By Expedia Local Expert, on May 20, 2018

New York City restaurant spotlight: 10 Manhattan eateries to try now

Whether you’re visiting from out of town or you’ve lived in the city for all your life, there’s always a new restaurant or a time-tested favorite to satisfy your craving. From Korean barbecue in Midtown to French in SoHo to Chinese on the Lower East Side, these are the eateries in Manhattan you need to know now.

abcV

A hotspot for those staying at the popular W hotel along Union Square, abcV quickly became one of the city’s most talked-about restaurants after its opening in 2017. The chic eatery features bright accents, reclaimed wood, and stunning chandeliers, along with an even chicer menu of vegetarian plates created by famous Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Order the savory dosas for breakfast, the fresh salads for lunch, and the handmade pastas for dinner.

Mile End

Montreal meets Manhattan at Mile End, a modern take on a Jewish delicatessen in NoLita. The hip black-and-white space boasts Montreal-style classics such as brisket sandwiches and matzo ball soup, and you definitely don’t want to miss out on ordering a plate of poutine for the table. Make it dinner and a show with tickets to Stomp or the Blue Man Group just up the road.

Uncle Boons

A few blocks south on the corner of Spring and Elizabeth, Uncle Boons has been churning out some of the city’s most inventive Thai food for years. Decorated with old posters, warm wood, and Bangkok flea market finds, the funky interior only amplifies the restaurant’s even more creative menu. Start your night out right with one of their legendary beer slushies before catching a concert at nearby Bowery Ballroom.

Wildair

Another great spot to grab dinner before a show at Bowery Ballroom or Bowery Electric, Wildair serves up sophisticated small plates highlighting fresh and seasonal ingredients. A meal at the Lower East Side eatery is often seafood-based, with proteins ranging from shrimp to scallops to squid. Red-meat eaters will want to sink their teeth into the wagyu steak for 2, along with a glass of red from the extensive list of French wines.

Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels

Speaking of wine, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better wine list in the city than at Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels. Just steps away from many of the best shopping options and hotels in SoHo, the third iteration of the beloved Parisian bar boasts an eclectic menu of more than 750 wines. Cheese plates, charcuterie, and snacks like mussels and duck confit complement the sips inside this romantic space on the edge of Little Italy.

La Mercerie

Just a few minutes from Compagnie, La Mercerie isn’t just a restaurant, but a full-on experience in which everything around you can be ordered. Come here for pastries and coffee in the morning while perusing everything from sleek sculptures and leather sofas to shiny silverware. For even more of the area’s best eats, join a guide for a walking tour of the neighborhood to sample specialties like pizza and cannoli.

Lalito

Listed among NYC’s best new restaurants of 2017, Lalito has been making a name for itself with its innovative Cali-Mex cuisine and upbeat, retro vibe. Located in the heart of bustling Chinatown, Lalito is the perfect place to refuel after a morning spent walking the Brooklyn Bridge and up through City Hall Park. Dine on mouthwatering carnitas tacos or the vegan Caesar salad, along with vibrant cocktails and unique aguas frescas.

Mission Chinese Food

At Mission Chinese Food on the eastern edge of Chinatown, Korean-American chef Danny Bowien serves up fiery dishes with a focus on Sichuan flavors. The New York outpost of the San Fran cult fave challenges your taste buds with mouth-tingling spice and powerful libations. Before dinner, immerse yourself in the fascinating immigrant history of the neighborhood with a small-group walking tour of the district.

YOON Haeundae Galbi

Less than 3 blocks from the iconic Empire State Building, YOON Haeundae Galbi brings all of the authentic flavors of Busan to Midtown Manhattan. Owner Bobby Yoon is committed to carrying on his family’s legacy, treating customers to special techniques invented by his grandfather back in South Korea. In the sleek and modern space, you can savor succulent short ribs, sample updated classics such as shrimp pancakes, and wash it all down with soju-based cocktails.

La Pizza & La Pasta

Sitting steps away from the 9/11 Memorial, Eataly NYC brings all of the carb-fueled goodness of the iconic Italian marketplace to Manhattan. Inside, at La Pizza & La Pasta, indulge in authentic Neapolitan slices and bowls of homemade bucatini while looking out on the city through floor-to-ceiling windows. After your meal, you can see the city from an entirely new perspective—the 102nd floor of One World Trade Center.