Best Girls Night Out Restaurants in New York
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Fandi Mata
Mediterranean‑inspired menu with lively patio seating
Essential Picks
#1
Fandi Mata
9.1
Vibes:
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Birthday & Celebration Central
Girls Night Out Approved
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Fandi Mata combines globally inspired plates with crafted cocktails in a verdant setting that includes outdoor patio tables and lively garden seating. Its Mediterranean‑leaning menu and mezcal‑forward drinks make it a standout destination for celebrations and evening gatherings. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Must-Try Dishes:
Braised Lamb Shank, Shrimp Ceviche, Craft Mezcal Cocktails
What Makes it Special: Mediterranean‑inspired menu with lively patio seating
#2
Don Angie
9
Don Angie, opened in 2017 by chefs Angie Rito and Scott Tacinelli, serves inventive Italian-American dishes in a compact, highly sought-after dining room. A former Michelin-star holder and one of NYC’s hardest reservations, it’s known for showpiece pastas and rich, shareable mains.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pinwheel lasagna for two, Buffalo milk caramelle, Chrysanthemum salad
What Makes it Special: Signature dishes like the pinwheel lasagna and buffalo milk caramelle have become modern NYC Italian icons.
#3
Sushi On Me
9
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Girls Night Out Approved
A speakeasy-style omakase that leans as hard into entertainment as it does into fish—high-tempo service, loud joy, and a parade of bites that keeps moving. The sushi is strongest when you treat it like a set-piece experience: arrive hungry, surrender control, and let the room carry the night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase set (course menu), Fatty tuna sandwich, Thai Penang curry eel
What Makes it Special: A party-forward omakase where the show is built into the pacing.
Notable Picks
#4
Dirt Candy
8.9
Dirt Candy is Amanda Cohen’s Michelin-starred vegetable tasting-menu restaurant, where seasonal dishes like asparagus lasagna reimagine pasta through a high-end, all-veg lens in a sleek Allen Street dining room. Open since 2008 and now firmly a Lower East Side institution, it’s the most upscale, reservation-only way to experience lasagna-inspired flavors in ZIP 10002.
Must-Try Dishes:
Asparagus lasagna from the seasonal tasting menu, Carrot pizza bite from the tasting progression, Potato sundae dessert
What Makes it Special: Michelin-starred vegetable tasting menu where dishes like asparagus lasagna show how far plant-based cooking can go.
#5
L'Artusi
8.9
A long-running West Village Italian hotspot where pastas, crudo, and a deep wine list fuel a packed, high-energy dining room every night. Lines, noise, and tightly spaced tables are part of the scene, but most diners are here precisely for that mix of polished plates and buzzy atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garganelli with mushroom ragu, Roasted chicken, Olive oil cake
What Makes it Special: Refined, craveable Italian cooking with serious pastas in a perpetually buzzing room.
#6
La Vara
8.9
La Vara is a Cobble Hill Spanish restaurant from chefs Alex Raij and Eder Montero, serving tapas that weave together Moorish, Jewish, and regional Spanish flavors. Since 2012 it has drawn citywide attention, including Michelin Guide recognition, for thoughtful small plates and a cozy, brick-lined dining room that works especially well for date nights. Plates are polished and memorable, with a wine list that rewards lingering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garbanzos fritos, Salpicon Pontevedra shrimp salad, Torrijas Spanish-style French toast
What Makes it Special: Michelin-recognized Spanish tapas spotlighting the Moorish and Jewish influences in Spain.
#7
Le Crocodile
8.9
Le Crocodile is a French brasserie in the Wythe Hotel where roast chicken, steak frites, and precise bistro cooking are paired with soaring ceilings and candlelit banquettes. Locals treat it as a special-occasion classic for anniversaries and big nights out when they want serious food and polished service in a grand room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Half roast chicken with jus and fries, Steak frites with peppercorn sauce, Escargots with garlic-herb butter
What Makes it Special: A grand French brasserie where NYT-praised cooking meets hotel-lobby romance.
8.9
Upscale sushi and Japanese‑Peruvian fare in a sleek, stylish space — a go‑to for a special night out when you want refined eats and ambiance. Locals and visitors rely on its consistent high quality and elegant plating. Nobu Fifty Seven delivers reliably polished sushi and signature dishes with class.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black Cod Miso, Yellowtail Jalapeño, Toro Tartare
What Makes it Special: Refined Japanese‑Peruvian sushi with polished presentation and consistently high quality.
#9
Overstory
8.9
Overstory is a 64th-floor cocktail bar atop 70 Pine Street where meticulously built drinks, bar snacks, and a wraparound terrace deliver some of the most dramatic skyline views in the Financial District. Guests treat it as a special-occasion nightcap spot or a compact, high-impact evening built entirely around cocktails and a handful of savory bites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chili-lime popcorn, Oysters on the half shell, Ham and cheese pretzel with char siu pork
What Makes it Special: High-floor cocktail bar with 360-degree terrace views and polished snacks.
8.9
Paola's is a Carnegie Hill fixture for Roman-leaning pastas, osso buco, and secondi served in a candlelit townhouse room that feels built for date nights and celebratory dinners. Multi-decade regulars rely on it for polished service, a deep Italian wine list, and consistently well-executed classics before or after a Met visit.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e Pepe, Osso Buco, Pasta Pomodoro e Burrata
What Makes it Special: Long-running Carnegie Hill Italian where Roman pastas meet white-tablecloth warmth.
#11
The Dead Rabbit
8.9
The Dead Rabbit is a globally recognized Irish-inspired cocktail bar that also runs a full pub menu, including wings served alongside one of the city’s better dry-aged burgers. Locals and visitors use it when they want top-tier cocktails and late-night bar food in a multi-level, high-energy space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pub Wings with Fries, Dry-Aged Burger with Irish Cheddar, Turkey Pot Pie
What Makes it Special: World-famous cocktail bar where serious drinks meet late-night pub wings and hearty Irish-leaning plates.
8.9
The Flatiron Room’s Murray Hill location pairs a deep whiskey list and nightly live music with a polished menu of share plates and tasting-menu dishes. It’s used for dates, client drinks, and special occasions where you want a loungey setting and serious spirits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Tartare, Burrata Tart, Oysters with Shallot Mignonette
What Makes it Special: Whiskey-focused jazz lounge with a legit kitchen and nightly music.
#13
Ume Williamsburg
8.9
Ume runs a prix-fixe sushi set in a cottage-like space where floor seating, hand-washing rituals, and an enclosed garden make dinner feel like a small trip to Kyoto. The set menu focuses on pristine nigiri, a savory soup, and rotating salts and condiments drawn from the chef’s travels, so the experience is as much about play as it is about technique.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sushi Set prix fixe platter, Toro and uni nigiri when available, Mushroom-chicken style soup starter
What Makes it Special: Interactive, floor-seated sushi set with travel-inspired salts in a cottage-like space.
#14
BONDST
8.8
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Date Night Magic
Girls Night Out Approved
Trendy Table Hotspots
In NoHo, BONDST stages new-Japanese cooking with a heavy emphasis on elaborate rolls, crispy rice, and sashimi in a multi-level townhouse setting. It’s a longstanding scene restaurant where sushi rolls share space with cocktails, Wagyu, and a crowd that skews celebratory.
Must-Try Dishes:
Big Eye Tuna Tarts, Tuna Crispy Rice, Signature Specialty Rolls
What Makes it Special: Long-running NoHo hotspot for creative rolls, crispy rice, and scene-y sushi.
#15
C as in Charlie
8.8
C as in Charlie is a 40-seat Korean–Southern tapas restaurant in NoHo, run by three friends from Atlanta and decorated for lingering over cocktails and shareable plates. A MICHELIN Bib Gourmand and hundreds of strong multi-platform reviews back up its playful, high-flavor dishes and lively, reservation-worthy atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seoul'sbury Steak with galbi jus and gruyere grits, Shrimp toast rolls, Banana pudding with misugaru
What Makes it Special: MICHELIN-recognized Korean–Southern small plates with a fun, cocktail-driven dining room.
#16
Casa Azul
8.8
Casa Azul is a modern Oaxacan-leaning Mexican restaurant where tacos al pastor, fish tacos, and mezcal-forward cocktails share equal billing. Park Slope locals treat it as the neighborhood’s polished taco-and-cocktail spot for date nights, brunch, and small-group dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Taco, Taco De Pescado, Queso Fundido
What Makes it Special: Refined Oaxacan-inspired tacos and cocktails in a lively, design-forward room.
#17
Dagon
8.8
Modern Israeli restaurant on a prominent Broadway corner serving mezze, breads, and wood-leaning mains with Levantine flavors. Locals use it for date nights, celebrations, and nights when they want serious cooking and a buzzier room than most of the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kubaneh, Crispy Roasted Lamb, Shishbarak
What Makes it Special: Levantine-leaning Israeli cooking with house breads and mezze worth planning around.
#18
Ernesto's
8.8
Ernesto's is a Michelin-recognized Basque restaurant at the foot of the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, pairing refined small plates with a deep Spanish wine list. The room leans energetic and design-forward, making it a strong choice for couples or small groups looking for serious Spanish cooking in a lively setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gilda skewers with tuna and guindilla peppers, House-made potato chips with jamón Ibérico, Basque cheesecake
What Makes it Special: Basque small plates and serious Spanish wines in a buzzy room.
#19
Havana Cafe
8.8
Havana Cafe is a lively Cuban restaurant and lounge where Latin brunch plates, bottomless-style drinks, and classic dishes like ropa vieja draw big weekend crowds. Locals treat it as a destination when they want a festive, music-filled brunch that feels closer to a night out than a quiet diner breakfast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Brunch Ropa Vieja, Chicken & Waffles, Combinacion Perfecta
What Makes it Special: High-energy Cuban brunch with creative plates and party vibes.
#20
Jajaja Mexicana
8.8
Jajaja Mexicana is a plant-based Mexican restaurant where colorful plates, creative tacos, and a deep mezcal list pull in crowds from beyond the neighborhood. The space feels bright and social, leaning more toward fun group dinners and brunch than quiet, lingering meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grande Nachos, Buffalo Flower Tacos, Chorizo Burrito
What Makes it Special: All-vegan Mexican menu with big flavors and a party-ready room.
#21
Kaia Wine Bar
8.8
Kaia Wine Bar is a South African-focused wine bar in Yorkville where farm-to-table small plates, game meats, and seafood rotate with the seasons alongside a deep South African wine list. Regulars treat it as a dimly lit neighborhood spot for long, wine-driven dinners rather than a quick glass at the bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wild boar sliders, Gatsby sandwich, Malva pudding
What Makes it Special: South African wine bar with Michelin-noted, farm-to-table small plates.
Kaizen is a modern omakase and hand-roll bar tucked just off Farrington Street, known for tightly curated nigiri flights and made-to-order temaki. Guests come for pristine fish, a long counter, and a vibe that feels closer to a sleek city bar than a traditional Flushing storefront.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro hand roll, Salmon ikura hand roll, Chef’s omakase nigiri set
What Makes it Special: A focused omakase and hand-roll counter where seasonal cuts and temaki are the star.
#23
Kiki's
8.8
Kiki's is a perpetually packed Greek taverna on Division Street where big plates of grilled meats, seafood, and feta-heavy salads anchor long, noisy dinners. Open since 2015 and now a Bib Gourmand–recognized spot, it’s become a Lower East Side institution thanks to its combination of affordable plates, strong house wine, and a scene-y but still welcoming atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled octopus with charred edges, Saganaki with honey and sesame, Lamb chops with fries
What Makes it Special: Bib Gourmand–level Greek comfort food in a buzzy, walk-in-only taverna.
#24
Molyvos
8.8
Refined Greek dining with thoughtful dishes and an extensive all‑Greek wine list, ideal for pre‑theatre meals or a special night out. The lamb and seafood stand out, and the hospitality recalls a modern Aegean taverna.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Shoulder Chops, Whole Grilled Branzino (Lavraki), Ouzo‑Flamed Haloumi Saganaki
What Makes it Special: Largest exclusively Greek wine list in NYC paired with island‑style cuisine.
8.8
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Girls Night Out Approved
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
Pomp and Circumstance is a destination-worthy Mediterranean-leaning restaurant near Lorimer that fuses Italian, Middle Eastern, and coastal flavors with a serious wine and cocktail program. Dishes lean rich and cheffy, built for lingering dinners more than quick bites, in a dim, design-forward room that feels celebratory without turning into a scene. It’s the spot locals pick when they want a big night out that still feels neighborhood-driven.
Must-Try Dishes:
Foie gras liverwurst with grilled house bread, Hand-rolled fettuccine with broccoli rabe pesto, Charred lamb ribs with yogurt and herbs
What Makes it Special: Ambitious Mediterranean-inflected cooking in a polished, intimate Williamsburg dining room.
8.8
Ruta Oaxaca brings Oaxacan cooking, mezcal and cocktails to a busy stretch of Smith Street, with mole-focused plates and a deep agave list. The Brooklyn outpost of this small group functions as a go-to for date nights and celebratory dinners in Cobble Hill and Boerum Hill. Expect rich moles, shareable plates and a livelier bar vibe than most neighborhood Mexican spots.
Must-Try Dishes:
Enchiladas mole negro, Cochinita pibil tacos, Tlayuda mixta
What Makes it Special: Mole-driven Oaxacan menu paired with serious mezcal and tequila.
#27
Salinas
8.8
A refined Chelsea standard for modern Spanish cooking, built around meticulous tapas and deeply flavored rice dishes. The room feels grown-up and quietly romantic, and the kitchen’s precision shows most in seafood, jamón-forward bites, and polished seasonal specials.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pulpo con cenizas, Croquetas cremosas, Paella valenciana
What Makes it Special: High-volume, long-running Chelsea tapas house with a notably precise kitchen.
#28
Soothr
8.8
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Girls Night Out Approved
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Michelin-recognized Thai noodle bar focused on regional bowls and wok-fired stir-fries with bright, layered heat. The room stays buzzy and the kitchen is especially strong on Sukhothai- and Bangkok-style street recipes that keep locals coming back.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sukhothai Tom Yum Noodles, Ba Mii Pu Dry Crab Noodles, Roasted Eggplant Salad
What Makes it Special: Deeply regional noodle program executed at high volume without losing precision.
#29
Sukh
8.8
Sukh is a traincar-inspired Fort Greene Thai restaurant where Northern and central Thai dishes get the full Brooklyn-restaurant treatment—thoughtful plating, cocktails, and a menu built for both a la carte and prix-fixe nights. Dishes like Khao Soi, Hor Mok, and crab fried rice lean bold and spicy rather than toned-down, making it a splashy option steps from Barclays and BAM.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Soi curry noodles with braised chicken, Hor Mok steamed fish custard with crab, Khao Pad Pu jumbo lump crab fried rice
What Makes it Special: Immersive, traincar-inspired Thai dining with a menu that highlights regional dishes rarely seen elsewhere in Brooklyn.
#30
Take31
8.8
Take31 is a late-night Korean spot in Koreatown where soju pitchers, cheesy fried chicken, and comforting stews keep tables busy well past midnight. Locals use it as a go-to after-hours hangout when they want real food, not just bar snacks, in a lively, tightly packed room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Corn Pancake, Cheesy Fried Chicken, Mentaiko Udon
What Makes it Special: Korean drinking food and soju in a true after-hours setting.
8.8
The Drunken Munkey runs as a colonial-style Indian cocktail bar where butter chicken, biryani, and house curries share equal billing with gin-and-spice drinks in a dim, crowded room. Locals treat it as a destination for date nights and small-group hangs when they want polished Indian plates, serious cocktails, and a buzzy Upper East Side crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter Chicken Tikka Masala, Railway Chicken, Munkey Lamb Biryani
What Makes it Special: Cocktail-driven Indian spot where richly spiced curries meet speakeasy lighting.
#32
Twin Tails
8.8
A stylish Thai–Vietnamese spot atop Columbus Circle delivering creative Southeast Asian plates and inventive cocktails — perfect for a night out or special dinner. Many diners praise its sashimi‑style seafood, shareable small plates, and curated fusion of flavors. The setting and service draw regular praise, making it a go‑to for both tourists and locals seeking a modern Vietnamese‑inspired meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Royal Dorade Sashimi, Crispy Pork Cha Gio Rolls, Tiger Prawn Pad Thai
What Makes it Special: Upscale Thai-Vietnamese fusion with polished plating and cocktails.
#33
Veerays
8.8
A Michelin-recognized Indian speakeasy in Midtown East, Veerays leans into prohibition-era décor, serious cocktails, and high-impact curries and grills from chef Hemant Mathur. It’s best when you treat it like a full night out—cocktails, snacks, then a rich, spice-layered main and bread to mop everything up.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef Hemant’s Famous Lamb Chops, Pekin Duck Vindaloo, Camel Seekh Kebab
What Makes it Special: Speakeasy-style Indian from a Michelin-pedigreed chef with inventive plates.
#34
Au Cheval
8.7
A burger-and-cocktails room with late-night energy and a menu that rewards ordering with restraint: one signature burger, one side, and a drink that keeps the pace moving. The draw is consistency at scale—show up hungry, commit to the classics, and don’t overcomplicate it.
Must-Try Dishes:
Single cheeseburger, Bacon add-on, Garlic aioli fries
What Makes it Special: A cult burger destination that stays dependable even with huge demand.
#35
Balvanera
8.7
Balvanera is an Argentine brasserie on Stanton Street where the grill is the focus, from ribeye and strip loin to a mixed Tabla de Carnes built for sharing. Locals use it for nights when they want serious steak with South American wines and a lively, low-lit Lower East Side room rather than a traditional white-tablecloth steakhouse.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dry-aged bone-in ribeye, Entraña skirt steak with chimichurri, Tabla de Carnes mixed grill
What Makes it Special: An Argentine steak-focused brasserie where the grill and wine list lead.
8.7
Dokebi Bar & Grill has been serving Korean BBQ, soju cocktails, and late-night plates on Grand Street since 2005, making it a longtime Williamsburg standby. Locals use it for grill-your-own dinners, wings, and Korean tacos in a loud, energetic room that feels as much bar as restaurant.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kalbi BBQ short ribs, Soy garlic Korean fried chicken wings, Bibimbap with multigrain rice
What Makes it Special: Long-running Korean BBQ bar blending grills, tacos, and cocktails.
8.7
Opened in 2020, Double Chicken Please pairs one of the city’s most inventive cocktail programs with a focused menu of fried chicken sandwiches in a sleek, two-room Allen Street space. The front room leans casual, while the back bar turns those sandwiches and comfort dishes into high-concept, drinkable riffs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cold fried chicken sandwich, Hot honey chicken sandwich, Chicken burger with slaw
What Makes it Special: World-class cocktails and creative fried chicken sandwiches in a design-forward bar.
8.7
El Tanque Trattoria Bar is a Dominican-Italian trattoria in Inwood where wood-fired lasagna, orecchiette, and classic antipasti sit under a floral ceiling and a lively bar scene. Baked lasagna comes as a layered, oven-finished slab with ground sirloin, basil-tomato sauce, and mozzarella, making it one of the most sought-after pasta plates in the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baked Lasagna, Rigatoni alla Bolognese, Penne Alla Vodka
What Makes it Special: Wood-fired lasagna and pastas served in a stylish, Dominican-Italian trattoria setting.
#39
Habana Outpost
8.7
Habana Outpost anchors Fort Greene’s outdoor scene with a huge, mural-lined courtyard where frozen drinks, grilled corn, and Cuban-Mexican plates land under rainbow umbrellas. The space feels closer to a block party than a restaurant, drawing families, big groups, and late-afternoon drinkers all season.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Mexican-style corn, Cuban sandwich, Fish tacos
What Makes it Special: A sprawling, high-energy outdoor courtyard built for corn, frozen drinks, and casual Cuban-Mexican plates.
8.7
Hold Fast Kitchen & Spirits offers a cozy and lively setting, serving elevated brunch favorites with a creative twist, complemented by expertly crafted cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Brunch Burger, Avocado Toast, Crispy Chicken Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Unique combination of brunch and craft cocktails in a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere.
#41
Jajaja Mexicana
8.7
Jajaja Mexicana’s Williamsburg outpost is a plant-based Mexican restaurant where vegan tacos, colorful plates, and mezcal cocktails stay relatively accessible for the neighborhood. Tacos like the Buffalo Flower and Chipotle Sweet Potato clock in around the mid-teens for a full plate, making it one of the better value options in the area for groups that want to linger over drinks and shareable food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo Flower Tacos, Chipotle Sweet Potato Tacos, Our Birria Tacos
What Makes it Special: Plant-based Mexican spot where inventive vegan tacos and mezcal cocktails feel fun rather than fussy.
8.7
Kings Co Imperial treats Chinese-American classics with better ingredients, wok heat, and a bar program that makes it as much a night-out spot as a takeout replacement. With strong multi-platform review volume and steady local love, it balances comfort dishes with a few more regionally leaning plates in a cozy, wood-paneled space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Long dumplings in chili oil, Dry-fried green beans, Kung pao chicken
What Makes it Special: Upscaled Chinese-American cooking with serious wok work and cocktails.
8.7
A lively Art‑Nouveau–style brasserie blending French steakhouse traditions with bistro‑style energy; hearty cuts, rich sauces and classic dishes make it a go‑to for pre‑theater dinners or celebratory nights. Its large dining room, mezzanine and raw‑bar give it flexibility for everything from cocktails to a full meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak‑frites (prime cut), French onion soup, Duck à l’Orange
What Makes it Special: Paris‑style brasserie and steakhouse in grand Art Nouveau setting.
8.7
SAGE is a spacious East Williamsburg Thai restaurant and cocktail bar known for a long-running menu of curries, noodles, and vegan-friendly plates, plus a serious drink list. With live jazz on some nights, patio seating, and brunch service, it’s where locals book sit-down dinners, small celebrations, and group hangs built around Thai flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vegan pad thai, Green curry, Drunken noodles
What Makes it Special: Lively Thai restaurant with cocktails, live jazz, and broad vegan options.
#45
Sake No Hana
8.7
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Trendy Table Hotspots
Girls Night Out Approved
Birthday & Celebration Central
Sake No Hana is Tao Group’s modern Japanese showpiece inside the Moxy Lower East Side, where a dramatic multi-level room, moody lighting, and a deep sake and cocktail list set the stage for group feasts. Private dining and semi-private mezzanine spaces work well for birthday dinners or corporate parties that want big-night energy with polished service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wagyu Katsu Sando, Lobster Chirashi Don, A5 Miyazaki Tenderloin
What Makes it Special: A nightlife-ready Japanese dining room with serious wagyu, sushi, and a dedicated private dining setup.
8.7
A raw-bar-first seafood room that lands when you treat the menu like a tight sequence: chilled shellfish, one rich lobster lane, and something bright to reset the palate. The kitchen’s best work is clean, briny, and structured for lingering with drinks rather than rushing through a quick bite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hot Lobster Roll, PEI Mussels, Seafood Tower
What Makes it Special: Raw bar and lobster-heavy mains with a bar-forward pace.
#47
Shuka
8.7
Since 2017, chef Ayesha Nurdjaja’s Shuka has anchored SoHo’s Eastern Mediterranean scene with mezze, kebabs, and shareable feasts in a loud, lively dining room and garden. Strong multi-platform reviews and a James Beard–recognized chef back up the menu’s balance of rustic spreads, grilled meats, and crowd-pleasing brunch plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whipped feta with pistachios, Fried halloumi, Shuka Feast for 2
What Makes it Special: Large-format Eastern Mediterranean feasts, lively room, and serious cocktails.
8.7
Spicy Moon’s West Village outpost is a fully vegan Szechuan restaurant where chili-oil-soaked dumplings, dan dan noodles, and mapo tofu anchor a lively dining room with cocktails. It’s one of downtown’s most in-demand plant-based spots, drawing both vegans and spice-seekers for shareable plates and group dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dan Dan Noodles, Dumplings in Chili Oil, Kung Pao Mushroom
What Makes it Special: All-vegan Szechuan cooking with real heat, cocktails, and a buzzy West Village room.
#49
Tonchin
8.7
The Brooklyn outpost of Tokyo’s Tonchin focuses on silky tonkotsu, firm wavy noodles, and a stronger drinks program than most ramen shops. It functions as a dimmer, date-leaning ramen bar where people linger over bowls, small plates, and natural-leaning wines.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu ramen, Spicy tan-tan ramen, Fried chicken wings
What Makes it Special: Tokyo-rooted ramen with serious broth, small plates, and a real bar.
#50
Tong
8.7
A Bushwick Thai room built around kub klaem-style small plates where spice, smoke, and punchy herbs are the point. The best move is to treat it like a shared-table crawl: one noodle anchor, two or three sharp-edged small plates, and let the kitchen’s heat do the storytelling.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Soi, Gai Tod (fried chicken), Yum Naem (crispy rice salad)
What Makes it Special: Small-plates Thai with real heat and serious regional range.