For many New Yorkers, constantly rising prices mean that dining on a budget is more important than ever. Luckily, there are options throughout the five boroughs that don’t require spending an arm and a leg or way-advanced reservations on Resy. Despite the pandemic and inflation, small, inexpensive, often immigrant-run restaurants continue flourishing. Eater is highlighting the best NYC dining destinations, including some old standbys and new favorites, where you can dine well for $25 or less — and even sometimes, much less.
For this update: We’ve added Merit Kabab, Semkeh, Mama Yoshi Mini Mart, A&A Bake Doubles and Roti, Ba Xuyên, and Maxi’s Noodle 3. And this time, we’ve removed Urgut Tandir Express, Chef Rose, and Mona’s Cuisine for now.
Nadia Chaudhury is a New York-based editor for Eater Northeast, a team that covers NYC, Boston, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. As someone who moved back to New York after some time in Texas, she forgot how expensive the city can get.
Robert Sietsema is the former senior restaurant critic for Eater NY, with more than 35 years of experience writing about New York City restaurants. Previously, he has written for the Village Voice, Lucky Peach, Gourmet, and dozens of other publications. He specializes in food that’s fun to eat and not expensive, covering the five boroughs, New Jersey, and beyond. These days, you can find his work on Substack.
Dining and Cooking