Authentic soba restaurant. The kakiage is my favorite. There's a flat rate for 100g-300g of soba. If you don't have a large appetite, go for 100g!
First falafel place I've ever been that has multiple flavors. Very affordable and wonderfully crisp. The pear-mint-lemon smoothie is delicious and refreshing!
Pricey but unique Japanese hotpot. Pig's feet is the specialty here. The gyoza has interesting yuzu sauces, but IMO it wasn't worth $11.
Hip udon place. Authentic, with a laid-back vibe. The kakiage here was generously portioned and wonderfully crispy. Cash-only.
The large-format duck-stuffed-with-duck-and-pork-sausage meal was amazing, but I probably wouldn't come here for an everyday meal.
The Crack Pie is so sweet I thought my teeth might melt. Worth a try if you love sweets and zany flavors.
Came just for the Impossible Burger, a plant-based burger meant to look, feel, and taste like meat. It doesn't quite pass, but it's definitely the most convincing fake burger I've had! Worth a try.
Great modern Indian cafe. The morning thali was tasty, healthy, and a great introduction to different Indian flavors. If you sit at the bar, you can watch the kitchen staff at work.
Only poke place I've ever been that has zucchini noodles as a base. Decent poke, but if you don't like your poke drowning in sauce, ask for less!
The Taste of Maine is a great way to try their different rolls. They're on the smaller side, but not too bad for the price point, and very tasty.
Not the best lobster you've ever had, but certainly the best deal for a whole steamed lobster! Butter makes everything better. If you get a burger here, I'll judge you.
You have to know someone who's dined here to get a reservation. The environment is what's special here – it feels like you're dining in your super-hip Japanese friend's living room.
If you're gonna come to Shake Shack, you might as well go all the way and get the Shack Stack. You might regret it later, but the taste now might be worth it.
Slow service, but great cheap eats. The chili wontons are very spicy. If you're in a rush, also try the dumplings at the store on the corner next door – basically no wait, but still delicious!
My personal favorite place for egg tarts in NY. I always get the oval-shaped ones, which have a lovely crumbly cookie crust and aren't overly sweet. The mini egg tarts make a great gift too.
Just around the corner from Tai Pan, another solid choice for Chinese bakery goods. Grab a bun and take it on the go if you're hungry.
Sells my favorite "da bao," a Cantonese-style steamed bun with pork, salted duck yolk, chinese sausage, etc. inside.
Hip, zany, spicy Thai food. The vinegars make for an interesting drink, if you're up for something weird.
The first place I ever had rolled ice cream. It's super fun to watch them make the ice cream, and the results are delicious.
The line can be unpleasant and the interior's austere, but it's famous for a reason. Skip the jajiangmian and get the classics, like the spicy cumin lamb noodles.
Sit-down sister restaurant of Xi'an Famous Foods. It's pricier, but much cozier and more comfortable, so I'd choose Biang! when I'm not on the go.
Great hangout/work spot in the LES. Fast WiFi, plenty of outlets, and super chill vibes.
Harney makes a ton of different teas, but my favorite is the Paris. There's a cute sit-down area in the back where you can order high tea and various snacks.
Great place for a classy meal. A la carte beats prix fixe. Get the sashimi rib special if it's available.
Best acai bowl I've had in NYC. Much larger than other places for the price. You can ask to add pb to any acai bowl, not just the minion.
