Whether you prefer the exotic cuisine of Southeast Asia or tend to opt instead for savoury and hearty all-American comfort foods, everyone has to eat. The extent to which our lives are governed by food is so great that at times it can be quite irritating. As your stomach rumbles loudly in spite of the fact that you literally just ate, you roll your eyes and resign yourself to the task of finding your next meal.
Generally speaking, there are two options in this situation: scrounge up something from ingredients you have in the house, or get food from a restaurant either via delivery or simply going there and chowing down in person. If you’re anything like us, you tend to opt for the latter option rather than the former!
If you find yourself hungry in the city of New York, you won’t have any difficulty finding a restaurant to eat at. Where you might run into difficulty is the decision making process; there are simply so many excellent restaurants to choose from that you’re liable to starve to death before you manage to make up your mind!
With this in mind, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to share our top picks when it comes to eateries, delicatessens, steakhouses and everything in between on the streets of the Big Apple. We’ve got a lot of ground to cover today, so we won’t waste your time with idle chatter. Let’s get right into it!
Lombardi’s Ristorante Italiano
What would New York’s culinary scene look like without Italian food? We don’t know; the very thought of such a thing is near-unimaginable to anyone who knows this city! Italian-American traditions are inseparable from the cultural and culinary landscape of the Big Apple, so it’s only fitting that we start this list off with one of the most well-regarded Italian American restaurants in the city: Lombardi’s!
Lombardi’s Ristorante Italiano has a history that stretches back more than 120 years. Started by a humble Italian immigrant around the turn of the 20th century, Lombardi’s is famously the first pizzeria in the United States, a badge of honor it wears with immense pride. With its long history, it’s understandable that the food here is so incredibly delicious!
Speaking of food, we haven’t yet talked about the delicious cuisine available here at Lombardi’s Ristorante Italiano. As a pizzeria, the main fare available is, well, pizza. Don’t worry though; every bite of pie you take will transport you to pizza heaven. Don’t believe us? Try it for yourself! If you’re not a fan of pizza, there are also a number of other dishes such as pasta, cannoli and lasagna. Mix and match until you find something that suits your tastes!
Then there’s the exceptional ambiance present in the restaurant. Lombardi’s has a somewhat shady relationship with one of the oldest houses of Cosa Nostra, adding an extra layer of mystique to an already delightful dining experience. With the elegantly clothed waiters and atmospheric lighting, you’ll feel like you’re having dinner in a mob movie!
Cathédrale Restaurant
Ok, ok. We get it. You’re not into Italian food. That’s ok! If you’re looking for something a bit less stereotypically New York, then you’ll be pleased to know that this city has exactly what you’re looking for: Cathédrale! This stylish and effortlessly kitsch restaurant offers a delicious combination of great food, good vibes and peerless service.
Now, you may be wondering what type of food Cathédrale serves. If the name wasn’t enough to tip you off, the menu at Cathédrale is primarily Mediterranean and French cuisine, offering a reasonably light but nonetheless satisfying selection of meals. If you were looking for a change of pace from the food you’re likely to find in other cities, this is it!
Where Cathédrale really shines is its dining area. Don’t get us wrong; the menu here is unequalled in the city and perhaps the country, but the dining area and ambiance are simply magnificent! With some of the most exquisite and tastefully done interior decor of any restaurant we’ve ever been in, you might just forget how hungry you are!
Then there’s the service; when you’re at Cathédrale you’ll feel like royalty (don’t worry, they won’t guillotine you). The wait staff here are professional and attentive, waiting on you hand and foot for the entirety of your meal. All things considered, we’re inclined to say that this is one of the best restaurants in the entirety of New York City!
Masa
Do you like sushi? Boy have we got the restaurant for you! We must warn you though; once you’ve eaten here, all other sushi will pale in comparison! Masa is a world renowned Japanese restaurant that has received numerous distinctions, not the least of which are the 3 coveted Michelin stars. Not convinced? Allow us to tell you more!
At Masa, you’ll feel like you’ve left the continental U.S. and been transported back to the era of shogun and samurai. Wait staff and servers move gracefully yet efficiently from table to table, inspiring a certain sense of gravitas in you and your fellow diners. Every action the staff makes is deliberate and elegant!
Further contributing to the atmospheric nature of this dining experience is the setting and decor of the restaurant. With exceptionally ornate yet thoroughly tasteful sensibilities as well as some of the most painstaking attention to detail we’ve ever seen, few restaurants we’ve ever been in come close to matching the sheer majesty of this experience.
Last but far from least, we’ve got to talk about the food. Prepared with an exacting degree of expertise, sushi and stir fry alike are personally inspected by head chef Masa Takayama after whom the restaurant is named. Each is lovingly crafted and mouth wateringly delicious; even if you aren’t a fan of Japanese cuisine, you have to appreciate the care and precision with which this food is made!
Katz Delicatessen
Up until this point, all of the restaurants on our list have been of the pricier, more distinguished variety. These are all well and good when you have the time and energy to get dandied up and ready for an opulent night on the town, but sometimes this type of restaurant isn’t ideal. So where do you go when you want something a bit more relaxed and informal? Why, Katz Delicatessen, of course!
Katz is a thoroughly unique place to eat a meal. The food is good, but simple, with very little in the way of unnecessary frills. All-American staples such as burgers, steaks and other beloved dishes complete the menu at Katz, providing its customers with a delicious and satisfying meal at a very reasonable price.
Where Katz really shines is the atmosphere. Over the years, Katz has become something of a New York landmark, drawing some of the most famous and notorious figures in the country and indeed the world. Photographs of celebrities, politicians, musicians and other notable figures line the walls of this legendary restaurant, creating an almost surreal atmosphere.
If you’re planning a trip to New York in the near future, all of these restaurants will make good additions to your itinerary, but if you could only visit one we’d recommend Katz. It can’t compete with the luxurious furnishings and sophisticated culinary techniques of other restaurants on this list, but it doesn’t have to; this experience doesn’t need bells and whistles to be delightful!
Conclusion
Considering how many restaurants there are in the city of New York, it goes without saying that this list is entirely subjective. Should you visit these restaurants and not find them to your liking, that’s ok! If this happens, the only thing you can do is go out exploring and find your own favorite restaurant. Ask the locals, or any of the real estate agents in New York, NY for their recommendations. You won’t regret it, we promise!
