30 Cool Restaurants in New York City You Need to Try

Bored of eating at the same places? Well, NYC is home to some of the best dining experiences in the world. There are an endless amount of cool restaurants in New York City, for all kinds of tastes out there.

From restaurants dripped in lights, to pizzerias featuring giant burratas on their slices, we just love trying different places to eat and drink around the city, and are always discovering something new. As a native New Yorker/ Jersey girl I've been actively exploring the food & drink scene in NYC for over a decade.

In this guide I'm going to share with you some super cool restaurants in New York City, as well as bars, and pop up experiences. Let's get started!

Cool Restaurants in New York City: Simple Eats

Looking for some quick and easy spots to eat that won't cost you a fortune? Here are a few cool restaurants in New York City that should be added to your list.

1. Unregular Pizza

If you're looking for some authentic Italian pizza, with a bit of a twist, then this is your spot. Unregular Pizza is owned by a Roman couple, and is right near Union Square. Their ingredients are fresh, and the crust is light and crispy like typical pizza you'd find in Italy.

The signature dish at Unregular Pizza is the slice of pizza with a giant ball of burrata on top. Whether you want hot honey and pepperoni, truffle, or your own customized burrata slice (you can add one to any for $3.75), you'll be blown away by how good the pizza is.

Want to try one of their other specialties? They also have arancini, chicken parm sandwiches with vodka sauce, and even fried cacio e pepe. Also, check out those fun pizza boxes!

2. L & B Spumoni Gardens

If you're looking for a truly iconic pizza place in New York, then L & B Spumoni Gardens is definitely one you need to try. Unlike most thin crust pizza, L & B is known for their thick Sicilian slices and their ice cream. Open since 1939, this is a local favorite, and is located in Brooklyn.

For those that don't have the time to go all the way to L & B, we have good news! There is a new location opening right next to the Brooklyn Bridge. This will make it much more convenient for tourists to enjoy L & B without having to travel too far.

3. DO

Remember when you were little and your parents would make cookies? We all know the best part of homemade cookies weren't the cookies themselves, but actually the dough. Well this place has cookie dough (in a variety of flavors) served just like ice cream, and it is sinfully delicious. They’ve even created the cookie dough without raw eggs so you don’t have to worry about the Salmonella!

4. 7th Street Burger

We all know that when restaurants offer too many products, the majority of it isn't great. Well 7th Street Burger brings back the old concept of quality over quantity. They specialize in burgers and fries, and keep their menu simple.

Each of their products are super delicious and convenient, meaning you can skip that nasty fast food and actually have a good burger on the go. Vegetarian? No worries- they also have a delicious impossible burger as well.

7th Street Burger currently has four locations throughout NYC, and will be opening a fifth one soon. 

5. Ess-a-Bagel

Bagels are an absolute staple for any New Yorker, so it's a must to try one while in NYC. While there are plenty of great ones, Ess-a-Bagel is pretty popular, and has been for decades. This place is so popular that it has a line that wraps around the street starting from early in the morning until the afternoon.

With all different types of bagels, spreads, and sandwiches, there are so many great options at Ess-a-bagel. We definitely suggest ordering online in advance, so that you don't spend your whole morning in line for a bagel.

6. Posh Pop Bakery

Looking for some of the best baked treats in town? Well, not only does this place have super delicious cakes, cookies, brownies, etc, but it is actually 100% gluten-free! The small storefront is super cute, and it is a great spot to stop in and cure your sweet tooth. 

Our favorite? They have Jersey Shore boardwalk favorites like funnel cake and fried Oreos!

7. Faicco's Italian Specialties

Looking for some of the best sandwiches in the city? Well Faicco's is definitely a place you won't want to miss. Full of flavor, and piled high with meat, this is more than just a little grocery store.

8. Trapizzino

Want a twist on a typical Italian specialty? Well Trapizzino has folded and stuffed pizza! This was actually recommended by a friend from Rome, so you know it's the good stuff. This is a great place if you want something a little bit more than a pizzeria, but not quite a fancy sit down dinner.

9. Remi Coffee & Flower Shop

The place is right in the name. This adorable coffee shop doubles as a flower shop, making it cute and fragrant. We suggest trying their signature Rose or Lavender lattes that they have.

Cool Restaurants in New York City: International Specialties

One of the thing that is so great about NYC is that you can seriously find any type of food that you're in the mood for. There are so many cool restaurants in New York City with a variety of different cuisines to choose from. Here are a few of our favorites.

10. Peppercorn Station (Szechuan)

This isn't your typical Chinese food. Szechuan food is much healthier, spicier, and classier than the Chinese food you may be thinking of, and Peppercorn is definitely the place to try it. It is known for it's green peppercorn, which has a very pungent taste, and is what gives the restaurant its name.

We highly suggest the braised chicken with taro, which is insanely flavorful, and big enough for two. Peppercorn Station overall has generous portions, and great prices for NYC. Additionally, the overall value is insanely good for being in the heart of midtown.

11. Rubirosa (Italian)

Located in Little Italy, Rubirosa is known to have some of the best Italian food in NYC, particularly the pizza. While it's definitely on the pricier side, this is a bucket list place for those wanting to have a really great pie while in New York.

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

12. Pasta Eater (Italian)

It's pretty easy to find Italian restaurants in NYC. However, there aren't a ton that offer homemade fresh pasta on their menu. Pasta Eater is owned by a guy from Naples, and his menu is to die for.

One of their specialties is a large Parmesan wheel where they finish cooking the pasta inside- talk about drool-worthy dishes! The small cozy eatery is right by Union Square, and is easily spotted by the people working there that make pasta all day right in the window.

13. Lavaux (Swiss)

This adorable Swiss restaurant is located in Chelsea, and is perfect to add to your list of cool restaurants in New York City for a few reasons. First of all, they have a ski gondola in the front of their restaurant, and you can actually eat inside!

There is only one, so you'll have to reserve this in advance, or have patience to get placed here. The second reason we love this restaurant is because of the delicious comfort food they offer, particularly their incredible 6 different choices of fondue.

14. Old Tbilisi Garden (Georgian)

One of our favorite places we've been to is Georgia (the country, not the state!). So when we found out that there was a restaurant in NYC with Georgians serving their specialties, we knew we had to check it out. While the prices certainly aren't as cheap as Georgia, the food definitely was spot on. 

Georgian food is rich and hearty, perfect for when it starts to get cold in New York. We highly suggest getting the Adjarian Kachapuri, and the Khinkali, which are two extremely popular Georgian dishes. Also, make sure to sit in the back on their heated patio, which is super cozy and cute.

15. Jongro BBQ (Korean) 

If you're looking for a fun dining experience, then Korean BBQ definitely needs to be added to your list of cool restaurants in New York City to check out. 

Korean restaurants often serve a number of tiny plates for the table to share, and then allow you to choose different meats to cook yourself right on a hot plate in the middle of the table. This is the perfect dinner idea for groups or celebrations, and one of the best ones in Manhattan is Jongro BBQ, located in the heart of Midtown.

16. Lafayette Bakery (French)

Want to feel as if you've teleported to Paris? Well, this high end bakery and restaurant is the perfect place to spend a boujie brunch or to grab a cup of coffee. If you're just popping in, we highly suggest their winter specialty, which is their "Supreme de Noel", a flaky pastry stuffed with eggnog cream, and their olive bread.

If you're dining there, they have some of the best lunch options like hand cut fettuccine with wild mushrooms or lobster risotto. Lafayette Bakery is so much more than a bakery, but a restaurant, bar, and experience all in one.

Cool Restaurants in New York City: The Best Decorations

There are so many cool restaurants in New York City when it comes to decor, especially for the holidays! Here are some of the best ones to check out, whether it's during Christmas, or the rest of the year.

17. Oscar Wilde

This is one of our favorite places in the city when it comes to its decorations. It has a Victorian theme, and is so beautiful. During the spring they feature giant pink flowers, and during the holiday season they have some of the best Christmas decorations out there. Whenever you go though, you'll love the detail that Oscar Wilde has.

18. Cosmico

Located just next to Oscar Wilde, lies a true hidden gem. Cosmico is often overshadowed by its sister restaurant, but is cozy and romantic. Dripping with lights and flowers, this spot is truly one not to miss. Cosmico has a great happy hour from 4-7, featuring Latin style eats, and the most stunning and delicious cocktails out there.

19. Lillie's Victorian Restaurant

Lillie's is another Victorian-themed restaurant that is under the same ownership as Oscar Wilde and Cosmico. Lillie's has two locations in the city. Both are cozy yet elegant, and have exceptional food and drinks. Don't miss out on the truffle gnocchi!

20. Papillon

Our final sister restaurant of the previous three is Papillon. We came here for brunch, and were blow away by the beautiful Christmas decor. The two-story restaurant is so lavishly decorated, and has some really great cocktails for that perfect boujie brunch you're looking for.

21. Rolf's

Rolf's is another one of the restaurants in New York with the most beautiful Christmas decor. But what sets Rolf's apart from many others, is that their Christmas decor is actually up for a full half of the year.

From September to May you can experience the cozy German restaurant covered with lights and Christmas ornaments. Our suggestion? Head here before Thanksgiving or after the New Year to avoid the insane crowds.

22. Panna II

Looking for more cool restaurants in New York City covered in lights? Well, Panna II is an Indian restaurant that has colorful Christmas lights year round. Located in the East Village, this hidden spot is BYOB and cash only.

Cool Restaurants in New York City: Fun Places to Eat & Drink

Now that you know some of the best decorated restaurants, here are some cool restaurants in New York City with unique experiences.

23. Watermark

when it comes to seasonal events, Watermark is definitely one of the best restaurants in New York. Located on Pier 15 in Downtown Manhattan, this place has great views of the Brooklyn Bridge, and has plenty of fun events year round. 

Head to Watermark in October and you can experience their Octoberfest, with German specialties and music. Visit for the holidays and you'll be able to check out their winter wonderland with hot chocolate, igloo cabins, and visits from Santa.

24. UES

If you're looking for cool restaurants in New York City for a unique drinking experience, then UES needs to be on your list. Posing as an ice cream shop, this is actually a speak easy featuring some of the most interesting cocktails you'll ever encounter. We suggest getting the Sex & the City themed cocktail, which comes with a cigarette!

25. Drop Off Service

Here's another fun spot in NYC that you'll definitely want to add to your list. Drop Off Service was originally a laundromat, and is now a bar in the East Village.

26. The Cauldron

Looking to bring out the witch in you? The Cauldron is a pop up bar which features cocktails in cauldrons. Their specialty is that they offer mixology courses, and are spookily decorated for Halloween time. The fantasy-inspired pop up is located at Bavaria Bierhaus, along Stone Street in the financial district.

27. Route 66 Smokehouse

Located just across from Bavaria Bierhaus, is another one of our favorite restaurants in NYC. Route 66 Smokehouse gained their popularity during Covid when they turned their outdoor seating into igloos. But this isn't just cute from the outside. Route 66 has heaters, games, and tvs inside their igloos, making it perfect for a romantic date, or a fun night out with friends.

Cool Restaurants in New York City: Epic Rooftops

Now that we've shown you some super cool restaurants in New York City that we love, we have some more! These ones are particularly cool rooftops in the city to see.

28. 230 Fifth Rooftop

One of the most iconic rooftops in NYC is 230 Fifth Rooftop. The views are just up against the Empire State Building, and they always have fun installations to enhance the experience.

The first time we went the rooftop gave robes out for all the guests to keep warm, the next time they had giant igloos for people to eat and drink in, and this past time they even had a swing in front of the Empire State Building for a cute Instragammable shot.

It's pretty clear that 230 Fifth Rooftop is always changing and finding fun ways to make the customer experience unique, so let's see what they come up with when you visit!

29. Magic Hour

Another one of the most Instagrammable rooftop bars in New York is definitely Magic Hour. All year long they have different cute photo opps, and are particularly known for their carousel, where you can eat and drink while circling around. There are a few different rooms to enjoy, both indoor and out, making it always a super fun place to revisit.

30. PHD Terrace

While many restaurants shine during the holidays, this rooftop bar shows off year-round. We particularly love it in the spring/ summer when they have a bright sunflower theme. Eat a sunflower cake, or walk through a hall covered in sunflowers.

PHD Terrace is located at the top of the Dream Hotel in Midtown, and definitely one of our favorite cool restaurants in New York to check out.

Cool Restaurants in New York City: Other Fun Spots

Now that you've experienced all different types of cool restaurants in New York City, we're here to share just a few more of our favorites.

31. Pete's Tavern

Pete's Tavern is both a bar and restaurant, and is actually the oldest continuously standing establishment in New York City! We definitely suggest visiting during the holidays, as they light up the place from top to bottom, and it is super cute and cozy. Pete's is iconic, and definitely is a great place to add to your list for cool restaurants in New York City.

So are you ready to explore some of these cool restaurants in New York City? There are so many great things to do in NYC, which is why we also wrote some other great New York travel guides that you'll love.

Looking to plan your trip? Well, we have customized travel planning services, so that you can save both time and money. 

Here are some other articles that you'll love: