and inviting, but one of my favourite times to visit is in the morning, when pastry chef and co-owner Camari Mick loads the bar with excellent croissants and cakes.”

Torissi – Nolita, Manhattan

Recommended by author, podcaster and founder of Buffy’s book club, Lizzy Hadfield, who splits her time between London and New York

“I’m saying it: Torissi is the best meal I have had in New York. You’ll find this beautiful space (all exposed brick and a stunning marble green bar) in the heart of Little Italy – a location that makes sense, considering it delivers Italian food with influences from all across New York and beyond, from Linguini in a Pink Manhattan Clam Sauce to the Cavatelli with Jamaican Beef Ragu. It’s from the team behind Carbone, so you know it won’t disappoint. Admittedly, it’s not easy to get a reservation , but it’s absolutely worthy of all the hype. The pasta is incredible and there’s such a fun atmosphere!”

Thai Diner – Soho, Manhattan

Recommended by Audrey Dierauf, founder of book subscription service Aphilia

“You might have heard of Thai Diner already, but I’m here to confirm it lives up to all the hype. As the name suggests, it’s a true Thai-American fusion: the vibes are more diner than Thai, while the food is more Thai than diner. The menu, by chefs Ann Redding and Matt Danzer, is big, which in this case is a not a bad thing. It’s packed with everything from breakfast dishes of Crispy Rice Eggs to a Thai spin on a soup or sandwich lunch special (Tom Yum Bisque followed by a Cheesesteak Phat Bai Horapha, anyone?). And for dinner, the Coconut Chicken Thailandese hits every time. The only problem you’ll have is narrowing down your order.”

Grand Banks – Tribeca, Manhattan

Recommended by Audrey Dierauf, founder of book subscription service Aphilia

“One for the warmer months – this restaurant is seasonal, given that it’s housed on a historic sailing boat docked on the Hudson River – but add this to your must-visit list now. Grand Banks serves up the holy trifecta of sunny-day New York culinary joy: (sustainably harvested) oysters, champagne and immaculate vibes. If you’re in need of something more substantial, chef Kerry Heffernan has created a menu of seasonal plates, from XL shrimp cocktail to succulent meatballs – keep them coming (along with the champagne) and while away a gorgeous afternoon by the water with views of the Jersey skyline.

JG Melon – Upper East Side, Manhattan

Recommended by Stella Fabinyi, Service95’s Managing Director

“Hands down, this is the best burger I’ve ever had in New York, maybe even in the world. Better still, it’s $13.50 – unheard of on the Upper East Side. This place is a classic American institution, and for a reason. It opened in 1972 and has been known for said burgers ever since. The menu does have other things besides burgers – classic dishes like turkey clubs, chicken salads and a pecan or key lime pie (depending on what’s being served up that day), and the servings are generous. It’s not fancy, in the best way – all wood panelling, green chequered tablecloths and haphazard prints lining the walls. Comfort at its best, in terms of vibes, setting and, of course, the food.”

Cafe Cluny – West Village, Manhattan

Recommended by Olivia McCrea-Hedley, Service95’s Copy & Production Editor

“This is a spot straight out of a Nora Ephron movie. As the name suggests, French influences are everywhere at Cafe Cluny, from the striped awnings and cute wicker chairs to the killer French onion soup on the menu (order with a side of frites and you’ve got a perfect lunch). Speaking of the menu, it’s Paris by way of NYC, with the thoroughly American influence of a good grilled cheese and a classic Cluny burger. But where this place really comes into its own is at brunch: on colder days, pretend you’re Meg Ryan and grab yourself a window seat, tucking into a pile of crisp-yet-pillowy French toast while catching up with friends. When the sun’s out, take one of the outside tables and while away an afternoon people-watching with a smoked salmon bagel and a martini. (The bar is surprisingly killer.)”

Commerce Inn – West Village, Manhattan

Recommended by Stella Fabinyi, Service95’s Managing Director

“In the heart of the West Village lies the beautiful Commerce Inn – designed in a Shaker style with wooden chairs, pews and plenty of ambient candlelight. Everything we ordered from the mostly meat-based menu (think half-roast chicken with ‘fry’d’ potatoes and dry-aged porterhouse steak) was all delicious and generously sized, and the tables are spaced far enough apart to ensure your group can be as relaxed or as lively as you want, which is rare for Manhattan. While the wine list of majority US wines is well worth checking out, the cocktails are the stars of the show – and their French 75 is a must.”

L’Industrie – West Village, Manhattan & Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Recommended by Mahira Rivers, a restaurant critic and writer based in New York City

“As the saying goes, the best pizza in New York is the nearest pizza. Still, there are a few places that do it better than your average corner slice shop. When I’m in the mood for a New York-style slice that is a cut above, I head to L’Industrie, which has two locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Opened by chef and co-owner Massimo Laveglia, his style involves cold fermented dough and toppings such as spicy salami, fig jam and burrata. It all makes for a supremely thin, crisp, and flavourful slice. But don’t skip dessert – even the gelato here gets a hearty drizzle of olive oil.”

Sip&Guzzle – West Village, Manhattan

Recommended by “the internet’s resident librarian”, author and part-time NYC resident, Jack Edwards

“Remember when you were told ‘don’t play with your food’? Well, scrap that. Upstairs, restaurant Guzzle serves tasty and interactive dishes (the Electric Chicken comes with scissors and rubber gloves for you to break apart yourself). Meanwhile, downstairs, Sip serves as a not-so-secret speakeasy with unique cocktails. I’m not being dramatic when I say that the Yuzu Martini changed my life. The Mochi Fry and Bikini also live in my mind rent-free.”

Daphne’s – Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn

Recommended by Olivia McCrea-Hedley, Service95’s Copy & Production Editor

“At the end of a road of expectedly chic brownstones in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighbourhood, you’ll find the equally chic Daphne’s: a local-favourite Italian restaurant serving up steaming plates of freshly made pasta alongside a rotating menu of seasonal dishes – including everyone’s favourite, small plates. Highlights are the foccacia (warm, crunchy on the outside, pillowy soft on the inside), the crisp Caesar salad (with just the right amount of dressing) and, if it’s on the menu, the vodka pasta (creamy, spicy and oh-so-comforting). Special mention goes to the cocktails – try the Daphne’s Spritz as an aperitif, and end your meal with a Saviero’s Manhattan (when in New York, and all). And there’s more to life than aesthetics, but it’s worth noting that the interiors are gorgeous – simple white linens, dark green banquettes and delicately detailed crockery mean the space feels like your dream dining room. The perfect setting for long evenings of endless dishes, candlelit conversation and plenty of those Manhattans.”

Boutros – Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn

Recommended by celebrity and editorial makeup artist and founder of KJH.brand, Katie Jane Hughes

“This is an incredible Middle Eastern fusion restaurant. For the menu, chef and owner Allen Dabagh blends the food of his heritage with that of his upbringing in New York. He has the most amazing hummus that is garnished with slow-roasted short rib, and his indulgent Brussel sprouts are a must-order. Currently on the menu is a steak au poivre that’s mouth-watering – whatever you order here, you can’t go wrong.”

Carmentas – Bushwick, Brooklyn

Recommended by Brooklyn-based baker Aimee France (previously known as @yungkombucha420)

“A small, fast, casual Italian spot in Bushwick that does excellent sandwiches and pasta. I absolutely love their Caesar salad and always have one of their chicken cutlets in my freezer for a quick meal (you can take anything from the menu to go). The staff are all extremely kind and they really care about the quality of ingredients that they’re using – they make almost everything in house. Oh, and their tuna sandwich is something special. A must-order.”

Eyval – Bushwick, Brooklyn

Recommended by New-York-based food writer Roya Shariat

“‘Eyval’ is a Farsi word that means ‘right on’, and you’ll be saying that after one bite of its vibrant Iranian dishes. Chef Ali Saboor is remixing Iranian classics in new and exciting ways, like using short rib in the herbaceous ghormeh sabzi stew, using seasonal produce for variations of borani dips year-round, or mixing cocktails such as a chai old fashioned or a saffron martini. Don’t miss out on their breads, all made in-house, or any of the kabobs cooked on an open fire, charred to juicy perfection. You’ll want to save room for dessert and indulge in the Iranian Ice cream sandwich, studded with pistachios and frozen chunks of cream – it is otherworldly.”

Barbalu Bklyn – Cobble Hill, Brooklyn

Recommended by celebrity and editorial makeup artist and founder of KJH.brand, Katie Jane Hughes

“I probably go here the most with my family and friends. You can tell the restaurant is family-run, it has such a warm vibe. And the food is delicious: proper homemade Italian cuisine – incredible pasta and the pizzas are so good, too. Chef Pino’s deconstructed lasagna is absolutely amazing – a must-order.”

Win Son Bakery – East Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Recommended by “the internet’s resident librarian”, author and part-time NYC resident, Jack Edwards

“Nestled in East Williamsburg, you’ll find Win Son Bakery. This Taiwanese-American restaurant-bakery is more of a lunchtime thing, I’d say – go for the scallion pancakes, an inexpensive but delicious treat. There may be a queue, but notice how it’s full of locals rather than tourists – take that as your sign that you ought to join them.”

Bernie’s – Greenpoint, Brooklyn

Recommended by New-York-based food writer Roya Shariat

“Walking into Bernie’s feels like stepping back in time to a haven of unpretentious American nostalgia. Think faux-Tiffany lamps dimly lit overhead, a roomful of plush leather booths with hits from the ’90s on the speakers, and red-chequered tablecloths topped with white paper and crayons. That’s the vibe, now for the food: pure comfort, executed with excellence. Follow your heart with the menu choices and it won’t steer you wrong, whether that takes you for a course of baby back ribs, the massive mozzarella sticks that pair perfectly with their ice-cold martini, the perfect double cheeseburger and fries, or the brownie sundae.”

The Best Of The Rest: 5 Of Our Favourite Spots For A Drink In New York, From Coffee To Cocktails

1. The Best Pint In New York: Swift – NoHo, Manhattan

Recommended by author, podcaster and founder of Buffy’s book club, Lizzy Hadfield, who splits her time between London and New York

“I am always in search of a great pub in New York, and this is the best I have found. They pour the best Guinness in Manhattan. I’d avoid Friday and Saturday nights as it’s really busy, but mid-week it’s perfect.”

2. The Best Matcha In New York: Cha Cha Matcha – Across Manhattan & Brooklyn

Recommended by Olivia McCrea-Hedley, Service95’s Copy & Production Editor

“Did I get this recommendation from an episode of The Kardashians? Yes. But the fact that Kourtney and Travis seem to drink about 10 matchas a day means that I will follow their lead on this. And Cha Cha Matcha delivered. With seven spots across Manhattan & Brooklyn, you can get a balancing pick-me-up virtually wherever you go – whether that’s a classic hot matcha latte, a refreshing matcha lemonade or, my personal favourite, an iced strawberry matcha (along with smoothies, coffees and toasties, too).” 

3. The Best Martini In New York: It’s a tie, between Bemelmens Bar, Lobby Bar at the Chelsea Hotel & Bowery Lobby – Manhattan

Recommended by Olivia McCrea-Hedley, Service95’s Copy & Production Editor & Stella Fabinyi, Service95’s Managing Director

“We couldn’t decide on just one bar, so we’re offering you three. After all, if you’re looking for a good cocktail in New York City, there’s no better place to head to than a hotel lobby bar – especially if that drink is a martini. Whether you prefer gin or vodka, wet or dry, dirty or with a twist, any of these three classic bars will serve you a crisp, cold cocktail, made just how you like it. You might need to try one from each, just to decide for yourself...” 

4. The Best (Espresso) Coffee In New York: Foster Sundry – Bushwick, Brooklyn

Recommended by Brooklyn-based baker Aimee France (previously known as @yungkombucha420)

“I feel like a lot of coffee shops in New York burn your shot – that’s why I’m always kind of hesitant to get coffee out as I am a bit picky. But Foster Sundry is pretty consistent with theirs. It also has a nice selection of beans from local roasteries, if you prefer to make coffee at home like I do.”

5. The Best Natural Wine Bar In New York: Rhodora Wine Bar – Fort Greene, Brooklyn

Recommended by author, podcaster and founder of Buffy’s book club, Lizzy Hadfield, who splits her time between London and New York

“I’ve hosted my book club Buffy’s here, so Rhodora holds a special place in my heart. It’s such a beautiful neighbourhood spot, with a great ethos – a zero-waste bar that celebrates natural, low-intervention wines. On a Summer’s day especially, there is nowhere I would rather sit (and read) and have a glass of wine.