A list for those tired of the usual lists. My aim is to help you find your new favorite spot and discover great food outside of the overhyped places.
Map
Absolutely delicious pastas made in-house, no frills, wonderful outdoor seating, and much better than more expensive end Italian restaurants. They make killer cappuccinos too!
Pastitalia
Hands down my favorite place to eat in NYC. Delicious Uyghur cuisine by Brighton Beach. Perfect after spending a day in the water or shopping at Tashkent.
Kashkar Cafe
After working in the area for the past 6 months, Mamoun’s has become my go-to. You can’t beat their affordable veggie sandwiches. Don’t forget to get pita chips for $1.25. They put Stacy’s Chips to shame!
Mamoun's Falafel
Delicious homemade pasta you can eat in store or take home and cook yourself, with a seasonal menu and some delectable wines. Some of the best pasta in NYC!
Tortelli
The only bakery you need to go to in NYC. Perfect focaccias, pastries, and soft serve.
Dolly's Coffee Shop
There’s a lot of good gelato in NYC but not a lot of great gelato. L’albero is GREAT. Everything is locally sourced, and they make flavors like pesto, spirulina, and their very best: salted butter. Incredible. Perfect. No notes.
L'Albero Dei Gelati
Nene’s is probably one of the best known from this list but I still had to add it because it’s perfect. There’s not a lot of amazing Mexican food in NYC but this is it!
𝕹𝖊𝖓𝖊𝖘 𝖙𝖆𝖖𝖚𝖊𝖗𝖎𝖆 (@nenestaqueria)
You can’t come to NY and not try some delicious Puerto Rican food. Casa Adela is the one place you need to go if you want to try some good mofongo!
Casa Adela
Delicious, perfect Georgian cheese-boats. Better and cheaper than anywhere else in the city.
LITTLE GEORGIA - Updated November 2025 - 57 Photos & 31 Reviews
Lots of italian food on this list but it wouldn’t be a good list without Santa Panza. You don’t know what ricotta can taste like until you’ve had their whipped ricotta!
