The Best Places To Eat In New York City

Well, usually when returning home from a trip I’d share a travel guide: chock full of where I stayed, things to do, clothes to pack, and places to eat. But because my trip to New York City was solely for work (New York Fashion Week), I didn’t have time to do much else besides attending events and shows.

I decided a travel guide would probably be lacking but almost everyone on Instagram said they still wanted a round-up of my favorite restaurants in the city. And since I consider myself a pretty big foodie, of course, I had to. Hopefully, this post will keep you from aimlessly ~hangry~ walking through the city as we did.

This way, you can skip straight to the good stuff. I’ve included links to the menu + directions to make your life a little easier too!

*I want to note that due to Covid almost everywhere we ate in NYC required proof of vaccination + ID when being seated. Most places still offer enclosed outdoor seating as an option too!

Daniela Trattoria Italia

menu // get directions // food rating 8/10

Although I am Italian, it’s very rare that I ever pick Italian when choosing a place to eat. However, Sam was desperate for a carb-up so we picked the first place we walked by. It turned out to be the cutest restaurant ever; a quaint little place with an intimate atmosphere and the most attentive staff ever.

We started with the cheesy bread and my gosh was it good. I’m not usually one to get an appetizer but this was hard to resist. As for my main course I went with the Alfredo and added shrimp to get a little protein in. I thought the sauce was lacking a bit of flavor but the shrimp were some of the best I’ve ever had. Plus, they were huge!

Fiddlesticks 

menu // get directions // food rating 9/10

After a long day of fashion shows, Sam and I were desperate for a good sandwich and some fries. We passed Fiddlesticks on our walk back home and the lively outdoor seating arrangement caught our eye. Inside was an adorable Irish pub, with moody lighting and secluded seating.

We both got the grilled chicken, bacon, avocado, cajun mayo sandwich and it was so good. Bursting with flavor and a huge portion that we both gobbled up instantly. Plus, their fries were super crispy so we practically licked our plates clean.

12 Chairs Soho 

menu // get directions // food rating 6/10

Met my sweet cousin Megan at 12 Chairs Soho for brunch. This was a cute Isralien place but admittedly, I’m more of an American breakfast kind of girl. So, I did end up getting the two eggs + bacon combo. Their bacon was bursting with flavor. However, the eggs weren’t my favorite. I got them scrambled with fresh mozzarella and I would’ve liked them a little crispier.

It did come with a side of cucumber tomato salad that was excellent and their orange juice was worth every penny—tasted fresh out of the orange!

La Contenta 

menu // get directions // food rating 10/10

La Contenta was hands down my favorite meal of the trip. We originally sat down for some water + chips & guac but after seeing the food of everyone around us, we decided it was dumb of us not to order a full-blown meal. Their guac was super spicy but very good. Not sure it’s needed for $14 but oh well; go big or go home!

I got the chicken and cheese quesadilla and the trio of sauces on top was amazing. I typically prefer to dress my food myself, but man was this good. The rice, corn, and beans were to die for and I truly can’t think of a better authentic Mexican experience I’ve ever had!

Cafe Roma

menu // get directions // food rating 8/10

We had to grab at least one sweet treat while in the city. Cafe Roma was right in Little Italy and had the cutest pastries lining the window. I stopped in and grabbed a cone of gelato. I got a mix of mint chocolate chip and Oreo—skip out on the mint, it wasn’t anything special! However, the Oreo was to die for.

Blacktap 

menu // get directions // food rating 10/10

I’ve heard mixed reviews on the popular milkshake bar and grill Blacktap, but after wandering aimlessly for an hour trying to decide where to eat, Sam and I settled on Blacktap. I got their crispy chicken sandwich with pico, bacon, pepper jack cheese, avocado, cajun mayo, and cilantro lime sauce. It was hands down one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had out, bursting at the seams with flavor.

Their fries were delicious too and we finished off our meal with “The Cake shake”. I’m not usually a huge milkshake girl but this was to die for. The cake was delicious and the milkshake nice and creamy. You definitely won’t finish one on your own though, so grab one to share!

Borough Pizza

menu // get directions // food rating 9/10

I’m not going to lie, we got our fair share of $1 slices in the city, but Borough pizza deserves an honorable mention for its Saturday night delivery. Not only were their slices huge, but their mozzarella sticks were amazing. Plus, they gave you ten for like $6 which was such a steal.

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Although I don’t consider myself a huge New York City girl, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t still thinking about the food. It was incredible.

I know this post was a bit different from my usual but I hope you enjoyed it! If you’ve eaten your way through New York City before, be sure to leave your recommendations in the comments below for anyone else who may be visiting soon. Cheers to good food and even better company!

With love, McKenz

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