I love food. I think about food a lot. No successful day is complete without good food. I’m fortunate enough to live close to New York City and when people think of the city, they often think about all the amazing food choices offered. Cuisine from all over the world, at any time of the day, what’s not to love?
Since the weather is changing, my mind is full of summer night adventures ending at my favorite restaurants. There is nothing better than sitting outside a restaurant on a warm summer night enjoying quality food and people watching.
Over the years, I have eaten at some amazing places after concerts, art shows and hanging out with friends and feel the need to let the world know of these hidden (and not so hidden) gems to check out next time they are hungry in New York City.
1. Vanessa’s Dumpling House
I first went to Vanessa’s after an art show. We were near Chinatown and authentic dumplings are always a good choice, thus, my obsession with Vanessa’s was born. Currently, there are Basil & Chicken dumplings in my fridge leftover from last night’s excursion waiting to be devoured after I finish writing this article. A small shop on Eldridge Street, Vanessa’s is always full. It takes some strategy to get a table, especially if you have a group larger than four. The menu is amazing. You can get so much food for so little. Almost nothing goes above five dollars, which is pretty rare. If you’re ever in Chinatown and are hungry be sure to check out Vanessa’s.
2. Goa Taco
For my boyfriend and I, summer 2015 was the summer of tacos. From authentic taquerias to taco trucks, there are plenty of places to get awesome tacos in New York. Goa Taco is a more hipster style taco joint. They pack everything into a Paratha taco which, according to their website is “the buttery, flakey lovechild of the tortilla and croissant." My go-to choice is the slow roasted pork belly taco with pickled red cabbage and chipotle mayo. Yummy. It’s a bit on the pricier side and there is very limited space (like five stools at a bar) but in the summer, there is outdoor seating which is a plus.
3. Cafe Petisco
I’m noticing a trend of all my favorite restaurants being found after art show excursions on the Lower East Side. I’ll admit, I’ve only been to Café Petisco once but it made such a great impression on me. We were tired, we were hungry and we stumbled on to this cute café serving Mediterranean and Middle Eastern sandwiches till 5 A.M. What a win! I’m putting it on this list as a reminder to myself to go back next time I’m on the Lower East Side and not craving tacos or dumplings. Also, the managers are very cute and everyone who came in seemed to be the coolest of the cool.
4. Pier I Cafe
I may be a bit biased when it comes to this café since my boyfriend has been working here as a barista since he was in high school. I’ve spent many full days lounging underneath an umbrella reading while munching on the most delicious fries I’ve ever had. Pier I Café is the perfect summer spot. Located on the Upper West Side right in the middle of Riverside Park South, the café faces the water, providing a beautiful river view of summer sunsets. Grab a seat, some fresh blueberry lemonade and watch whichever Summer On The Hudson event is taking place that evening.
5. Rain II
I’ve actually never sat down at this Thai restaurant but I have often sat outside, in my car and waited for my to-go order to be ready. Located on St. Nicholas Ave in Washington Heights, this was another spot introduced to me by my boyfriend. It has great food like any Thai restaurant I’ve ever gone to. What gets me is their sticky rice.
This is the best sticky rice I have ever had that wasn’t home made. It’s actually sticky for one and holds its form and it’s sweet, like nothing I’ve ever tasted. I’m ready to drive to the Heights right now just for that sticky rice.
6. Café Lalo
Do you want to feel like you’re on a fancy date with F. Scotts Fitzgerald in 1920s Paris? Oh my God, do I have a place for you. Café Lalo is something out of "Midnight In Paris." We’re talking twinkle lights, French pastries, and jazz music.
Their menu is full of fresh and organic ingredients and comes dessert you won’t even know where to look. They even have lived music. I fully recommend taking your friends/girlfriend/mom here if you want to impress them.
7. Num Pang
This restaurant is last because I almost forgot about it and honestly that would have been a travesty for you guys. Num Pang is the "Cambodian sandwich king."
My older sister took me to their Union Square location a few years ago. It was one of those moments where I thought I wasn't going to like the sandwich I got (Pulled Duroc Pork-still my everything to this day). Thank God I was wrong.
These sandwiches are freshly made on semolina flour baguettes with chili mayo. You're drooling, right? It's one of those places that, for some locations, literally is a hole in the wall and you may have to wait a bit to order but trust me, it is so worth it.
Where do you love to eat in the city? Let’s swap our favorites. I didn’t even mention The Meatball Shop but all you hip kids knew about that place already right? Next time you're in New York don’t be scared to try someplace new. You’re in one of the food capitals of the world! Go forth, and happy eating!
