9 NYC RESTAURANTS TO ADD TO YOUR BUCKET LIST IN 2026
One of the things I love about living in New York City is that there is never a shortage of restaurants to try, and there is always another one to add to the list.
I previously shared a roundup of nearly 50 NYC restaurants we love, but since then, we’ve enjoyed eating our way around the city and found a few more worth sharing. Some of these restaurants have become places we return to regularly, while others are newer discoveries that we’ve both really enjoyed.
So consider this a continuation of that original guide, and if you’re looking for somewhere new to try, or want to add a few more spots to your NYC list, these are worth considering.
If you prefer NYC rooftop recommendations, check out this post, which has plenty of restaurants with spectacular views of the city.
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1. Up Thai
With over 6,000 positive reviews, Up Thai is a wonderful option if you are looking for upscale Thai street food in NYC. We usually get Thai iced tea, Papaya Salad, crispy spring rolls, Tom Kha Soup, Pad Thai, and Pad Se-Ew. For dessert, we like Kao Niew Phurk with coconut ice cream.
Neighborhood: Upper East Side
Location: 1411 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021
2. Quality Italian
This steakhouse is known for its chops and Italian fare. The black truffle cacio e pepe and the fusilli al Manzo were fantastic.
Neighborhood: Midtown
Location: 57 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019
3. La Pecora Bianca
This is one of the most popular family-friendly spots in NYC, with six locations in Manhattan. I tried the Brussels Salad, one of their pasta dishes, and the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. I can’t wait to return for more pancakes.
Neighborhood: SoHo
Location: 54 Prince St, New York, NY 10012
4. Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole has been serving some of the best burgers in the country since 1972. We ordered the affogato milkshake, the Truffle Smash Burger, and the Goat Burger with sweet potato fries.
Neighborhood: Upper East Side
Location: 232 East 64th Street
5. L’Addresse
We came to L’Addresse to try their well-known burgers, and they did not disappoint! This spot is beautiful, and the service was excellent.
Neighborhood: NoMad (North of Madison Square Park)
Location: 1184 Broadway, New York, NY 10001
6. Boucherie West Village
It was our first time dining at Boucherie West Village, but we’ve been longtime fans of its sister restaurant, La Grande Boucherie. We’ve enjoyed many meals with family and friends since it opened in 2020, so we were excited to try this older location.
Neighborhood: Greenwich Village
Location: 99 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014
7. ROBERT
On the top floor of the Museum of Art & Design, you will find ROBERT, an American restaurant offering breathtaking views of Columbus Circle. We celebrated my birthday here and had a wonderful time. I highly suggest making a reservation in advance!
Neighborhood: Midtown West
Location: 2 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019
8. Norma
If you are looking for authentic Italian cuisine with a standout Neapolitan pizza, go to Norma. As the granddaughter of a Sicilian man, I’m pretty serious about authentic Italian food – and this NYC spot absolutely delivers.
Neighborhood: Kips Bay
Location: 438 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10016
9. Sant Ambroeus
Originally from Milan, Sant Ambroeus opened in New York City in the 80s and has several locations throughout the city. Their West Village location has a charming neighborhood feel that I especially love for brunch, late lunch, or early dinner.
Neighborhood: West Village
Location: 259 West 4th Street, New York, NY 10014
READ NEXT: 47 Best Restaurants in New York City
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