New York is absolutely bursting with quality restaurants and food venues that cater to every kind of preference, diet, and culture. But whether you’re looking for a vegan place or the best deep dish pizza, it always seems like the same venues are represented in Top 10 lists on the internet.
In this article, we’ll be looking at great New York food venues that are frequently overlooked.
10 Great but Overlooked New York Food Venues
With so many great New York food venues, it would be impossible to represent them all on our list. However, these 10 great but overlooked restaurants are sure to keep your tummy’s full.
1. La Taqueria
To the untrained eye, La Taqueria could look like an unassuming Mexican restaurant, but it’s one of the best places in New York for a burrito. You can find La Taqueria at Union Avenue and Lorimer Street, so take a trip there for some top-shelf liquors and some tummy quesadillas.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
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This restaurant doesn’t skimp on the ingredients. The Shrimp Burrito Bowl is absolutely filled to the brim with shrimp and beans, meaning you’ll need multiple trips to try the entire menu!
2. Accent Lounge
Accent Lounge is one of New York’s most premium venues. Located on the 4th floor of the Shops, guests lucky enough to get reservations are treated to an incredible view of Columbus Circle and Central Park. The menu features a variety of cocktails and a small food selection.
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However, what’s there is completely out of this world. Even the grilled cheese and tater tots are on another level. While there, don’t forget to check out the stunning decor and paintings. If you like what you see, you may be able to find similar art pieces online on Singulart.
3. Ferrara Bakery
Ferrara Bakery is a well-known bakery for locals but is often overlooked by travelers. As an importer of over 200 Italian specialties, Ferrara Bakery has been in business for over 130 years. Their bakery has all sorts of Italian desserts, like cannolis, biscottis, and cookies.
This restaurant doesn’t skimp on the ingredients. The Shrimp Burrito Bowl is absolutely filled to the brim with shrimp and beans, meaning you’ll need multiple trips to try the entire menu!
Watch this video by In Love With New York to get a glimpse:
4. Mom’s Kitchen & Bar
Located in Hell’s Kitchen, Mom’s Kitchen & Bar is a modern restaurant that serves all-day brunch, comfort food, and shakes. The chicken & bacon waffle, short rib cobb, and rotating entrées are local favorites. Customers will pair these foods with an alcoholic disco slushie.
Or, you can try one of Mom’s Bigmouth Shakes, like Rainbow Bright or Cookie Stand. If you love trivia, check out one of their themed trivia nights happening monthly at one of their 2 locations. And seeing the restaurant in person is quite a treat, thanks to the establishment’s 50s decor.
Watch this video by New York Live to get a glimpse:
5. La Sirène
La Sirène (Mermaid in French) is a restaurant that’s been serving authentic French flavors and recipes since 2008. The establishment is decorated to mimic traditional French cafés, but the cuisine is closer to fine dining. All menu items are written in French, so break out your accent!
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If you’re gluten-intolerant or celiac, you’ll be happy to know that La Sirène has plenty of great gluten-free options to try. One of our favorites is their Carré d’Agneau au jus de truffes entrée.
6. Gage & Tollner
Gage & Tollner has a long history. It was open from 1879 to 2004, was scheduled to reopen in 202, but finally reopened in downtown Brooklyn in 2021. Its dining room was faithfully recreated with a few minor changes, including the deep-red velvet banquets and an updated kitchen.
As you would expect, the Gage & Tollner menu is one of the best in New York. While people come for the raw bar, steaks, and seafood, they stay for the incredible atmosphere and drinks. If you’re having a birthday, you can order a celebration cake, but be sure to give them notice!
Watch this video to learn more:
7. Shiny Tea
If you’re a student of Columbia University, then you’re already intimately aware of Shiny Tea. But the rest of New York may have missed out on this hole-in-the-wall bubble tea spot. Shiny Tea is known for being affordable and innovative, with a menu that has some interesting combinations.
The Panda Mix Pearl Milk Tea is a local favorite, but you should also try the 3Q Milk Tea. It’s their newest milk tea with boba, white pearls, and pudding, making it a very filling drink!
Watch this video of the opening day:
8. Rule of Thirds
Customers can find Rule of Thirds, a beautiful Japanese restaurant, in an industrial-style event space that looks like a factory from the outside. Inside, you’ll get to taste some of the best Japanese cuisine around. Be sure to try some sake, especially some tasty Joto Yuzu.
Rule of Thirds has a brunch and dinner menu. We recommend trying the chicken katsu, shrimp roll, and Buddhist Duck. If you’re looking for something light, try the hot honey gem salad.
Watch this video by CreativeReviews to get a glimpse:
9. King Souvlaki
King Souvlaki is a restaurant, but it’s most well-known for its many food trucks you can find throughout the New York area. Its menu features authentic Green street food made from fresh and high-quality ingredients, juicy grilled meat, and the fluffiest pitas you’ll find near the Atlantic.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
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Customers can book their catering truck for events, and that’s not a bad idea considering how incredible the food is. You’ll be able to eat gyros, souvlakis, french fries, and more. If you’re really hungry, try one of the King’s Plates, which comes with a house salad, bread, and fries.
10. Sisters
New York has a very proud Caribbean community, and Sisters is one of those restaurants that features island cuisine in all its splendor. You’ll be able to try Caribbean staples at Sisters, like rotis, seafood dishes, and southern favorites like collard greens and southern-style yams.
Sisters has plenty of vegetarian options if you can try the seafood. If you want to take some of Sisters signature pepper sauce home, you can pick up a bottle in-store or online on their site.
Business woman. Traveler. Self-Declared Host. If you’re here, you know the amazing, hits-the-spot feeling of good coffee. The key to my heart (and to keeping the engine running) is coffee, and I’ve sipped and savored A LOT of coffee over the years and around the world. I’m on a mission to bring great coffee and the warm fuzzy feeling of coffee culture into your home and life, every cup, every day, every time.
