Whether you're a newbie to NYC or not, summer 2015 is your time to explore your taste buds and try out new food options and restaurants. I'm not talking about those generic restaurants that we all went to for our Sweet 16 such as TAO or Serafina's (although those are two great dining options). These aren't restaurants whose geo tags are constantly popping up on your Instagram feed that in reality are over hyped (i.e. Tompkins Square Bagels because the birthday cake cream cheese wasn't actually that good). What I'm really talking about are places that have incredible food, because sometimes you just gotta eat out and treat yo self.
Get ready to nom:
1. Egg Shop NYC (151 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012)
The name is self explanatory and you can find the best B.E.C. here. Bowls are incredible and filling (try the El Camino). Sides are delicious: fried chicken is drizzled with honey, therefore it melts in your mouth and the biscuit is the size of your face.
2. El Rey Coffee Bar and Luncheonette (100 Stanton Street, New York, NY 10002)
This cute space has delicious food including their Avocado Del Sur and even their pastries are extremely tasty like their sweet potato bread or their sesame banana bread (coffee is great too).
3. Maman (239 Centre Street, New York, NY 10013)
Levain Bakery better watch out because these nutty chocolate chunk cookies will make you feel some type of way. Warm and gooey on the inside and crispy on the outside you really wonder how they make it. The Michielin-starred chef Armand Arnal has created incredibly delicious and satisfying food.
4. Morgenstern's Finest Ice Cream (2 Rivington Street, New York, NY 10002)
The name really isn't lying, this is the finest homemade ice cream around. Go for the salted pretzel caramel or even the green tea pistachio. You really can't go wrong with whatever flavor you choose.
5. Genuine Superette (191 Grand Street, New York, NY 10013)
California-inspired food, this place makes incredible burgers, tacos, and fries (get the half regular french fries and half sweet potato fries). End the meal with their signature ice cream pressed between a warm brioche.
6. Ivan Ramen (25 Clinton Street, New York, NY 10002)
The best ramen around. Can't go wrong with a single selection on the menu. All dishes are filled with exciting and different flavors, whether it's spicy or salty your stomach will be very happy.
7. King Bee (424 E 9th Street, New York, NY 10009)
On the pricier side but great cozy atmosphere that serves up fantastic Acadian food. Try the farro salad to start and dig in to any of the entrees. All dishes are filled with fresh ingredients as there's even a garden right in the back of the restaurant, where they pick fresh herbs and where some of their produce comes from.
8. Elsie's Doughnuts (667 Classon Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238)
This isn't just your average doughnut shop. Every doughnut is rich in flavor and wont leave you feeling greasy and gross after eating one. Try out the butterscotch and salted peanut donut or even the fresh glazed with lemon zest. The coffee's great too and they just recently added ice cream to their menu, which translates their doughnut flavors into ice creams.
9. Meatball Shop (84 Stanton Street, New York, NY 10002)
This hearty meal will for sure have you feeling full and happy. With a fun atmosphere you just choose the type of ball you want (spicy pork, classic beef, or even veggie), choose your sauce (the spicy meat or pesto is fantastic) and finish it off with a market fresh side.
10. Delicatessen (54 Prince Street, New York, NY 10012)
This is always a great fallback for any meal of the day. The mac n' cheese (classic or not) is fantastic for any cheese lover. The atmosphere is young and fun and the fries never fail to satisfy those taste buds.
