Best American Restaurants in Soho (10012)
6 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Estela
Michelin-starred, high-impact small plates that helped define modern downtown dining.
Essential Picks
#1
Estela
9.0
Opened in 2013 by chef Ignacio Mattos, Estela is a Michelin-starred Nolita dining room known for intensely flavored, shareable plates like ricotta dumplings and endive salad that have become modern NYC signatures. Strong multi-platform ratings, international press, and more than a decade of relevance make it a destination for serious eaters who want contemporary American cooking with Mediterranean leanings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ricotta Dumplings with Mushrooms & Pecorino Sardo, Endive Salad with Walnuts & Anchovies, Bison Tartare with Sunchokes
What makes it special: Michelin-starred, high-impact small plates that helped define modern downtown dining.
Notable Picks
8.8
Bruce and Eric Bromberg’s Blue Ribbon Brasserie has anchored SoHo’s late-night dining scene since 1992, pairing a deep raw bar and bone marrow with what many consider some of the city’s definitive fried chicken. High multi-platform ratings and thousands of reviews over three decades support its status as a reliable go-to for chefs, industry regulars, and night-owl diners alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken with Mashed Potatoes & Collard Greens, Beef Marrow with Oxtail Marmalade, Seafood Plateau with Oysters & Shellfish
What makes it special: Iconic late-night SoHo brasserie for fried chicken, marrow, and a serious raw bar.
8.5
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Girls Night Out Approved
Trendy Table Hotspots
Date Night Magic
Opened in 2024 by Catch Hospitality Group, The Corner Store riffs on classic American diner comforts with wagyu French dips, disco steak frites, and playful desserts in a Rockwell-designed room. A months-long waitlist, heavy media coverage, and strong early reviews mark it as one of SoHo’s buzziest new American spots.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wagyu French Dip with McOli Sauce, Disco Steak Frites with Peppercorn Aioli, Samoa Cookie Sundae
What makes it special: High-energy, design-forward American spot turning diner classics into spectacle dishes.
#4
Manuela
8.3
Set inside an airy SoHo art space, Manuela serves seasonal American cooking with a gallery’s sense of composition, from roasted vegetables to polished desserts. Opened in 2024, it’s quickly earned strong notices for refined, produce-driven plates and a room where contemporary artworks share the spotlight with the open kitchen.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roasted Cauliflower with Date Vinegar & Almond, Salt-Roasted Sunchokes with Ricotta & Celery, Pavlova with Seasonal Market Fruits
What makes it special: Gallery-like space where seasonal American plates and contemporary art share the stage.
#5
Fanelli Cafe
8.0
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Late Night Legends
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Operating on this corner since the 19th century, Fanelli Cafe is one of New York’s oldest bar-restaurants, now serving straightforward pubby American fare to artists, locals, and visitors in a time-worn room. Burgers, chili, and open-faced tuna melts anchor a menu that’s more about atmosphere, value, and history than trend-chasing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fanelli's Burger with Fries, Open-Faced Tuna Melt with Cheddar, Moroccan Lamb Stew
What makes it special: Historic SoHo tavern where burgers, chili, and martinis meet creaky floors and decades of stories.
Worthy Picks
7.6
Wicked Willy’s is a pirate-themed Bleecker Street bar and grill best known for karaoke nights, sports on TV, bottomless brunch, and a long menu of wings, burgers, tacos, and late-night snacks. It’s less about culinary finesse and more about lively energy, big portions, and approachable American bar food that keeps parties fueled until the early hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wicked Wings with Choice of Sauce, Loaded Nachos with Cheddar, Beans & Jalapeños, Wicked Burger with Candy Bacon & Fries
What makes it special: Rowdy pirate-themed bar for karaoke, game-day screens, and crowd-pleasing American bar food.