1. OBAO Hell's Kitchen
8.3
647 9th Ave (Btwn 45th & 46th Street), New York, NY
Thai Restaurant · Hell's Kitchen · 151 tips and reviews
Dress for the Date: Blending Thai and Vietnamese, OBAO bridges the gap between the streets of Southeast Asia and the streets of NYC into "Modern Thai." Try the Grilled Japanese Eggplant, Fresh Shrimp Rolls & Pad Thai.
New York PR: The staff is really friendly and inviting. Good value. Get the fresh shrimp rolls.
Lori Luo: A two-story eatery in Hell's Kitchen serving up solid Thai and Vietnamese dishes. Their lunch special, with includes two courses for $9, can't be beat.
3. Mei Lai Wah
8.1
62-64 Bayard St (btwn Elizabeth & Mott St), New York, NY
Bakery · Chinatown · 152 tips and reviews
jake furst: stick to the baked pork buns and the fresh shrimp rice noodle roll and you'll leave here happy. don't get too weird though, the rest of the stuff we tried was pretty suspect.
Joan Park: Make sure to order the baked roast pork bun (not steamed). Sweet glazed skin, savory & ultra juicy pork on the inside for $0.80.
Serious Eats: Pass on the signature pork buns, which have been less impressive of late, but the rice rolls, congee, and steamed lotus paste buns are worth a buy.
5. Big Wong King 大旺
8.1
67 Mott St (btwn Canal St & Bayard St), New York, NY
Chinese Restaurant · Chinatown · 185 tips and reviews
Edwina Lui: Standard weekend brunch with my brother: fresh shrimp rice crepes, beef chow fun, steamed Chinese vegetables, and wonton soup.
Janut Suchato: If you need a hot congee in a rainy or cold day together with roast pork , this is the place.
Cheapism: Choose from over 100 menu options at one of NYC's best spots for cheap Chinese cuisine. Try duck congee for 4.50 & wonton soup for $3.75. Read more.
7. Anassa Taverna
8.3
200 E 60th St, New York, NY
Mediterranean Restaurant · Upper East Side · 56 tips and reviews
Jodi Goodman: Incredible restaurant very reasonably priced with a dope atmosphere. Even a dj. Also next door to bloomies and Dylan's candy bar :)
Jenny K: Delicious food, prompt service and wonderful atmosphere. Highly recommend the striped bass and walnut cake. A lovely new addition to neighborhood!
Dayna: Phenomenal! Packed on a Tuesday! Ask for Demitrios and tell him Dayna said s'agapo
8. El Castillo de Jagua
8.2
113 Rivington St (at Essex St), New York, NY
Latin American Restaurant · Lower East Side · 49 tips and reviews
Miguel Senquiz: One of the only spots in Manhattan to get a real Cuban sandwich
Untapped Cities: After the cast of 'How To Make it in America' began eating here between takes, the restaurant was soon transformed into a filming location. Find out more: Read more.
Serious Eats: At just $5, you'll be hard pressed to find a better Cuban sandwich in the Lower East Side.
9. Pinocchio Ristorante
7.5
1748 1st Ave (at E 91st St.), New York, NY
Italian Restaurant · Yorkville · 13 tips and reviews
Vani Prabakaran: truffle tortollini was aaaaamazing, and the veal tortollini was even better. Make sure you save room for dessert because the strawberry shortcake and homemade canoli were fantastic! Hidden gem!!
Anand Chopra-McGowan: Very small, very cozy, and very attentive staff!
New York Habitat: Great Italian food and a wonderful ambience! The staff is super attentive, quite rare for New York! Be sure to book a table in advance.
13. Dante NYC
9.1
79-81 Macdougal St (btwn W Houston & Bleecker St), New York, NY
Italian Restaurant · Greenwich Village · 152 tips and reviews
Parker Chambers: Never too crowded, amazing cocktails, solid brunch + dinner. A place you can post up for hours (and should).
Ryan Terry: Tiramisu is the best I've ever had. Homemade.
Chino Griff: Hands down, best espresso in NYC. Hot and tasty. Try the canoli, you will never regret it.
Fay Shapiro: Best service. Best bagels. Best lox.
Creighton DeSimone: Pastrami sandwich is fantastic here. Worth checking out.
Real Cheap Eats: Try the Souper Soup. "Sitting in the heady chicken broth, which demands no salt, are a hearty beef kreplach, noodles and a gigantic matzoh ball that straddles the line between floater and sinker." Read more.