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Top 10 Places To Eat In NYC

A forever-unfinished list of my personal favorite restaurants.

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Top 10 Places To Eat In NYC

New York may be one of the top culinary capitals of the world. Since I moved here three months ago, I've yet to have a bad meal. That may have something to do with my finely cultivated Yelp skills, but it also may be in part to the fact that NYC restaurants are the cream of the crop. As such, I've compiled a tentative list of the ten best restaurants in the city (that I've been to so far).

1. The Smith (East Village) $$

The Smith has been hands-down my favorite restaurant. I don't think a week's passed that I haven't had a meal here. The menu varies between weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, so there's always a variety. If you're looking for a delicious and filling American dinner or an indulgent brunch, this is the place for you.

Try the avocado toast, the grilled chicken sandwich, the grilled shrimp with jalapeño cheddar grits, the hot potato chips with bleu cheese, and the bloody mary.

2. Fig & Olive (Meatpacking) $$$

Fig & Olive is one of the best treat-yourself meals you can get. Enjoy some of their signature cocktails (the Cucumber Cosmo and the Summer in Provence are my two favorites) while trying out their olive oil samplers. The waitstaff are incredibly friendly and helpful, and the restaurant's design is beautiful. Go for the food, and stay for the atmosphere.

Try the crostinis, the risottos, the pastas and the chocolate fondant.

3. Republic (Union Square) $$

Republic is my go-to when I'm craving noodles but don't have the patience for Momofuku noodle bar. They have equally delicious noodles and ramen, and a very generous happy hour. There's an open and lively atmosphere, and it's in a great location - right on the northwest corner of Union Square.

Try the sake flights, the vegetable dumplings, spicy beef broth noodles, the curry vegetable broth noodles, the pad thai

4. Caracas (East Village) $$

Caracas is an arepa bar - and if you've never had an arepa before, you have no idea what you're missing. You might think the menu's a bit pricey - one arepa is roughly $9, but you really only need one, especially if you get an appetizer. It's a loud, cramped little space, so if you're feeling a more quiet vibe, pop next door to their take out bar. However, if you go with a small group of friends, share a pitcher of their sangria and soak up the Spanish music and eclectic decor.

Try the tostones mochimeros, la sureña and los muchachos.

5. Ichabod's (Union Square) $$$

Ichabod's is an unassuming little hole in the wall, but it's beyond amazing. Another treat-yourself menu (all those little tapas add up quickly), Ichabod's offers a diverse list of tapas that you can't go wrong with. The dim lighting and 1940s music gives the whole space a relaxed and cozy atmosphere, perfect for stuffing your face in. Hint: if you come here for a simple but satisfying brunch and don't have time for the lengthy wait, pop next door to The Headless Horseman, Ichabod's sister establishment. It's definitely a pub atmosphere, but they share the same great menu.

Try the burrata, the kale caesar, the beet salad and the squash dumplings

6. Rosemary's (Greenwich Village) $$$


Rosemary's is simply stunning. The food is unreal, the atmosphere and decoration clean and bright and serene. The menu is mostly Italian, and feature herbs and vegetables that are grown on the restaurant's rooftop garden. You can't get any fresher than that. Their breakfast and brunch are amazing.

Try the frittata, the focacce and the juices.

7. Angelica Kitchen (East Village) $$


Angelica Kitchen specializes in organic and plant-based foods, perfect for a quiet meal for one. You can sit at their community table with a glass of their Kombrewcha and the Times. The waitstaff are friendly and know their menu front to back. The kitchen is extremely attentive to allergies and food specifications - perhaps a by-product of the restaurant's vegan status.

Try the chili, the polenta, the dashi and noodles.

8. Tommy Bahama Cafe (Midtown) $$$


While a chain restaurant throughout the U.S., Tommy Bahama's New York location is still a treat. You can't pick a bad item off any of their menus, and the relaxed and lush decorations of the restaurant make for a memorable time.

Try the coconut martini, the coconut shrimp, the crab cakes, the Macadamia crusted goat cheese, the crab bisque, the grilled chicken sandwich, the Cuban sandwich, the Key Lime Pie, and the Pina Colada cake.

9. Amelie (Greenwich Village) $$

Amelie is a tiny restaurant in the shadow of NYU, but has amazing authentic French food. Go during their happy hour to get wine flutes matching personalized tastes and enjoy their freshly baked bread. Don't be afraid to order a lot - it's all delicious, and you'd be surprised how nicely your stomach expands for the influx of cheese, bread, and wine.

Try the crostinis, the Frisée salad, the cheese board and the pistachio crusted goat cheese ball.

10. Tao (Meatpacking) $$$$

TAO may be the ultimate indulgence I've ever experienced - they have their own freaking Snapchat geotag. Walking into the restaurant is like walking into a paradise - a dreamy, 1920s Eden. It's something I think every New Yorker has to see for themselves - words won't do it justice.

Try the cocktails, the crispy rice tuna, the sushi

Now go forth and get yours, little foodies. I'm off to lunch.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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