It’s the simplest and most difficult question to answer, whether it’s coming from a lifelong New Yorker or a first-time visitor: “Where should I eat in New York City?” The type of food, price point, neighborhood, and occasion are just a few factors to consider. Luckily, there are countless options in the five boroughs — and on Eater’s map of 38 essential restaurants, which is updated quarterly. This curated list of venues includes a food truck, taquerias, a slice shop, a Michelin-starred Indian restaurant, and a handful of exceptionally strong city standbys. We’ve also added newly eligible restaurants — Eater 38 venues have to be open for six months, or thereabouts, before they merit inclusion — that capture the diversity of the city’s offerings.
We also recognize this list is subjective and NYC’s dining scene is constantly changing. If you have a favorite, let us know. For the newest places that food obsessives are checking out, see the heatmaps for Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. Removal from the Eater 38 does not mean a restaurant isn’t still awesome and won’t return in the future.
Added in January: Dominick’s, Claudy’s Empanadas, Ugly Baby, Koloman, Charles Fried Chicken, Pastrami Queen, Urban Hawker, Dept of Culture, and Haidilao Hot Pot.
Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission.
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