A guide to some of New York City's best local restaurants. From upscale Manhattan fine dining to ethnic sandwiches, learn where to eat here.
If you're looking for a truly memorable meal and money is no option, you must eat at The Four Seasons. Located in mid-town Manhattan, The Four Seasons is one of America's most famous restaurants. The restaurant serves amazing and innovative food which changes with the seasons. The setting is also notable for an eye-popping collection of original artwork by modern masters like Picasso, Pollack and Rothko.
An earthier experience can be had at New York's many ethnic eateries. Some of the best meals are found at the city's terrific Jewish delis. If you're in mid-town and want a corned beef sandwich you'll never forget, take a seat at the Carnegie Deli. Further downtown is another great deli option: the Second Avenue Deli. The Second Avenue Deli has what is possibly the best matzo ball soup ever created. The main courses, featuring Jewish standards like pastrami sandwiches and chopped liver, are also wonderful.
One of the newest additions to New York City's many ethnic communities is the large and growing population of people from India. Walk down Lexington Avenue between 30th and 20th streets and you'll find a lot of Indian restaurants offering all different kinds of Indian cuisine. Curry In a Hurry is not an Indian McDonald's but a great place to explore some of India's best culinary treats. Feast on the spicy Chicken Tikka Masala with a side order of basmati rice and the classic Indian bread, naan.
If you really want to experience fabulous local New York restaurants, don't just stop in Manhattan. The city has another four boroughs, many of them with loads of terrific places to eat. Should you visit New York City in the summer, a stop at New York's only local amusement park is essential. Located at the foot of Brooklyn, Coney Island has many terrific restaurants nearby. Right next to the boardwalk is the original Nathan's. The main counter stretches for nearly an entire city block. This particular location offers many menu items you won't find in your local Nathan's outlet. Grab a seat at the sit down restaurant behind the front counter and try a bowl of red Manhattan clam chowder and a freshly prepared lobster roll that rivals anything you can find in the best New England shore restaurant.
There are several other standout options right next door. Walk down several blocks to Neptune Avenue and catch a slice of pizza at Totonno's. Totonno's pies have been widely proclaimed as one of the best renditions of this traditional Italian-American classic in the entire city.
Another great option further down the boardwalk is the colorful ethnic community of Brighton Beach. Brighton Beach is inhabited by many Russian émigrés who brought their lively cooking with them. For an excellent taste of typical Russian cuisine try Primorski's. This beautiful restaurant, which means water in Russian, serves up full hearty meals. Sample the fresh thick lavash (bread) with lots of butter and a side order of eggplant salad. Traditional Russian favorites like Beef Stroganoff and Chicken Kiev are available and expertly prepared. Wash it all down with an imported beer or the Russian version of black cherry soda.
Another great New York City place to visit is the borough of Queens. Queens is actually New York's largest borough and consequently has lots of restaurants. Some of the best are located a short subway stop away in the pleasant enclave of Astoria. Astoria is home to one of America's biggest Greek communities. The community has lots of great places to sample all kinds of regional Greek food.
Esperides specializes in seafood prepared in the Greek manner. Try the grilled red snapper or the shrimp with feta cheese. Karyatis is another choice that focuses on traditional Greek dishes. Grab an appetizer of spinach pie and follow up with a main course of lamb roasted on a spit or a Moussaka casserole. Whether your preference is for upscale meals by top chefs or authentic ethnic cooking, you'll always find someplace great to eat in New York City.
