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, neighborhood, and occasion are just a few factors to consider, but those only go so far in a city of more than 25,000 restaurants. Enter the Eater 38.
This guide is our shortlist of the city’s must-hit restaurants, updated quarterly to reflect changing tastes and trends. Overhauled for the spring, the list includes a value-driven sushi sibling to a two-Michelin-starred restaurant; a destination for carnitas; several seafood destinations, and more.
New to the list: For spring, we’ve added Noz Market, Golden Diner, Rolo’s, the original Ayat, Carnitas Ramirez, Saint Julivert Fisherie, 2nd Ave Deli, and Zaab Zaab. We’ve dropped Liebman’s, Jongro, Don Angie, Awang Kitchen, Taqueria Ramirez, Katz’s Deli, Sushi Ichimura, and Royal Seafood.
We’ve also fine-tuned each entry by spotlighting when it’s open, the cost — whether most dishes are under $10 ($), under $20 ($$), under $30 ($$$), or $30 and above ($$$$) — as well as an insider tip.
All of the restaurants on this list have been open for at least six months. For guides to the hottest new openings in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, see our Heatmaps for those boroughs. And for an insider’s perspective on how to eat well no matter where you are in NYC, pick up our book: The Eater Guide to New York City.
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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.
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