The Ultimate Guide to Eating in the East Village

Introduction

The East Village is one of New York City’s most vibrant neighborhoods, and its restaurant scene is no exception. From classic Italian eateries to up-and-coming gastropubs, there’s something for everyone in this eclectic part of town. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a fun night out with friends, the East Village has plenty of options to choose from.

But what makes eating in the East Village such a unique experience? For starters, it’s home to some of the city’s most creative chefs. From renowned restaurateurs to innovative newcomers, the East Village has become a hotspot for culinary exploration. The area also boasts a wide range of cuisines, from traditional Italian fare to Mexican street food. And because the East Village is located in the heart of Manhattan, diners can often enjoy their meals al fresco in one of the many outdoor seating areas.

A Guide to the Best East Village Restaurants for Every Occasion

When it comes to choosing a restaurant in the East Village, there are plenty of options to fit any occasion. Here are some of the top picks for every type of dining experience.

Fine Dining Options

If you’re looking for an upscale meal, the East Village has plenty of sophisticated eateries. Consider trying Babbo, Mario Batali’s Italian restaurant, which serves up exquisite dishes like handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas. Or check out Prune, Gabrielle Hamilton’s French-inspired bistro, which features seasonal ingredients and a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Other fine dining establishments in the East Village include The Dutch, Carbone, and I Sodi.

Casual Eateries

For a more relaxed setting, head to one of the East Village’s many casual restaurants. Popular spots include Momofuku Noodle Bar, which serves up steaming bowls of ramen and pork buns, and Veselka, an iconic Ukrainian diner known for its pierogis and borscht. Other local favorites include The Smith, a lively American brasserie, and Empellón Taqueria, which serves up delicious tacos and margaritas.

Late Night Spots

When the clock strikes midnight, the East Village comes alive with late night bars and clubs. A few popular spots include Please Don’t Tell, a speakeasy-style bar that serves up craft cocktails, and PDT (aka “Please Don’t Tell”), a hidden bar located in a phone booth. There’s also The Blind Barber, a cozy spot with a vintage vibe, and The Standard Biergarten, an outdoor beer garden with live music and an extensive beer list.

Exploring the Hidden Gems of the East Village Food Scene

The East Village is full of hidden gems, so don’t be afraid to explore off the beaten path. Here are some of the best spots to discover.

Off-the-Beaten Path Restaurants

If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, try visiting one of the East Village’s off-the-beaten path restaurants. Some of the best include Kuma Inn, a Filipino joint serving up classics like adobo and kare-kare, and La Esquina, a Mexican taqueria with an underground taco stand. Other great spots include Yafa Café, an Israeli restaurant specializing in falafel and shawarma, and La Caverna, an Italian trattoria with an impressive wine list.

Local Favorites

The East Village is home to some of the city’s best-loved restaurants. From Katz’s Delicatessen, a Jewish deli serving up overstuffed sandwiches, to Russ & Daughters Café, a casual eatery serving smoked fish platters and Jewish specialties, there’s something for everyone. Other local favorites include Big Daddy’s, an old-school diner serving up burgers and fries, and Crif Dogs, a hot dog joint with inventive toppings like avocado and blue cheese.

Ethnic Cuisine

The East Village is home to a wide range of ethnic eateries. For a taste of Italy, try Pio Pio, which serves up Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken and Latin-American dishes. Or for a taste of Japan, check out Ippudo, a ramen shop serving up savory broths and house-made noodles. Other great spots include El Rey, a Mexican restaurant specializing in tacos and burritos, and Tuome, a modern Chinese restaurant with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.

Dining Out in the East Village: An Insider’s Guide

Eating out in the East Village doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some tips for finding great food on a budget.

Where to Find the Best Deals

The East Village is home to a number of affordable restaurants. Consider trying one of the many BYOB spots, such as Bar Veloce, which offers delicious Italian dishes and a relaxed atmosphere. Or try the Kati Roll Company, which serves up Indian-style wraps for less than $10. Other great deals can be found at Mamoun’s Falafel, which serves up tasty Middle Eastern fare, and Spicy Village, a Chinese restaurant with cheap yet flavorful dishes.

A Guide to the Best Bars and Lounges

The East Village is home to some of the city’s best bars and lounges. Head to Angel’s Share, a speakeasy-style bar hidden behind a fake bookshelf, or Apotheke, a cocktail bar with an apothecary theme. Other great spots include Otto’s Shrunken Head, a tiki lounge with live music and exotic drinks, and The Library, a cozy whiskey bar with over 400 varieties of whiskey.

Tips for Finding Great Food on a Budget

The East Village is known for its inexpensive eats, so don’t be afraid to explore. Look for daily specials at local restaurants and bars, and consider visiting one of the area’s many food trucks, which offer a variety of delicious dishes at affordable prices. You can also find great deals at the many farmer’s markets in the neighborhood, which sell fresh produce and artisanal foods.

The Ultimate East Village Restaurant Roundup

From upscale eateries to casual spots, here are our top picks for the best restaurants in the East Village.

Top Picks for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

For breakfast, try Egg Shop, a hip spot serving up egg-centric dishes like breakfast sandwiches and egg-in-a-hole. For lunch, head to Sticky Rice, a Thai restaurant serving up delicious curries and stir-fries. And for dinner, check out Momofuku Ssäm Bar, a Korean-American eatery with an ever-changing menu. Other great spots include The Meatball Shop, a casual Italian joint with an extensive menu, and Gemma, a rustic Italian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere.

Upscale and Affordable Options

The East Village offers plenty of upscale restaurants without the hefty price tag. Try Peasant, a romantic Italian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere, or The Odeon, a classic French bistro with an eclectic menu. For a more affordable option, head to Lil Frankie’s, a casual Italian spot serving up wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta dishes. Other great spots include John’s of 12th Street, a classic Italian trattoria, and Mimi Cheng’s Dumplings, a trendy spot serving up delicious dumplings.

Must-Try Dishes

No trip to the East Village would be complete without trying some of the area’s signature dishes. Start with a slice of pizza from one of the many iconic pizza shops, such as Joe’s Pizza or Artichoke Basille’s. Then sample some of the neighborhood’s famous bagels from Ess-a-Bagel or Tompkins Square Bagels. Finally, don’t forget to try the classic black-and-white cookie from Veniero’s, a beloved Italian bakery.

A Taste of East Village: Top Picks for Cuisine

The East Village is home to a wide range of cuisines, so it can be hard to decide what to try. Here are some of our top picks for the neighborhood’s best restaurants.

Italian Restaurants

For a taste of Italy, head to La Lanterna di Vittorio, an elegant trattoria serving homemade pastas and wood-fired pizzas. Other great spots include Parm, a casual Italian eatery with an extensive menu, and Rubirosa, a Neapolitan-style pizzeria with thin-crust pies. For a more upscale experience, try Carbone, a swanky Italian restaurant with classic dishes like veal parmesan and spaghetti carbonara.

Mexican Restaurants

The East Village is home to some of the city’s best Mexican restaurants. Try La Palapa, a casual spot serving up authentic tacos and burritos, or Los Tacos No. 1, a popular taqueria with a line out the door. Other great spots include Cascabel Taqueria, a modern eatery with inventive dishes, and Los Mariscos, a seafood restaurant with a lively atmosphere.

Asian Restaurants

The East Village is known for its Asian cuisine. Try Ippudo, a Japanese ramen shop serving up savory broths and house-made noodles, or Baohaus, a Taiwanese eatery serving up bao buns and bubble tea. Other great spots include HanGawi, a Korean vegetarian restaurant, and Xi’an Famous Foods, a Chinese eatery with a focus on regional specialties.

Foodies Rejoice! Delicious Eats in the East Village

The East Village is a paradise for foodies. Here are some of the neighborhood’s must-try dishes.

Where to Find the Best Burgers

The East Village is home to some of the city’s best burgers. Try Corner Bistro, a neighborhood favorite since the 1960s, or Minetta Tavern, a cozy spot with a cult-like following. Other great spots include Burger Joint, a casual spot serving up juicy patties, and J.G. Melon, a classic pub with an old-school vibe.

Unique Pizza Joints

The East Village is home to some of the city’s most unique pizza spots. Try Motorino, an Italian restaurant with a wood-burning oven, or Roberta’s, a hipster favorite with inventive toppings like honey and fennel sausage. Other great spots include Artichoke Basille’s Pizza, a cult-favorite with thick slices, and Lucali, a cozy spot serving up crispy thin-crust pies.

Homemade Comfort Foods

For a taste of homemade comfort food, check out Mile End Deli, a Canadian-style deli serving up Montreal smoked meats, or Pies ‘n’ Thighs, a Southern-style eatery with fried chicken and biscuits. Other great spots include Clinton St. Baking Company, a cozy breakfast spot with overstuffed omelets, and Doughnut Plant, a local favorite with freshly-baked doughnuts and other treats.

An Eater’s Guide to the East Village: Where to Eat

The East Village is full of delicious food options. Here are some tips for finding the best spots.

Farmer’s Markets and Groceries

The East Village is home to a number of farmer’s markets and grocery stores, which offer fresh produce, artisanal products, and other goodies. Union Square Greenmarket, Tompkins Square Greenmarket, and the Essex Street Market are all great spots to find local, seasonal ingredients. Other great spots include Sahadi’s, a Middle Eastern grocery store with an extensive selection, and Little Italy Gourmet Market, which specializes in Italian delicacies.

Vegan and Vegetarian Friendly Options

The East Village has plenty of vegan and vegetarian friendly options. Try Blossom du Jour, a vegan fast-food spot serving up burgers and sandwiches, or Terri, a health-focused eatery with a variety of vegetarian dishes. Other great spots include Candle 79, an upscale vegan restaurant, and Angelica Kitchen, a casual spot specializing in organic, plant-based cuisine.

Dining With Kids

The East Village is a great place to take the kids. Consider trying Veselka, a Ukrainian diner with a kid-friendly menu, or Googie’s Luncheonette, a retro spot with burgers and milkshakes. Other great spots include Shake Shack, a popular burger joint, and Davey’s Ice Cream, which serves up homemade ice cream sundaes and shakes.

Conclusion

From classic Italian trattorias to trendy gastropubs, the East Village is a food lover’s paradise. With its eclectic mix of cuisines and diverse array of restaurants, the neighborhood offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a late night bite, the East Village has plenty of options to choose from. So grab your appetite and head to the East Village for a truly unforgettable dining experience.