Hey foodies, are you ready for a gastronomic adventure around the Big Apple? Here are 9 quirky and delicious restaurants that you should add to your culinary bucket list. From classic Italian joints to exotic fusion restaurants, these spots never fail to surprise and delight. Bon appétit!
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The Meatball Shop
If you’re a fan of meatballs (who isn’t?), you’ll love this casual restaurant that serves up mouth-watering balls of beef, pork, chicken, and veggie in various sauces and styles. You can mix and match your balls with sides like mac and cheese or mashed potatoes, and wash them down with craft beer or spiked Arnold Palmers. Be sure to save room for the ice cream sandwiches that come with your choice of cookies and ice cream flavors.
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Jollibee
Fried chicken, spaghetti, burgers, and peach mango pies might not sound like a typical combo, but that’s the beauty of Filipino fast-food chain Jollibee. With over 1,200 locations worldwide (and only a handful in the US), Jollibee attracts a cult following for its crispylicious and juicylicious chicken, sweet and savory spaghetti, and quirky mascot that resembles a hybrid of a bee and a chef. Be prepared to wait in line and stock up on extra gravy!
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Roberta’s
Brooklyn’s own Roberta’s might have started as a humble pizza joint, but it has evolved into a culinary empire that includes a bakery, a rooftop garden, and even a radio station. The pizzas here are among the best in New York, with crispy and chewy crusts, fresh and flavorful toppings, and creative combinations like the Famous Original with tomato, mozzarella, caciocavallo, and oregano or the Bee Sting with tomato, soppressata, chili, and honey. Don’t miss the chance to explore the rest of the menu, from pasta to grilled meats to desserts. Come for the food, stay for the vibes.
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Xi’an Famous Foods
Spice up your life with the fiery and fragrant flavors of Xi’an cuisine, which hails from the northwestern Chinese city of Xi’an. This no-frills eatery offers hand-pulled noodles, lamb burgers, and other dishes that blend Chinese and Middle Eastern influences with bold spices and herbs. Don’t miss the signature Liang Pi Cold Skin Noodles, which come with wheat-starch noodles, seitan, cucumber, bean sprouts, and a sauce that’s both tangy and numbing.
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Prince Street Pizza
New York-style pizza is a classic that never gets old, and Prince Street Pizza is a prime example of why. This no-frills pizzeria in Nolita serves up small and large pies with thick and crispy crust, gooey and creamy cheese, and tangy and spicy sauce. The pepperoni slice, known as the Spicy Spring, is a must-try for its crispy pepperoni cups that hold pools of grease and spice. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for the square Sicilian slice, which has a thicker and fluffier crust that’s almost like a bread.
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Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
Get your hands messy with the finger-lickin’ goodness of Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, a casual joint that serves up slow-smoked meats, flavorful sides, and thirst-quenching drinks. The ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and chicken here are tender, juicy, and packed with smoky flavors that will make you want to lick your fingers clean. Don’t miss the mac and cheese, the crispy fried green tomatoes, and the homemade sauces that range from sweet to tangy to spicy.
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Momofuku Noodle Bar
Slurp your way to happiness with the soulful and comforting bowls of ramen, pho, and other noodles at Momofuku Noodle Bar. This hip and spacious restaurant in the East Village offers a range of noodle dishes that feature high-quality ingredients, bold flavors, and unique twists. The classic Momofuku Ramen, with pork belly, pork shoulder, and a soft-boiled egg, is a crowd-pleaser, while the Ginger Scallion Noodles, with fried shallots and shiso, is a vegetarian delight. Be sure to check out the daily specials and the cocktails, too.
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Carbone
Step into the glamorous and retro world of Carbone, a red-sauce Italian joint that pays homage to the golden age of Italian-American cuisine. From the tuxedo-clad waiters to the black-and-white photos on the walls to the classic cocktails, everything here screams old-school cool. The menu features familiar dishes like meatballs, chicken Scarpariello, and veal Parmesan, but with a refined and updated twist that elevates them to a new level. Be sure to save room for the “famous” spicy rigatoni vodka, which comes with a creamy sauce that’s both comforting and explosive.
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Takahachi Bakery
Satisfy your sweet tooth and your carb cravings at Takahachi Bakery, a Japanese bakery that offers a mouth-watering selection of breads, pastries, and cakes. From fluffy milk bread to savory curry croissants to delicate matcha éclairs, everything here is made with precision, skill, and a touch of Japanese flair. Don’t miss the seasonal specials, like the chestnut cream danish in the fall or the strawberry shortcake in the spring. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the red bean buns or the savory squid ink bread.
Get your ball on at The Meatball Shop, where every bite is a ball of joy.
Experience the uniquely delicious flavors of Filipino fast food at Jollibee.
Roberta’s is more than just a pizzeria – it’s a destination for foodies and free spirits.
Discover the flavorful and fiery world of Xi’an cuisine at Xi’an Famous Foods.
Join the cult of crispy crust and spicy pepperoni at Prince Street Pizza.
Satisfy your BBQ cravings and get messy at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que.
Warm your soul and fill your belly with the noodle bowls at Momofuku Noodle Bar.
Transport yourself to a bygone era of Italian-American cuisine at Carbone.
Indulge in the sweet and savory delights of Japanese bakery at Takahachi Bakery.