43 Most Favorite Restaurants in East Village, New York City
The East Village: where culinary innovation and old-school charm collide on every block. This vibrant neighborhood, steeped in history and brimming with artistic energy, isn’t just a place to live; it’s a place to eat. From hidden-away ramen shops to iconic Italian institutions, the East Village offers a staggering array of dining experiences that cater to every palate and budget. But with so many choices, where do you even begin? That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to the forty-three most beloved restaurants in the East Village, showcasing the diverse flavors and culinary artistry that make this neighborhood a true foodie paradise. Prepare to embark on a gastronomic adventure that will leave you craving more.
What Makes a Restaurant a “Favorite?”
Before diving into the list, let’s clarify what we mean by “favorite.” This isn’t simply a collection of restaurants with the highest star ratings. We’ve taken a more holistic approach, considering a variety of factors to curate a list that truly represents the East Village’s culinary heartbeat. Our selection process involved a careful blend of consistent high ratings across various platforms like Yelp, Google, and Resy. We also tapped into local knowledge, scouring recommendations from East Village residents and engaging with the neighborhood’s vibrant word-of-mouth culture. Critical acclaim played a role too, with mentions from reputable food critics adding weight to our decisions. Ultimately, though, we prioritized restaurants that possess a unique character and charm, contributing to the neighborhood’s distinctive culinary identity. This could mean a decades-old establishment with a devoted following or a newer spot pushing the boundaries of culinary creativity. While “favorite” is inherently subjective, we’ve strived for a balanced and well-researched compilation that caters to a broad range of tastes and preferences. Our aim is to represent the full spectrum of the East Village’s culinary landscape, from comforting classics to innovative newcomers.
Italian Gems in the East Village
The East Village boasts some of the city’s most cherished Italian restaurants. Prepare for a carb-loaded journey into pasta perfection.
Frank Restaurant
Description: A perpetually packed, charming trattoria serving rustic, Southern Italian fare in an intimate setting.
Why It’s a Favorite: The simple, perfectly executed pasta dishes, buzzing atmosphere, and reasonable prices make it an East Village staple. The lemon pasta is legendary.
Address: 88 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10003
Price Range: $$
Lil Frankie’s
Description: A sister restaurant to Frank Restaurant, Lil Frankie’s offers similar Southern Italian dishes with a focus on wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta.
Why It’s a Favorite: The thin-crust pizzas are addictive, and the bustling energy makes it a perfect spot for a casual and fun meal. The cacio e pepe is a must-try.
Address: 19 First Avenue, New York, NY 10003
Price Range: $$
Supper
Description: A cozy, candlelit restaurant specializing in authentic, handmade pasta dishes inspired by regional Italian cuisine.
Why It’s a Favorite: The intimate setting and carefully crafted dishes make it a romantic and memorable dining experience. The tasting menu is a great way to sample their best offerings.
Address: 156 E 2nd St, New York, NY 10009
Price Range: $$$
Asian Delights: A World of Flavors
From spicy Sichuan noodles to delicate sushi rolls, the East Village’s Asian restaurants offer a tantalizing trip around the globe.
Momofuku Noodle Bar
Description: David Chang’s iconic noodle shop serving up ramen, pork buns, and other Asian-inspired comfort food.
Why It’s a Favorite: The ramen is rich and flavorful, and the pork buns are legendary. It’s a must-visit for any ramen enthusiast.
Address: 171 First Avenue, New York, NY 10003
Price Range: $$
Raku
Description: Specializing in handmade udon noodles, Raku offers a variety of hot and cold noodle dishes with flavorful broths and toppings.
Why It’s a Favorite: The chewy udon noodles and delicate broths make it a comforting and satisfying meal. The kitsune udon is a classic.
Address: 342 E 6th St, New York, NY 10003
Price Range: $$
Ivan Ramen
Description: A renowned ramen shop offering a unique take on traditional ramen with a focus on artisanal ingredients and innovative flavors.
Why It’s a Favorite: The complex and flavorful broths, carefully sourced ingredients, and creative toppings make it a standout ramen experience.
Address: 25 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002
Price Range: $$$
Hanoi House
Description: A popular Vietnamese restaurant serving authentic pho, banh mi, and other traditional dishes in a stylish setting.
Why It’s a Favorite: The flavorful pho, fresh ingredients, and cozy atmosphere make it a go-to spot for Vietnamese comfort food.
Address: 119 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009
Price Range: $$
Hasaki
Description: Long standing sushi spot.
Why it’s a favorite: Consistently high quality fish with a great omakase option.
Address: 210 E 9th St, New York, NY 10003
Price range: $$$
American Classics and Comfort Food Done Right
Sometimes, all you crave is a classic burger or a plate of perfectly fried chicken. These East Village spots deliver American comfort food at its finest.
Veselka
Description: A legendary Ukrainian diner open since 1954, serving pierogies, borscht, and other Eastern European classics.
Why It’s a Favorite: The comforting food, retro atmosphere, and late-night hours make it an East Village institution.
Address: 144 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10003
Price Range: $$
Joe’s Shanghai
Description: This bustling spot has some of the best soup dumplings in the city.
Why it’s a favorite: Soup dumplings are so rich and flavorful and consistently well made.
Address: 9 Pell St, New York, NY 10013
Price range: $$
International Flavors: A Culinary Melting Pot
The East Village’s diverse population is reflected in its eclectic range of international restaurants, offering flavors from around the world.
Il Buco
Description: A rustic Mediterranean restaurant serving tapas-style dishes, cured meats, and artisanal cheeses in a charming setting.
Why It’s a Favorite: The high-quality ingredients, extensive wine list, and cozy atmosphere make it a perfect spot for a special occasion.
Address: 47 Bond St, New York, NY 10012
Price Range: $$$
Souvlaki GR
Description: Excellent Greek food in a casual setting.
Why it’s a favorite: Perfectly seasoned meats, fresh salads and great prices.
Address: 116 E 1st St, New York, NY 10009
Price range: $$
Brunch and Breakfast Hotspots
Start your day off right at one of the East Village’s many brunch and breakfast destinations.
Clinton St. Baking Company
Description: A popular spot known for its fluffy pancakes, buttermilk biscuits, and other Southern-inspired breakfast dishes.
Why It’s a Favorite: The pancakes are legendary, and the friendly service makes it a perfect spot for a weekend brunch.
Address: 4 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002
Price Range: $$
Late-Night Eats: Fueling the Night Owls
When the sun goes down, the East Village comes alive with late-night dining options.
Artichoke Basille’s Pizza
Description: A popular pizza chain known for its massive slices and signature artichoke pizza.
Why It’s a Favorite: The artichoke pizza is a must-try, and the late-night hours make it a perfect spot for a quick and satisfying bite.
Address: 328 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003
Price Range: $
Vegetarian and Vegan Options: Delicious and Plant-Based
The East Village offers a growing number of vegetarian and vegan restaurants, serving creative and flavorful plant-based dishes.
Avant Garden
Description: An upscale vegan restaurant serving innovative and beautifully plated dishes made with seasonal ingredients.
Why It’s a Favorite: The creative menu, elegant atmosphere, and delicious food make it a standout vegan dining experience.
Address: 130 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009
Price Range: $$$
Pizza Places: A Slice of New York
No visit to New York is complete without a slice of pizza, and the East Village has some of the best in the city.
Lombardi’s
Description: Claiming to be America’s first pizzeria, Lombardi’s has been serving coal-oven pies since 1905.
Why It’s a Favorite: The historic ambiance, crispy crust, and fresh ingredients make it a classic New York pizza experience.
Address: 32 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
Price Range: $$
Burger Joints: A Meaty Indulgence
Craving a juicy burger? The East Village has you covered with a variety of burger joints serving up classic and creative creations.
Superiority Burger
Description: An acclaimed vegetarian burger joint serving a delicious and surprisingly satisfying veggie burger.
Why It’s a Favorite: The veggie burger is packed with flavor, and the casual atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a quick and affordable meal.
Address: 430 E 9th St, New York, NY 10009
Price Range: $
The Remaining Favorites: A Diverse Selection
Here’s a continuation of the list, encompassing more culinary gems of the East Village:
Miss Lily’s
Description: Caribbean hotspot.
Why it’s a favorite: Island vibes with great cocktails and flavorful food.
Address: 132 W Houston St, New York, NY 10012
Price Range: $$
Pylos
Description: Cozy Greek spot.
Why it’s a favorite: Great atmosphere and traditional dishes.
Address: 128 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009
Price Range: $$
Cafe Mogador
Description: Moroccan and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Why it’s a favorite: Excellent tagines and hummus.
Address: 101 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009
Price Range: $$
Punjabi Grocery & Deli
Description: Indian takeout.
Why it’s a favorite: Flavorful and cheap.
Address: 114 E 1st St, New York, NY 10009
Price Range: $
Xi’an Famous Foods
Description: Spicy noodles.
Why it’s a favorite: Unique flavors.
Address: 81 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003
Price Range: $
Luke’s Lobster
Description: Lobster rolls.
Why it’s a favorite: Fresh and delicious.
Address: 93 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009
Price Range: $$
Ippudo
Description: Ramen.
Why it’s a favorite: Rich broth.
Address: 65 4th Ave, New York, NY 10003
Price Range: $$
Kanoyama
Description: Sushi.
Why it’s a favorite: Fresh fish.
Address: 175 Second Ave, New York, NY 10003
Price Range: $$$
Taberna
Description: Spanish Taps
Why its a favorite: Authentic plates with the right amount of savory
Address: 102 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009
Price Range: $$
Sam’s Falafel
Description: Authentic Israeli Falafel
Why its a favorite: Great spot that’s open late and delicious
Address: 107 Ave A, New York, NY 10009
Price Range: $
The Smith
Description: American Bistro
Why its a favorite: Huge selection of food.
Address: 1150 Broadway, New York, NY 10001
Price Range: $$
Rubirosa
Description: Great Pizza
Why its a favorite: A wide range of flavors.
Address: 235 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012
Price Range: $$
Mighty Quinn’s
Description: BBQ
Why its a favorite: Slow cooked meats.
Address: 103 Second Ave, New York, NY 10003
Price Range: $$
Katz’s Delicatessen
Description: Deli
Why its a favorite: Classic sandwiches.
Address: 205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
Price Range: $$
Minca Ramen Factory
Description: Ramen
Why its a favorite: Authentic flavors.
Address: 536 E 5th St, New York, NY 10009
Price Range: $$
Loring Place
Description: New American Cuisine
Why its a favorite: Seasonal Ingredients
Address: 21 W 8th St, New York, NY 10011
Price Range: $$$
Raclette
Description: Amazing melted cheese.
Why its a favorite: Very unique.
Address: 51 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
Price Range: $$
Saigon Shack
Description: Banh Mi
Why its a favorite: Classic Vietnamese Sandwiches
Address: 114 Macdougal St, New York, NY 10012
Price Range: $
Samurai Mama
Description: Japanese spot.
Why its a favorite: Wide range of plates.
Address: 142 N 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Price Range: $$
Jajaja Plantas Mexicana
Description: Mexican Vegan.
Why its a favorite: Huge selection of plates.
Address: 162 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002
Price Range: $$
Roberta’s Pizza
Description: Classic pizza
Why its a favorite: Traditional neapolitan flavor.
Address: 261 Moore St, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Price Range: $$
Hidden Gems: Beyond the Beaten Path
While the restaurants listed above are widely popular, the East Village also boasts a number of hidden gems that deserve recognition. These are the places that locals swear by, offering exceptional food and a unique atmosphere, often without the long lines or high prices of more well-known establishments. These are just a few examples, and we encourage you to explore and discover your own hidden culinary treasures.
East Village Food Trends: What’s Hot Right Now?
The East Village’s food scene is constantly evolving, with new trends emerging all the time. Currently, there’s a noticeable surge in popularity for natural wine bars, offering a curated selection of organic and biodynamic wines alongside small plates. Korean-inspired cuisine is also experiencing a resurgence, with several new restaurants showcasing modern takes on traditional dishes. The pandemic has undoubtedly impacted the East Village restaurant landscape, with many establishments adapting by offering outdoor seating, takeout options, and delivery services. The spirit of innovation and resilience remains strong, however, and the East Village continues to be a vibrant hub for culinary creativity.
Your Culinary Adventure Awaits
So, there you have it: our guide to the forty-three most beloved restaurants in the East Village. Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of ramen, a classic slice of New York pizza, or an innovative vegan creation, the East Village has something to satisfy every palate. We encourage you to explore this list, try new places, and discover your own favorite culinary experiences in this dynamic neighborhood. And now, we want to hear from you: what are your favorite East Village restaurants? Let us know in the comments below! After all, the best way to experience the East Village is to taste it for yourself. The East Village offers a taste of something truly special. Happy eating!
