Top 15 Restaurants in New York City You Must Try in 2025

New York City’s dining scene balances iconic institutions with fresh, innovative kitchens. Use this curated list to plan unforgettable meals in 2025. (Always check hours and availability.) The List

1. Le Bernardin — Midtown

• Style: High-end seafood • Price: $$$$
• Why go: Benchmark for refined fish cookery
• Must-try: Chef’s Tasting (reserve ahead)

2. Gramercy Tavern — Flatiron

• Style: Seasonal American • Price: $$$$
• Why go: Warm hospitality, consistently stellar menus
• Must-try: Tavern burger (lunch) or tasting menu

3. Katz’s Delicatessen — Lower East Side

• Style: Classic Jewish deli • Price: $$
• Why go: Legendary pastrami; NYC experience
• Must-try: Pastrami on rye, matzo ball soup

• Booking: Walk-in

4. Carbone — Greenwich Village

• Style: Italian‑American • Price: $$$$
• Why go: Old‑school swagger, modern execution
• Must-try: Spicy rigatoni vodka

5. The Modern — Midtown (MoMA)

• Style: Contemporary American • Price: $$$$
• Why go: Artful plates next to MoMA
• Must-try: Tasting menu

6. Lilia — Williamsburg

• Style: Wood‑fired Italian • Price: $$$
• Why go: Pasta perfection in Brooklyn
• Must-try: Mafaldine with pink peppercorns
• Booking link: [Add URL]

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7. Balthazar — SoHo

• Style: French brasserie • Price: $$$
• Why go: Buzzy room; classic brasserie fare
• Must-try: Onion soup, steak frites

8. Via Carota — West Village

• Style: Tuscan • Price: $$$
• Why go: Effortless neighborhood charm
• Must-try: Insalata verde, cacio e pepe
• Booking: Limited; arrive early

9. Xi’an Famous Foods — Multiple Locations

• Style: Northwestern Chinese • Price: $
• Why go: Hand‑pulled biang‑biang noodles
• Must-try: Spicy cumin lamb noodles

• Booking: Walk-in

10. Los Tacos No. 1 — Chelsea Market & more

• Style: Tacos • Price: $
• Why go: Simple, blisteringly good tacos
• Must-try: Adobada, asada
• Booking: Walk-in

11. Prince Street Pizza — SoHo

• Style: Pizza (Sicilian squares) • Price: $
• Why go: Iconic pepperoni square
• Must-try: Spicy Spring square
• Booking: Walk-in

12. Peter Luger Steak House — Williamsburg

• Style: Steakhouse • Price: $$$$
• Why go: Old‑school NYC steak icon
• Must-try: Porterhouse for two

13. Di Fara Pizza — Midwood, Brooklyn

• Style: Pizza • Price: $$
• Why go: Cult‑favorite pies
• Must-try: Classic pie
• Booking: Walk-in

14. Russ & Daughters Cafe — Lower East Side

• Style: Jewish appetizing • Price: $$‑$$$
• Why go: Smoked fish royalty
• Must-try: Classic lox & bagel board

15. Jean‑Georges — Central Park West

• Style: French‑influenced fine dining • Price: $$$$
• Why go: Elegant tasting menus
• Must-try: Seasonal tasting How We Chose A balance of iconic and current favorites; consistency, distinctiveness, and value for experience. NYC Dining Tips Reserve 2–3 weeks ahead for high‑demand spots. Lunch menus can be better value than dinner. Always verify hours; some venues change policies seasonally.