New York is huge and there are countless things to do and restaurants to try. When friends or followers visit the city, they always ask me for recommendations, so I started to keep a list of some of my favourites. I will keep adding to this page, so be sure to come back and check it once in a while. Visit New York for an unforgettable adventure with City Guide and Discover the best hotels, restaurants, bars, activities, attractions and world-famous sites. We can’t miss New York attractions, our favorite NYC neighborhoods, the best places to eat, how to save money, what to do, where to go, best place to stay in New York City.

Restaurants

Hell’s Kitchen

Bea – intimate bar and restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen. This place is great for brunch, and you can choose from just bottomless food or you can add in bottomless drinks too.

Photo Credit: BEA NYC

44&X – Gay restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen serving up the consistent brunch or dinner – it is one of my go to restaurants in the neighbourhood.

Empanada Mama – Best empanadas in the city. There’s a location in Hell’s Kitchen and is open 24/7 so you can drop by after a night out. I always order the ox tail soup!

Pio Pio – One of the best Peruvian restaurants serving up delicious rotisserie chicken. There are locations through NYC, but I always go to the one in Hell’s Kitchen.

Photo Credit: Pio Pio

Becco – Located on restaurant row (46^th street between 8^th and 9^th Avenue), this restaurant is known for its unlimited pasta! This is a Joe Bastianich restaurant.

Gay Friendly (also see above for restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen)

Cafeteria – Gay restaurant in the heart of Chelsea, serving up American comfort food 24/7! They also serve all day breakfast. Definitely try their chicken and waffles!

Elmo Restaurant – One of my favourite go to restaurants in Chelsea for gay brunch on a Sunday afternoon.

Photo Credit: Elmo Restaurant

Bobo – Super cute and intimate setting located in a brownstone in West Village – divided into a second-floor dining room and garden. This is a great place for brunch with friends.

Canadian

Flex Mussels – Located in West Village and the Upper East Side, this Canadian owned restaurant serves up the best PEI mussels.

UpNorth – Located in Brooklyn eh! This Canadian bar is the place to go for some delicious poutine and other Canadian favourites, including Canadian craft beer.

Photo Credit: UpNorth

Miles End – Jewish Delicatessen specializing in traditional specialty foods, including house-made Montreal-style smoked meats. This restaurant is modeled after delis found in Montreal’s famous Mile End neighborhood.

Asian

Tetsu – From the same owner as Masa – a Michelin Star restaurant, Tetsu is located in the heart of Tribeca. I recommend their famous burger, which is cooked in a spiky cast-iron device, and all desserts are great, including the Japanese halo halo, shaved ice, mango flan, ube mocha, matcha, and pandan agar.

Tsuru Ton Tan Udon Noodles – Japan’s popular udon noodle eatery. There are two locations in NYC – midtown and in Union Square. They serve really good udon noodles!

Tanoshi Sushi Sake Bar – Small unassuming Japanese restaurant offering one of the city’s best valued omakases. There is only one menu per night offered across 3 different seating times. Seating is really limited, so make sure to book early. It is also BYOB.

Photo Credit: Tanoshi Sushi Sake Bar

Ippudo – Located in midtown west, this place offers delicious Japanese small plates, ramen & sake.

Topaz noodle bar – Located on 56^th street by 7^th Avenue, this nondescript restaurant could easily be missed. They serve traditional Thai cuisine and have the best duck noodle soup.

Sugarfish by Sushi Nozawa – The New York branch of a Los Angeles chain located in the Flatiron area that serves fresh sushi! They do not take reservations so make sure you go early – the wait can be quite crazy.

Photo Credit: Sugarfish

Ikinari Steak – Japan-based steak restaurant from Tokyo with 9 locations in the US – all in Manhattan. There is one located right by Times Square on Restaurant Row. This restaurant serves high-quality cuts of steak at relatively affordable prices. If you like steak, this restaurant is the place for you!

Uncle Boons – Located in the nolita area, this restaurant serves up creative Thai dishes in a funky fun atmosphere. They are best known for their grilled items.

Others

Tartine – Pocket sized French bistro with sidewalk seating. I stumbled across this one and I am glad I did because it’s super cute and really takes you away from being in a big city.

Rice to the Riches – Specializes in rice pudding desserts in wide range of different flavours that changes each day.

Photo Credit: Rice to the Riches

Morgensterns – Modern parlor featuring creative flavors of ice cream & sorbet plus gourmet sundae toppings – they offer some unique flavours such as green tea pistachio, salt and pepper pinenut, among others.

Raines Law Room – A popular speakeasy with two locations in Manhattan. They serve up amazing cocktails all in a cozy setting filled with bookshelves and rustic décor. Both locations are semi-hidden, so make sure you look it up before you go.

Photo Credit: Raines Law Room

Breads Bakery – It’s best known for its chocolate babka at the Union Square location. This bakery has all kinds of delicious goods.

The Campbell Bar – Located in Grand Central Terminal, the iconic bar serves modern cocktails, wines, craft beers, and more. Fun fact: The Campbell Bar was featured on Gossip Girl.